City of Tower musters a quorum to complete routine business

MONDAY, AUGUST 13, 2018 — Members of the Tower City Council have become like a well-oiled machine, rapidly moving through each agenda item set before the council and, mostly, unanimously supporting motions to approve the actions requested. The regular Monday, August 13 meeting of the city aldermen followed the same pattern and the meeting was accomplished in about 15 minutes by a shorthanded council.

Mayor Josh Carlson and Lance Dougherty were not in attendance at the meeting so Acting Mayor Kevin Fitton wielded the gavel and proceeded through the agenda capably. Alderman Brad Matich or Alderman Brooke Anderson made or supported each motion, with each motion quickly being approved by unanimous vote of the three members of the city council present.

A review of monthly reports was conducted by Acting Mayor Fitton. The city’s engineering firm, Short Elliott Hendrickson (SEH) was not in attendance at the meeting, but had submitted its usual written report noting that one item still remains on the “punchlist” to complete the work at Hoodoo Point Campground and that the city is still witholding payment in accordance with the contract with the contractor.

SEH further updated the city council on the town home development project projected for the East Two River Harbor. Their report notes that the developer is considering reducing the phase 1 development to only completing one building during that phase. In other matters, SEH reports that all wetland permits for the project have been approved and that Tower will soon need to authorize the purchase of wetland credits. The engineers are reviewing comments on the proposed plat submitted by St. Louis County and will soon submit the plat to be recorded by the county recorder. Apparently negotiations are continuing between the city and the developer and the development agreement remains in the hands of the respective attorneys, SEH reports.

The fire department, ambulance service and Breitung Township Police report were also reviewed by the city council before it considered the new business on its agenda.

Several items of relating to emergency services were addressed by the city council. Ambulance Supervisor and Fire Chief Steve Altenberg asked the city council to accept the resignation of Cory Kovatovich as an Emergency Medical Responder due to his moving out of the ambulance service area. Altenberg also submitted the resignation of Nick Levins as the ambulance Training Officer and recommended hiring Matt Tuchel to fill this position. Finally the city council addressed the retirement of Karel Winkelaar as an Emergency Medical Technician on the ambulance service. The city council unanimously approved all the request personnel changes and noted the resignations with a thank you and appreciation for the years of service completed.

The city council also discussed and gave tentative approval to having Altenberg continue exploring a modification of the fire department residency requirements. Altenberg reported that there was interest from people who do not reside locally, but work full time locally in serving on the department. The council authorized the Chief to bring back additional information and specifics on any proposed changes toa future city council meeting.