Biwabik public meetings in 2021
27 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The Biwabik City Council will vote on resolutions to adopt the 2022 budget, the 2022 tax levy, and 2022 wages for full-time non-union employees. The meeting also includes a public hearing regarding an infrastructure replacement reserve account.
- Resolution 2021-23: Adopting the 2022 Budget
- Resolution 2021-24: Adopting the 2022 Tax Levy
- Public hearing on Infrastructure Replacement Reserve Account
- Zoning amendment request for West Entrance
- Variance request for 102 2nd Ave North
Council
The Biwabik City Council will hold its regular meeting on November 8, 2021, to consider several items including certifying unpaid special assessments to St. Louis County, designating the city's polling place, approving the city's strategic plan, discussing a zoning amendment request, and accepting a resignation from the Planning Commission. The agenda also includes a nuisance hearing for 215 8th Avenue North and a presentation from Northspan Group on the strategic plan. The meeting will also address campground operations, including advertising for a host and requesting proposals for a reservation website.
- Resolution 2021-21: Certifying special assessments to St. Louis County for unpaid charges
- Resolution 2021-22: Designating the city's polling place
- Approval of the City of Biwabik Strategic Plan
- Discussion and action on a zoning amendment request
- Approval of advertisement for campground host applicants and RFP for reservation website
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding its regular meeting with a public hearing on water and sewer access fees, a nuisance hearing for 303 6th Avenue North, and a presentation on a land purchase by Steve Bradach. New business includes a resolution to set connection fees, approval of a charitable gambling permit, a tobacco license for Luke's Tavern, purchase of auto extrication equipment, and appointment of an ambulance director.
- Public hearing on water and sewer access fee
- Resolution 2021-20 to set fees for water and sewer access connections
- Nuisance hearing for 303 6th Avenue North
- Approval of charitable gambling permit for Caring for the Kids Community
- Approval of purchase of auto extrication equipment
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a special meeting to consider Resolution 2021-19, which certifies a preliminary property tax levy of $1,331,101 for fiscal year 2022. This is a 12% increase over the 2021 levy, and the tax rate would rise 18.5% to 1.583. The council will also consider approving a campground site storage agreement. The final levy can be reduced but not increased after this certification.
- Resolution 2021-19 certifying preliminary 2022 property tax levy of $1,331,101 (up $139,064 from 2021)
- Proposed 2022 tax rate of 1.583, an 18.5% increase from 1.336 in 2021
- Approval of Campground Site Storage Agreement
- 2022 preliminary budget totals $1,873,907 in revenues and expenditures
- Property tax makes up 70% of 2022 revenues; state aid 19%
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding its regular meeting with a consent agenda of routine reports and minutes. The main new business includes scheduling a public hearing for a utility rate change, setting dates for preliminary tax levy approval and 2022 budget input, and discussing special event permit regulations and tree restoration. The council will also consider several administrative items, including a leave of absence request and listing a firetruck for sale.
- Resolution 2021-18 scheduling a public hearing for utility rate change
- Schedule special meeting in September for preliminary tax levy approval
- Set date for public input on 2022 budget
- Approval to list 2004 Ford F550 firetruck for sale
- Request from Saint Louis County to waive special assessments on a tax forfeit parcel
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a special meeting to consider two items related to the Main Street/Highway 135 reconstruction project. They will vote on a supplemental agreement with SEH Engineering for $12,000 in additional inspection and administrative work, and on two change orders for extra sanitary sewer work. The meeting is focused on approving these project-related costs.
- Supplemental letter agreement with S.E.H. Engineering for $12,000 for additional on-site inspection and finalization work on Main Street Utilities project
- Change Order 0007 for additional digging to trace sanitary sewer service connections on Main Street
- Change Order 0010 for $25,000 to install a new sanitary sewer manhole after an unknown manhole was discovered during water line installation
Council
The Biwabik City Council is meeting to approve the full payment of a $1,279,708.25 debt obligation using transferred Taconite Production Tax revenues. The council will also consider a $45,000 settlement offer to resolve a delinquent business revitalization loan.
- Approval of full payment for General Obligation Anticipation Note, Series 2021A ($1,279,708.25)
- Acceptance of $45,000 settlement offer for a delinquent Biwabik Carwash loan
- Use of $1.5 million in transferred St. Louis County Taconite Production Tax revenues for city projects
Public Utilities Commission
The commission is reviewing monthly service reports from PeopleService, including water and wastewater operations. The meeting includes discussions on Minnesota Power billing and new business regarding energy rebates and site access requests.
- Review of PeopleService June 2021 O&M report
- Review of Minnesota Power July 2021 meter data services invoice for $1,945.00
- Energy Star Rebate Request from Edwards Oil
- East Range Water Project Intake Site Access Request
- Approval of July 8, 2021 meeting minutes
Council
The Biwabik City Council will hold its regular meeting on July 12, 2021, to consider several resolutions and approvals. Key items include granting municipal consent for St. Louis County State Aid Highway 4, appointing a Planning Commission member, accepting a retirement from the Fire and Ambulance Department, approving new fire/ambulance applicants, purchasing a fire department air tank system, and approving special event permits and a temporary liquor license. The agenda also includes routine consent agenda items such as minutes, financial statements, and departmental reports.
- Resolution 2021-14: Granting municipal consent for St. Louis County State Aid Highway 4
- Resolution 2021-15: Appointing a Planning Commission member
- Approval of Fire Department equipment purchase — Air Tank System
- Approval of special event permits for Music in the Park and Honktoberfest
- Approval of temporary liquor license for BACA
Public Utilities Commission
The Biwabik Public Utilities Commission will hold a regular meeting to review and potentially approve invoices, work orders, financial reports, and bills related to electric, water, and sewer services. The agenda includes updates on Minnesota Power wholesale negotiations and routine operational reports from PeopleService. The meeting is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.
- PeopleService invoice for July 2021 totaling $12,724.00
- Bills & Payroll: Electric, Water, Sewer 6/4/2021 - $38,530.56 and 6/18/2021 - $66,891.24
- Monthly Distribution Service Charge from ALLETE Power Systems: $13,275.00 (two invoices)
- Update from Dave Berg on Minnesota Power Wholesale Negotiations
- Approve Regular Meeting Minutes from June 10, 2021
Council
The Biwabik City Council and Planning Commission are meeting jointly to review an offer to donate two lots on 3rd Avenue North to the city, and to review the draft Comprehensive Plan update. They will also set a public hearing date for the plan and consider a community engagement and strategic planning proposal.
- Review of Jay Roy's offer to donate two lots on 3rd Avenue North to the City
- Review of the draft Comprehensive Plan update (prepared with S.E.H. Engineering)
- Set date for public hearing on the Comprehensive Plan update
- Review and action on Community Engagement & Strategic Planning proposal
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a special meeting to appoint a new council member following Steven Bradach's resignation, approve an on-sale liquor license for Alpine Bar & Eatzeria, and discuss a proposal from the Northspan Group for community engagement and strategic planning facilitation at a cost not to exceed $14,300.
- Resolution 2021-13 appointing a council member to fill the seat vacated by Steven Bradach until the next regular municipal election
- Approval of an on-sale liquor license for Dave Carlson, doing business as Alpine Bar & Eatzeria
- Review of Northspan Group proposal for community engagement and strategic planning facilitation, with a contract not to exceed $14,300
- Proposal includes phases: preparation/design ($4,696), strategic direction ($1,020), focused implementation ($4,642), plus mileage and driving time
- Meeting held in-person at Biwabik City Hall, 321 N Main Street, at 6:00 PM
Council
The Biwabik City Council will consider several resolutions authorizing grant applications for street and infrastructure improvements, accepting federal COVID-19 relief funds, and supporting demolition of the Reishus School building. They will also review a playground equipment purchase and discuss city operations during the pandemic. The agenda includes routine consent items and a closed session.
- Resolution 2021-9: Authorize application to Minnesota Management and Budget for street and infrastructure improvements
- Resolution 2021-10: Accept Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act
- Resolution 2021-11: Authorize application to IRRR Residential Redevelopment Grant Program
- Resolution 2021-12: Support demolition of Reishus School building and natatorium
- Approval of purchase of playground equipment
Council
The Council will review a request to seek federal funding for a street reconstruction project estimated at $3.8 million. Additionally, officials will consider purchasing a new gear washer and dryer for the Fire Department using grant funds.
- Federal funding request for Phase 6 reconstruction of 5th Avenue North, totaling approximately $3,849,023.60
- Purchase of Northern Laundry washer/dryer and installation for $21,717 using an $18,000 state grant
- Review of campground host vacancy and interim duties of Peter Senaraghi
- Hiring of Kaden Maki for the Public Works summer help crew
Public Utilities Commission
The Biwabik Public Utilities Commission is holding its regular May meeting to review and approve routine financial reports, invoices, and work orders from PeopleService, as well as monthly water and wastewater reports. The commission will also discuss new business on setting a base rate for contractor water needs and updates on federal funding opportunities and the water switch over. The agenda is largely procedural, with no major policy decisions or public hearings listed.
- PeopleService invoice for May 2021: $12,511.00
- Bills & payroll: Electric, Water, Sewer 4/9/2021 - $31,714.12; 4/23/2021 - $90,133.83
- New Business: Base Rate for Contractor Water Needs
- Old Business: Update on Potential Federal Funding Opportunities; Update on Water Switch Over
- Monthly water reports and 2020 Consumer Confidence Report
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding its regular meeting electronically. They will review and possibly act on campground operations, accept a land donation, and declare a council vacancy due to a resignation. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, bills, and reports.
- Review and action on Biwabik Campground Operations
- Resolution 2021-6 accepting resignation and declaring council vacancy
- Resolution 2021-7 accepting land donation
- Approval of public works summer help hires
- Approval of 4-day summer work week for public works
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a special meeting to review and take action on the operation of the Vermilion Trail Park Campground. The current host contract expires May 10, 2021, and no renewal agreement has been reached with the current host, Ron Peterson. The council will discuss a draft contract and a proposed breakdown of campsites into seasonal, long-term, and recreational sites.
- Review and action on Biwabik Campground Operations
- Draft host contract proposes $20,000 compensation paid in 6 monthly installments
- Proposed campground site breakdown into seasonal, long-term, and recreational sites
- Contract includes operation and maintenance duties, concessions, and marketing requirements
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a special meeting to consider Resolution 2021-06, which authorizes the issuance, sale, and delivery of a $1,269,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note, Series 2021A. The note will temporarily finance the city's share of water and sewer utility improvements for the Main Street project, with repayment expected from future Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board grants/loans and utility revenues. The council will also review and take action on Biwabik Campground Operations.
- Resolution 2021-06: Issuance of $1,269,000 General Obligation Bond Anticipation Note, Series 2021A
- Note interest rate not to exceed 2.49% per annum, maturing in approximately 12 months
- Lender: American Bank of the North, Hibbing, MN
- Project: water and sewer utility improvements including engineering costs for Main Street
- Review and action on Biwabik Campground Operations
Council
The Biwabik City Council will hold its regular meeting on April 12, 2021, to consider several action items, including updated agreements for daytime ambulance coverage with Hoyt Lakes and cooperative fire protection with the Minnesota DNR, as well as campground host contracts and rules. The agenda also includes a nuisance hearing for a property at 101 2nd Avenue South and a presentation from a seasonal camper. Prior meeting minutes and financial reports are included for approval.
- Approval of updated agreement with City of Hoyt Lakes for daytime ambulance coverage
- Approval of updated cooperative fire protection agreement with Minnesota DNR
- Review and approval of campground host contract and updated campground rules
- Approval of DNR grant application for Volunteer Fire Association
- Nuisance hearing for 101 2nd Avenue South
Public Utilities Commission
The Biwabik Public Utilities Commission is holding a regular meeting to review and approve routine financial items, including PeopleService invoices, Minnesota Power charges, and bills for electric, water, and sewer services. They will also discuss a letter from PeopleService regarding an increase in compensation, along with monthly operational reports for water and wastewater.
- PeopleService invoice for April 2021: $12,511.00
- Bills & Payroll: Electric, Water, Sewer 3/12/2021 - $63,677.39; 3/26/2021 - $66,693.10
- Minnesota Power monthly distribution service charge: $13,275.00
- PeopleService letter of increase of compensation
- Approve regular meeting minutes from March 11, 2021
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a special meeting to consider a corrective easement involving Vermilion River Partners, the Kelchers, and the Regional Railroad Authority to fix utility, trail, and driveway issues in the Voyageurs Retreat area near Wynne/Sabin Lake. They will also review and take action on the use of the Biwabik Park Pavilion, considering COVID-19 guidance from the Governor's executive order.
- Approval of corrective easement for utility lines, Mesabi Trail alignment, and driveway access in Voyageurs Retreat
- Release and amendment of Mesabi Trail easement to correct surveyed location
- Dedication of 50-foot driveway and utility corridor for Tracts E-I, RLS Plat #134
- Review of Biwabik Park Pavilion use under COVID-19 restrictions
- Comparison of community center rental policies in White Township and Aurora
Public Utilities Commission
The Biwabik Public Utilities Commission is holding a regular meeting to review and approve routine financial reports, invoices, and work orders for water, sewer, and electric services. They will also consider a new business item: the MnWARN Mutual Aid Agreement. The meeting is held electronically per Minnesota statute.
- PeopleService invoice for March 2021: $12,511.00
- Minnesota Power invoice for February 2021: $1,951.00
- Bills & payroll: Electric, Water, Sewer payments totaling $127,659.75 (2/12, 2/17, 2/26)
- New Business: MnWARN Mutual Aid Agreement
- Monthly water report and I&I report for 2020
Council
The Biwabik City Council will consider several grant applications, including LCCMR, IRRR Residential Redevelopment, IRRR Culture and Tourism, and MN DNR Outdoor Recreation grants. They will also discuss campground operations, a request to reopen the Biwabik Park Pavilion, and a request for support for a historic mine tour. The meeting includes a closed session for pending litigation.
- Resolution 2021-3: Authorizing LCCMR Grant Application
- Resolution 2021-4: Authorizing IRRR Residential Redevelopment Grant Application
- Resolution 2021-5: Authorizing IRRR Culture and Tourism Grant Application
- Consideration of Request to Re-Open Biwabik Park Pavilion
- Approval of MN DNR Outdoor Recreation Grant Application
Council
The Biwabik City Council is holding a workshop to discuss the Vermilion Trail Campground, including the management/host contract with Ron Peterson, rules and regulations, reservation options, revenue, a bathroom/day-use facility near the beach, and grant opportunities. The agenda includes a detailed draft agreement outlining the contractor's duties, payments, and revenue-sharing terms.
- Discussion of campground management/host contract with Ron Peterson
- Review of campground rules and regulations
- Reservation options: website, map update, seasonal definition, credit card payments, cancellation policy
- Revenue discussion and bathroom/day-use facility near beach
- Grant opportunities for the campground
Public Utilities Commission
The Biwabik Public Utilities Commission is holding its regular February meeting, largely to review routine financial and operational reports. The agenda includes approving January invoices, work orders, meter billing, and financial summaries, as well as paying three utility bills totaling over $220,000. No major policy decisions or public hearings are listed; the meeting is mostly procedural.
- Approval of PeopleService invoice for February 2021 and work orders for January 2021
- Review of monthly meter billing and distribution service charge for January 2021
- Approval of Minnesota Power invoice for January 2021
- Payment of utility bills: $44,393.48 (1/1), $107,985.07 (1/15), $68,017.31 (1/29)
- Review of monthly water report and 2020 DNR water usage report
Council
The Biwabik City Council will hold its regular meeting on February 8, 2021, via Zoom. The agenda includes consent items (minutes, financial statements, bills), presentations from the Youth Activities Coordinator and East Range Sportsman's and Conservation Club, and old business to designate an official newspaper. New business includes approving the final pay application for the Carwash Entrance Realignment, a request from the East Range Sportsman's and Conservation Club, setting the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting for April 14, and a campground discussion.
- Final pay application for Carwash Entrance Realignment
- Request from East Range Sportsman's and Conservation Club
- Set Local Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting (April 14)
- Designate official newspaper
- Campground discussion
Council
The Biwabik City Council will hold its annual reorganization meeting, designating depositories, official newspaper, and other administrative roles. They will also vote on resolutions setting stipend rates for mayor, councilmembers, and fire/ambulance personnel, approve a garbage hauling contract, and consider acquiring tax-forfeit property. A nuisance hearing is scheduled for 304 4th Avenue North.
- Resolution 2021-1 appointing Planning Commission members
- Resolution 2021-2 setting stipend rates for Mayor and Councilmembers
- Resolution 2021-3 setting stipend rates for Fire & Ambulance Department personnel
- Approval of garbage hauling contract
- Approval of notification to St. Louis County of interest to acquire tax-forfeit property