City of Tower council approves airport grants, harbor CUP, liquor-hours change and hires; schedules bonding meeting

Mayor David Setterberg called the City of Tower council to order at 5:30 p.m. on May 12, 2025, at the Civic Center. The council adopted an amended agenda, approved routine consent items and appointed John Van DeVoort to the council; Van DeVoort took the oath and was seated for the meeting.

The council authorized multiple project and grant actions for the Tower airport. On a unanimous vote it authorized SEH to submit a state grant application for an airport zoning ordinance update, approved $165,900 in SEH design services (to be funded 95 percent by the FAA) for a proposed ranch hangar and an automated gate providing seaplane base access, and approved submission of a federal grant application for $157,605 to support airport improvements. Airport Commission Chairperson John Burgess was designated the main point of contact for those efforts.

The council handled a package of development and regulatory items. It approved a Conditional Use Permit for Eagle Ridge, LLC, to proceed with the Tower Harbor Development Project and adopted Resolution 2025-004 to authorize Hoodoo Point Landing ramp repairs in cooperation with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The council also approved the second and final reading of Ordinance 39C, amending Ordinance 39B regarding Sunday intoxicating liquor sales.

On personnel matters the council unanimously approved hiring Grant Cassavant as the 2025 summer seasonal maintenance worker, effective May 6, 2025, at $17 per hour not to exceed 32 hours per week (contingent on a background check). The council also approved hiring Daniel Fischer for the Tower Fire Department contingent on required certifications; that hire and approval of a Cooperative Fire Protection Agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources passed with Mayor Setterberg and Councilors Morin, Anderson and Norby voting aye and newly seated Councilor Van DeVoort abstaining from those two votes.

Other actions included approval of cigarette and liquor licenses for the 2025–26 licensing year, continued support for the Forestry Board’s Firewise Mitigation Action Chart strategy, and setting a special meeting for May 19, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss FY26 capital bonding options. Council discussion also covered public-works signage and the possibility of a public-works boat; Councilors Morin and Norby were asked to research options with Maintenance Foreman Velcheff. The council discussed the “Tidy Up Tower” cleanup and decided the council would perform a public cleanup themselves rather than solicit volunteers.

Votes at a glance: - Appointment of John Van DeVoort to City Council: moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Anderson; passed unanimously (Van DeVoort then sworn in). - Pay Application #8 to Lakehead Constructors (Water Treatment Facility): moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Anderson; Mayor Setterberg and Councilors Morin, Anderson and Norby voted aye; Councilor Van DeVoort abstained — motion carries. - Hire Grant Cassavant, seasonal maintenance worker: moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Norby; passed unanimously. - Second and final reading, Ordinance 39C (liquor sale hours): moved by Councilor Norby, seconded by Councilor Morin; passed unanimously. - Conditional Use Permit, Eagle Ridge, LLC (Tower Harbor Development): moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Anderson; passed unanimously. - Airport: authorize SEH to submit state grant application; approve $165,900 SEH design services (95% FAA funded); authorize submission of $157,605 federal grant application — motions passed unanimously; Airport Commission Chairperson John Burgess named main contact. - Hire Daniel Fischer (Tower Fire Department) & approve Minnesota DNR cooperative agreement: moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Anderson; Mayor Setterberg, Councilors Morin, Anderson and Norby voted aye; Councilor Van DeVoort abstained — motions carry. - License approvals (cigarette and liquor licenses for specified businesses): moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Anderson; passed unanimously. - Resolution 2025-004 (Hoodoo Point Landing ramp repair): moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Norby; passed unanimously. - Special meeting scheduled for May 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. to discuss FY26 capital bonding: moved by Councilor Morin, seconded by Councilor Anderson; passed unanimously.

The council received informational updates on ambulance activity, reimbursements related to the June 2024 flooding event, and the Second Street North repairs project (on schedule for completion before July 4 events). With no public input recorded during the meeting, the council adjourned at 7:36 p.m.