A special joint meeting of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, Grand Marais City Council, ISD #166 Board of Education, and Grand Portage Tribal Council was held at the Courthouse.
The meeting's agenda was informal covering several topics of mutual interest and importance including the 1% Sales Tax opportunity, Pool, Grand Marais Rec Park & Campground Visioning Process, Multi-agency Maintenance Facility, drainage ponds, animal shelter and School Report.
A significant portion of the approximately 90 minute meeting was spent discussing the importance of the 1% Sales Tax opportunity for Cook County. The Council and County Commission agreed that time is of the essence to identify the right projects for this tax and scheduled a joint Council/Commission meeting to be held March 4 at 8:00 AM at the Courthouse. The Pool, and how the City and County can work together, will be the focus.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Budget Worksession and Council Meeting Notes
Budget Worksession
The State has un-allotted $37,949 of the 2008 LGA (Local Government Aid) and has reduced the amount of LGA to be paid in 2009 by $49,700. LGA reductions for 2010 are currently estimated to be $103,783 and could increase.
Mike Roth gave a high level overview of recent spending history and the City's 2009 Budget. By April, the Council and City Staff will prepare a list of possible budget cuts for Council's consideration.
Local Government Aid to the City of Grand Marais has been in a steady decline since 2001 when it was $365,199 to its current 2010 projection of $80,426.
City Council Meeting Notes
Open Forum
John McClure expressed concern about the fairness of his removal from the Planning Commission.
Jim Shinners stated the urgency and importance surrounding the 1% Sales Tax opportunity before Cook County. Shinners asked the Council for support in this effort.
Agenda Items
There are (2) applicants for the remaining opening on the Planning Commission: John McClure and Jim Shinners. John McClure is re-applying for the position he abandoned due to absenteeism. (City Ordinance No. 2004-01 ordains that a position is deemed abandoned if the person holding that position is absent from (3) consecutive meetings or is absent for more than 25% of meetings during a calendar year.) Council elected to table this appointment until further consideration could be given to the issue of absenteeism.
Greg Wright, Executive Director of North House Folk School, presented the October 2008 "Economic Impact of NHFS on the Cook County Community", as well as the results of the North House Alumni Survey. Wright also updated the Council on the North House Raise the Roof project, requesting that the City and North House begin working toward negotiating an agreement (previously supported in a Letter of Intent) allowing the construction of the "Green Building" on property leased from the City.
A Public Hearing for the Creechville Annexation has been scheduled for 5:00 PM on April 8 at City Hall. This proposed annexation includes property in the Blackwell addition not previously annexed and surrounded by City limits.
The agenda for the City of Grand Marais Prioritization Workshop was approved. This meeting will be held at North House Folk School on March 2 from 8-4:30. City Department Heads and the Council will participate in setting City priorities for the next 2 years.
Bill Lenz reported on the most recent Park Board Visioning meeting. He talked about the importance of public input to the process and will work with the Park Board and the Consultant on how to get that input. The next Park Board Visioning Worksession is scheduled for March 17 at 3:30. Further information and meetings are posted on the Grand Marais Rec Park and Campground website.
Mark Your Calendars
Feb 26 4:00 PM Joint CCST Meeting at Courthouse
Mar 2 8:00 AM City Planning Workshop at Eckel Fish House (NHFS)
Mar 11 4:30 PM City Council Meeting at City Hall
Mar 17 9-Noon Safe Harbor/Marina Meeting with DNR at location TBD
Mar 25 4:30 PM City Council Meeting at City Hall
The State has un-allotted $37,949 of the 2008 LGA (Local Government Aid) and has reduced the amount of LGA to be paid in 2009 by $49,700. LGA reductions for 2010 are currently estimated to be $103,783 and could increase.
Mike Roth gave a high level overview of recent spending history and the City's 2009 Budget. By April, the Council and City Staff will prepare a list of possible budget cuts for Council's consideration.
Local Government Aid to the City of Grand Marais has been in a steady decline since 2001 when it was $365,199 to its current 2010 projection of $80,426.
City Council Meeting Notes
Open Forum
John McClure expressed concern about the fairness of his removal from the Planning Commission.
Jim Shinners stated the urgency and importance surrounding the 1% Sales Tax opportunity before Cook County. Shinners asked the Council for support in this effort.
Agenda Items
There are (2) applicants for the remaining opening on the Planning Commission: John McClure and Jim Shinners. John McClure is re-applying for the position he abandoned due to absenteeism. (City Ordinance No. 2004-01 ordains that a position is deemed abandoned if the person holding that position is absent from (3) consecutive meetings or is absent for more than 25% of meetings during a calendar year.) Council elected to table this appointment until further consideration could be given to the issue of absenteeism.
Greg Wright, Executive Director of North House Folk School, presented the October 2008 "Economic Impact of NHFS on the Cook County Community", as well as the results of the North House Alumni Survey. Wright also updated the Council on the North House Raise the Roof project, requesting that the City and North House begin working toward negotiating an agreement (previously supported in a Letter of Intent) allowing the construction of the "Green Building" on property leased from the City.
A Public Hearing for the Creechville Annexation has been scheduled for 5:00 PM on April 8 at City Hall. This proposed annexation includes property in the Blackwell addition not previously annexed and surrounded by City limits.
The agenda for the City of Grand Marais Prioritization Workshop was approved. This meeting will be held at North House Folk School on March 2 from 8-4:30. City Department Heads and the Council will participate in setting City priorities for the next 2 years.
Bill Lenz reported on the most recent Park Board Visioning meeting. He talked about the importance of public input to the process and will work with the Park Board and the Consultant on how to get that input. The next Park Board Visioning Worksession is scheduled for March 17 at 3:30. Further information and meetings are posted on the Grand Marais Rec Park and Campground website.
Mark Your Calendars
Feb 26 4:00 PM Joint CCST Meeting at Courthouse
Mar 2 8:00 AM City Planning Workshop at Eckel Fish House (NHFS)
Mar 11 4:30 PM City Council Meeting at City Hall
Mar 17 9-Noon Safe Harbor/Marina Meeting with DNR at location TBD
Mar 25 4:30 PM City Council Meeting at City Hall
Friday, February 13, 2009
The White House Project is coming to Grand Marais
The White House Project (WHP)is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors—up to the U.S. presidency—by filling the leadership pipeline with a richly diverse, critical mass of women. (For more information click on the link at the right of this page.)
Nevada Littlewolf (WHP Rural Field Leadership Organizer) and Liz Johnson (WHP Midwest Director) are currently doing outreach work throughout Northern Minnesota. Their visits to rural communities will serve dual purposes of 1) educating communities about Leadership Training opportunities, and 2) listening to women in rural communities about local needs around women's leadership.
Grand Marais White House Project Event
February 26, 2009
3:00 - 5:00 PM (Join us for all or part of the time as you are able.)
Java Moose downtown Grand Marais
Come meet with Nevada and Liz to learn more about leadership educational opportunities offered by the White House Project. Be assured that they will make every attempt to provide a welcome, comfortable and worthwhile experience for everybody attending. Note that the leadership training offered by the White House Project applies to all forms of leadership--political, business, community organizing, non-profit, neighborhoods and more!
Everyone is welcome! Join us and bring a friend or your daughter, niece, sister, mom, grandma, granddaughter or aunt!
On a personal note...
I had the good fortune to attend The White House Project Debate Boot Camp seminar last summer. I learned a lot. More importantly, I feel I gained a network of support that I can tap into at any time.
Nevada Littlewolf (WHP Rural Field Leadership Organizer) and Liz Johnson (WHP Midwest Director) are currently doing outreach work throughout Northern Minnesota. Their visits to rural communities will serve dual purposes of 1) educating communities about Leadership Training opportunities, and 2) listening to women in rural communities about local needs around women's leadership.
Grand Marais White House Project Event
February 26, 2009
3:00 - 5:00 PM (Join us for all or part of the time as you are able.)
Java Moose downtown Grand Marais
Come meet with Nevada and Liz to learn more about leadership educational opportunities offered by the White House Project. Be assured that they will make every attempt to provide a welcome, comfortable and worthwhile experience for everybody attending. Note that the leadership training offered by the White House Project applies to all forms of leadership--political, business, community organizing, non-profit, neighborhoods and more!
Everyone is welcome! Join us and bring a friend or your daughter, niece, sister, mom, grandma, granddaughter or aunt!
On a personal note...
I had the good fortune to attend The White House Project Debate Boot Camp seminar last summer. I learned a lot. More importantly, I feel I gained a network of support that I can tap into at any time.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
City Council Meeting Notes
Once again the agenda was full for the Grand Marais City Council Meeting with (2) additional agenda items being added for consideration: Economic Development Authority Request (EDA) and Personnel Issues. Note: Councilor Tim Kennedy was absent from this meeting.
Below is a summary of the meeting:
Rod Wannebo of the Cook County Tennis Association announced that the CCTA was awarded a grant from the US Tennis Association in the amount of $44,700 for their tennis court reconstruction project. The project is still slated for completion by July 1, 2009. Tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in America and plays an important part in the economic growth of Cook County.
Best Western Superior Inn & Suites and East Bay Suites asked the City Council to endorse their request for special liquor legislation. This special legislation would permit the City of Grand Marais to issue liquor licenses to the Best Western and East Bay Suites to sell intoxicating liquor, beer and wine to their lodging guests and their invitees, and to persons attending meetings or other organized events at these lodging establishments. This request was discussed at length and ultimately supported by the Council 3-1. Sue Hakes cast the dissenting vote stating that before she can support it she needs a better understanding of the economic impact and fairness of the legislation.
Bill Lenz reported that the Friends of the Pool have raised $7000 toward the approximate $20,000 needed for purchase and installation of an Aquaclimb System at the Grand Marais Pool. This climbing wall is intended for fun & exercise, particularly for kids and young adults. The Council voted unanimously to write a grant to the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation for an additional $5,000 for this project. The Friends of the Pool will also be requesting support from the County.
The Economic Development Authority requested a short term loan at 6% from the City in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 to operate Superior National Golf Course for the 2009 season. In the past, the EDA has obtained a line of credit from a local lender; the State Auditor has denied their request to continue this type of borrowing. Again, the discussion about the pros and cons of this action were lengthy. In the end, the Council voted unanimously to make the loan subject to an acceptable risk assessment from the City's financial advisor Ehlers & Associates, approval from the Bond Council, approval from the State Auditor for this type of intergovernmental loan and an acceptable Note documenting the terms of the loan. The Council also required that the EDA seek half of this loan ($100K) from the County.
In response to an email from Sue Hakes regarding the Stimulus Bill, Congressman Jim Oberstar suggested the City of Grand Marais direct any efforts for a Safe Harbor & Marina project toward the Army Corp of Engineers. Mr. Oberstar requested that we forward a project description and cost estimate directly to him to forward on to the Detroit Office of the Corp for review and evaluation. The Council voted unanimously to host the DNR for a Worksession to respond to Mr. Oberstar's offer to help. This Worksession is being scheduled for March 17 from 9 AM to NOON. The public is encouraged to attend.
The Council voted unanimously to promote Tom Stockman to Property Maintenance Supervisor. Congratulations Tom!
Hal Greenwood applied for and was unanimously approved to fill the remaining open position on the Economic Development Authority. Carol Backlund applied for and was unanimously approved to fill (1) of (2) open positions on Planning & Zoning. Both Hal and Carol hold other City Board positions (PUC and Park Board respectively). Their extra commitment is appreciated.
Mark Your Calendars!
2/25 3:30PM Worksession--Budget
2/25 4:30PM City Council Meeting
3/2 8:00-4:00PM Full Day Worksession to set 2009 Priorities
(at North House Folk School)
3/11 4:30PM City Council Meeting
3/17 9:00-Noon Worksession with DNR on Safe Harbor & Marina
3/25 4:30PM City Council Meeting
Call City Hall at 387-1848 to confirm dates & times.
Below is a summary of the meeting:
Rod Wannebo of the Cook County Tennis Association announced that the CCTA was awarded a grant from the US Tennis Association in the amount of $44,700 for their tennis court reconstruction project. The project is still slated for completion by July 1, 2009. Tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in America and plays an important part in the economic growth of Cook County.
Best Western Superior Inn & Suites and East Bay Suites asked the City Council to endorse their request for special liquor legislation. This special legislation would permit the City of Grand Marais to issue liquor licenses to the Best Western and East Bay Suites to sell intoxicating liquor, beer and wine to their lodging guests and their invitees, and to persons attending meetings or other organized events at these lodging establishments. This request was discussed at length and ultimately supported by the Council 3-1. Sue Hakes cast the dissenting vote stating that before she can support it she needs a better understanding of the economic impact and fairness of the legislation.
Bill Lenz reported that the Friends of the Pool have raised $7000 toward the approximate $20,000 needed for purchase and installation of an Aquaclimb System at the Grand Marais Pool. This climbing wall is intended for fun & exercise, particularly for kids and young adults. The Council voted unanimously to write a grant to the Lloyd K. Johnson Foundation for an additional $5,000 for this project. The Friends of the Pool will also be requesting support from the County.
The Economic Development Authority requested a short term loan at 6% from the City in an amount not-to-exceed $200,000 to operate Superior National Golf Course for the 2009 season. In the past, the EDA has obtained a line of credit from a local lender; the State Auditor has denied their request to continue this type of borrowing. Again, the discussion about the pros and cons of this action were lengthy. In the end, the Council voted unanimously to make the loan subject to an acceptable risk assessment from the City's financial advisor Ehlers & Associates, approval from the Bond Council, approval from the State Auditor for this type of intergovernmental loan and an acceptable Note documenting the terms of the loan. The Council also required that the EDA seek half of this loan ($100K) from the County.
In response to an email from Sue Hakes regarding the Stimulus Bill, Congressman Jim Oberstar suggested the City of Grand Marais direct any efforts for a Safe Harbor & Marina project toward the Army Corp of Engineers. Mr. Oberstar requested that we forward a project description and cost estimate directly to him to forward on to the Detroit Office of the Corp for review and evaluation. The Council voted unanimously to host the DNR for a Worksession to respond to Mr. Oberstar's offer to help. This Worksession is being scheduled for March 17 from 9 AM to NOON. The public is encouraged to attend.
The Council voted unanimously to promote Tom Stockman to Property Maintenance Supervisor. Congratulations Tom!
Hal Greenwood applied for and was unanimously approved to fill the remaining open position on the Economic Development Authority. Carol Backlund applied for and was unanimously approved to fill (1) of (2) open positions on Planning & Zoning. Both Hal and Carol hold other City Board positions (PUC and Park Board respectively). Their extra commitment is appreciated.
Mark Your Calendars!
2/25 3:30PM Worksession--Budget
2/25 4:30PM City Council Meeting
3/2 8:00-4:00PM Full Day Worksession to set 2009 Priorities
(at North House Folk School)
3/11 4:30PM City Council Meeting
3/17 9:00-Noon Worksession with DNR on Safe Harbor & Marina
3/25 4:30PM City Council Meeting
Call City Hall at 387-1848 to confirm dates & times.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Getting Up to Speed
I was invited to and attended (2) very helpful meetings today.
Jim Wiinanen, Director of Cook County Emergency Management, gave me an excellent overview of the Emergency Management System for Cook County and the responsibilities of the Mayor and City Personnel. He also gave me a tour of the Law Enforcement Center where I was able to see the Dispatch Area, Emergency Operations Center, and Offices. It's an impressive facility and it was very helpful to see it first hand.
Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence gave a great presentation to the After School Program students at the Grand Marais Fire Hall this afternoon. I was appreciative of being invited to share in that learning time. The students asked excellent questions about the operations of the Fire Hall and how the firefighters work. Again, it was helpful to see the Fire Hall and equipment first hand. And there's just something exciting about a big shiny red fire engine......
Thank you, Jim and Ben, for taking the time.
Jim Wiinanen, Director of Cook County Emergency Management, gave me an excellent overview of the Emergency Management System for Cook County and the responsibilities of the Mayor and City Personnel. He also gave me a tour of the Law Enforcement Center where I was able to see the Dispatch Area, Emergency Operations Center, and Offices. It's an impressive facility and it was very helpful to see it first hand.
Grand Marais Fire Chief Ben Silence gave a great presentation to the After School Program students at the Grand Marais Fire Hall this afternoon. I was appreciative of being invited to share in that learning time. The students asked excellent questions about the operations of the Fire Hall and how the firefighters work. Again, it was helpful to see the Fire Hall and equipment first hand. And there's just something exciting about a big shiny red fire engine......
Thank you, Jim and Ben, for taking the time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
