Hermantown, MN

City Council

The City Council is meeting to continue business from the October 20, 2026 session. The provided agenda contains only procedural boilerplate items.

City Council

City Council

City Council

Charter Commission

General

Utility Commission

City Council

General

The Municipal Canvassing Board will meet to review voter returns, absentee ballots, and turnout totals from the November 3, 2026 general election. The board intends to declare the City Council election results and approve the official canvassing report.

• Canvass of November 3, 2026 municipal general election returns
• Declaration of City Council election results
• Approval of the canvassing report

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

HEDA

General

General

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

Planning & Zoning Commission

HEDA

City Council

City Council

General

General

General

City Council

City Council

Utility Commission

General

Planning & Zoning Commission

City Council

City Council

HEDA

City Council

City Council

General

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

City Council

HEDA

City Council

City Council

Utility Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

HEDA

City Council

City Council

HEDA

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

City Council

City Council

Utility Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

HEDA

General

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

HEDA

General

City Council

City Council

General

City Council

City Council

Utility Commission

HEDA

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

Planning & Zoning Commission

City Council

City Council

Planning & Zoning Commission

Planning & Zoning Commission

HEDA

General

Utility Commission

Planning & Zoning Commission

Planning & Zoning Commission

Utility Commission

General

Planning & Zoning Commission

General

General

General

General

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings regarding a proposed technology campus by Harmony Group, LLC and a rezoning request by Vermillion Homes, Inc. The commission acts as a recommending body to the City Council for these applications.

• Special Use Permit for Harmony Group, LLC to build up to three data centers and support buildings at Morris Thomas Road and Midway Road
• Preliminary and Final Plat for a 3 lot development by Harmony Group, LLC
• Rezoning application by Vermillion Homes, Inc. to change 6.0 acres from C-1 (Office/Light Industrial) to C (Commercial)

City Council

The Hermantown City Council will hold a public hearing regarding an ordinance to amend the fee schedule for licenses, permits, and fees. The meeting also includes presentations on the Google project and data center development, alongside several resolutions for approval.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 2026-03 amending the Fee Schedule for Licenses, Permits, and Fees
• Google Project and Data Center Development Agreement updates
• Pay request for Improvement District No. 323 Water System Connection and Booster Station ($132,972.49)
• Change order for Keene Creek Trail Segment 4 construction ($140,443.33)
• Pay request for Keene Creek Trail Segment 4 construction ($556,431.55)

City Council

HEDA

The Hermantown Economic Development Authority will discuss consenting to the sale of the Pillars of Hermantown development at 4110 Lavaque Road to Ventas Healthcare Realty, LLC. This includes transferring a tax abatement note and related development agreements to the new owner.

• Resolution 2026-02H: Transfer of HEDA Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) Note with an outstanding balance of $454,596.89
• Approval of estoppel certificates for the 2022 Development Contract and Business Subsidy Agreement
• Resolution 2026-03H: Joint resolution urging the Air Force to select the 148th Fighter Wing for the next F-35 Lighting II Squadron
• Acceptance of an Affidavit of Lost PAYG Note from KTJ 360, LLC

Board of Appeals & Adjustments

The Board of Appeals & Adjustments will hold a public hearing regarding a variance request for a residential property. The applicants seek to reduce the required front yard setback to allow for the construction of a porch.

• Public hearing for John and Mary Korzendorfer regarding a variance for a 12’ x 27’ entry porch at 5180 Country Road
• Proposed reduction of the 50 foot minimum front yard setback to approximately 44 feet

City Council

The Hermantown City Council will meet to discuss and potentially approve a resolution regarding a power transmission project. The meeting includes a period for public comment on items not listed on the agenda.

• Resolution 2026-125: Approving Route For The Minnesota Power St. Louis County 230-kV Transmission Line Project

The Hermantown City Council voted 5-0 to table the resolution approving the route for the Minnesota Power St. Louis County 230-kV Transmission Line Project. The original motion to approve was amended to a motion to table after nine residents spoke in opposition. Public comment also included residents opposing a proposed data center project, with one speaker supporting it on behalf of the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce.

• Tabled Resolution 2026-125 approving Minnesota Power transmission line route (5-0)
• Recessed meeting at 7:51 p.m. (all in favor)
• Recessed meeting at 8:30 p.m. (5-0)

Charter Commission

This is the first meeting of the Hermantown Charter Commission, which will draft or review the city's charter. Members will be sworn in, elect a chair, vice-chair, and secretary, and adopt rules of procedure and parliamentary authority. The commission will also determine member terms, meeting logistics, records retention, and legal counsel, and discuss the charter drafting process.

• Election of Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary
• Adoption of Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Authority
• Commission Member Terms Determination
• Presentations on Open Meeting Law and Data Practices Act and the Hermantown City Council Handbook
• Legal counsel via the League of Minnesota Cities Charter Assistance Program

City Council

The Hermantown City Council meets Monday, October 5, 2026, with a public hearing on vacating an unused cartway and a vote on the related resolution. The consent agenda includes approving $559,505.79 in general city warrants and two HVAC pay requests to Gartner Refrigeration Co. totaling $118,750. Resolutions cover a St. Louis County road grant request for Ugstad Road and Lavaque Bypass near Hawkline Business Park, an engineering agreement amendment, the final Industrial AUAR document, and a Minnesota Power 230-kV transmission line route. A first reading of an ordinance amending the city fee schedule is also listed.

• Public hearing and resolution 2026-119 to vacate an unused cartway
• Consent agenda: general city warrants Sept 16-30, 2026 totaling $559,505.79
• HVAC pay requests to Gartner Refrigeration Co.: $71,250 (No. 2) and $47,500 (No. 4)
• Resolution 2026-122 supporting a St. Louis County grant request for Ugstad Road CR 284 and Lavaque Bypass CSAH 48 reconstruction at Hawkline Business Park
• Ordinance 2026-03 first reading amending Section 270 fee schedule; resolutions on engineering agreement amendment, final Industrial AUAR, and Minnesota Power 230-kV transmission line route

The City Council approved the final Industrial Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) document and mitigation plan. Other actions included approving city warrants, HVAC upgrade payments, and support for a road reconstruction grant request.

• Approved 2026-124 Resolution adopting the Final Hermantown Industrial Alternative Urban Areawide Review (AUAR) Document and Mitigation Plan (5-0)
• Approved 2026-119 Resolution vacating an unused cartway (5-0)
• Approved 2026-122 Resolution supporting a St. Louis County grant request for Ugstad Road CR 284 and Lavaque Bypass CSAH 48 reconstruction (5-0)
• Approved 2026-123 Resolution to amend the engineering agreement with Short Elliot Hendrickson (5-0)
• Approved general city warrants from Sept 16 to Sept 30, 2026, totaling $559,505.79 (5-0)
• Approved 2026-120 Resolution for City Hall HVAC upgrade payment to Gartner Refrigeration Co. for $71,250 (5-0)
• Approved 2026-121 Resolution for City Hall HVAC upgrade payment to Gartner Refrigeration Co. for $47,500 (5-0)

City Council

City Council

City Council

The City Council will hear an appeal regarding a denied massage therapist license and consider several resolutions. The agenda includes a closed session to discuss attorney-client privilege related to pending litigation.

• Appeal regarding the denial of a Massage Therapist License application
• Second reading of Ordinance 2026-02 amending the Hermantown Zoning Code regarding land splits and platting
• Special Use Permit for an accessory structure over 1,200 square feet at 4218 Ugstad Road
• Contract award to Veit & Company, Inc. for sanitary sewer extension on Reinke Road for $74,000.00
• Purchase of ten squad computers from Trafera for $50,526.54

The City Council voted to grant a massage therapist license and approved several infrastructure and equipment purchases. A proposed zoning code amendment regarding land splits and platting was tabled.

• Overturned denial of massage therapist license (4-1)
• Approved $637,401.89 in general city warrants (5-0)
• Approved $426,508.11 pay request for Keene Creek Trail Segment 4 (5-0)
• Approved $143,656.72 pay request for Improvement District No. 323 (5-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 2026-02 amending zoning code for land splits and platting (5-0)
• Approved special use permit for accessory structure at 4218 Ugstad Road (4-1)
• Approved $74,000 contract to Veit & Company for Reinke Road sewer extension (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 10 squad computers and docking equipment for $50,526.54 (5-0)

HEDA

Park Board

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Hermantown Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on a special use permit for a 1,768-square-foot accessory structure at 4218 Ugstad Road and on zoning text amendments to Chapter 5, Section 555 (Shoreland). The commission will also discuss a proposed Google Data Center, including a special use permit, preliminary and final plat, and wetland replacement plan. The agenda includes routine items like roll call, minutes approval, and public comment.

• Special use permit for 1,768 sq ft accessory structure at 4218 Ugstad Road (R-3 district)
• Zoning text amendments to Chapter 5, Section 555 (Shoreland)
• Discussion of Google Data Center proposal (SUP, plat, wetland plan)
• Public comment period for non-agenda items

Utility Commission

The Utility Commission will meet to review various utility and infrastructure reports. The agenda includes updates on utility billing, water loss, and discharge monitoring.

• WLSSD Discharge Monitoring Report
• Utility Billing Update
• Budget to Actual Expenditure Report
• Water Loss Report
• Comfort Systems Invoice

Board of Appeals & Adjustments

The Hermantown Board of Appeals & Adjustments will hold a public hearing on a variance request by Loren Johnston to reduce the minimum lot size from 1 acre to 0.9 acres for a property at 508x Benson Road, which lacks city water and sewer. Staff recommends approval with conditions, including a septic system permit. The board will also approve the previous meeting's minutes and hear public comment.

• Variance request for 0.1-acre reduction to 1-acre minimum lot size at 508x Benson Road (R-3 district)
• Staff recommends approval with conditions, including mound septic system permit and $750 fine for violations
• Approval of August 10, 2026 meeting minutes
• Public comment period for non-agenda items

City Council

The Hermantown City Council will hold a pre-agenda meeting and regular meeting. Key actions include adopting the proposed 2027 property tax levy and scheduling a Truth in Taxation hearing, awarding a $1,118,800 contract for Improvement District No. 553, and approving several special use permits for large accessory structures. The agenda also includes routine consent items and various resolutions for contracts and services.

• Resolution 2026-103: Adopt proposed property tax for taxes payable in 2027 and schedule Truth in Taxation hearing
• Resolution 2026-104: Award contract to Northland Constructors of Duluth for Improvement District No. 553 in amount of $1,118,800.00
• Resolution 2026-107: Special use permit for accessory structure over 2,400 sq ft at 5801 W Arrowhead Road
• Resolution 2026-108: Special use permit for accessory structure over 2,400 sq ft at 4041 Sangstrom Road
• Resolution 2026-109: Special use permit for accessory structure over 1,200 sq ft at 3879 Kenroy Road

The Hermantown City Council approved a series of resolutions, including a $1,118,800 contract with Northland Constructors of Duluth for Improvement District No. 553 and a resolution adopting the proposed property tax for taxes payable in 2027 and scheduling the Truth in Taxation hearing. The council also approved change orders and pay requests for City Hall HVAC upgrades, a city attorney services agreement, a 2027 crack sealing agreement with St. Louis County, and several special use permits for accessory structures. A first reading of an ordinance amending the zoning code for land splits and platting was held, with one resident speaking in opposition. The meeting included extensive public comment, mostly opposing a proposed data center project, and two emergency recesses.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes and $1,445,477.76 in general city warrants (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-100: Change Order No. 1 for City Hall HVAC upgrades to Gartner Refrigeration Co., $4,953.00 (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-101: Pay Request No. 2 for City Hall HVAC upgrades to Gartner Refrigeration Co., $98,778 (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-102: Professional services agreement with Fryberger, Buchanan, Smith & Frederick, P.A. for city attorney services (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-103: Adopt proposed property tax for taxes payable in 2027 and schedule Truth in Taxation hearing (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-104: Award contract to Northland Constructors of Duluth for Improvement District No. 553, $1,118,800.00 (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-105: Cooperative agreement with St. Louis County for 2027 crack sealing CP 0000-850163 (4-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution 2026-106: Updated consulting services agreement with VMC, LLC for telecom engineering services (4-0, 1 absent)

City Council

General

City Council

The Hermantown City Council is holding a work session to discuss the 2027 budget. The agenda contains only this discussion item and a recess to the next regular meeting, with no other business listed.

• Discussion of the 2027 Budget
• Recess to September 8th, 2026 City Council Meeting

The City Council held a work session focused on the 2027 budget, directing staff to cut $879,000 to achieve a 0% tax rate increase. They prioritized capital improvements including fire suppression upgrades, election machines, fire dept mobile radios, police squad tablets, and a loader, with the chiller funded from fund balance. The Council also directed eliminating transfers for Fichtner Park debt and the Municipal Building reserve, while keeping the Park Dedication transfer. The meeting recessed to September 8, 2026.

• Directed staff to cut $879,000 from proposed 2027 budget to target 0% tax rate increase
• Included fire suppression upgrades, election machines, fire dept mobile radios, police squad tablets, and loader in capital improvements
• Directed chiller funded from fund balance (General Fund and/or Municipal Building Reserve)
• Eliminated transfers for Fichtner Park debt and Municipal Building reserve
• Kept transfer for Park Dedication
• Recessed to September 8, 2026 City Council Meeting (all ayes)

HEDA

City Council

The Hermantown City Council is holding a work session to discuss proposed data center land use application materials. The meeting will recess to the August 24th work session.

• Discussion of proposed data center land use application material
• Recess to August 24th, 2026 City Council Work Session

The council unanimously voted 5-0 to enter a closed session under Minnesota Statutes § 13D.05 Subd. 2 (b) for preliminary consideration of allegations or charges against individuals, then reconvened and recessed to a work session. At the 5:30 p.m. work session, Google project representatives presented extensive material on a proposed data center land use application, covering site selection, development timeline, environmental impacts, and traffic mitigation. No formal decisions were made on the data center; the meeting recessed to August 24, 2026.

• Closed meeting 5-0 for preliminary consideration of allegations or charges
• Reconvened into open session 5-0
• Adjourned to 5:30 work session 5-0
• Recessed to August 24, 2026 work session (all ayes)

Planning & Zoning Commission

The Hermantown Planning & Zoning Commission will hold public hearings on three special use permits for large accessory structures, consider two zoning ordinance text amendments (flag lots and shoreland), and conduct a work session to ask questions about the proposed Google Data Center. The work session is not open for public comment.

• Special Use Permit for 2,400 sq ft accessory structure at 3879 Kenroy Road (R-3 district)
• Special Use Permit for 2,688 sq ft accessory structure at 5801 W. Arrowhead Road (S-1 district)
• Special Use Permit for 3,200 sq ft accessory structure at 4041 Sangstrom Road (S-1 district)
• Zoning text amendment to allow administrative review of flag lot subdivisions (Chapter 10, Section 1010.04)
• Zoning text amendment to Chapter 5, Section 555 (Shoreland)

Park Board

The Hermantown Park Board is holding a regular meeting with no new business listed. The agenda includes approval of the July 21, 2026 minutes, public discussion, continuing business, communications, and board member reports. The prior meeting's minutes show discussions on naming park fields after individuals, trail construction updates, and e-bike concerns.

• Discussion on naming fields after individuals, including proposals to rename Rose Road after Tom Bang and considerations involving Fichtner
• Trail construction update: Johnson Road segment to be built with class 5, concrete pad, benches, and trash can locations staked out; close out date October 1, 2026
• City Engineer to meet with DNR regarding bridge structure south of Hermantown Road
• Board discussed concerns about e-bikes on existing trails

City Council

City Council

The Hermantown City Council will hold a closed session to discuss potential litigation, then reconvene in open session to consider routine items, a utility ordinance amendment, and several resolutions including a trail construction payment and a sanitary sewer extension. The agenda also includes a presentation from Google representatives and a pre-agenda discussion on Stebner Road.

• Closed session under Minn. Stat. § 13D.05 Subd. 3(b) for attorney-client privilege on potential litigation
• Ordinance 2026-01 amending Chapter 9 (Utilities and Services) - second reading
• Resolution 2026-96 approving pay request #5 for Keene Creek Trail Segment 4 to Veit & Company for $339,201.47
• Resolution 2026-97 approving final plans and ordering bids for Reinke Road sanitary sewer extension
• Accounts payable warrants totaling $1,358,968.06

The council unanimously approved an ordinance amending Chapter 9 (Utilities and Services), a pay request for Keene Creek Trail construction, final plans and bid advertisement for the Reinke Road sanitary sewer extension, and a utility service agreement. It also voted 4-0-1 to remove Brandon Holmes as Building Official. Public comment was dominated by opposition to a proposed data center, with many speakers requesting an EIS or moratorium, but no action was taken on the data center.

• Approved Ordinance 2026-01 amending Chapter 9, Utilities and Services (5-0)
• Approved Pay Request #5 for Keene Creek Trail Segment 4 to Veit & Company, $339,201.47 (5-0)
• Approved final plans and bid advertisement for Reinke Road sanitary sewer extension (5-0)
• Authorized utility service agreement with Jarrod and Julia Rabey (5-0)
• Removed Brandon Holmes as Building Official effective Aug. 17, 2026 (4-0-1)
• Approved consent agenda including $1,358,968.06 in accounts payable (5-0)

General

Board of Appeals & Adjustments

The Board of Appeals & Adjustments will hold a public hearing on a variance request by Christopher Dixon for a 1.3-foot reduction to the required 10-foot side yard setback to allow a 10x10-foot addition to an existing home at 4271 Lavaque Road. The board will also consider approving minutes from the May 12, 2026 meeting and take public comment on non-agenda items.

• Public hearing on variance for 1.3-foot side yard setback reduction at 4271 Lavaque Road (R-3 Residential zone)
• Approval of minutes from May 12, 2026 regular meeting
• Public discussion period for items not on the agenda

City Council

City Council

The Hermantown City Council will hold a regular meeting to approve routine items via consent agenda, including minutes and $1.4M in city warrants. Key decisions include a wetland replacement plan for the Arrowhead Substation, amendments to the Stebner Road development, and multiple construction pay requests and change orders for utility and trail projects.

• Approve wetland replacement plan for Arrowhead Substation (Resolution 2026-88)
• Amend Planned Unit Development for Stebner Road project (Resolution 2026-89)
• Approve $107,972.95 pay request for Water System Connection and Booster Station (Improvement District No. 323)
• Approve $30,000 pay request for Hermantown City Hall HVAC upgrades
• Approve change orders totaling $501,695.52 for Keene Creek Trail Segment 4

The Hermantown City Council unanimously approved all resolutions on the agenda, including the Arrowhead Substation wetland replacement plan, amendments to the Stebner Road Planned Unit Development, and final plans for the 2026 Hawkline Utilities construction. It also approved engineering services for dewatering at the Hawkline extension, pay requests for the water system booster station and City Hall HVAC upgrades, and change orders for the Keene Creek Trail. The consent agenda, including minutes and accounts payable of $1,402,436.88, was approved. Ordinance 2026-01 regarding utilities and services was only read for the first time.

• Approved consent agenda including minutes and accounts payable of $1,402,436.88
• Approved Resolution 2026-88 for Arrowhead Substation wetland replacement plan
• Approved Resolution 2026-89 for Stebner Road PUD amendments
• Approved Resolution 2026-90 for Hawkline Utilities construction plans and bid advertisement
• Approved Resolution 2026-91 for dewatering engineering services up to $23,475
• Approved Resolution 2026-92 for pay request of $107,972.95 to Lakehead Constructors
• Approved Resolution 2026-93 for HVAC pay request of $30,000 to Gartner Refrigeration
• Approved Resolutions 2026-94 and 2026-95 for Keene Creek Trail change orders (decrease of $485,767.52 and increase of $15,928)