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