TOWER— The Tower Economic Development Authority, at a special meeting Jan. 9, laid the foundation for operating as an independent entity for the first time in several years. The change marks a return to the original intent of the Tower City Council, which created TEDA in 1996 as an independent authority under both its founding documents and state statutes.
City officials, in recent years, had denied TEDA information about and access to its own revenues and blocked or stymied efforts by TEDA to implement its development plans.
TEDA, now operating as its own authority at the recommendation of the city’s new clerk-treasurer Victoria Ranua, approved a 2020 budget back in December and, on Jan. 9, hired Marshall Helmberger as its new part-time executive director. Helmberger will handle administrative functions for the authority, assist the board with strategic planning, oversee management of TEDA facilities, advance identified projects, manage the authority’s budget and assist businesses interested in development in Tower. The part-time position sets a maximum of 40 hours per month. Helmberger, the former president and vice-president for TEDA, was among three candidates who applied for the open position.
In other action, TEDA:
Recommended the appointment of Miranda Kishel to fill the board position vacated by Helmberger. Kishel, of Tower, has a background in business and finance, is employed by the Entrepreneur Fund and runs her own local business.
 Approved the creation of a Tower Harbor Development Committee to restart efforts to bring development to the city’s harbor district. With the harbor plat now finally completed, developers associated with Tower Harbor Shores are considering possible new approaches for developing the area and will be working with TEDA representatives to further define those ideas.
 Discussed options for addressing ongoing roof leakage at the local charter school as a result of ice-damming. Recent leakage did damage some school contents and materials and may require an insurance claim. The school building is owned by TEDA.