Cook, Minnesota
Recent Cook City Council topics include contracts & procurement, water & utilities, resolutions & ordinances, budget & taxes, public safety, roads & infrastructure.
Topics found in recent meetings
Get Cook meeting alerts
One email when Cook posts a new agenda or minutes. Free, unsubscribe anytime.
Recent meetings
Wed Jun 24, 2026
6.24.26 Council
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
38100000 City of Cook 218-666-2200
127 South River Street www.cityofcookmn.gov
P O Box 155 [email protected]
Cook, MN 55723
AGENDA
COOK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – 6 PM
Cook Community Center at 510 Gopher Drive
Call to Order – Mayor Daniel Manick
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance
Mayoral comments
2.0 Approval of Agenda motion/support/vote
3.0 Consent Agenda motion/support/vote
Any item may be moved to Specific Agenda upon request of Mayor or Councilor
3.1 Public Hearing Minutes of May 27, 2026, Meeting attached
3.2 Regular City Council Minutes of May 27, 2026, Meeting attached
3.3 Special Council Minutes of June 10, 2026, Meeting attached
3.3 Bill Presentation attached
3.4 May 2026 Liquor Store Sales Report attached
3.5 May 2026 Liquor Store Expense Report attached
3.5 Resolution 260624A Donations Designated attached
4.0 Communication
5.0 Visitors sign up to speak – name and topic
Public Forum – 3 minute maximum per speaker
Friends of the Arts is requesting a Temporary Alcohol Permit for their event on August 20, 2026. motion/support/vote
St Mary’s Catholic Church is requesting a Temporary Gambling permit for their event
On November 21, 2026. motion/support/vote
(close Regular Council meeting)
(open Public Hearing Meeting)
6.0 Public Hearings
Proposed amendment to Planning & Zoning Ordinance #901 to establish and amend residential definitions, permitted uses and dimensional standards and to define cluster development and allow i
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed May 27, 2026
5.27.26 Council
Cook City Council to hold public hearing on residential zoning amendments
The Council will consider amendments to Planning & Zoning Ordinance #901 regarding residential definitions and cluster development. The body is also reviewing several contracts for city maintenance and emergency equipment. Other agenda items include the appointment of election judges and library board members.
- Public hearing on Planning & Zoning Ordinance #901 residential definitions and cluster development
- Quote for two replacement LifePaks from Zoll for $9,355.12
- Northern Log Home Restoration proposal for $9,850.00
- Fuel oil tank quotes for Cook City Park from ACA ($4,300.00) and Bougalis ($3,800.00)
- RFP for Eldien Lot Sales
zoningpublic-safetymaintenancehousingelections
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
38100000 City of Cook 218-666-2200
127 South River Street www.cookmn.us
P O Box 155 [email protected]
Cook, MN 55723
AGENDA
COOK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 – 6 PM
Cook Community Center at 510 Gopher Drive
Call to Order – Mayor Daniel Manick
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance
Mayoral comments
2.0 Approval of Agenda motion/support/vote
3.0 Consent Agenda motion/support/vote
Any item may be moved to Specific Agenda upon request of Mayor or Councilor
3.1 Public Hearing Minutes of April 22, 2026, Meeting attached
3.2 Regular City Council Minutes of April 22, 2026, Meeting attached
3.3 Special Council Minutes of May 13, 2026, Meeting attached
3.3 Bill Presentation attached
3.4 April 2026 Liquor Store Sales Report attached
3.5 April 2026 Liquor Store Expense Report attached
3.5 Resolution 260128A Donations Designated attached
4.0 Communication
5.0 Visitors sign up to speak – name and topic
Public Forum – 3 minute maximum per speaker
Cook Chamber of Commerce is requesting permission from Council to allow food/craft vendors to use the Cook City Park (downtown) on Wednesdays during Music in the Park.
(close Regular Council meeting)
(open Public Hearing Meeting)
6.0 Public Hearings
Proposed amendment to Planning & Zoning Ordinance #901 to establish and amend residential definitions, permitted uses and dimensional standards and to define cluster development and allow it as a permitted use in the R2 district.
7.0 Consultant Reports
7.1 CEDA (Shaun
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed May 27, 2026
5.27.26 Regular Council
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MAY 27, 2026 -COOK COMMUNITY CENTER - 6 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A regular meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 6 PM on Wednesday, May 27,
2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0
CALL TO ORDER: Acting Mayor Jody Bixby called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Acting Mayor Jody Bixby, City Councilors Ron
Bushbaum, Liza Root, and Ivette Reing. Excused absence Mayor Manick. Also, present were Clerk/Treasurer Dawn
Kehoe, Bolton & Menk Consultant Luke Heikkila, and Economic Development Associates Shaun Hainey,
Members of the Public: John Jordan, Val Annen, Michelle Manick, Shawna Kishel, Carrolle Wood, Tammy Palmer,
Crystal Whitney, and Melissa Roach.
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
1.3. MAYORAL COMMENTS
No mayoral comments
Councilor Reing would like to clarify if she will be filling the City Committees that former
Councilor Scofield sat on. Acting Mayor Bixby stated that yes, Councilor Reing will sit on the
following committees: Park & Recreation, Blight, Airport Commission and the Lake Vermilion
Trail Joint Powers Board.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Clerk/Treasurer Kehoe would like to add Quote of a replacement cot for the Ambulance Department
under 9.2 B. Motion by Bushbaum, second by Root to accept and approve the agenda with the additions
notated above. MOTION CARRIED
CONSENT AGENDA
3.1 Public Hearing Minutes of April 22, 2026.
3.2 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of April 22, 2026.
3.3. Special Council
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed May 13, 2026
5.13.26 Special Council
✓ Decided: Council appoints Ivette Reing to fill vacancy and expands Community Center hours
The council accepted Councilor Jesse Scofield’s resignation and declared the seat vacant. It appointed Ivette Reing to serve the remainder of 2026. The council approved expanded Community Center operating hours and authorized hiring a summer recreation attendant at $16.00 per hour to cover the added hours. It also approved increasing Katie Bennett’s schedule to 20 hours per week to support the concession stand.
- Accepted Jesse Scofield’s resignation and declared vacancy (Resolution 260513) – motion carried
- Appointed Ivette Reing as City Councilor for remainder of 2026 – motion carried
- Approved hiring summer recreation attendant at $16.00/hour for additional hours – motion carried
- Approved ten additional hours for Katie Bennett, total 20 hours/week – motion carried
- Approved additional Community Center open hours as recommended – motion carried
- Set additional Community Center hours to begin May 14, 2026 – motion carried
- Adjourned meeting at 5:19 PM – motion carried
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
SPECTAL MEETING MINUTES
MAY 13, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER -— 4 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A special meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 4 PM on Wednesday,
May 13, 2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City Councilors
Jody Bixby, Ron Bushbaum, and Liza Root. Also, present were Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe,
Recreation Coordinator Heidi Hunstad and Recreation Events Coordinator Katie Bennett. Soon to be
Councilor Ivette Reing. Members of the Public Val Annen, Jeannie Taylor, Tammy Palmer.
Mayor Manick states that the purpose of this Special Council meeting is to accept Councilor Jesse
Scofield’s resignation by resolution and to declare a vacancy, appoint replacement Councilor for
remaining of the 2026 year and to discuss a recommendation from the Park and Recreation Committee
for additional open hours at the Community Center.
Motion by Bixby, second by Root to approve and accept the resignation of Jesse Scofield as City
Councilor and to declare a vacancy by Resolution 260513. MOTION CARRIED
The Cook City Council thanked Mr. Scofield for his dedication of serving the past year and four (4)
months of city council.
Mayor Manick recommends the appointment of Ivette Reing as City Councilor for the remainder of the
year 2926. Motion by Bushbaum, second by Root to approve and accept the appointment of Ivette
Reing as C
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Apr 22, 2026
4.22.26 Public Hearing
✓ Decided: Public hearing held; no decisions were made
The Cook City Council held a special public hearing on April 22, 2026 to consider updates to several ordinances and the abolition of others. No members of the public offered comments. The meeting was adjourned at 6:21 PM without any votes or formal actions taken.
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 22, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER - 6 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A Public Hearing meeting was held at 6 PM on Wednesday, April 22,
2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the Public Hearing meeting to order
at 6:19 PM.
1.2 © ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City
Councilors Jody Bixby, Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root, and Jess Scofield. Also, present were
Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe, Library Director Crystal Whitney, Ambulance Administrative
Assistant Karen Schultz, Bolton & Menk Consultant Luke Heikkila, and Economic Development
Associates Shaun Hainey, Members of the Public: John Jordan, Val Annen and Michelle Manick
Mayor Manick states that the purpose of this Special Council meeting is to hear public comments
on the updated language to Ordinances: 100-106, 201, 502, 504-509, 801-809 and to abolish
Ordinances: 202, 206, 208, 304 and 503. Approve/Add Ordinance: Sump Pump Inspection,
Updated/Revised: Blight Ordinance.
No public comment was received during this meeting.
Adjourn Public Hearing meeting at 6:21 PM made by Mayor Manick.
Daniel Manick ~— Dawn Kehoe
Mayor Clerk/Treasurer
Wed Apr 22, 2026
4.22.26 Council
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
38100000 City of Cook 218-666-2200
127 South River Street www.cookmn.us
P O Box 155 [email protected]
Cook, MN 55723
AGENDA
COOK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – 6 PM
Cook Community Center at 510 Gopher Drive
Call to Order – Mayor Daniel Manick
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance
Mayoral comments
2.0 Approval of Agenda motion/support/vote
3.0 Consent Agenda motion/support/vote
Any item may be moved to Specific Agenda upon request of Mayor or Councilor
3.1 Special Council Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2026 attached
3.2 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of March 24, 2026 attached
3.3 Bill Presentation attached
3.4 March 2026 Liquor Store Sales Report attached
3.5 Resolution 260422A Donations Designated attached
4.0 Communication
5.0 Visitors sign up to speak – name and topic
A. Margaret Jarka- request permission to sponsor the Adopt-a-Pot community
Event. motion/support/vote
B. Cook Farmers Market request to use River Street Park every motion/support/vote Saturday starting June 20, 2026, through September 26, 2026
Public Forum – 3 minute maximum per speaker
(close Regular Council Meeting)
(open Public Hearing meeting)
6.0 Public Hearings
Updated language to Ordinances: 100-106, 201, 502, 504-509, 801-809
Abolish Ordinances: 202, 206, 208, 304, 503
Approve/Add Ordinance: Sump Pump inspection
Update: Blight Ordinances
7.0 Consultant Reports
7.1 Bolton & Menk; April 2026 Engineering Project Updates attached
A. Advertise for Bids for Little
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Apr 22, 2026
4.22.26 Council
✓ Decided: Council approved $516,068.50 award for runway taxiway project, pending grants
The council approved several items, including the award of $516,068.50 to Mesabi Bituminous for the runway taxiway project (contingent on FAA and MnDOT grants), adoption of the Adopt‑a‑Pot community event, use of River Street Park for the Cook Farmers Market, and approval of the Little Fork River sewer bid advertisement and a capital budget request to the state. Additional actions included increasing airport apartment rent, approving Ehlers investment management services, authorizing streetlights for the Eldien addition, and approving various licenses and grant letters. The council also tabled the fuel‑oil tank removal and approved the sale of excess city property by sealed bid.
- Approved award of $516,068.50 to Mesabi Bituminous for runway taxiway project (contingent on grants)
- Approved advertisement for 2026 Little Fork River Sanitary Sewer Improvements
- Approved Resolution 260422B authorizing a capital budget request to the State for a sewer and water project
- Approved Adopt‑a‑Pot community event
- Approved use of River Street Park for Cook Farmers Market Saturdays June‑Sept 2026
- Approved increase of Airport Apartment rent to $850 per month effective June 1, 2026
- Approved Ehlers Investment Management Services for the City of Cook
- Approved sale of excess city property (listed vehicles and equipment) by sealed bid
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
APRIL 22, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER — 6 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A regular meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 6 PM on Wednesday, April 22,
2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
1.2. ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City Councilors Jody Bixby,
Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root, and Jess Scofield. Also, present were Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe, Library Director
Crystal Whitney, Ambulance Administrative Assistant Karen Schultz, Bolton & Menk Consultant Luke Heikkila,
and Economic Development Associates Shaun Hainey, Members of the Public: John Jordan, Val Annen and
Michelle Manick.
13.9 MAYORAL COMMENTS
Mayor Manick states that Councilor Bushbaum met with owner of the ‘old Cook school’, Rock
Gilson to discuss the City of Cook purchasing the building/land. Mr. Gilson rejected the city’s
offer and counter-offered $950,000.00. Councilor Bushbaum stated that the city is not interested in
paying this price. No other resolutions were made.
Mayor Manick also shares that he, along with Bolton & Menk Consultant Luke Heikkila traveled
to the Twin Cities to represent the City of Cook at the Capital Investment Committee hearing. This
hearing was to explain our bonding money request of $3,000,000.00. Mayor Manick informs
Council that a decision of the bonding request will be made middle to end of May.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilor Scofield
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Mar 25, 2026
3.25.26 Council
✓ Decided: Council approved cannabis retail licenses and removed renewal fee error
The council approved Low‑Potency Hemp Edible (LPHE) retail licenses for Zup’s and Last Chance Liquors and directed the registration forms be submitted. It also removed the incorrectly listed Cannabis Renewal fee from the fee structure. Additional actions included approving a demolition bid, a sanitary‑sewer cleaning contract, a temporary gambling permit, fire department budget, and authorized signers for the city’s credit‑union accounts.
- Approved LPHE retail license for Zup’s and directed registration submission (motion carried)
- Approved LPHE retail license for Last Chance Liquors and directed registration submission (motion carried)
- Removed Cannabis Renewal fee information from the fee structure (motion carried)
- Accepted Viita’s Construction bid $33,392 for Dickson property demolition (motion carried)
- Approved J&R Wastewater Inc. contract $14,800 for sanitary sewer cleaning (motion carried)
- Approved temporary gambling permit for Friends of the Parks Wings‑n‑Things event on Aug 8 2026 (motion carried)
- Approved Mayor Manick and Clerk/Treasurer Kehoe as authorized signers for North Star Credit Union accounts (motion carried)
- Approved 2026 Fire Department budget as presented (motion carried)
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 25, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER - 6 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A regular meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 6 PM on Wednesday, March 25,
2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City Councilors Jody Bixby,
Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root, and Jess Scofield. Also, present were Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe, Community,
Library Director Crystal Whitney, Maintenance Supervisor Tim Lilya, and Economic Development Associates
Shaun Hainey, Friends of the Library Members Linda Kronholm, Mo Fontana, and Michelle Manick. Members of
the Public: John Jordan, Tina Cassavar, Val Annen and Tammy Palmer
2.0
3.0
4.0
13. MAYORAL COMMENTS
Mayor Manick states that Gallagher has been notified of the decision that was made at the Special
Council meeting on Friday, March 20, 2026. The meeting was for the Council to review and
choose a wage structure that was provided by Gallagher. Gallagher will now complete their
* process.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Councilor Root would like to add Cannabis at 8.10. Councilor Bixby would like to add Discretionary
Bonus to 11.1 and Council Attendance to 11.2. Clerk/Treasurer Kehoe would like to add the Saint Louis
County Bridge Inspection Report as informational.
Motion by Scofield, second by Bushbaum to accept and approve the agenda with the additions notated
above. MOTION CARRIED
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Mar 25, 2026
3.25.26 Council
Cook City Council to review sewer cleaning bids and 2026 emergency budgets
The City Council will consider budget approvals for the Fire Department and Ambulance services. Members will also review proposals for a utility rate study and investment services, as well as bids for sanitary sewer cleaning.
- Sanitary sewer cleaning bids: J&R WasteWater Inc. ($14,800.00) and Great Lakes Pipe Service, Inc. ($21,320.00)
- Approval of 2026 Ambulance Budget
- Approval of 2026 Fire Department Budget
- Fire Protection Service Agreement with Goodwill Township
- Ehlers Investment Proposal and Utility Rate Study Proposal
budgetsewerfire-departmentambulanceutilities
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
38100000 City of Cook 218-666-2200
127 South River Street www.cookmn.us
P O Box 155 [email protected]
Cook, MN 55723
AGENDA
COOK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, March 25, 2026 – 6 PM
Cook Community Center at 510 Gopher Drive
Call to Order – Mayor Daniel Manick
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance
Mayoral comments
2.0 Approval of Agenda motion/support/vote
3.0 Consent Agenda motion/support/vote
Any item may be moved to Specific Agenda upon request of Mayor or Councilor
3.1 Special Council Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2026 attached
3.2 Special Council Meeting Minutes of February 4, 2026 attached
3.3 Regular Council Minutes of February 25, 2026 attached
3.4 Special Council Meeting Minutes of March 2, 2026 attached
3.5 Bill Presentation attached
3.3 February 2026 Liquor Store Sales Report attached
4.0 Communication
5.0 Visitors sign up to speak – name and topic
Public Forum – 3 minute maximum per speaker
6.0 Public Hearings
7.0 Consultant Reports
7.1 Bolton & Menk; Wastewater Facility Plan Amendment attached
7.2 Ehlers Investment Proposal motion/support/vote
7.3 Ehlers Utility Rate Study Proposal motion/support/vote
8.0 Commission, Committee & Staff Reports
8.1 Ambulance February Service Report attached
A. Ambulance Advisory Association Annual Meeting packet attached
1. Approve 2026 Ambulance Budget motion/support/vote
8.2 Blight Committee Chair Report
8.3 Cook EDA Secretary Report
8.4 CEDA- Shaun Hainey Report
8.5 City Hall
A. North Star Credit Union Ac
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Fri Mar 20, 2026
3.20.26 Special Council
✓ Decided: Council approved MIT Option #6 and the presented pay grades
The council rejected the motion to adopt MIT Option #4 because it lacked a second. A motion to adopt MIT Option #6 passed with a 4‑1 vote. The council also approved the pay grades as presented. The meeting was adjourned at 5:45 PM.
- Approved MIT Option #6 (4-1 vote)
- Approved Pay Grades as presented (motion carried)
- Motion to accept MIT Option #4 failed (no second)
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 20, 2026 -COOK COMMUNITY CENTER — 5 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A special meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 5 PM on Friday,
March 20, 2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0 ©=CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City
Councilors Jody Bixby, Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root, and Jess Scofield. Also, present were
Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe, Maintenance Supervisor Tim Lilya, and Airport Manager Doug
McDuff.
Mayor Manick states that the purpose of this Special Council meeting is to finalize the wage
schedule from Gallagher. Once finalized Gallagher will complete the process and submit the final
information.
Manick requests each councilor to state which structure they would like to go with.
Councilor Scofield: Option #4 with 12 years being the mid-point.
Councilor Root: Option #4 with 12 years being the mid-point, but open to Option #6.
Mayor Manick: Option #4; could lock in at 3 years and reevaluate.
Councilor Bushbaum: Option #6
Councilor Bixby: Option #6
After council discussion, motion by Scofield to accept and approve MIT Option #4. No second,
motion fails.
Motion by Bixby, second by Root to accept and approve MIT Option #6.
Yea: Mayor Manick, Councilors Root, Bushbaum and Bixby
Nay: Councilor Scofield
MOTION CARRIED
Motion by Scofield to accept and approve the Pay Grades as presented, second by Bixby.
MOTION CARRIED
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Feb 25, 2026
2.25.26 Council
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
38100000 City of Cook 218-666-2200
127 South River Street www.cookmn.us
P O Box 155 [email protected]
Cook, MN 55723
AGENDA- Reorganizational Meeting
COOK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, February 25, 2026 – 6 PM
Cook Community Center at 510 Gopher Drive
Call to Order – Mayor Daniel Manick
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance
Mayoral comments
Ehlers Public Finance Advisors documents related attached
to Special Council Meeting on Monday, March 2nd at 5PM
2.0 Approval of Agenda motion/support/vote
3.0 Consent Agenda motion/support/vote
Any item may be moved to Specific Agenda upon request of Mayor or Councilor
3.1 Regular Council Minutes of January 28, 2026 attached
3.2 Bill Presentation attached
3.3 January 2026 Liquor Store Sales Report attached
3.4 Resolution 260225A Donations Designated attached
3.5 Ambulance – January 2026 report attached
3.6 Blight Committee Report attached
3.7 City Hall: Local Board of Appeal & Equalization OPEN BOOK attached
(May 30, 2026, 11AM-12PM at SLC Office)
3.8 Maintenance Department Report attached
3.9 Pay Equity Compliance Notice attached
3.9.1 Planning & Zoning Committee Chair Report attached
4.0 Communication
5.0 Visitors sign up to speak – name and topic
Public Forum – 3 minute maximum per speaker
6.0 Public Hearings
7.0 Engineer’s Report
7.1 Bolton & Menk; 2026 State Bonding Bill Project attached
7.2 Engineering update report attached
7.3 Draft Capital Improvement Plan (Infrastructure) motion/support/vote
7.4 Wastewater
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Feb 25, 2026
2026 February Council
✓ Decided: Council approved water and sewer base fee increase for non‑residents
The Cook City Council approved several financial actions, including the Infrastructure Capital Improvement plan and a $7,500 fee for a wastewater facility plan amendment. It also committed $171,000 and $26,412 to IRRR grants and raised water and sewer base fees for non‑residents to $50, $65, and $75 over the next three years. Additional approvals covered a $1,500 fire‑department services contract, a $140,505 pay application to Lenci Enterprises, and the appointment of a resident to the HRA board.
- Approved Infrastructure Capital Improvement plan (motion carried)
- Approved Wastewater Facility Plan Amendment fee up to $7,500 (motion carried)
- Approved IRRR Public Infrastructure Grant commitment $171,000 (motion carried)
- Approved IRRR Residential Demolition Grant commitment $26,412 (motion carried)
- Approved water and sewer base fee increase for non‑residents to $50 (2026), $65 (2027), $75 (2028) (motion carried)
- Approved professional services contract $1,500 for MN Public Safety Group (motion carried)
- Approved Pay Application #6 to Lenci Enterprises $140,505 (motion carried)
- Approved appointment of Karen Schultz to HRA Resident Board (motion carried)
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 25, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER - 6 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A regular meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 6 PM on Wednesday, February
25, 2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0 CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City Councilors Jody Bixby,
Liza Root, and Jess Scofield. Excused absence Councilor Bushbaum. Also, present were Deputy Clerk/Treasurer
Dawn Kehoe, Ambulance Administrative Assistant Karen Schultz, Community and Economic Development
Associates Shaun Hainey, Client Service Manager Luke Heikkila, and Engineer Josh Stier with Bolton & Menk,
Members of the Public: John Jordan, Matthew Root, Gunner Stapp, and Mark Kronholm.
13.5 MAYORAL COMMENTS
A. Ehlers Public Finance Advisors documents related to Special Council Meeting on
Monday, March 2, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Mayor Manick shared with Council the proposal from Ehlers Public Finance Advisors
regarding a long-term financial management plan. Council is instructed to review the
materials and prepare for the Special Council meeting on Monday, March 2, 2026.
2.0 APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion by Scofield, second by Bixby to accept and approve the agenda. MOTION CARRIED
3.0 CONSENT AGENDA
3.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of January 18, 2026
3.2 _— Bill Presentation
Paid since last presentation $126,327.74
Presented for payment $159,808.51
3.3. January 2026 Liquor
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Feb 4, 2026
2026 February Special Council
✓ Decided: Council adjourned the special meeting
The council discussed several employee wage‑structure options from Gallagher and assigned Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe to gather current position, tenure, and wage data for all city employees. Council will continue reviewing the information and schedule another special meeting to take action. A motion to adjourn was made and carried.
- Clerk/Treasurer tasked to provide current employee position, years in position, and wage data
- Motion to adjourn carried
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 4, 2026 —- COOK FIRE/AMBULANCE HALL — 3:30 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A special meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 3:30 PM on
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the Cook Fire/Ambulance Hall.
1.0 ©=CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 3:34 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City
Councilors Jody Bixby, Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root and Jess Scofield. Also, present were Deputy
Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe
AGENDA: Wage Structure from Gallagher
Council discussed several options of an Employee Wage Structure provided by Gallagher. Action
item for Clerk/Treasurer Kehoe is to provide the current position, years at that position and current
wage information for all City of Cook employees to Council. This information will assist them in
choosing the best wage structure for all employees. Council is tasked with continuing to review
the information provided by Gallagher and will schedule another Special Council Meeting to take
action.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business brought before the Council, motion to adjourn at 4:40 PM was
made by Bushbaum, second by Scofield. MOTION CARRIED
CITY OF COOK — Cook, MN 55723
Nan
Daniel Manick, Mayor
Tet nt
Attest: Dawn Kehoe
Clerk/Treasurer
Wed Jan 28, 2026
1.28.26 Council
Council to reallocate $74,572 from salaries to contract services in 2026 budget
The Cook City Council will consider routine agenda items, including approval of the agenda and consent agenda. They will review an engineer’s report for a Little Fork River sanitary sewer crossing design costing $45,000, and a payroll direct‑deposit module with a $590 upfront fee and $195 annual support. The council will also vote on a new Park State Bank account, an updated 2026 administrative budget that moves $74,572 from the salary budget to contract services, and a 2026 fee‑structure resolution.
- Engineer’s Report – Little Fork River Sanitary Sewer Crossing Design, $45,000
- Payroll Direct Deposit module – $590 upfront cost, $195 annual support
- Resolution 260128B – Open new Park State Bank account
- Approval of updated 2026 Administrative Budget – $74,572 shifted from salary to contract services
- 2026 Fee Structure Resolution 260128C
budgetfinanceengineeringpayrollbankingfees
📄 From the agenda
Extracted text of the official agenda document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
38100000 City of Cook 218-666-2200
127 South River Street www.cookmn.us
P O Box 155 [email protected]
Cook, MN 55723
AGENDA- Reorganizational Meeting
COOK CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – 6 PM
Cook Community Center at 510 Gopher Drive
Call to Order – Mayor Daniel Manick
Pledge of Allegiance
Attendance
Mayoral comments
2.0 Approval of Agenda motion/support/vote
3.0 Consent Agenda motion/support/vote
Any item may be moved to Specific Agenda upon request of Mayor or Councilor
3.1 Regular Council Minutes of December 18, 2025, Regular Meeting attached
3.2 Truth in Taxation Public Hearing Minutes of December 18, 2025 attached
3.3 Special Council Minutes of December 31, 2025 Meeting attached
3.3 Bill Presentation attached
3.4 December 2025 Liquor Store Sales Report attached
3.5 Resolution 260128A Donations Designated attached
4.0 Communication
5.0 Visitors sign up to speak – name and topic
Public Forum – 3 minute maximum per speaker
6.0 Public Hearings
7.0 Engineer’s Report
7.1 Bolton & Menk; Luke Heikkila Client Services Manager motion/support/vote
Little Fork River Sanitary Sewer Crossing Design $45,000.00
8.0 City Hall
8.1 Payroll Direct Deposit for all Employees, Banyon Payroll Direct Deposit module
$590.00 up front cost, $195.00 annual support cost motion/support/vote
8.2 Resolution 260128B Park State Bank new account motion/support/vote
(accept Entrepreneur Fund payments)
9.0 Commission, Committee & Staff Reports
9.1 Airport
A
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Wed Jan 28, 2026
2026 January
✓ Decided: Council approved $45,000 design contract for Little Fork River sewer project
The council approved the 2026 Timber Days event, including the parade, fireworks, street closure, and gambling permits. It also approved a $45,000 design contract for the Little Fork River sanitary sewer crossing and a $590 purchase for a payroll direct‑deposit module. Additional actions included a $800 monthly stipend for the Deputy Clerk/Treasurer, promotion of that employee to Clerk/Treasurer, a waiver of blight violation fees until April 1, 2026, and correction of cannabis business hours.
- Approved 2026 Timber Days event (June 12‑14) with parade and fireworks
- Approved closure of River Street for Timber Days
- Approved gambling permits for Timber Days, St. Mary’s Church (April 19) and Cook Lion’s Club (Aug 29)
- Approved $45,000 design contract for Little Fork River sanitary sewer crossing
- Approved purchase of payroll direct‑deposit module for Banyon Payroll ($590)
- Approved $800 monthly stipend for Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Kehoe (3-1 vote)
- Approved promotion of Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Kehoe to Clerk/Treasurer effective immediately
- Approved waiver of blight violation fees for two appeals until April 1, 2026
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 28, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER — 6 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A regular meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 6 PM on Wednesday, January 28,
2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 6:03 PM.
1.2
ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City Councilors Jody Bixby,
Ron Bushbaum, Liza Root and Jess Scofield. Also, present were Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe,
Billing/Administrative Clerk Madeline Cox, Library Director Crystal Whitney, Ambulance Administrative
Assistant Karen Schultz, Airport Manager Doug McDuff, Cook Economic Development Authority President Char
Conger, Community and Economic Development Associates Shaun Hainey, Client Service Manager Luke Heikkila
with Bolton & Menk, Members of the Public: John Jordan, Michelle Manick, Carolle Wood, Valerie Annen, and
Jeannie Taylor. Media- Dave Colburn with the Timberjay.
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
13. MAYORAL COMMENTS
Mayor Manick recommends the Reorganizational Council Meeting should take place on the
second (2°) Wednesday of the month of January. That way the Regular Council meeting on the
fourth (4"") Wednesday of the month would not be so long.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Mayor Manick would like to move 9.11 Community and Economic Development Associates: Shaun
Hainey to 7.2. Shaun Hainey would like to add 9.9 C Clerk Designation to the agenda. Councilor Root
would like to add to the agenda
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Jan 12, 2026
2026 January Special Council
📄 From the minutes
Extracted text of the official minutes document (automated extraction — may contain OCR/formatting errors).
COOK CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
JANUARY 12, 2026 - COOK COMMUNITY CENTER - 5:00 PM
TIME AND PLACE: A special meeting of the Cook City Council was held at 5:00 PM on
Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Cook Community Center.
1.0 © CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Daniel Manick called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
1.2 ATTENDANCE: Present at roll call was Mayor Daniel Manick, and City
Councilors Jody Bixby, Ron Bushbaum, and Liza Root. Excused absence Councilor J Also, present
were Deputy Clerk/Treasurer Dawn Kehoe and Media Timber Jay.
AGENDA: 2024 Audit Review with Tom Kelly with Walker, Giroux & Hahne, LLC
Tom Kelly has been with Walker, Giroux & Hahne, LLC since 2010. He has been audit focused
since 2017 and has been auditing City of Cook ever since.
Kelly went over the completed 2024 audit and noted that the City of Cook is sitting financially
sound. Kelly spoke of the Airport being a Special Revenue Fund and not Enterprise Fund. This
means this department typically generates revenue to off-set the operating expenses.
Mayor Manick would like to see this type of meeting annually after every audit is completed.
Kelly recommends management to consider increasing the capitalization threshold from $2,500.00
to $5,000.00 for machinery and equipment, and from $5,000.00 to $10,000.00 for land
improvements, buildings, infrastructure, and capitalization improvements. This will reduce
ongoing recordkeeping for items of relatively small value. He will email Deputy Clerk/Treasurer
[Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
🌐 County-level context
County-level context — from BLS, IRS, FEMA, HUD, Census. These figures cover the whole county this city sits in, not just the city itself.
Fair Market Rent (2BR)$1,140/mo (58 assisted households · 2025)
Sources: BLS LAUS, IRS SOI, FEMA, NHTSA FARS, Census CBP, HUD