City Manager Rich Spiczka listed options to accomplish a new mission. One option would split the Parks and Recreation Department into the Parks and Trails Department and the Recreation Department.
During Monday's Bemidji City Council work session, a resolution to extend its Local Emergency status by two weeks was unanimously approved. On July 7, the council will reevaluate the declaration.
The council approved a resolution on Monday that allows the application of a housing infrastructure grant. If awarded, a significant housing project that brings 39 mixed-income units would follow.
During a May 19 Bemidji City Council meeting, a raise and extended severance package for City Manager Rich Spiczka was approved following a non-annual performance review on May 12.
The HRDC discussed a Greater Minnesota Housing Infrastructure grant program during the council work session on Tuesday. The council will review a proposal and cast a vote before the June 12 deadline.
Beltrami County currently operates two Bemidji recycling sites. Soon, a Fern Street location will open and act as the sole Bemidji recycling location. Bemidji's existing sites will eventually close.
The council approved a slew of motions, including a resolution to file a petition to annex a portion of Northern Township, a motion to increase City Manager Rich Spiczka's salary and a bid for a road project.
The two city of Bemidji liquor stores earned high marks from Financial Director Donna Coe, who detailed highlights from the 2023 Municipal Liquor Store Report.
A project to bring a YMCA to the Bemidji Rail Corridor received a boost during Monday's City Planning Board meeting when a Planned Unit Development preliminary review was unanimously approved.
A Northern Township event gave area residents a public comment to voice questions, comments and concerns regarding incorporation, the proposed wastewater facility and Bemidji's attempt at negotiations.
Northern Township will not reenter wastewater negotiations with the city of Bemidji and will file a petition to incorporate. Bemidji plans to file a counter-petition to annex, in requisite time.
The Bemidji City Council will host three public hearings and hear a report from Financial Director Donna Coe regarding the 2023 municipal liquor store report at its May 5 meeting.
The Bemidji City Council provided feedback for a new public forum policy and received an update regarding a state effort to remove all lead and galvanized pipe materials for clean drinking water by 2033.
