City of Cokato General Information
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
The Cokato City Council is comprised of Gordy Erickson, (320) 286-2735, mayor; and members Butch Amundsen, (320) 286-2566; Ken Bakke, (320) 286-6152; Jesse Bunker, (320) 286-5462; 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 Jeff DeGrote.
City council meetings are the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in city hall at 255 Broadway Avenue South.
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 its 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, committee, or task force should contact their council members or call the city offices at (320) 286-5505 for further information.
Cokato City Hall
Cokato City Hall is located at 255 Broadway Avenue South. The mailing address is PO Box 1030, Cokato, MN 55321-1030. The website is www.cokato.mn.us.
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
County Assessor Wright County Courthouse
City Attorney Kennedy & Graven, Chtd.
Building Inspector Butch Schulte
City Administrator Don Levens
Clerk Treasurer Peggy Carlson
Deputy Clerk LouAnn Worden
Public Works Director Jeff DeGrote
Museum Director Mike Worcester
City Engineer Bonestroo & Associates
Branch Librarian Sheila Rieke
City appointments
Official Newspaper Enterprise Dispatch
Cokato Fire Chief Mike Holmquist
Ambulance Director Jim Erickson
Parks and recreation
The general purpose of the Park 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 and Zoning 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. Commission members are: Don Peroutka, Carl Harju, Frank Cruz, Bruce Johnson, and Mike Grack.
Police Advisory Commission
The Police Advisory Commission, 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. Members are: Jesse Bunker, Dennis Hendrickson, John Carlson, Wayne Murphy, and Bruce Johnson.
Economic Development Authority (EDA)
The Economic Development Authority, with council representation, is charged with responsibilities to encourage, retain, attract, and promote residential/business expansion, and enhance employment opportunities within the city. Members include: Chuck Miller, Dean Perry, Chris Schultz, Peter Bortnem, and council member liaisons (which are non-voting members) Jesse Bunker and Butch Amundsen.
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 4-inch height. Numbers shall be a contrasting color, and in place within 90 days of occupying the building.
Dog licenses
Licenses are required for all dogs over 6 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, bows and arrows, 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, 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., Nov. 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 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 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. 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 city hall.
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 rusty water could be drawn into your house and ruin your clothing. Notice will be published in the Enterprise Dispatch newspaper.
Refuse pickup
The City of Cokato contracts with Waste Management for refuse pickup. Residents should have trash cans at curbside Fridays by 7 a.m.
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 about 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
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 clippings onto any public street.
Utilities
Electricity: Xcel Energy, 800-895-4999.
Gas: CenterPoint, 800-245-2377.
Telephone: CenturyLink, 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 Government Center at 800-362-3667 or Wright County Community Action Agency (320) 963-6500.
