Guy Spurlin

The workshop meeting focused on four primary agenda items. Discussions included the potential abandonment of Roosevelt Avenue to combine two parcels of land related to the former Junior High and high school properties, which will require a public hearing. The Council also discussed the school redevelopment project, reviewing a proposal from real estate agents regarding potential builders and stressing the need to quickly finalize a land use plan to meet housing requirements tied to IRRRB funding. Further discussion involved setting rental prices and establishing resident versus nonresident rates for the Community Center based on returned surveys. Finally, a developer presented interest in a $20 million development project on Station Road 44, contingent upon the property being designated as a Federal Opportunity Zone.

The workshop meeting included a presentation from the President of the Laurentian Chamber of Commerce regarding the National Mainstreet Program and survey results concerning downtown needs. Additionally, a Tax Increment Financing 101 training course was presented by Ehlers Public Finance Advisors. The Progress Parkway Project Action Items were deferred for discussion at the subsequent City Council Workshop Meeting.

The workshop meeting addressed several key items. Discussions included the Fayal Pond Parking Lot improvements, noting that the project estimate exceeds $100,000 while the grant amount is $30,000, necessitating a rebid, and the City Engineer will review designs. Regarding the Law Enforcement Service Agreement with Fayal Township, the Council discussed raising the fee to cover one full-time police officer position. The Council reviewed the Zoning Administrator's analysis on vacating an alley request, noting potential high costs associated with moving power lines and confirming that the City Engineer will not survey the property; the City Administrator will inform the requester about procedures if they wish to proceed. The Council reviewed a proposal for a Data Practices Policy that would require a form and upfront payment for record inspection or copies. Progress Parkway action items included discussing trail lighting and bench locations, the relocation of the lift station at Station 44, future land development site layouts, and the funding extension until 2031. Finally, updates were provided on the School Redevelopment Property and Community Center Project, including staff interviews and determining fiber availability.

The Special Meeting convened to address new business, specifically the approval of the 2025 Eveleth Pay Equity Report. The report was approved unanimously by the council members present.

The Council meeting included the approval of payroll and claims for mid-January. Key discussions involved accepting a donation for the K-9 Unit and accepting the resignation of a member from the Fire Department. Land licenses for the Alice Location were approved for three entities. The Council authorized the City Engineer to proceed with design services for the Station 44 Lift Station and approved the purchase of a Sulzer 5hp Pump for the holding pond return. The City of Eveleth Data Practices Policy was approved. Responses to St. Louis County regarding Progress Parkway action items were authorized, and additional purchases not exceeding $5,000 were authorized for the Community Center. The Council held a closed session to develop offers for the purchase or sale of real property concerning Parcel 44, supporting continued negotiations with a potential developer. A resolution was adopted to accept a donation to the Library in memory of Joe Rozinka. The next Regular City Council Meeting was rescheduled due to a holiday, and an On-Site Meeting for the full Council at the Community Center was scheduled. Committee reports mentioned efforts toward establishing a local grocery store and discussions regarding VEEDA property and CDBG grants. Administrative presentations covered a water break, the receipt of an OEM Services Grant for the Ambulance Service, preparations for the City audit, and potential future discussions regarding developing an apartment at the former school site and vacating Roosevelt Avenue.