By LeAnda Staebner

Cherry Road Media

The Towner Town Council approved a pay application for the city’s new water filtration plant and heard several project updates at its regular meeting held Aug. 11.

The council learned the city’s new water filtration plant went online Aug. 4.

City Clerk Michael Schultz reported that customers may have seen some water quality fluctuations when the plant went online.

A report to the council reiterated the water is safe to drink, but may have looked different.

“There will be noticeable changes, but plant operators want water customers to understand this is a normal process for putting the new plant into operation,” the council report stated. Water was expected to be clear running with several days.

Upon hearing the report, the council approved a pay application from the Army Corps of Engineers for approximately $128,000 on the project.

The council unanimously approved the application.

Schultz also reported an update to the council on the Harbor project, stating in May, an additional $566,000 was granted to the city of Towner, which is in addition to the $482,000 already received for a total of $1.048 million.

“The scope includes permanent installation of utilities supporting the Harbor project and the Marjo project,” the council report states.

The August update states work continues on preparation “for the infrastructure and site development. The bid package is being developed by Bolton & Menk and will be brought to council in the near future.”

Schultz indicated the council may need to hold a special meeting to approve putting the project out to bid.

On the Marjo project, it was reported that “work continues on the initial six units and the accompanying work related to the development.”

No action was needed by the council as of the Aug. 11 meeting.

Project updates:

· Rapid infiltration basin project: No new activity has taken place since the last council meeting.

· Hoodoo Point landing ramp project: The Department of Natural Resources has “encumbered the funds” for the project. The next step is to determine how to bid the project.

“Due to the project type and current documentation, there is minimal need to involve engineers in the project,” the council report states.

The city is gathering quotes. Schultz informed the council that quotes had not been received yet and council would need to further consider the project at its September meeting.

· Vermillion Loop Trail project: Going through the FAA process. No action needed from council at this time.

· Community infrastructure (Second/Third Street and Depot): This project was delayed until after July Fourth. An estimated start date was set for mid-August, but has not yet been established. No action needed by council.

· Depot Construction documents: The documents are completed. The next stop in the project will be added to future council agenda items, including the actual construction work.

· Tower Area Coalition of Trails: The city of Towner was successful in receiving the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Federal Recreation Trail Program grant for $200,000. The local match of $66,000 is being provided by Prospector ATV Trail Club.

Schultz told the council that the ambulance director duties are being fulfilled by several staff that have “stepped up during this time.”

He added that long-term options have been discussed, but necessary duties are being addressed.

Schultz also reported that the Tower Area Ambulance Service passed its state inspection and was advised there were no issues.

In personnel matters for the TAAS, Kathryn Hill has applied to the service and been vetted to join as an EMR, pending a background check. The council unanimously approved the hire.

It was reported the service responded to 50 calls in July.

It was reported that newly appointed Fire Chief Steve Freshour “continues to settle into his role.”

The city has received no applications for the fire chief position, according to the council report. The city will leave applications open for the time being.

Schultz informed the council that an ad hoc committee that has been reviewing the fire department has recommended the council approve repairs to the department’s PT1 apparatus. A high-level estimate of $15,000 was received from the manufacturer, Custom Fire of Wisconsin, for the repairs.

Some repairs include the rear leaf spring, batteries, oil change, gauges and lights on the pump panel, a variety of water level gauges, a variety of emergency lights, some body damage, pump testing and the auto air disconnect.

The council approved moving forward with the repairs.

City Department Reports

Administration

The 2026 Local Government Aid amounts have been announced. The city will receive $114,691. The Small Cities Assistance forecasted amounts have been announced. The estimate for the city is $16,325.

Schultz notified the council that no volunteers want to be contacted for the Depot security alarm. Of the four individuals on the list, two are no longer on the board and the other two don’t want to be on the list of contacts. It was noted there is a phone app that connects to the cameras so no one would have to physically go to the Depot to check the alarm.

Council Agenda Item Reports

· Hoodoo Point Campground: The electrical upgrade has begun and there are no issues or updates at this time. The campground suffered some damage from a recent storm. Several trees were blown over causing damage to campers and the well pump.

· Airport: The council voted to approve acceptance of a grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Office of Aeronautics for the airport zoning project. In approving acceptance of the grant, the council further approved a $57,400 professional services agreement for the Airport Zoning Ordinance by SEH, using 70% state funding to support the project at the airport.

· Forestry Board: The council approved a draft Forestry Plan presented last month by the Forestry Board.