Josh Hedberg

The board addressed numerous operational and project-based items, including the extension of the bid deadline for the old town hall/library building removal and the decision to table bids for community center equipment. Presentations were made on local survey results regarding community needs. Actions taken included approving a resolution to support transportation funding, appointing an election worker, and finalizing a fire tower lease agreement. The board also authorized several external budget amendments related to capital acquisitions, such as a new plow truck and fire truck, and approved payments for environmental services and architectural work. Further discussions covered the postponement of the spring cleanup event and status updates regarding infrastructure projects, including the hospital site, community center, and town shop.

The board conducted a closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding litigation strategy and potential options for withdrawing from the Landfill Venture Group. Following the closed session, the board took action to authorize legal counsel to issue formal correspondence acknowledging the town's exit from the Landfill Venture Group.

Key discussions included the upcoming change in the Fire Station's classification effective May 1, 2026, which may allow residents within 5 miles to request insurance decreases. A report noted that Engine 2 suffered catastrophic damage assisting in a house fire, pending repair cost approval. The Clerk reported on the conclusion of tax season, record retention review before moving to a new facility, preparations for the April 7, 2026, Primary Election, and the final Room Tax Collection for 2025 totaling $67,292.25. The board approved the January 2026 Financial Report and payment of checks from January 1 through January 31, 2026. Actions taken included approving a letter of recommendation for the Phelps SkillsUSA Team, hiring Brandi Warwick for temporary custodial services and Dorothy Kimmerling for temporary file sorting services, and appointing Stephanie Sorn to the Community Development Authority (CDA) Board. The board decided to seek quotes for moving town office equipment and files rather than immediately hiring a moving company. Budget amendments were approved to cover additional 2025 Audit Fees related to a Federal FFP Grant, and to cover capital outlays for EMS Radios. Two ordinances were approved for signing and publishing: Ordinance 2023-01 Room Tax (as amended) and Ordinance 2026-01 Animal Control. Updates were provided on the Hospital Site Redevelopment, the RFP process for the existing Town Hall/Library sale, progress on the new Community Center (roof being shingled), and the new Town Shop project (drywall and wiring installation). The board decided to await their attorney's review regarding the Town's financial liability before finalizing their exit from the Hwy G Landfill Venture Group.

The Regular Town Board Meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included public safety concerns regarding reflective clothing for pedestrians and unauthorized use of snowmobile trails. Reports covered progress on construction sites and the Phelps Recycling Center/Transfer Site, where new punch cards are now available for purchase exclusively at the site. Action was taken regarding grant applications, with the Federal Land Access Program application being denied this cycle. Significant actions included approving the December 2025 Financial Report and related transactions. The Board approved PTO carry-over requests for Highway Employees due to weather-related unavailability. A proposal from Phelps High School students to conduct a town survey was accepted, with the Board agreeing to provide questions. Appointments were made for Democratic party election workers and a Member At Large to the Community Development Authority (CDA) Board. Cemetery-related requests were tabled for the next meeting. The Board decided to first seek an RFP for an Environmental Inspection of the town hall/library before considering selling it "as is." The outright purchase of a 1-ton pickup truck using LGIP Reserves was approved, as was an application to borrow $700,000 for a multi-purpose fire vehicle and the purchase of a new Command/EMS vehicle. A contract was approved with Silver Pines Services for Transfer Site Operations. Several amendments were made to the Room Tax Ordinance regarding reporting deadlines, payment timing to the Chamber, and increasing the interest rate for failure to file. Ordinance 2026-01 for Animal Control and the associated job description for an Animal Control Officer were approved. Finally, a Construction Management Agreement for the Forest Road 2205 Bridge Replacement Project with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians was approved. Updates were provided on the Hospital Site Redevelopment, the new Community Center project (including a discussion on naming the conference rooms), the new Town Shop project, and the Hwy G Landfill issue.

The special Town Board meeting addressed several significant actions. The Board approved the purchase of a 1-ton truck with a beacon light from Plach Auto, along with a plow attachment to be purchased using Hwy LGIP Reserve money. A furniture bid from EBI was approved, not to exceed $145,208.21, after concerns about the lowest bid being incomplete. Resolutions were approved concerning borrowing from the Board of Commissioners of Public Lands (BCPL) for the plow truck purchase and approving the 2025 Budget Amendments (Resolution 2025-09). Additionally, the purchase of a new Multi-Purpose Fire Vehicle from KME for $700,000 was approved, financed through a 9-year loan from BCPL. Discussions included handling unsolicited developer pitches for the Nursing Home property, finalizing the Republic Services Contract Agreement, and making the decision regarding the Landfill Venture Group (LVG) exit, confirming the Town's responsibility for past liabilities but not future ones.