The Babbitt City Council interviewed Braden Skifstad, currently a student at Bemidji State University for a job with the Babbitt police department.
Skifstad wants to work for Babbitt because folks “from outside this area speak very highly of Babbitt and I think that would align myself very well here.”
Skifstad spoke about his experience with his current employer, Bemidji State University’s Department of Public Safety, and how that has informed his tactics as a future law enforcement officer. He’s had experience de-escalating situations with the unhoused sleeping in campus buildings and in front of student dormitories. He also voiced his desire to further his training on how to help support victims of sex crimes, “I want to be super calm and approachable to the victim, remind ‘em of their victim rights as well.”
The council then discussed the land adjacent to Birch Lake Beach parking area, which is currently leased from Mesaba Trust by the city; the concern was the lease agreement would prohibit the city from being approved by the LCCMR.
Caitlin Stern, recreation coordinator, presented a new design for improvement of the beach area, including an ADA walking trail from the parking lot to the beach, hammocking logs, bike racks, new picnic tables and a fire pit.
The council approved the city to move forward with a grant application totaling $2.3 million. The grant, newly titled the Community Beach Access and Outdoor Recreation Development, (formerly the Marina Project) will be submitted to Legislative Citizen-Commission on Minnesota Resources.
For public input, Stephanie Teslow thanked the council for the unofficial survey Mayor Andrea Zupancich posted on the Facebook.
“I think that sets a very nice precedent…for future bonds (referring to the West Babbitt Development) and sort of quells some of the negativity that goes on.”
The poll asked the public what their thoughts were on the Marina Project.
After Teslow, Les Parson from the Geothermal Steering Committee spoke next, going over what the committee has accomplished regarding maintenance of the heating processors located in the Babbitt Municipal Building. He finished by offering up his formal resignation from the steering committee.
Councilor Jim Lassi spoke to the public about an unofficial record of all the hours he logged for city government in 2025, which came out to about 187 hours total, averaged out to 16 hours a month. Lassi stated this for anyone interested in pursuing one of the three positions opening up on city council in the fall, “for those people thinking of getting into this business…you better be prepared to put in the time.”
Nancy Sanford gave the city clerk update, beginning with praise for the ambulance department achieving 100% coverage for the last two months. Referencing the special meeting from the day prior, all department heads are now working on five and 10 year plans, to aid in continuity and budget tracking. The city has also been scheduled to meet with two credit analysts next Tuesday to receive a credit approval rating for the West Babbitt Development Project. Once the credit rating is received by March 24, the council has two hours to accept.
The Kurpius/Evenstad land purchase was discussed. Attorney Joel Lewicki recommended in a memorandum to the council, “I do not advise the sign, accept, or negotiate of this purchase agreement, because the contemplated sale was to accommodate the access issue, which is still dedicated. The city should not sell or rezone this affected parcel at this time because it is likely not affected.”
Council member John Fitzpatrick made the original motion to sell the land, seconded by Lassi in a council meeting on November 4, 2025. The council chose not to make any amendments or changes to the original motion at this time.
The repair, replacement, or ductwork of part of the heating system in the Municipal Building was discussed again. No action was taken.
In other business the council:
• Designated Zupancich as the state-mandated noxious weed inspector and Cindy Fitzpatrick as the delegated noxious weed inspector for Zupancich.
• Scheduled a closed session for April 7 to discuss exclusion of Pernsteiner Builders and Developers on the listing for the West Babbitt Development lots, which will be listed with Ely Realty.
• Mandated the flags flown at half-mast March 21-23 for Cody Siebert.
• Approved the separation of Darien White from the fire department by recommendation of fire chief Tony Chamberlin.
• Approved the opening of a temporary Teen Center attendant position for hire.
• Approved the street department purchase of cutting edges not to exceed $4,000.
• Approved to repay the Department of Human Services at the minimum payment required for the next five years after the state overpaid the city of Babbitt $33,000 of Medicaid benefits
• Read over the new city debt management policy.
• During the economic development meeting, discussed forgivable loan programs and low interest loans geared to incentivize small businesses to open in Babbitt. These programs will be implemented by Jan. 1.
• Heard the Community and Economic Development Associates will be presenting the council on June 11.
• Established a committee for the video and digital enhancement of the city of Babbitt, and to organize use of search engine optimization to draw more traffic into town.
