Dave Sherman of the Planning Commission spoke to the Babbitt city council Tuesday night about the land behind Cherry Circle and the old access road to Reserve Mining. He said there appears to be some misunderstandings.
He said the land was discussed to be rezoned and Rich Evenstad requested access to property he owns. Gary Kurpius asked to purchase 6.5 acres of land behind his house.
Sherman said the recommendation was to rezone the land and sell the land, however, the minutes did not reflect this. The access to Evenstad should have been granted as the request was made in June. He also asked if the council was following the zoning requirements.
Evenstad discussed the council looking to sell a parcel to Kurpius and said that he had previously offered a higher amount in June at $2,500 an acre. Kurpius offered $1,800 an acre. Evenstad owns 26.65 acres adjacent to the property in question.
He said the sale to Kurpius would landlock his property and offered to purchase the roadbed. He questioned why the city would want to sell to someone who doesn’t want to develop the property causing the city to lose out on tax revenue.
Evenstad said the city could gain $20,000 in tax revenues with up to five lots being developed.
Lassi said an easement had been discussed previously and asked if now he wanted to purchase.
“I would prefer to own the roadbed or the property,” said Evenstad.
Mayor Andrea Zupancich said the problem was the easement was approved by planning and zoning but never approved by the council.
Council member Duane Lossing said Kurpius was amenable to Evenstad having an easement. Evenstad said he would rather own the roadbed.
“Had I known there was another offer on the property I wouldn’t have voted yes,” said council member Joe White.
Kurpius said he didn’t have any interest in the road.
A motion was passed 3-1 to sell the land to Kurpius and the road to Evenstad.
Council member Jim Lassi voted no and said Evenstad should have an opportunity to purchase the land. Zupancich abstained from the motion.
The council also dealt with a request by Matt Littler to be reinstated Littler from a leave of absence from the ambulance department.
White asked if Littler has a lawsuit against the city. City Clerk Nancy Sanford said Littler has filed charges of discrimination with the state against the city. Sanford said the city has a separate attorney for the matter and had recommended Littler be reinstated.
“I think we have to, to avoid any other complications,” said Lassi.
White said Littler was about to get written up for credit card issues and paperwork problems before he stepped down.
White said Littler resigned and White was appointed director for four months in an emergency meeting. White said there is a past between Littler and the city.
“I think the city would be making a mistake in this instance,” said White.
Lossing said the situation could change the dynamics of the rest of the service. The motion to reinstate Littler failed with only Fitzpatrick voting yes.
Zupancich asked that updated year to date financial reports be provided by Sanford as well as 2024 year end numbers.
“I don’t think we’ve seen accurate numbers,” said Zupancich.
Sanford said the numbers are only available through June. She said she could get them done through September, not November. Sanford said she hasn’t had time to get the financial reports completed.
“We need something to look at we haven’t had anything,” said Zupancich.
The council passed the motion unanimously.
In other business the council:
• Kept the amount of a fire protection agreement with Stony River Township the same at $3,000 per year.
• Had a six-page color coded chart on different employee leave programs that Sanford had put together in relation to the new Minnesota Paid Leave law that goes into effect on Jan. 1. She said the program will cost the city $12,000 a year. The program has a cost of .88 percent which can be split with the employee but Sanford said the city can’t charge the employees the .44 percent. The council questioned the legality of not being able to charge the employees, Sanford said it was due to the state law being unclear.
• Changed the date to sell land to Green Mining Company to Jan. 6.
• Sanford gave an update to the council. She said SEH Engineering looked at mold remediation in the old dental office and sheetrock over some venting. She said the ambulance is at 82 percent coverage of calls which is “greatly improved.” Sanford also said all police department shifts will be covered in December.
• Held a closed meeting involving allegations against an EMS member.
