Chuck Tekautz

SOUDAN- Long-time Supervisor Chuck Tekautz is retiring after 15 consecutive years of service on the Breitung Town Board.
“There’s a time for everything,” Tekautz said. “It’s been a good 15 years. I’m sad to see it’s gone but I’m getting older now. If I hadn’t been on the board, there are many nice people I would have never met. I’m going to miss it.”
Tekautz will be remembered for his dedication to the community and especially for his financial savvy.
“Everything I did I tried to get the best bang for the buck,” he said. Tekautz said he took seriously his responsibility to spend taxpayer money wisely.
Running unopposed for the vacant seat is newcomer Terry Anderson. Jorgine Gornick will seek reelection as treasurer, also running unopposed.
Township elections are set for noon to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 9. The annual meeting usually takes place after but because of COVID it may be held in person, on a video meeting, on the phone, or may be postponed until summer. Supervisors will make a decision at next month’s meeting.
Skating rink
Soudan ice rink attendants Alex Tomsich, Shawn Villebrun, Jayne Sundeen and Xander Port received hearty commendations from Supervisor Greg Dostert during the Jan. 26 Breitung Town Board meeting.
“I’ve been in charge of the rink for many years now, both on and off the board, and it’s the best staff we’ve ever had. I’m really happy with their work,” he said. “It’s taken a lot of pressure off me and maintenance.”
He noted their reliability, care for the rink, and Sundeen’s care for COVID-19 precautions. “She’s got it like a hospital in there [the warming shack],” he said.
Dostert said that the turnout for Chimpy’s parties is smaller than last year, as expected, because of the pandemic and the restrictions on the warming shack.
Dostert said that Hockey Day Soudan is set for Valentine’s Day, Sunday, Feb. 14, at 1 p.m. and asked participants to bring bonfire wood.
Police
The board accepted the resignation of Lieutenant Jason Sanderson, with regrets. His last day will be Thursday, Feb. 4.
The board also approved a motion to suspend on-call hours for Breitung Police in February, March and April. February through April has historically been the slowest time of the year for Breitung police and this is the second year the township has opted to trim winter hours. The decision saves both the township and city of Tower, which contracts with Breitung for police coverage, about $1,000.
Police holidays and leave time will be paid at eight-hour days but the officers will still be scheduled for twelve-hour shifts.
Projects
Breitung maintenance received a thank you and compliments from resident Tony Sikora for work on the trees near his home and professionalism in communication.
Supervisors will work with JPJ Engineering to plan the replacement of manholes on the Mesabi Trail. The township’s manholes on the trail are in violation of an agreement and must be fixed at a cost of $400,000. The work will be planned to coincide with trail replacement scheduled for 2022 when Mesabi Trail will completely replace the section of trail between the Tower train depot and the Soudan Store.
Gorsma will look into costs for replacing the township’s plow truck, as last year’s scheduled replacement was postponed due to the high costs of the town hall renovation project.
Other news
In other news, supervisors:
• Received a letter from St. Louis County Environmental Services to call ahead to make sure the landfills are open due to staff shortages.
• Heard that the Breitung Community Room will open as of Monday, Feb. 1 for events, but township offices will still remain closed. All events must follow COVID-19 guidelines. Call 218-753-6020 to schedule an event or meeting.
• Increased the monthly wage for the fire department training officer, Lance Dougherty, from $300 to $350.
• Heard that the Army Corps of Engineers has committed $3.5 million for the planned Tower/Breitung water filtration plant. Another $250,000 has been committed from IRRRB, leaving a $750,000 funding gap.
• Heard that the township was recommended for a $100,000 grant from CDBG and a $145,000 grant from IRRR for work to improve wastewater inflow and infiltration.
• The next meeting is set for Tuesday, Feb. 23 at noon with the board of audit to follow.