Amber M. Zak

The Board meeting agenda was amended to include a Pay Period Adjustment under New Business. Discussion centered on the Treasurer's Report, noting plans for updated software in the new year. Reports were reviewed for Police (with reminders on vehicle removal for plowing and moving over for emergency vehicles), Fire, Road and Bridge, and Wastewater Board (noting the new plant is 100% operational). A new monthly Water report will commence. The Ambulance report noted anticipation of a Sprint Medic starting in January 2026 as part of a pilot project. In Old Business, the Board approved moving forward with ordering a 2026 Ford Explorer for police squad replacement from Lundgren Motors, contingent on the price not exceeding $48,500. Action was taken to approve final payment estimates and change orders for the 2023 Infrastructure Project. Easement correction issues were discussed for the McKinley Loop Trail project, and bids are expected to be awarded for the Thompson Farm Road Project in February. The proposal from Randy Pratt and Julie Kranz for McKinley Park Campground Management was accepted. New Business included paying bills, agreeing to a 3-year police coverage contract with the City of Tower, promoting a seasonal employee temporarily to the Maintenance Assistant position due to leave, issuing a cigarette license, keeping McKinley Park camping rates the same but adding a seasonal rate for non-electric tent sites, and authorizing negotiations for the Breitung/Kugler Fire Contract. A decision was made to defer selecting a TechBytes reservation system quote pending input from the new campground managers. The Board approved paying $13,250.00 for 2025 Ambulance Vehicle Aid. Finally, several fund transfers were approved to rectify past financial allocations, including moving funds to establish a dedicated Projects fund, rectifying payments to the Equipment Replacement Fund and Fire fund, and allocating funds for recreation matching grants. The pay period schedule was officially changed effective January 1, 2026.

The Breitung Township Regular Board Meeting included discussions and decisions on various topics. The agenda was amended to include "Babbitt Mutual Aid." The Treasurer's Report for October 2025 was accepted, with a discussion on the police levy. Reports were given by the Police, Fire, Road and Bridge, Wastewater Board, Ambulance, Housing, and Recreation departments. A grant of $28,200 was awarded to Breitung Township for work on the bike trail and ball field. The Police Local 346 Union Contract was accepted with the addition of Article 7, Paid Family & Medical Leave. The board reviewed and approved changes to the McKinley Park Campground contract section by section. The board approved the use of Tacos-with-Cops income for assisting local youth in need. A Memorandum of Understanding regarding Paid Medical Family Leave with Operating Engineers Local 49 was approved and signed. The board also discussed and approved a mutual aid agreement with the City of Babbitt pending attorney approval and pay rate adjustments.

The Breitung Township Regular Board Meeting included discussions on various topics such as AIS Grant opportunities, correspondence from the St. Louis County Board of Adjustment and the St. Louis County Association of Townships, and an invitation to the RAMS Annual Dinner. Reports were given by the Police Chief, Fire Chief, and Road and Bridge departments. The board reviewed and discussed the Police Local 346 Union Contract, a police squad replacement, current infrastructure projects, flood/FEMA process, a broadband project, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan. Changes to the Employee Handbook regarding Workers' Compensation Insurance were reviewed and approved, and the Minnesota Paid Leave Act was discussed. The McKinley Park Campground was discussed, including the manager contract and an accessibility project. The board also discussed the purchase of a used fire truck, equipment sale, snow removal contractor, membership to the St. Louis County Association of Townships, and approved Resolution 2025-21: Accepting Donations.

The board discussed several topics including the township's membership in the St. Louis County Association of Townships, cannabis ordinance amendments, and reports from the Police, Fire, Road and Bridge, Wastewater Board, Ambulance Commission, Recreation, and Lake Vermilion Lodging Tax Joint Powers Board. Old business included updates on infrastructure projects, the Flood/FEMA process, the Police Local 346 Union Contract, the Broadband Project, and the Joint Comprehensive Plan. New business included paying bills, McKinley Park Campground, Resolution 2025-20, Boat Launch Fee Waiver, and Parcel 270-0110-2912 -- Driveway/Utilities.

The board meeting included discussions and updates on various township matters. These included reports from the Police, Fire, Road and Bridge, and Wastewater Board. The Wastewater Board reported the new water plant was running and testing was underway. The Recreation Committee discussed a grant proposal and potential movie events in the park. Updates were provided on infrastructure projects, including the McKinley Loop Trail which received grant funds. The board discussed the Police Local 346 Union Contract, broadband project progress, a joint comprehensive plan with the City of Tower, and workers' compensation insurance. New business included paying bills, a potential transfer of existing trails to Mesabi Trail, and resolutions for levy certification and accepting donations. The board also discussed the Minnesota Paid Leave Act and its implications for the township.