City Council Meeting

Mayor Hakes and Councilors Costello, Kennedy, Lenz and Sivertson were all present for today's City Council Meeting. Also present were Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor and City Attorney Chris Hood (via telephone).

Open Forum
No member of the Public opted to speak at the Open Forum.

Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda was approved with no changes.

Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP)
George Wilkes and Buck Benson of CCLEP came before the Council to discuss (2) immediate opportunities for working together in the pursuit of grant funding from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Program (EECBG). The State Department of Commerce, Office of Energy Security, extended the deadline for this local government grant to March 3.

City Staff and CCLEP worked together to identify a project that could be funded by this grant. Council voted unanimously to support the submission of an application to retrofit the existing lighting in City-owned buildings including City Hall, Park Office and bath houses, water and wastewater treatment plants. Success in obtaining this grant will accelerate the City's ability to do this necessary work this year instead of having to wait. The City intends to hire a local electrician to conduct the retrofit work which would start almost immediately after the grant is awarded.

Council voted unanimously to make a 2nd grant application to EECGB for the creation of a City of Grand Marais Energy Effiiciency Plan. If successful, the grant will fund a consultant to lead the effort to identify and prioritize energy efficiency goals for residential, commercial and government buildings. The effort would also develop strategies for implementing and monitoring any plan ultimately defined and approved by the City Council. Matching funds will be provided through CCLEP volunteer time and City Staff support.

Council and CCLEP spent some time discussing how to best work together. Council agreed to hold a Worksession on March 31 to identify and prioritize the City's energy efficiency goals and projects. Once that list is created, Council will work with CCLEP to find areas of overlap and ways to pursue joint funding. Council views CCLEP as a valued community asset and wants to take advantage of their knowledge, passion and skills.

Council and Staff Reports
Tim Kennedy reported that members of the group working on Safe Routes to School will be making a presentation to the Joint City/County/School/Tribal Council at their meeting tomorrow (2/25).
Jan Sivertson reported that she has received some feedback about the potential change to the Sign Ordinance. She encouraged those with concerns to attend the PUC Public Hearing on the matter at their March 3 meeting.
Bill Lenz reported that he attended yesterday's Community Center Meeting. Input from stakeholders is being collected.
Sue Hakes reported that the Governor's budget is proposing a reduction to the City's Local Government Aid (LGA) of just under $80K. Hakes requested a Worksession to discuss the 2010 budget and LGA reduction in March or April to plan for this unallotment. Hakes also reported that she received a call from Lyle Gerard regarding International Workers in Grand Marais, how they are supported and possible ways to improve their experience. Hakes will coordinate a meeting of interested community members.

Mark Your Calendars
Thursday, February 25 at 4:00 PM, Joint CCST ad the Courthouse
Wednesday, March 3 at 4:00 PM, PUC Meeting and Public Hearing at City Hall
Wednesday, March 10 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeing
Wednesday, March 31, at 3:30 PM, Council Worksession on Energy Efficiency
Wednesday, March 31, at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting