COOK- The city council here approved a low bid for street improvements associated with the Cook Care Center and asked for more information on possible additional upgrades as part of the half million-dollar project.

John Jamnick of JPJ Engineering presented a breakdown of the bidding on the road project as well as project estimates for milling and overlay of 5th Street. The three-part construction bid breakdown included the reconstruction and widening of Vermilion Blvd. The recommended bid was from Tony’s Construction for a total of $504,461. Of that, the city’s total cost would be $198,120.

Part one of the bid calls for the widening of Vermilion Blvd. to obtain approximately 24 parking stalls for the hospital, at a cost of $86,624 to be funded by the Care Center.

Part two of the bid included the reconstruction of Vermilion Blvd. from 4th Street to 5th Street to the south for seven additional parking stalls. The city would be responsible for $161,290 of the $212,607 bid, with the remainder to be funded by the Care Center.

Part three of the bid was $168,400 for site work at the Care Center, which would be funded by the Center.

The council approved the bid as presented by JPJ Engineering.

The council also discussed a possible change order to extend the milling and overlay of 5th Street from the Pioneer Apartments to Third Ave. SE, which was recommended by City Administrator Theresa Martinson. Jamnick estimated cost of the additional work at $17,000-$20,000. Councilors agreed with the need and suggested the addition of a sidewalk on the street. In the end, the council asked Jamnick to come back with a solid estimate before making a final decision on whether to pursue the project addition.

Councilor Elizabeth Storm commented that the working relationship for the project between the City, Cook Care Center and JPJ Engineering has been excellent.

In other action, the council approved new ambulance personnel, while noting the need for additional First Responders and EMTs. Two new shift EMT positions will be added at $10.30/hr. for approximately 32 hrs/week. The council will reanalyze the new positions after a four-month trial. The city will host a First Responder class in hopes of getting more people to join the ambulance service, potentially working up to an EMT. If anyone is interested in being a part of the class or joining the ambulance, please call 666-2866. “If there are no people to serve, there will be no service,” Councilor Storm commented.

The council also heard from Tammy Palmer of the Recreation Commission on updates to the new Cook Community Center. Palmer reported the Friends of the Parks will be purchasing an expression swing and two spring riders for the playground. Palmer also reported the community center was near completion with the sound system installed and air conditioning to be working soon. Changes that the health department requested were completed. Marty Walker is looking to get quotes for the three-foot rock border around the building.

Councilor Storm reported on the Lake Vermilion Trail. She said the application for Regional Significance Designation is due June 15. In conjunction with North Woods Friends of the Arts, the new logo judging will take place June 16. Storm also commended Carol Booth on the project and noted progress in getting the trails ready.

In other business, the council:

•Approved Dawn Kehoe as the new City Office Assistant replacing Ruth Boudreau.

•Approved a recommendation from the Personnel Committee regarding Lois Pajari position change.

•Approved the AWAIR Program Annual Review.

•Approved to receive bids for the 1991 Ford L8000 Dump/Plow Truck.

•Heard about the IRRRB public forum scheduled for June 6 at Minnesota Discovery Center. The forum is a Recharge the Range/Strong Towns event and is the fourth in a series aimed at generating momentum around new and existing projects and ideas to help improve quality of life and diversify the economy of Iron Range communities.

•Heard about the Comet Theater hosting the movie premiere of “After the Reality”. The movie was filmed at Nelson’s Resort on Crane Lake. The movie will screen June 5 at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

•Noted that the 2016 Elections will take place at the Cook Community Center, NOT at City Hall.