The Beautification of Grand Marais

The local Garden Club will be sharing their love of gardening by voluntarily doing the town planting in Grand Marais on June 1. Their efforts are greatly appreciated and the result of their hard work is enjoyed thoroughly by one and all. Tell 'em thanks when you see them with their hands in the dirt tomorrow as they fill the flower boxes and tend to the Rose Garden.

Entering the USA from Canada

Passport Requirement

Effective June 1, 2009, U. S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials will begin to require that all travelers, including citizens of both Canada and the United States, present a valid passport, passport card, or WHTI compliant document when entering the U.S. through a land or sea border. For more information go the United States Embassy Consular Services Canada at: http://www.consular.canada.usembassy.gov/passport_requirement.asp

Capital Improvement Worksession and City Council Meeting

A full City Council was present for today's Capital Improvement Worksession and City Council Meeting. Tom Nelson, Dave Tersteeg and Hal Greenwood were also present for the worksession on Capital Improvements.

Capital Improvement Worksession

On March 2, 2009, the City Council identified the need for a plan to improve/replace City Buildings and City Infrastructure (water, sewer, electric, roads). The plan needs to set priorities and identify funding sources. Today's worksession was the first meeting to begin that planning process.

Approximately two dozen potential projects were identified and discussed in terms of importance, readiness, and how they might be funded. The Council agreed that it is important to identify projects that could be ready now should funding from any source become available. Priority will be given to projects that keep work within Cook County.

Mayor Hakes has sent a request to Congressman Oberstar regarding the potential for any future stimulus funding.

City Council Meeting

Several members of the Public were present at today's Council Meeting; nobody opted to speak at the Open Forum.

Permits Granted
- The Lions Club was granted a permit allowing their traditional Fisherman's Picnic raffle.
- The Lions Club was granted a permit for a fireworks display at Fisherman's Picnic.
- Dan Anderson was granted a permit to conduct Scenic Airplane Rides in the Harbor.
- The Chamber of Commerce was granted a permit for the Classic Car Show on June 13.
- The Chamber of Commerce was granted a permit for the 4th of July Parade.

Downtown Parking
Abuse of the 90-minute parking in the downtown district by business owners and their employees was brought to the attention of the Council. Short-term parking availability for customers is critical during the tourist season. In lieu of asking Sheriff Falk to issue tickets or tow violators, the Council opted to ask the Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Marais Business Council to discuss the problem within their respective organizations and with other business owners. The Council hopes that the business community will talk with each other and resolve the problem using common sense as opposed to law enforcement. Mayor Hakes sent the request via email.

Noise Ordinance
Council discussed the framework for a Grand Marais Noise Ordinance. Generally, the Noise Ordinance will allow music from 9 AM to Midnight with no differentiation between seasons or days of the week. Council agreed unanimously to hold a public hearing before adopting any change/newly created Noise Ordinance.

Contract for Animal Shelter Operation Services
The Agreement between the City of Grand Marais and the Animal Advocates of the Arrowhead was reviewed. Only minor changes were made to the contract to be signed by the parties.

Council & Staff Reports
Councilor Costello asked the Council to consider agenda items for the May 28 CCST (County/City/School Board/Tribal Council) meeting in Grand Portage. The 1% Sales Tax will be proposed as an agenda item.

Councilor Lenz reported on the most recent Park Master Planning Listening Session.

Councilor Kennedy discussed the MN DOT meeting held last week.

Councilor Sivertson reported on public comments she's heard regarding Biomass District Heating as a general concept.

Don Davison reported that law enforcement is preparing for increased group traffic on the North Shore.

Kim Dunsmoor requested Council approval for hiring Rhonda Hubbard part-time in the Rec Park. Council unanimously approved the request.

Mayor Hakes suggested Council meet with Sheriff Falk in the near future to discuss several issues including downtown parking, enforcement of the noise ordinance, efforts being made to slow traffic through town, possible change in speed limit west of town, etc. Hakes also reported on the May 26 County ATV Meeting. And, Hakes reported on the notification received by Grand Marais Motors regarding potential contract termination of their dealership; a letter requesting reversal of this decision was sent by Hakes to General Motors Corporation.

Mark Your Calendars
Thurs May 28 at 4:00 PM Joint CCST in Grand Portage
Wed June 10 at 3:30 PM Budget Worksession
Wed June 10 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed June 24 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting

Small Footprint Living Fair

Learn more about alternative energy use through sustainable living and community lifestyles at the Small Footprint Living Fair on June 12-13. Information is available on the County Website at http://co.cook.mn.us/index.php/component/content/article/596-small-footprint-living-fair

This fair is sponsored by Cook County Extension and certainly has something for everyone. Pre-registration is encouraged.

MN Department of Transportation Meeting

The City of Grand Marais hosted Robert R. Ege, MN DOT District Traffic Engineer out of the Duluth Traffic Office this morning. Attendees included Mayor Hakes, Councilors Kay Costello and Tim Kennedy, City Administrator Mike Roth, and City Finance Director Kim Dunsmoor. Several interested members of the general public were also in attendance and were able to ask questions and participate in the discussion.

The purpose of this two-hour meeting was to discuss potential short term and long term solutions to traffic and pedestrian safety issues in the City of Grand Marais. About half of the meeting was discussion, the second half of the meeting was a walking tour. Both were helpful.

One of the major concerns addressed was how to reduce the speed of traffic as it goes through Grand Marais along Highway 61. If the 30 mph speed limit could be moved further west to the top of the hill at the west end of the city it would be extremely helpful. Rob Ege will check into this and will advise.

The near-term ideas and possible solutions discussed today were:
- Move the 30 mph speed limit further west (top of the hill)
- Purchase and install permanent "YOUR SPEED IS" sign at the 30 mph sign
- Purchase/borrow (from MN DOT) "EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD" sign for special events
- Re-paint existing crosswalks
- Create (1) new crosswalk now

Several traffic/pedestrian problem areas were identified including the areas around 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail), the Dairy Queen, the Post Office and the Hospital. Long term, the City intends to continue working with MN DOT to build more pedestrian crosswalks, curb & gutters, sidewalks where appropriate. Today's meeting was the first step.

Funding for these projects is, of course, important. Ege said there is possible funding (up to 80%) for safety projects through a Highway Safety Improvement Project. Ege will provide information to us on this potential funding source.

The information gathered today will be discussed with the full City Council at the next meeting on May 27, 2009 so the Council can determine future actions.

Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting Notes

Budget Worksession

A full City Council participated in the Budget workshop. With the anticipation of cuts to Local Government Aid (LGA) in the amount of $50K for 2009 and $100K in 2010, City Staff prepared budget amendment options for Council review. Some budget amendments have already been implemented, others are being considered by the Council for immediate implementation, others will need more study, and a few may be rejected outright. Budget management and cuts will be on the Agenda at the May 27 City Council Meeting.

City Council Meeting

Open Forum

Jeff Cerniak shared his views about the potential Noise Ordinance in Grand Marais requesting that it be lenient toward musicians playing in downtown establishments. He also suggests Rec Park guests signing a waiver acknowledging that there is noise in the City of Grand Marais and that they accept City Ordinances and Policies.

Bob Glirbas expressed several safety concerns in the City including the need for stop signs in residential locations, crosswalks conflicting with parking, kids riding ATVs. He also questions why the City plows the snowmobile trail in front of the Post Office but not City sidewalks.

Variance(s) Granted

Mike Raymond was granted a variance from the shoreline setback of Lake Superior to expand his existing building on the north side. The intended use of this expansion is vacation rental. Raymond has agreed that any trees and shrubs removed during construction will be replaced.

Bruce Block and Mike Raymond were granted a variance from the shoreline setback of Lake Superior to allow an addition to the Sydney's Custard Shop for indoor dining space and restrooms. Conditions for fencing, handling of trash/recycling and replacement of any trees and shrubs removed during construction are part of the variance.

Fire District Boundary Changes

Council unanimously approved Fire Chief Ben Silence's request to expand the boundaries of the Grand Marais Fire Department Service Area from 21.33 acres to 83.38 acres to include the unorganized territories mostly along the Pike Lake Road. Official expansion of the response area will make it easier for dispatching calls. It will also help in getting grants. Property taxes will be affected for persons being added to the response area.

Noise Ordinance

Council agreed there is a need for revision to the current Grand Marais Noise Ordinance. Discussion was held around the importance of indoor and outdoor music for downtown businesses, festival sponsors, North House Folk School, local residents and tourists. It was also noted that some Grand Marais residents and guests are disturbed by the music, particularly late at night. Council agreed that the newly revised Noise Ordinance should be kept as simple as possible and that time constraints on when music is allowed are likely. Mike Roth will provide a draft for review at the next City Council Meeting. Before any new ordinance is passed, a public hearing will be held.

Personnel

Council unanimously approved the Library Board's recommendation to hire Ann Ward in the position of Library Clerk.

Council unanimously approved the Personnel Committee's recommendation to hire a new full-time Supervisor in the Property Maintenance Department and to retain Tom Stockman as a full-time property maintenance worker. Council regrets that the (2) part-time positions in this department will be eliminated once the Supervisor position is filled.

Creechville Annexation

The second reading of Ordinance 2009-01 passed 4-1 with Bill Lenz voting against it. This Ordinance will be in full force and effect and final upon the date it is approved by the State Office of Administrative Hearings.

Council & Staff Reports

Tim Kennedy reported that the City/County are still waiting for legislative approval of the 1% Sales Tax. Kennedy also reported that the PUC is exploring the possibilities of biomass technology.

Jan Sivertson reported that the EDA is proposing an 80% reduction in hours/salary/benefits for EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger, as well as the elimination of the part-time EDA administrative support position.

Bill Lenz reported that the finger piers have arrived and should be installed by the end of next week. He also reported that the Army Corp of Engineers is in the Grand Marais Harbor working to reinforce the outer breakwater.

Sue Hakes reported that the Harbor Friends have raised concerns about the wetland area near the PUC garage in the Rec Park. Molly Hoffman called Hakes last week to make her aware of:

a) concern about snowplowing into/near the wetland area,

b) a piece of plywood debris in the wetland area, and

c) PUC spools and other materials being stored too close to the wetland.

Mike Roth contacted Cook County Soil & Water Conservation Technician Tristen Beaster. After reviewing the site, Beaster acknowledged that some snowplowing debris (gravel) had entered the wetland area. Beaster recommended no action to remove this debris. Beaster did recommend adding more fencing where the snow was piled last winter to clearly define the wetland area.

The source of the plywood is unknown, but if anybody sees debris in the wetland or other park areas, they are encouraged to remove it or ask to have it be removed.

The boundary of the wetland is marked with rope and the PUC spool and other materials are not infringing on the wetland area.

Mark Your Calendars

Wed May 27 at 3:30 Capital Improvement Plan Worksession

Wed May 27 at 4:30 City Council Meeting

Thurs May 28 at 4:00 Joint City/County/School/Tribal Council at Grand Portage

Another Sign of Spring

Gunflint Hills Golf Course Opens May 15

Get your golf clubs cleaned up and play this weekend at Gunflint Hills Golf Course. Season passes are available for just $299.

Call 387-9988 for tee times and information about both Women's and Men's League Play.

Fishing Opener

Good luck to all of the locals and visitors fishing the opener in Cook County this weekend!

A Sure Sign of Spring

Welcome Park Visitors and Guests

The Grand Marais RV Park and Campground officially opens today.