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Tower council approves pay applications, hires volunteers and extends campground manager contract
Summary
At its Oct. 13 meeting the council approved construction pay applications, hired volunteer firefighters contingent on background checks, authorized grants and purchases, extended the Hoodoo Point Campground manager contract through 2031, and directed follow-ups on the Mesabi Trail and a short-term rental ordinance review.
The City of Tower council held its regular meeting Oct. 13 at the Civic Center and approved a slate of routine and project-related actions.
Key votes at the meeting included approval of Pay Application #13 to Lakehead Construction for the Water Treatment Facility and Pay Application #1 to Mesabi Bituminous for the South 2nd and 3rd Street Utility Project. The council also approved a motion authorizing the Clerk/Treasurer and a councilor to work with residents affected by a current Community Infrastructure project to arrange loans with structured liens, reflecting the council’s effort to accommodate unique local circumstances.
The council approved hiring Kevin Ledman and Bryce Williamson as volunteer firefighters contingent on successful background checks and authorized city staff to pursue Volunteer Fire Assistance grants through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. It also approved Resolution 2025-XXX to levy and assess delinquent water and sewer accounts and authorized execution of Minnesota Department of Transportation Grant Agreement 1061202 for airport improvements (excluding land acquisition).
On equipment and assets, the council approved purchase of a public works vehicle for under $125,000 with Councilor Morin to investigate financing options, and authorized auctioning the ambulance vehicle with a minimum bid of $5,000. The council also approved a lease transfer for hangar No. 1 from Lee Van Deusen to Brian and Lori Schanche.
In personnel matters, the council extended Hoodoo Point Campground Manager Randy Pratt’s contract five years (Jan. 1, 2027–Dec. 31, 2031) and increased that manager’s pay by $1,200 annually. The council appointed Mayor David Setterberg and Councilor Joe Morin to negotiate the 2026 Law Enforcement Services Agreement with Breitung Township.
Other items: Clerk/Treasurer Michael Schultz reported the Harbor project has outstanding unknowns and a bid acceptance window that currently runs through Dec. 3, and that the IRRR public works grant application deadline is Oct. 24; councilors will prioritize projects in November. Councilor Kevin Norby said he will follow up with a Mesabi Trail representative and report back at the next meeting. Councilor John Van DeVoort raised concerns that Airbnb and VRBO listing language might not match the city’s current short-term rental ordinance (Ordinance 82-O); the council discussed the issue but took no action.
The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
