Worksession, Council Meeting and Noise Ordinance Public Hearing

It was a very busy day at City Hall. There was a full Council present for the City Auditor Report, the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting and the Public Hearing on the Noise Ordinance. Also in attendance at today's meetings were Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor, Don Davison and Sheriff Mark Falk.

City Auditor Report Worksession

Gary Giroux of the CPA firm Walker, Giroux & Hahn presented the Independent Auditor's Report for the City of Grand Marais. The findings of this annual audit were presented in a 51 page report entitled "Financial Statements and Supplementary Information for Year Ended December 31, 2008." The report states that the City of Grand Marais' practices for the Year 2008 conform with accepted accounting principles.

City Council Meeting

Law Enforcement
Sheriff Mark Falk and the Council discussed several City Law Enforcement matters including a Hell's Angels rally planned this summer in Carlton, the Noise Ordinance, Highway 61 traffic issues, downtown parking, and summer law enforcement staffing. Sheriff Falk also attended the Public Hearing for the Noise Ordinance.

MN DOT Update
Rob Ege from MN DOT has been out of the office, but will prepare a written summary of the MN DOT proposal to use additional signage and monitoring on the west end of town to slow traffic down as it enters on Highway 61. (Refer to City Council Meetings Minutes from June 10, 2009.) Ege will provide this written summary for the next Council Meeting.

Shawn Perich of the Hovland Fire Department contacted Sue Hakes with an idea for Hovland and Grand Marais to work together in the pursuit of grant funding for an EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD sign that would be shared. Council decided that the need for signage in Grand Marais immediate and moved to authorize Mike Roth to purchase (2) EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD signs for $1000; there was also concern about both Hovland and Grand Marais needing the sign on the same dates. The Council appreciated the offer from HVFD to partner.

Shawn Perich also made Hakes aware of the STOP program established by Keck Melby for the Hovland Volunteer Fire Department to provide traffic control/safety on scenes. Mike Roth will follow up with Shawn to see if the City might benefit from such a program.

City Attorney Request for Proposal
Council approved the Request for Proposals for Attorney Services. This RFP will be available on the City's website, the Cook County News Herald, the League of MN Cities classifieds. It will also be sent to several firms along the North Shore. Current City Attorney Don Davison has resigned his position effective July 15, 2009. Individuals or firms interested in learning more about submitting a proposal may contact Mike Roth at City Hall at 218 387 1848. Proposals are due July 17, 2009.

Street Project Payment
Pay estimate #4 for the Reconstruction and Creechville Improvements project was approved for payment.

Personnel
Lenny Bloomquist will be the new Street Department Supervisor for the City.

Council Reports
Tim Kennedy expressed his concerns about the growing urgency for decisions to be made about the 1% Sales Tax. The effort is being led by the County Board; the City is eager to move forward in an effort to pass the needed referendum.

Bill Lenz stated that the Park Board will have a Master Plan Recommendation for the City Council that will be presented to the Public on July 28 at 3:30 at City Hall.

Sue Hakes reported that Aaron Mielke of the Grand Marais Fire Department talked with Steve DuChien about the costs and needs to upgrade fire hydrants in the City. Mielke reported that to replace a hydrant will cost an estimated $3-4,000; approximately 20 hydrants will need to be upgraded or replaced over time.

Public Hearing for Amendment to Ordinance No. 2009-02

The first reading of An Ordinance Amending Grand Marais Code, Chapter 46, by Creating an Exception fo Noise Nuisances within the City for Live Musical Performances (aka the Noise Ordinance) was held at 5:00 PM at City Hall. Approximately 20 members of the public were in attendance at this hearing.

Members of the Public speaking at this hearing included: Jan Nosker, Andy Brostrom, Mary St. John, Bob St. John, Nancy Nosker, Jeff Gecas, Jane Shinners, Jeff Cerniak, Todd Miller, Michelle G., Joan Farnum, Rhonda Silence, John Gorski. Public feedback on the matter was delivered in a positive manner with great respect shown to persons with differing opinions on this matter. A spirit of cooperation was evident with several attendees expressing a desire to compromise.

Sheriff Mark Falk was asked to discuss the enforcement issues around the Noise Ordinance. Sheriff Falk expressed his concerns about use of a noise meter, stating that controlling noise by established times is easier to enforce.

After a lengthy discussion, the Council moved to amend further the existing Ordinance by changing the distance stated in Section (d) to 100 feet (from 50 feet) and by including the 4th of July in the exceptions. Here is the newly proposed wording for Section (d) Amplified Sound. Changes made today are in bold:

It shall be a violation of this section to play, operate or permit the playing, use or operation of any radio, tape player, disc player, loud speaker or other electronic device used for the amplification of sound, unless otherwise permitted by law, located inside or outside, the sound of which carries to points of habitation or adjacent properties, and is audible above the level of conversational speech at a distance of 100 feet or more from the point of origin of the amplified sound. This section shall not apply to live musical performances:

1) between the hours of 12:00 o'clock noon and 10:00 o'clock p.m. Sundays through Thursdays; and
2) between the hours of 12:00 o'clock noon and 12:00 o'clock midnight on Friday and Saturdays;
3) between the hours of 12:00 o'clock noon and 12:00 o'clock midnight on the 4th of July, the Sunday before Labor Day and the Sunday before Memorial Day.
4) The City Council may permit other exceptions to the foregoing restrictions in connection with the application for a festival or street and sidewalk use permit.

The wording is confusing in the Ordinance. An attempt to simplify follows:
It is okay to play amplified music either inside or outside as long as the sound being made cannot be heard above the level of conversational speech beyond 100 feet from the place the music is originating. It's okay to play or make music above this level during the exception times stated above. In most cases, music played indoors will not pose a problem. This amendment basically makes it possible for music to be played outdoors until 10 pm Sun-Thursday and until 12 midnight on Fri-Saturday, 4th of July, the Sundays before Memorial Day and Labor Day, or by permit during city festivals.

It is important to note that the (2) Grand Marais establishments that play the most amplified music are eager to be considerate to the community and have made strides to reduce the volume level including reconfiguring their stage, moving speakers, installing air conditioning, etc.

The 2nd Reading of this Ordinance will be conducted at the City Council Meeting scheduled for July 8, 2009 at 4:30 in City Hall. The Public is encouraged to attend.

Mark Your Calendars

Tues July 7 at 3:30 Regular Park Board Meeting

Wed July 8 at 3:30 pm Worksession on Capital Improvements
Wed July 8 at 4:30 pm City Council Meeting
Tues July 28 at 7:00 pm Park Board Master Planning Presentation w/Carduus Consulting
Wed July 29 4:30 pm City Council Meeting

Take Nothing for Granted

Water In and Water Out
Yesterday morning I toured the Water and Waste Water Treatment Facilities for the City of Grand Marais. Supervisor Tom Nelson hosted the very educational tour by explaining step by step how water moves through both the Water Treatment Plant and the Waste Water Treatment Facility. I've generally been one of those folks who never thought too much about how our water is treated, so I learned a lot. I was impressed by the very meticulous and necessary scientific procedures, as well as the mechanical expertise involved in keeping these systems up and running, clean & safe.

I appreciate the work that Nelson, Steve DuChien, Neil Hansen and Colin Vos do to ensure public safety and meet strict government regulations. From now on, I'll take nothing for granted when I take a safe drink of water from my faucet, wash a load of clothes, or drain the bathtub.

Big Weekend Ahead

Undoing Racism
Ron Chishom, co-founder of the People's Institute for Survival and Beyond, will be speaking in Grand Marais this Friday, June 19th at 7 PM at the Grand Marais Community Center. Mr. Chishom's presentation on the history of the People's Institute and on-going Undoing Racism work, as well as an analysis of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, promises to be informative and thought provoking. Coffee, desert and conversation will follow the presentation. There is no charge for admission, but a free will offering will be accepted to offset travel expenses. Everyone is welcome.

Boats to Tools Auction, Puppets & Pageantry, Food & Music
North House Folk School is gearing up for it's biggest and best summer celebration, the "Wooden Boat Show and Summer Solstice Festival". Don't miss this most wonderful event in celebration of the longest day of the year! The festivities begin Friday at noon and conclude with a Wooden Boat Parade on Sunday at 2 PM. Highlights include Friday's Harbor Side BBQ (sponsored by the Cook County Historical Society and Grand Marais Lions Club), Saturday's Live Auction, and the Summer Solstice Pageant featuring the Good Harbor Hill Players and GAMEPELAJ. Don't miss this fun family event marking the first day of Summer!

Car Shine in the Sun Shine!

Chamber of Commerce Classic Car Show

Come on down to Artist's Point and enjoy the Classic Car Show today (June 13) from 10 AM to 2 PM. Vote for your favorite!

Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting Notes

Mayor Hakes and Councilors Kennedy, Lenz and Sivertson were present for today's Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting. Councilor Costello was absent. Park Manager Dave Tersteeg, City Administrator Mike Roth, Finance Director Kim Dunsmoor and City Attorney Don Davison were also present at one or both meetings.

Budget Worksession

The Council continues to work hard on the budget to prepare for proposed Local Government Aid (LGA) cuts, increased expenses, and spending in accordance with Council priorities.

Dave Tersteeg has already implemented cost saving measures resulting from labor savings, minor reduction in pool hours, storage & marina revenues and resale of some novelty items in the Park Office.

Librarian Linda Chappell has also identified and implemented cost savings measures for the Library including the decision to not hire a Library Page.

Council examined the allocation of space and rent payments by tenants at City Hall (City, PUC, Liquor Store, Visitor Center, City Attorney, EDA) Adjustments to rents paid will be made as appropriate resulting in a more accurate understanding of costs.

City Council Meeting

Open Forum

Grand Marais resident Jan Nosker carefully articulated his concerns about loud music in Grand Marais and asked the Council to consider noise abatement and EPA Guidelines in the revised Noise Ordinance. He also expressed his concern about amplified music being played at night and causing sleeping problems for residents.

Agenda Items

Vendor Permit
Council granted a vendor permit to Jack Stone of Fall River Trading to demonstrate and sell Langford canoes in the Grand Marais Harbor.

Chamber of Commerce/Grand Marais Area Tourism Association (GMATA) Update
Mark Sandbo reported on the progress being made on the proposed merger of the Chamber of Commerce, GMATA and Grand Marais Business Council. Inclusion of the Cook County Events and Visitors Bureau is also under consideration and discussion.

Noise Ordinance
An amendment to the existing noise ordinance to allow live musical performances was discussed. Council is proposing the allowance of amplified live music from Noon until Midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and Holidays and from Noon until 10:00 PM Sunday through Thursday. These changes will be incorporated into the existing noise ordinance. A PUBLIC HEARING on the proposed noise ordinance has been scheduled for 5:00 PM on Wednesday June 24, 2009. The public is strongly encouraged to attend and voice their preferences and concerns.

MN DOT Traffic Control Proposal
At the request of District Traffic Engineer Rob Ege, the St. Paul MN DOT Traffic Department has considered our request to change the speed limit from 40 mph to 30 mph on Highway 61 at the top of the hill west of town. MN DOT is not convinced that this action would achieve the speed compliance we are seeking. Instead they are proposing that MN DOT install a 48" black/yellow "REDUCED SPEED AHEAD" sign in the same location the City is intending to place a permanent "YOUR SPEED IS" sign. MN DOT is also planning to do a before/after study to determine effectivness of these actions. Sue Hakes will request a written summary of MN DOTs proposal for review. Mike Roth will obtain pricing for the "YOUR SPEED IS" sign. It is anticipated that Council will approve purchase and installation of this sign at their next meeting.

City Attorney Work and Request for Proposals
City Attorney Don Davison resigned his position as Grand Marais City Attorney effective July 15, 2009. The City Council will meet Wednesday June 17 at 5:00 to discuss an RFP and solication of proposals to replace Davison.

Council & Staff Reports

Councilor Kennedy reported that the 1% Sales Tax Committee will be meeting Monday June 15 at 7:00 pm at the Courthouse. He also noted the public is invited to a 1% Sales Tax meeting on Tuesday June 16 at 7:00 pm at the Courthouse to address the expanded community center as part of the 1% sales tax. Kennedy also gave a progress report on the Cook County Local Energy Project.

Councilor Sivertson reported on the Economic Development Authority (EDA) including their progress on marketing/selling the Business Park Lots, Small Cities Development Grant projects, and the Benefits Analysis the EDA is preparing for the County Board.

Mayor Hakes reported that she is working to re-schedule a telecon with Larry Killian to discuss further the DNR requirements for a Safe Harbor and Marina in the Grand Marais Harbor, and how this might blend with Resolution 2007-05 passed under Mayor Evelyn Larsen.

Mark Your Calendars

Mon June 15 7:00 pm 1% Sales Tax Committee Meeting at the Courthouse
Tues June 16 7:00 pm Community Center as part of 1% Sales Tax at Courthouse
Wed June 17 5:00 pm City Council Meeting on Attorney RFP
Tues June 23 3:30 Park Board Master Plan Worksession at City Hall
Wed June 24 4:30 pm City Council Meeting
Wed June 24 5:00 pm PUBLIC HEARING on Noise Ordinance
Wed July 8 3:30 pm Worksession on Capital Improvements
Wed July 8 4:30 pm City Council Meeting
Wed July 29 4:30 City Council Meeting

Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival

Welcome one and all to the Boreal Birding & Northern Landscapes Festival hosted by North House Folk School June 4-7. Enjoy 4 days of field workshops and speakers focused on birds, wildflowers, the Boreal Forest and Lake Superior landscape.