Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting Notes

Budget Worksession

The Council is continuing to work with City Staff and Department Heads to amend the 2009 Budget as a result of the 40% reduction in the 2nd Local Government Aid (LGA) payment in December 2008. In addition, the Council is preparing for the proposed Local Government Aid budget cuts for 2009 and 2010. Budget goals include identifying a $50K budget adjustment in 2009 and $100K adjustment in 2010. In addition, it was agreed that the amended budget needs to a) reflect Council priorities, b) avoid layoffs, and c) avoid significant tax increases. In May, the Department Heads will propose specific cuts and the associated negative consequences for consideration by the Council.

The Council expressed written concern to both Senator Tom Bakk and Representative Dave Dill over Governor Pawlenty's proposed cuts to LGA. Council asked them to support the current House proposal which would have a less negative impact on jobs, services and property taxes for cities.

City Council Meeting

A full Council was present for today's City Council Meeting. Others in attendance were Mike Roth, Don Davison, Kim Dunsmoor and Dave Tersteeg.

ATV Use in Grand Marais
Grand Marais residents Rhonda Silence (Secretary) and Betsy Perry (Member) of the Cook County ATV Club requested clarification of ATV use on Grand Marais City Streets. Currently, in the absence of an ordinance prohibiting ATV operation on city streets, ATVs are allowed to drive on the streets of Grand Marais. To date this has not been a problem; there have been no accidents or tickets issued in the city to date.

However, there are (7) streets within the city that are considered state-aid roads: County Road 7, Broadway Avenue, Wisconsin Street, 8th Avenue West, 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail), Creechville Road (4th Ave West) above CR 7, and Ninth Street. Because of their state-aid designation, jurisdiction of these roads is unclear. A legal opinion is necessary to determine whether these roads fall under County or City rule. Don Davison will contact Tim Scannell to make this determination and will advise at the April 29 Council Meeting.

The Council agreed that consistent allowance of ATV usage within the City is clearly a desired goal and that ATV usage on these state-aid roads would not be prohibited by the Council.

Angry Trout Variance
A variance from the shoreline setbacks allowing an addition to the restaurant dining room and an addition to the outside deck area was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission. The variance is subject to all DNR approvals and rules and retaining the existing parking/open space. This site has been used for commercial purposes for at least 75 years; the Angry Trout has operated successfully in this location since 1987.

Congestion, parking and pedestrian friendliness are issues needing attention along Highway 61, particularly at the intersection of Highway 61 and the Old Gunflint Trail near the Angry Trout. Councilor Kennedy expressed specific concerns about safety. Sue Hakes will contact MN DOT to invite them to Grand Marais to observe and discuss potential solutions.

Annexation Hearing
A public hearing to consider the Annexation by Ordinance of the remaining Blackwell Addition that is currently surrounded by City Limits was held starting at 5 PM. Although an earlier public hearing was held to consider this annexation, the State advised another hearing because one of the properties changed ownership.

Input from approximately 6 residents was heard with nobody present speaking in support of the annexation being considered. The Council will take the public input into consideration. A First and Second Reading of the Ordinance will take place at the next two City Council meetings. The Council will work with County Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers to provide information regarding property tax increases and when they will go into effect if the Annexation is approved.

Council & Staff Reports
Councilor Lenz reported that the Harbor Friends would like to gift their Outdoor Classsroom Program to the City; this is being discussed by the Park Board.

Councilor Costello will contact Michael Fischer for an update on the 1% Sales Tax effort and advise.

Mike Roth noted that the huge pile of snow in front of the Trading Post is blocking 2 parking spots and making parking difficult in front of the store and causing concern for the property owner. Because of the time of year, the City had intended to let this (and other) snow piles melt away. Instead, the Council voted 3-2 to offer to split the cost of this snow removal with the property owner.

National Volunteer Week
Mayor Hakes proclaimed April 19-25, 2009 to be National Volunteer Week in Grand Marais in conjunction with a Presidential proclamation for the same. Please use this time to honor all the volunteers who tirelessly share their time and talent with those in need.

Mark Your Calendars
Tues, April 21 at 3:30 PM, Special Park Board Worksession at City Hall
Wed, April 29 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting
Wed, May 13 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting
Wed, May 27 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting
Thur, May 28 at 4:00 PM, Joint County/City School/Tribal Council Meeting at Grand Portage

Call City Hall at 387-1848 to confirm meeting times and locations.