At Tuesday’s council meeting, Sheri Israel asked the council to approve the use of Central Park on 37 Central Blvd. for a Babbitt Farmer’s Market. Israel has experience as a vendor at the Ely Farmer’s Market and will spearhead the vendor application process.
“Our season will run weekly every Thursday from June 4 through Sept. 24. Our hours will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and set up can begin as early as 2 p.m. If you grow produce, you need to be registered with the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. If you make food products, you will need to have a cottage license registration through the Minnesota Department of Agriculture,” said Israel.
The council had some discussion about extra parking for attendees, liability and insurance for vendors and attendees, and whether peddler’s permits are necessary.
“I think there’s some administrative work that needs to happen between us and you… just some of the details, we’ll work through it; it’s a great idea,” said city clerk Nancy Sanford.
The council passed a motion to approve Central Park usage on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. If interested in becoming a vendor, reach out to Israel at 218-994-1156.
The council created a Police Department Committee to figure out a direction for the Babbitt Police Department.
The committee will consist of two council members, and up to seven members of the public. Committee applications are available online at or available for pickup directly from City Hall. Applicants must turn in the form by May 28 in order to be approved for committee membership at the June 2 city council meeting.
The council applied for a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission, which was discussed in a meeting on May 15. The CUP would be for digging a gravel pit, in order to sell the material to Rachel Construction, for use in the West Babbitt Development.
In that meeting, members of the planning commission heard from Chris Koivisto, the city zoning officer. Koivisto expressed concerns from multiple fronts, including maintenance of the pond after excavation and managing flood potential.
“I don’t think that doing it in this rushed manner is the best business,” said Koivisto. The planning commission decided not to hand down a recommendation to city council, and city council decided to let the CUP die.
“KnowingwhatIknownow,thatI did not know then, I would not have approved the CUP,” said council member Jim Lassi, also a member of the planning commission. “They (Rachel Construction) can get the gravel at other nearby sources.”
Council member Joseph White spoke directly to the public regarding the harassment and cyber-bullying the city council and city hall staff is facing on the Facebook site What’s Up Babbitt.
“Freedom of speech does have a price: you have a right to say whatever you want, and I will never impede you to do that. But understand there’s a consequence for the things you say. Whether you see it or not, it’s impacting our community in a very negative way.”
Sanford elected to open up a portion of her closed session regarding clerk-treasurer performance and wages, to the public and addressed the allegations of fraud against her and her husband.
“We were cleared 100 percent. 100 percent. I have never paid restitution to somebody…I have never stolen somebody’s salary.”
In other business the council:
• Accepted Logan Meskill’s resignation from the recreation department effective August 7.
• Hired Troy Bissonette as a seasonal part-time patrolman for the police department
• Approved a resolution authorizing sponsorship of the ATV, snowmobile, and cross-country ski trail operated by Babbitt ATV & Snowmobile Club.
• Passed the CUP for 25 Hemlock short-term rental
• Denied the hiring of a police department applicant.
• Approved the purchase of police department software/technology replacement for $30,006.12.
•TabledthePDRadioEquipment and Squad Car Purchase for the PD Committee
• Approved to post the Assistant Recreation Coordinator Position Opening
• Hired Leo McKrahl, Arturo Cameron, Landyn Saltzman, and Cyle Merhar for Recreation Summer Help
• Hired Danica Sunblad, Lucas Stalboerger, and Collin Walker as StreetDepartmentCasualLaborers
• Waived Gym, Kitchen, Tables and Chair fees for Friends of Library October 9 & 10
• Approved Firemen’s Relief Association Temporary Liquor License June 13, 19, 20, & 21
• Directed Public Utilities Commission to make a decision about the Brownfield Grant for 39 Garden
• Directed administration to set up a meeting between the Recreation Department and various groups that utilize the Senior Center
• Took no action on Resolution No. 2026• 09 Regarding the 2011 Comprehensive Plan
