Development News for Hibbing, Minnesota

City to Replace and Recycle Thousands of Residential Garbage Cans in July

The city is planning a large-scale replacement and recycling of approximately 4,000-5,000 residential garbage cans in July. This initiative is part of a new software-driven garbage can installation project. A contractor will remove, prepare, and recycle the old cans, with a minimum cost of $24,000 and a not-to-exceed cost of $50,000 due to the variability in can types and recyclability. Public engagement will precede the rollout to ensure residents leave cans out for pickup. The new cans will feature RFID tags for the new system, and old cans will not be dumped; instead, they will be collected for disposal or recycling. The process is expected to take two weeks, starting the week of July 20th, and will be managed from the arena parking lot. A small number of older Chisum cans may also be addressed, but their recyclability and desirability by Chisum are uncertain.

City Debates Caps and Buffer Zones for Cannabis Retail Licenses

The city is discussing potential changes to its cannabis licensing ordinance. A business, 'Stash Dispensaries,' has requested two specific changes: 1) establishing a 1,500-foot buffer zone between dispensaries and 2) capping the number of retail licenses to two within city limits. While one council member expressed discomfort with businesses randomly influencing public policy, the idea of capping licenses was considered more favorably, though the number 'two' was questioned. Other perspectives suggest that while the current ordinance has no cap, the number of inquiries (at least three potential retail locations are progressing) suggests a cap might be beneficial for managing growth and ensuring business viability. The city attorney noted that capping would only apply to retail licenses, not cultivation or manufacturing. A discussion ensued about the minimum number of licenses required based on population (one per 12,500 residents), suggesting a minimum of two for this city. Other cities like Virginia and Grand Rapids were mentioned regarding their licensing approaches.

City Evaluates Redevelopment of Vacant Properties and Considers New Public Safety Supervisor Role

The city is considering its next steps for several vacant or underutilized properties. These include the former fire department building, the currently vacant stunts garage, and the Dolan's property. The fire department building is slated for demolition. Integrity Builders has expressed interest in the stunts garage for a modular home operation, and a tour is being considered. The Dolan's property, a 60-acre parcel at the intersection of Dylan Road and Highway 169, is being evaluated for commercial development, potentially a large truck stop. Aspects like ingress/egress, building setbacks, and the existing home on the property are being assessed. The possibility of extending the cemetery onto a portion of the Dolan's property was also raised. Additionally, the city is discussing the creation of a Community Service Supervisor position to oversee various functions including blight, parking, animal control, and administrative support for public safety, with community service officers (CSOs) being directed by this role.

City Considers Fees for Commercial Cardboard Pickup to Offset Financial Losses

The city is experiencing a significant financial loss of $160,000 to $170,000 annually due to the uncharged collection of commercial cardboard. To address this, the city is considering implementing fees for cardboard collection. A survey will be conducted to gauge business willingness to pay for this service. If businesses opt not to pay, they will be given the option to dispose of cardboard in their regular garbage, which would then be charged as part of the waste management service. Larger businesses with appropriate trucks will be approached directly, while smaller businesses may be offered mail-in options or advised to use the recycling center. This initiative aims to treat cardboard collection as an enterprise fund to cover its costs.