SOUDAN- Randy Pratt, who took over management at McKinley Park Campground this season, has asked the Breitung Town Board for changes in the contract, including a pay increase, for the campground for the 2027 season. Pratt and his wife Julie Stellmach managed the campground this year for the first time, although the couple has managed Tower’s Hoodoo Point Campground for years.
Pratt is requesting the township raise compensation from $36,000 to $50,000. He said the change is needed because several of the assumptions they made when bidding on the contract were incorrect. That includes lower-than-expected sales at the campground store and a higher amount of maintenance work. If this change cannot be made, Pratt told the board, they will decline the second year of the contract. Last year, only one other party bid on the contract. At $80,000, it was much higher than Pratt’s bid of $36,000.
Camper contracts and money collection guidelines will also be updated prior to next summer. The board is reviewing compensation for the Pratts and requested written recommendations regarding rate increases and requested changes be presented at the next meeting.
Police report
Police Chief Dan Reing reported that the new squad is almost ready for active duty and is in Duluth waiting for final detailing and software installation. Reing reported they passed the compliance review audit that occurs every three years.
Reing reported nine total traffic citations. Six of those citations were for speeding, including an adult male at 77 in a 60-mph zone and one adult female surging to 93 in a 60-mph zone while passing a string of cars. There was one citation for disorderly conduct and underage consumption. Other citations included fleeing a police officer on foot and failure to move over. There were 184 service calls in the month.
In other action, the board:
• Heard a request by Tony Perpich, president of the Indian Point Road Association, who requested that the township plow 2.5 miles of road between Mud Creek and Indian Point Roads. The board will seek legal review from attorney Bob Pearson concerning road maintenance (filing, grading, plowing) and ownership. The matter will be discussed further at an upcoming meeting.
• Heard recreation updates on the Frisbee disc golf project being scaled back to three baskets in the park area, with future expansion possible if successful and if grant funds allow.
• Heard discussion on infrastructure projects. The McKinley Park Loop Trail plans were submitted to FAA for review with anticipation of an October bid to secure funding this year for work to be done in 2027. Funds must be appropriated in order not to lose $700,000 in grant funding.
• Heard an updated report on noxious weeds by Stephanie Ukkola, who said there was substantial progress in weed abatement with maintenance supervisor Tom Gorsma and the maintenance crew eliminating large patches of tansies. A motion was passed to refer one negligent resident to the county for further action.
• The board passed a motion for the township to sign and accept a LRIP amendment for a change by MNDOT to add a fourth lane turn/pass lane on each side as part of the Thompson Lake Rd. project. LRIP will cover the $27,000 additional cost. Mesabi Bituminous plans to start work at the end of August.
• Heard discussion on the Conduct ADA site visit at McKinley Park and upcoming meeting Sept. 14 with consultant Mara Peterson. A day-long review of the campground will take place with a small group of Breiting representatives and campground manager Randy Pratt.
• Heard Big Truck Night is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 after school at the recreation area. The event is jointly sponsored by the township and by Early Childhood Family Education.
• Heard discussion by Steve Tekautz on the Joint Comprehensive Plan with two public meetings scheduled to define community needs. Meetings will be Wed., Sept. 23, 4-6 p.m. at Breitung Community Center and Thursday, Sept. 24 from 4-6 p.m. at the Lamppa Civic Center. Mailers have been sent out to residents in Tower and Soudan with a survey. Surveys need to be completed by Sept. 4.
• Heard discussion of a PLA (project labor agreement) with Patrick O’Connell of the Laborer’s Union, Iron Range Building Trades about an agreement between township, contractor, and trade unions. The agreement ensures the use of prevailing wages per state certification. It also standardizes rules across contractors. It offers local hire-protection whereby out-of-area contractors must sign into local union agreements and keep economic benefit within the community. Supervisor Matt Tuchel made a motion to instruct the clerk to write up a resolution approving utilization of a project labor agreement with a $150,000 threshold. The agreement will be adopted at the next meeting.
• Passed a motion regarding the sale of the firetruck to relist it on the state auction site MN Bid for another 30 days at $20,000 (no reserve) as it has not yet sold. Original cost was $50,000 fifteen years ago as a used vehicle.
• Passed a motion directing the clerk to list the 2013 F-350 truck with plow and sander on MN Bid for a minimum bid $15,000 (no reserve) for 30 days. The truck is well maintained with 105,000 miles on it.
 Passed a motion to approve fire department applicants Tyler Vogue and Tanner Banks, pending background checks by Officer Reing.
• Passed a motion to approve a rescue ATV siren and speaker for $611; and 16 Firefighter PPEs (waterproof parkas) at $125 each including $15 per piece for lettering for a total of $2,240.
The board’s next meeting is on Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 6 p.m.