COHASSET—The Cohasset City Council approved the sale of a city-owned parcel for future business expansion, welcomed four new firefighter trainees and heard updates on several economic development and recreation projects during its meeting Monday, July 13.
The council approved a purchase agreement to sell a 0.7-acre triangular parcel north of Dale’s Auto Body for $10,000. City officials said the property is unusable for city purposes and currently is not on the tax rolls. The owner of Dale’s Auto Body approached the city about purchasing the parcel to expand the adjoining business property.
The council also approved hiring four firefighter trainees pending successful background checks and physical examinations. Fire Chief Dave Myers said the department currently responds to about 160 calls annually and remains below its desired staffing level.
Myers reported the department recently assisted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on the Two Harbors wildfire, generating about $9,000 in reimbursement. After expenses, the effort returned roughly $5,000 to the department’s general fund. He said Cohasset firefighters received praise for their work during the deployment.
The department also recently purchased new battery-powered rescue equipment, including a ventilation fan, replacement airbags and rescue jacks used to stabilize vehicles during extrications. Myers said the Cohasset Hook and Ladder Association plans to donate approximately $20,452 to reimburse the city for the equipment and other smaller purchases. The donation will come before the council as a resolution at a future meeting.
Myers also updated the council on the department’s new rescue truck, which is expected to enter service after installation of a radio and backup camera. Once the vehicle is in service, the city plans to sell its older rescue truck.
Economic Development Coordinator Ashley Craiglow also provided an update on ongoing development efforts. She said the city continues to market itself through its Facebook and economic development pages, averaging about 30 social media posts each month.
Craiglow said the city has begun using recently completed drone footage in its marketing efforts and launched a weekly “Tourism Tuesday” campaign highlighting local recreation opportunities.
She also reported the city received an Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation grant to complete preliminary site work for a proposed industrial park and continues discussions with a developer regarding a potential housing project near Northwest Second Street and Eighth Avenue. Craiglow said a recent comprehensive plan open house was well attended and generated positive feedback from residents.
The council addressed the following items in other business:
- Approved a wage adjustment increasing a returning seasonal public works employee’s hourly wage from $15 to $16, retroactive to April 15, under the city’s summer employee pay scale.
- Approved revisions to the city’s AWAIR workplace safety program, separating city employees and fire department personnel for safety incentive payouts.
- Approved annual resolutions reestablishing the city’s polling place, appointing election judges and setting election judge wages for the Aug. 11 primary and Nov. 3 general election.
- Adopted a resolution establishing procedures for counting write-in votes, as required by the Minnesota Secretary of State.
- Approved separate liability waiver forms for city recreation programs, paddle events and mountain bike and snowshoe rentals.
- Approved transferring the liquor license for Rocket’s Liquor Store from Rockets LLC, owned by Rodney Heller, to Everpine LLC, owned by Amanda Eckland, effective Aug. 14 pending state approval.
- Heard updates that new speed limit signs have been installed on Lake Avenue, River Road and Catherine Avenue, with enforcement underway by the Itasca County Sheriff’s Office.
- Received reports that Tioga Beach, the Tioga Recreation Area, the new fishing pier and local boat landings have experienced heavy use during the summer recreation season.
- Approved the consent agenda, including $108,477.13 in claims, meeting minutes and two cemetery deeds.