City Council Meeting

The Mayor and all members of the City Council were present for today's City Council Meeting. Also present were Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor, Dave Tersteeg and City Attorney Chris Hood.

Open Forum
Mark Sandbo, representing Grand Marais Hotel Company, informed the Council that in response to the letter received from the City Council, a new Shoreline sign would be in place within a month.

Consent Agenda
Council approved the Consent Agenda with no changes.

Christmas Parade Permit
Council approved the Christmas Parade Permit requested by the Chamber of Commerce. Bev Wolke infromed the Council that the Parade will start at 6 PM on Tuesday, November 24, downtown Grand Marais.

Lion's Club Request for Public Restrooms
Ken Walenski and Max Bichel of the Grand Marais Lion's Club expressed concern for the lack of enough public restrooms in downtown Grand Marais. Their request was supported by several business owners in the audience. Walenski and Bichel explained that the Lion's Club is a service organization with the motto "We Serve". In the spirit of community service, the Lion's Club has offered to take this project on as a Community Service Project. The Lion's Club has asked the Council to endorse the Lion's willingness to form a committee to work toward solving the problem of identifying an appropriate location and funding sources for public restrooms. Council acknowledged and agreed there is a need and fully supported the Lion's request. Council will add Public Restrooms to their Capital Improvement Planning.

Harbor Park/Downtown Holiday Decorating
Diane Brostrom, Director Grand Marais Area Tourism and Committee Member for "A North Shore Holiday" requested assistance from the City to decorate Harbor Park and the Downtown Area for the Holiday Season. Brostrom's request was supported by several business owners in the audience. Time is of the essence as the holiday season will be kicked off in just a few short weeks. After some discussion, including members of the Business Community, Council agreed to provide a match up to $5000 to purchase lighting and holiday decorations that might be used for several years. Council also agreed to provide labor for hanging lights & banners, putting up a tree, etc.

Led by the Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau, local retailers and marketers throughout the County are taking full advantage of a one-time $15,000 grant from Explore Minnesota Tourism to promote shopping and activities on the North Shore this holiday season. This promotion includes a direct mailing of 10,000 pieces.

The investment in decorating Grand Marais's Harbor Park/downtown area, combined with this significant CCEVB marketing effort are part of a unified effort to make Cook County and Grand Marais a holiday shopping and vacation destination.

PAC-13
PAC-13 broadcasting equipment has been relocated to City Hall, allowing City Staff to update and broadcast PAC 13. Council decided to video tape Council Meetings in the simplest manner and at the lowest cost. A process for broadcasting Public Service Announcements is being determined.

Cairn Sign Maintenance Agreement
Modifications to the Cairn Sign Maintenance Agreement were recommended by City Attorney Chris Hood and accepted by Council.

Other Items
Mike Roth reported that the City's brush pile is being burned. Complaints of smoke in the school and in the hospital have been reported. Wind conditions, combined with the amount of green brush from the last storm, have caused more smoke than is typical. Council discussed options, but there is no clear solution to this problem.

Council & Staff Reports
Mike Roth reported on the October 27 meeting with Senator Tom Bakk to request funding assistance for the repayment of the Business Park Infrastructure debt. Meeting attendees included Roth, Matt Geretschlaeger (EDA Director), Hal Greenwood, Dick Grabko (SEH), and Mike Larson (IRRB). Specifically, the EDA asked if a previously awarded grant for Housing Development ($135,000) might be transferred to pay for Business Development Infrastructure. The Housing Development project is not proceeding as planned. A loan with favorable terms was also requested. Roth reported that Senator Bakk would take our requests under consideration at the IRRB.
Tim Kennedy reported that the Biomass District Heating Project Group is still meeting. No word regarding the Federal Grant submitted with the City of Ely has been heard.
Jan Sivertson reported that 1 proposal was received in response to the EDA's Request for Proposals for Real Estate Brokers to list, sell and market lots in the Business Park. The proposal received was from Gunflint Realty. City Attorney Chris Hood will review to be sure there is no conflict of interest.
Sue Hakes gave notice that the Northeastern Entrepreneur Fund's Women's Business Luncheon will be held at City Hall on November 18. Hakes will be speaking on the topic "Know Your City Government".

Mark Your Calendars
Mon November 9 at 3:30 PM Worksession--Budget (Liquor Store & Golf Course)
Mon November 9 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed November 18 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed November 18 at 5:00 PM Noise Ordinance Public Hearing
Thur November 19 at 4:00 PM Joint C/C/S/T at Courthouse
Wed December 9 at 3:30 PM Worksession-Budget
Wed December 9 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed December 30 at 4:30 PM City Countil Meeting