COOK—City councilors here were reluctant to sign on to the effort by the Cook-Orr Healthcare District Board to seek a legislative change to add five townships to its taxing authority. Hospital Board Member Eric Pederson, who represents the Cook area on the healthcare district board, attended last week’s council meeting to ask the council to sign on to the legislative push with Sen. Tom Bakk, 6B Rep. Jason Mesta and 3A Rep. Rob Ecklund.

As the Timberjay reported last week, healthcare district board members are seeking to tax residents of Greenwood, Vermilion Lake, Alango, Sturgeon and Morcom townships, as well as some unorganized townships in Koochiching County, to help pay the district’s $1.3 million annual levy.

The push has attracted mixed support to date, and has generated plenty of controversy in the townships that would be affected by the proposed change. The Greenwood Town Board (see story page 1) unanimously approved a resolution in strong opposition to the proposal at its reorganizational meeting last week. The city of Orr also declined to support the letter at their meeting earlier this month.

The Cook Council, likewise, took no action on Pederson’s request, with some councilors expressing discomfort forcing the issue as it is written, and suggesting the wording of the letter could be changed. However, councilors said they would strongly encourage townships to support the hospital board’s request.

In other business, Councilor Karen Hollanitsch gave an update on the airport with news of several unexpected expenses. The old tank monitor for the fuel system needs to be replaced. The city has received a proposal from Duluth-based B & D Pump, Inc. for a new Incon T-750 tank system. The new kit includes two tanks and monitor with a printer and software system, two probe and float kits, cap and ring kits. The total of the submitted proposal is $7,658. This would also include labor to remove the old system and installation of new tanks, as well as programing and training on the new system. This is an unexpected expense and the council voted to begin the grant work to secure funding with the DOT and is working with SEH Engineering on the new developments.

Hollanitsch also reported on the Ambulance Department’s annual meeting recommendations. The Ambulance Board voted to increase the service rates. As of April 1, the new base rate will be $1,300, the advanced life support rate will be $1,600, and the sled rate will be $850. The board also approved a one dollar per year per capita increase for the city and townships for the next five years. Hollanitsch also informed the council of Cook Hospital’s $2,000 donation to first responders for AED trainers and CPR mannequins. The council approved the board’s recommendations for the rate increases.

The council also approved the annual Fire Department meeting recommendations, including the 2016 financials, recommendations, and 2017 budget. Equipment purchases included rescue squad electrical upgrades at $7,000, and three sets of turnout gear purchased from the cash fund at $2,500-$3,000 each. The board noted they are seeking grants for air packs, estimating $50,000 for the project. The department is also updating all procedures and safety code requirements.

Councilor Elizabeth Storm provided an update on the progress for the Lake Vermilion Trail. The group has developed a plan to evaluate trail use with an infrared trail counter and site surveys with in-person interviews of the trail users. The group has also developed an Ecological and Land Resources Plan to preserve the integrity of the landscape and minimize the negative impact of the LVT. The plan will take into account sensitive environments to maintain biodiversity and native vegetation habitat while avoiding, minimizing and mitigating invasive species. The plan also recognizes the need to protect any rare, threatened or endangered species of plants and animals. Interpretation along the trail corridor is also a priority, acknowledging scenic locations, historic, cultural and geological sites.

The council also discussed how the new Sunday liquor sales law might affect Last Chance Liquor. The new law, which goes into effect July 1, allows liquor stores to be open for business on Sunday between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. The council did not take any action at this time. Administrator Theresa Martinson is scheduled to meet with the manager of Last Chance Liquor to discuss options regarding the new law.

In other action, the council:

‰ Received a letter from Meagan Esterby, president of the Friends of the Cook Public Library explaining their intention and progress in turning the group into a 501c3 non-profit. They filed for the non-profit status to allow the group to apply for grants for which they are not currently eligible. The Friends of the Library also felt this step would create a more professional and dedicated group.

‰Recognized that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has recognized Melvin ‘Bud’ Ranta with a “Certificate of Commendation.” The 2016 Wastewater Treatment Facility Operational Award was given for outstanding operation, maintenance, and management of the City of Cook’s wastewater treatment system. The award is merited for a facility overseen by a properly certified operator that does not exceed the permitted effluent limits and provides monthly and annual reports that are timely and complete. The award also recognizes the facility did not experience any unauthorized releases, enforcement actions or inspections identifying significant compliance problems.

‰ Heard Mayor Harold Johnston proclaim April 2017 Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The proclamation “is intended to bring awareness to the fact that sexual violence is widespread and is a public health concern for individuals, families, community members and communities as a whole.”

The council considered data from the Sexual Assault Program of Northern St. Louis County. Councilor Storm took note of 18 victims within the Cook, Angora, and Orr area. There were 491 victims counted by the program in Northern St. Louis County last year.