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City Government
City Officials
When there is participation, local government functions more successfully, and meets the need of its citizens. Such participation ensures new ideas and reviews the various city activities.
City Council Members
Bruce Johnson (320) 286-5646, mayor; Butch Amundsen (320) 286-2566, Gordy Erickson (320) 286-2735, Wayne Murphy (320) 286-6201, and Carl Harju (763) 300-1481.
City office staff is composed of City Administrator Don Levens, City Clerk Peggy Carlson, Deputy Clerk Louann Worden and Public Works Director Ken Bakke.
City council meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in City Hall at 255 Broadway Ave. S.
The city council encourages residents to address the council regarding issues or concerns. The issues are generally researched by the staff and a report made to the city council at their next regular meeting.
The city administrator and staff implements policies established by the city council and coordinates all city activities. The various commissions, committees, and task forces appointed by the city council act as advisory sources to the council.
Any resident interested in serving on a board, commission, or committee and task forces should contact their council members or call the city offices at (320) 286-5505 for further information.
Cokato City Hall
255 South Broadway Ave., PO Box 1030, Cokato, MN 55321-1030. Web site is www.cokato.mn.us.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
County Assessor Wright County Courthouse
City Attorney Kennedy & Graven, Chtd.
Building Inspector Mid MN Dev. Commission
City Administrator Don Levens
Clerk Treasurer Peggy Carlson
Deputy Clerk LouAnn Worden
Public Works Director Ken Bakke
Museum Director Mike Worcester
City Engineer Bonestroo & Associates
Branch Librarian Mary Ackerman
City Appointments
Official Newspaper Enterprise Dispatch
Cokato Fire Chief Mike Holmquist
Ambulance Director James Erickson
Fire Department
The Department consists of volunteer fire fighters Jeff Amundsen, Jeremy Asfeld, Keith Asfeld, James Babb, Ken Bakke, Jeff Carlson, Reed Carlson, David Cole, Kurt Dahlin, Mark Dahlman, Hutch Erickson, Jim Erickson, Jason Miller, Mike Holmquist, Denny Johnson, Paul Keskey, Randy Lundeen, Jim Martinson Sr., Jimmy Martinson, Kelvin Nelson, Jarod Sebring, Sara Stack-Carlson, Nate Wilson, and Jim Winkelman.
Parks and Recreation
The general purpose of the Park and Recreation Commission is to monitor and reflect the attitudes and concerns of the citizens of Cokato relative to the park system, and also to advise the city council of public attitudes and policy relevant to park and recreation functions in Cokato.
Planning Commission
The Planning and Zoning Commission is the planning agency for the City of Cokato, and has powers and duties as provided in Minnesota State Statute. The commission holds public hearings as required in the Cokato Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Minnesota State Statutes.
Police Advisory Commission
The advisory group, along with council representation is charged with various duties and functions including the municipal budget, hours of coverage, intergovernmental cooperation, and public information programs. The commission also advises the city council on all matters concerning public safety issues within the city.
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
The advisory group, with council representation, is charged with responsibilities to encourage, retain, attract, and promote residential/business expansion, and enhance employment opportunities within the city.
Regulations
Building
The City provides boulevards and easements for the use of all public utilities including water, sewer, power, telephone, cable, storm sewer, street signs, and others. Within that boulevard and easement area, there is always a chance that underground utilities may need to be repaired or replaced. Property owners must be aware where existing landscaping or obstructions are within the easement or boulevard when work is done within that area.
House Numbers
To better locate your home in an emergency situation, and for public safety, house numbers are required to be displayed; so as to be seen easily from the street, with a minimum size of four-inch height. Numbers shall be a contrast color, and in place within 90 days of occupying the building.
Dog Licenses
Licenses are required for all dogs over six months of age. The license fee is $5 annually. All applications for license must be accompanied by a statement from a veterinarian indicating that the dog has been spayed or neutered, and has current vaccinations. The license is valid for one year, and expires on the first day of January each year. Dogs must be leashed or under the control of a responsible person at all times. Dogs are prohibited from habitual barking. Dogs running at large will be picked up; charge for pickup is $25, city fine, plus kennel charges.
Firearms Ordinance
This ordinance was designed to regulate the use of firearms, bow and arrow, and pellet guns in the city limits of Cokato. In general, such use or concealment of such instruments in the city is prohibited. For specifics on the ordinance, please contact the city hall.
Winter Parking
As in every Minnesota city, Cokato has an ordinance which regulates the parking of vehicles during the winter months. There is no parking on city streets from 2 to 6 a.m., November 15 through April 15.
Snowmobile Ordinance
The City of Cokato Snowmobile Ordinance limits snowmobiles to one trip out of town, and one trip into town only. No snowmobiling is allowed in the city from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. For specifics, contact Cokato City Hall.
Weeds
Each property owner has the responsibility of destroying noxious weeds on their land. If weeds are not destroyed by the property owner within a specific time limit, they will be destroyed by the city, and the cost will be charged to the property owner.
Zoning
All areas of the city are zoned for specific land uses, and regulated by Cokato Subdivision and Zoning Ordinances. Local, state, and federal regulations apply to all land alteration, construction, and/or structures within city limits.
Before planning a building, business, (home occupation or otherwise), land development, sign or other activity, contact the city offices at (320) 286-5505 to ensure that all requirements and regulations are met.
Building Permits
The city has adopted the State Building Code. Under the code, a building permit is required for any improvements (new, repair, remodel, or replacement) of a project. The value factors in labor, whether done by a contractor or yourself. All applications, instructions, and questions should be directed to the city offices at (320) 286-5505. Fees have been established by the city council. The permit is required prior to beginning any work.
Other Regulations
The city has regulations regarding junk vehicles, litter, curfew, and transient merchants, peddlers, etc. For further information, call (320) 286-5505.
Parking Regulations
No motor vehicle shall be parked within the city in any of the following places:
• on a sidewalk;
• so as to block a public or private driveway;
• within an intersection;
• within 10 feet of a fire hydrant;
• so as to block a crosswalk;
• in a public alley;
• at marked yellow curbs;
• at any place where “No Parking” signs have been placed by city officers, or pursuant to city rules and regulations;
• upon the shoulder of any trunk highway within the city.
No motor vehicle shall be parked upon any public street parking lot, or right-of-way within the City of Cokato between the hours of 2 and 6 a.m. in the downtown area.
Police shall have the authority to remove or provide for the removal of any vehicle found parked in violation of the ordinance or applicable state law to the nearest convenient garage or place of safety. All towing charges and storage fees shall be paid by the owner of the vehicle.
Flushing of Water Hydrants
The utility department will flush all water hydrants during the spring and fall. Try to avoid doing laundry during working hours of those weeks, since the rusty water could be drawn into your house and ruin your clothing. Notice will be published in the Enterprise Dispatch.
Refuse Pick Up
The City of Cokato contracts with Waste Management for refuse pickup. Residents should have trash cans at curb side on Mondays by 7 a.m. Special tags for extra bags can be purchased from Cokato Hardware, The Marketplace, and city hall. Refuse charges are billed by the hauler.
Utilities
Water and Sewer Service
Water and sewer customers are billed by the City of Cokato on a monthly basis. The bills go in the mail approximately the 15th of each month, and are due the last day of the month. Consumers are asked to record the meter reading as indicated on their pay stubs, and pay in person at city hall, by mail, or by depositing them in the drop box on the south side of city hall.
Water service may be turned off whenever any charge for water service on the present or former owner/occupant is unpaid.
If you are selling the property, contact the city hall at (320) 286-5505, and inform the city of the new owner, the date you will be closing on the property, and a final meter reading.
Water Service
The city supplies a water meter to residents. Any repair or leaking of the lines before or after the meter is the owner’s responsibility. The city does not supply labor for repairs or supplies. Owners should call a plumber. Should the line need to be replaced, it is the owner’s responsibility to pay for repairs from the curb stop to the home. A reminder: small drips from your water line can result in higher water bills.
The city makes every effort to notify affected property owners, either by phone or notice placed inside the front door, when there is an emergency repair or water shut off. Personnel do their best to complete the work as quickly as possible.
Household Hazardous Waste
Items such as paint, acids, pesticides, and aerosol cans should be brought to the Wright County Compost Facility. Call (763) 682-7338 for more information.
Grass Clippings
Residents are reminded to refrain from blowing grass clip
pings onto any public street.
Utility Contacts
Electricity: Xcel Energy, 800-895-4999.
Gas: Reliant Energy Minnegasco. 800-245-2377.
Telephone: Sprint, 800-788-3500.
Cable Television: Charter Communications, 800-581-0081; Channel 12 is the local public access channel in Cokato.
Diseased Trees
In order to prevent the spread of disease, all diseased trees should be removed as soon as possible. Boulevard trees are removed by the city.
Energy Assistance
Contact Wright County Courthouse at 800-362-3667 or Wright County Community Action Agency (320) 963-6500.
Annual Events
City-Wide Garage Sale
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce the last Saturday in April. Details in the Enterprise Dispatch
Cokato Corn Carnival
Second Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in August. Includes queen pageant, free corn-on-the-cob, parade, carnival, and entertainment on stage. For more information, visit the official carnival web site: www.cokato.n-tn.us/carnival/.
Business Expo
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. See Enterprise Dispatch for dates and time.
Santa Claus Day
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. See Enterprise Dispatch for date and location.
Pork Chop Dinner
Sometime in June. See Enterprise Dispatch for date and time.
Hospitality Day
Sometime in February. Free cherry pie and coffee. See Enterprise Dispatch for date and time.
Park and Recreation Facilities
Veterans Memorial Park
Playground equipment, picnic shelters - reserve at city hall, fishing pier.
Prairie Park
Picnic shelter, volleyball court.
Swimming Pool
Kiddie and adult pool, picnic shelter.
Mooers Ave.
Outdoor recreational skating and hockey rinks.
Railroad Park
Horseshoe set up
Tennis Courts
Basketball hoop
Peterson Park
Baseball diamond
Unity Park
Downtown area
Community Services
Cokato Public Library, 4th Street and Broadway Avenue, (320) 286-5760.
Cokato Museum & Akerlund Studio, 175 4th Street W., PO Box 686, (320) 286-2427.
Deputy Registrar, 330 Broadway Ave. S., (320) 286-2189.
Chamber of Commerce, 255 Broadway Ave. S., PO Box 819, (320) 286-5505.
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