Hermantown roundup: Utility Commission denies sewer credit; council to vote on $299K trail contract
Utility Commission denies additional sewer credit
The Hermantown Utility Commission met July 9 and, on a 5-0 vote, declined a request from Jan Holt for an additional credit on the sewer portion of a utility bill, citing existing policy. The commission also approved its May 14, 2026 meeting minutes (5-0) and adjourned by a unanimous vote.
City Council: special use permits, warrants on July 6 agenda
The Hermantown City Council was scheduled July 6 to consider several items, though minutes have not yet been published and outcomes are not confirmed. The agenda included a closed session to discuss lawsuits related to a proposed data center, held under Minnesota Statutes §13D.05 Subd. 3(b).
Routine items on the agenda included approval of general city warrants from June 16–30, 2026, totaling $641,616.36. The council was also set to vote on a special use permit for a greenhouse/nursery in an S-1 suburban zoning district and a special use permit for a 103-unit apartment building in an HM – Hermitown Marketplace zoning district.
Other scheduled items included resolutions on election judges, a grant application, an easement for Lightning Drive improvements, and authorization of a professional services agreement with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. for up to $20,000.
HEDA: 2027 budget, $300,000 treasurer bond on July 16 agenda
The Hermantown Economic Development Authority met July 16, with minutes not yet published. The agenda included a motion to establish the Treasurer's bond at $300,000, approval of the 2027 budget for submission to the City Council, approval of a 2025 Annual Report to the City, approval of an audit for submission to the City Council, and a report to the City Council on the Enabling Resolution.
Coming up
City Council — Monday, July 20: The council will consider a $299,394.02 payment to Veit & Company for construction of Keene Creek Trail Segment 4 (Resolution 2026-87). The consent agenda includes general city warrants totaling $674,509.67. Members will also vote on resolutions covering insurance coverage and municipal tort liability limits (Resolution 2026-84), an easement for the Lightning Drive Improvements and Trail Project (Resolution 2026-85), and a request for proposals for City Attorney civil services (Resolution 2026-86). Presentations on second-quarter financials, the capital improvement plan, and the 400-foot rule are also scheduled.
Planning Commission — Tuesday, July 21: The commission will hold a public hearing on a Planned Unit Development amendment from BMAX, Inc. for an additional twinhome (2 units) on the existing 10-acre site at 399x Stebner Road, bringing the total to 11 twinhome buildings (22 units). The amendment shifts the garage area and pickleball courts westward and removes a previously approved right-of-way extension. The commission will also receive notice of a withdrawn Preliminary and Final Plat application for the same site and a wetland replacement plan submitted by Minnesota Power/Allete for 1.12 acres at 5816 Morris Thomas Road.