Joel Lewicki

The council discussed various development and administrative topics, including soil testing for the school redevelopment property to prepare for future residential projects, planning for the upcoming community center grand opening, and potential budget allocations for center equipment. Additionally, the council reviewed a modified job description for an office support position, considered revisions to the commission and board application form, and discussed zoning ordinance requests and the potential for recodifying the city code.

The council authorized the creation of a fund balance for Community Center purchases and approved the solicitation of quotes for soil assessment at the school redevelopment site and for 2026 curb and sidewalk replacements. Additionally, the council approved the Spring 2026 refuse and yard waste pickup schedule, the purchase of a new police vehicle, a grant application for the sanitary sewer plant, and the closure of a section of Roosevelt Avenue for use as a basketball court. The resignation of an ambulance EMT was accepted, and reports were provided regarding local economic development, infrastructure progress, and upcoming community events.

The meeting included the approval of several previous minutes from late January and early February 2026, and the approval of the current agenda with two additions: Pedestal Lights at the Community Center and a Letter of Support for a Minnesota Department of Public Safety Crisis Response Grant. New business involved accepting donations from the Eveleth Volunteer Fire Auxiliary and the Carnegie Corporation of New York (the latter being $10,000 for the Public Library). The Council authorized an application for the 2026 Literacy Bridges Community Grant Program, authorized the Library Director to attend the 2026 Public Library Association Conference, accepted the resignation of a Part-Time Library Clerk, and set a Public Hearing for the City of Eveleth Public Finance Policy for March 16, 2026. Authorization was granted for payment of Parking Lot Improvements at School Redevelopment Property and to complete a municipal credit line application. Decisions were made regarding new furniture for the City Administrator's office and authorizing additional purchases and establishing fees for the Community Center, which is set for a Grand Opening on March 14, 2026. The Mayor was authorized to sign a Letter of Support for the Intersection Safety Project Building Grant. The Council approved an Exempt Permit for Holy Spirit Church at Resurrection Church and authorized a $3.75 wage increase for Emergency Medical Technicians, partially funded by a grant. The Council entered a Closed Session to develop offers regarding the purchase or sale of property at Station 44, after which they authorized staff to continue negotiations with Developer Rob Finnigan. Approval was also given for replacing six pedestal lights at the Community Center and approving the Letter of Support for the Crisis Response Grant, which aims to fund a social worker in the 9-1-1 center. Council reports covered the Eveleth-Virginia Airport Authority, the Joint ATV/OHM/Snowmobile Trail Board, and updates on the former IGA property development and a water leak on Main Street. The City Engineer noted the need to start a project priority list for 2027.

Key discussions included the City of Eveleth Public Financing Policy, with plans to hold a Public Hearing in March 2026 to receive feedback. For the School Redevelopment Property and Community Center Project, topics covered approval of a bill for parking lot improvements, the Tax Increment Financing process with Ehlers Public Finance, and setting prices for multi-family apartment lots with reinvestment plans for property amenities. For the Community Center, damaged entryway lights were discussed, and estimates will be added to the agenda; the waiver document for bouncy houses is under review by the City Attorney. The Council expressed favor for posting a part-time clerical position for the City Clerk's Office. Discussions also involved the potential purchase of the 1402 building to resolve the VEEDA Agreement with the City of Virginia. Updates confirmed the Scenic Rivers Clinic in Eveleth is not leaving, and next steps are being determined to connect fiber optics to the Community Center at an estimated cost of $20,000.

Key discussions during this workshop meeting included the School Redevelopment Project, where updated maps were presented. The Council reviewed the layout for a Multi-family Building Project and decided to obtain bids for soil testing. For the Community Center Update, quotes for cleaning services were reviewed, favoring a split approach between two vendors, and plans for the Grand Opening on March 14, 2026, were detailed. The Community Band requested use of the former band room for storage and practice. Administrators highlighted the upcoming Town Hall Meeting presentation. Discussions also covered the potential for Eveleth to purchase the 1402 Building to terminate the VEEDA agreement, and negotiations regarding the Law Enforcement Service Agreement with Fayal Township, including a proposed increase in their payment structure to reach $160,000 by 2030. The Council determined they were not interested in selling land to Dollar General for a proposed store. A policy regarding property owner responsibility for frozen meter replacement costs ($100 fee for $250 meters) was suggested. Finally, the Mayor stated he would inquire about City support for the 4th of July Committee for the 250th Anniversary celebration, and the Council noted they currently lack storage space for the Rock Ridge School Golf Team's golf simulator.