Wednesday, September 30, 2009

City Council Meeting & Other Notes

Sue Hakes, Kay Costello, Tim Kennedy, Bill Lenz and Jan Sivertson were all present for today's City Council Meeting. Also present were Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor, Attorney Chris Hood, Dave Tersteeg, Amber Rude.

Open Forum
No members of the public opted to speak at the Open Forum.

Violence Prevention Center Request
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Jodi Yuhasey of the Violence Prevention Center requested permission to put up a 6-7 foot tree in the grassy triangle space at the intersection of Highway 61 and Wisconsin Avenue (near Java Moose). The tree will be decorated with small purple lights and will be lit from dusk to dawn. The purpose of the tree is to raise awareness about the problem of domestic violence and to let everyone who is a survivor of violence know that they are not alone.

Council approved the request 5-0.

Park Master Plan
Park Manager Dave Tersteeg presented to Council the Goals & Policies and Master Plan Map that was approved unanimously by the 7-Member Park Board. The Master Plan is the result of a 13-month/$20k effort led by the Park Board and made possible by a 2008 Lake Superior Coastal Program Grant. The Park Board made their recommendation based on significant public input received from October 2008 through July 2009 through a series of Listening Sessions, Public Forums and Park Board Meetings. Key features in the Park Plan include an improved Park Entrance in the extreme NE corner, new/improved trails along the water's edge featuring the natural shoreline and wetland area, new and improved playground area, reserved space for motorized trail under the power line, improved public space in the SW corner (point) including year-round Events Pavilion. Approximately 30 campsites are planned to be moved from the NE corner to allow more open space and accomodate a future new Park/Marina Office. New, replacement campsites are planned for the area currently being used as a softball field. It is anticipated that both the Pool and Softball Diamond will become part of the Community Center/Recreation Area being planned for near the existing Community Center. The plan also calls for the PUC Garages to be re-located outside of the Rec Park. The recommended plan is consistent with and supports the Goals of the City Council as established in early 2009.

Council approved the recommended Master Plan 3-2. Mayor Hakes thanked the Park Board for their hard work in this effort and for delivering a Master Plan that met the goals & objectives established.

EDA Business Park and Bond Repayment
Council discussed the current state of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) as it relates to the EDA's inability to repay the $1.6M G.O. Bond due in January 2010. Council expressed frustration that the EDA has not been pro-active in the development of an overall strategy and marketing plan to sell lots in the Cedar Grove Business Park. Mayor Hakes will draft a letter to the EDA asking for specific action to be taken regarding business development lot sales.

Council & Staff Reports
Tim Kennedy reported on the progress being made by the PUC in restoring electricity to customers after the Monday 9/28 storm event. All City Departments have been involved in this work and are to be commended for team play. A particular note of gratitude was given to the Electrical Department. Kennedy also reported that the Biomass Committee continues to work on their cash flow analysis to determine project viability.
Jan Sivertson gave an update on efforts being made by the One Percent Committee to educate the public about the opportunity before us. Volunteers are needed; contact Jan Sivertson if interested in helping out.

Mark Your Calendars
Wed October 14 at 3:30 PM City Council Worksession
Wed October 14 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed October 28 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting

TUESDAY November 10 at 3:30 PM City Council Worksession
TUESDAY November 10 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed November 19 4:00 PM Joint CCST Meeting at the Courthouse
TUESDAY November 24 4:30 PM City Council Meeting

Note the change from Wed to Tuesday for both City Council Meetings in November.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

After the Storm

It's all hands on deck at City Hall as all departments continue working to restore power and clean the streets in Grand Marais. We appreciate your patience as we get things back to normal.

If your power is still out, please call City Hall and let them know at 387-1848. City Hall is also available if you need water; just bring your jug.

Monday, September 28, 2009

The Gales of September

Wind from the North
It's reported that the anemometer at the Grand Marais Harbor today measured gusts of 60 mph. Today's weather was spectacularly beautiful, frustrating, and very humbling.

And the wind continues to blow.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

North Shore Scenic Drive Cairn Celebration

I had the distinct pleasure of welcoming and thanking the MN Scenic Byways Commission to Grand Marais to celebrate the (2) newly built cairns in Grand Marais. These cairns mark the way along the North Shore Scenic Drive, the entrance to Grand Marais, and the entrance to the Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway.

This project was a joint effort that included MN Department of Transportation, MN Department of Natural Resources, MN Historical Society, Explore MN Tourism, MN Scenic Byways Committee, Grand Portage Tribal Council, Cook County, Grand Marais Area Tourism Association, and the City of Grand Marais. Gee---I sure hope I didn't miss anybody!!

Using cairns as a way to mark the trail is practical, historical and beautiful. May all who find their way along these roadways find safety, joy and happiness in their travels and adventures.

Happy Trails!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Congratulations and Thanks

Cook County North Shore Hospital is 50 Years Old

The lower level of the Sawtooth Mountain Clinic was packed Saturday afternoon with folks celebrating 50 years of having a hospital in Cook County. The celebration included coffee, punch, brownies and cake. More importantly, the celebration included a handful of speakers that shared their personal stories about how the hospital came to be. Many of those women and men who worked hard to make our hospital a reality were present and acknowledged. It was great to hear this history from those who actually made it happen!

Thanks to all who had the vision and perserverence to build our first hospital and pave the way to the excellent health care we enjoy today.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Budget Worksession, City Council Meeting & Setting the Preliminary Tax Levy for 2010

The Mayor and all City Councilors, Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor and Chris Hood were present for both the Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting. Assistant Park Manager Amber Clay was also present for the Budget Worksession.

Budget Worksession

Amber Clay presented the revised Recreation Park Budget for 2010 to the City Council. The most significant change in this Budget was a reduction in the projected loss for the Pool. Projected 2010 Pool Expenses are $290,847. The projected Pool Revenues are $61,200 leaving a projected loss of $229,647 before the County's $75,000 contribution. Heating fuel and salaries make up most of the costs for running the Pool. Pool hours have reluctantly been reduced to help meet the budget. Great care was taken by Park Management and the Park Board to reduce hours when the pool is least used.

Council reviewed the 2010 Budget and City of Grand Marais spending history since 2005. Council also re-visited the projected revenues and expenses for each City Department to determine a general levy amount of $601,802.

City Council Meeting & Setting the Preliminary 2010 Tax Levy

Open Forum
Nobody from the public opted to speak at the Open Forum.

Consent Agenda
Two items were added to the agenda: Revolving Store Front Loan Application, Library Rain Garden Project. Meeting Minutes and Payment of Bills were approved.

Revolving Store Front Loan
Council approved a $15,000 Store Front Loan for Rob Svadlanka to make improvements to his Subway Store.

Library Rain Garden
Tristan Beaster of Cook County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) reported that original cost estimates for the Library Rain Garden project went from $7859 to $13,159 after actual bids for the project were received. As a result, the Cook County SWCD requested an increase of $1324.69 in the City's contribution to the Library Rain Garden project. Council approved the increase. Council approved contracting with low bidder Crawford Excavating for the project. The City may contribute with funding or in-kind. This project is part of a US Coastal Grant and supported by the City, County and State.

Liquor License Renewals
Council approved 14 liquor license renewals for 2009-10. All applicants are required to have completed the appropriate paperwork, including proof of insurance, and paid the necessary fee. All renewals are contingent on a successful background check by the Sheriff.

2010 Budget Considerations
Council approved Resolution 2009-10 approving the preliminary 2009 tax levy, collectible in 2010 for a total of $802,657 including a general levy of $601,802. This preliminary levy will be used by the County Auditor to prepare parcel specific tax notifications. The preliminary levy may not be exceeded without specific emergency reasons. Council will continue to review the budget for ways to reduce the levy.

In spite of a significant reduction in Local Government Aid for 2010, the Council has set the preliminary levy at an increase of 3% or approximately $24,000. In anticipation of the LGA cuts, Council began work to manage the budget early in 2009. Huge credit goes to the City Department Heads and City Staff for working hard to reduce spending and/or increase revenues without reducing City services.

One Percent Local Option Sales Tax
Jan Sivertson, Chair of the 1% Sales Tax Committee, updated Council on community efforts being made to pass the November 3 Referendum. Earlier in 2009, Council identified passing the 1% Sales Tax as a priority as a way to fund a Community Center/Pool/Recreation Area.

(Note: I encourage every Cook County voter to educate themselves about the One Percent Local Option Sales Tax and the opportunity it presents for the residents of Cook County.)

Council & Staff Reports
Kay Costello reported that the Library has begun the process of strategic planning with other members of the Arrowhead Regional Library Association.
Jan Sivertson reported on the serious EDA budget concerns, Business Park re-zoning considerations and Superior National Golf Course revenues. She also shared the good news that 10 Cook County homes will be undergoing rehabilitation projects under the Small Cities Grant for income qualified home owners. Most of these homes are located within the City of Grand Marais.
Tim Kennedy reported on the Biomass Project noting that the committee continues to work on a Business Plan to determine the economic viability of the proposed project.
Kim Dunsmoor reported a tolerable increase of 5% in health insurance costs while other municipalities are suffering with increases between 11-27%.
Sue Hakes reported that she had the opportunity to welcome and visit with Bonnie Dahl--author of Superior Way--while she stayed in the Grand Marais Harbor September 1-3. Ms. Dahl reported to the Great Lakes Cruising Club the details of the new docks, recent dredging and plans being considered to enlarge the marina.

Mark Your Calendars
Wed September 30 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Tues October 13 Time TBD Community Forum on 1% Sales Tax (Sponsored by WTIP, Cook County News Herald and Community Ed)
Wed October 14 at 3:30 PM Council Worksession
Wed October 14 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed October 28 at 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Tues November 3---Referendum Mail-In Ballots due at Cook County Courthouse
Wed December 9 at 6:00 PM Budget & Levy Hearing (formerly known as Truth in Taxation Hearing)