Joint City/County/School/Tribal Council Meeting

Last Thursday, the quarterly Joint CSST meeting was held at the Courthouse. The purpose of these meetings is to share information on a somewhat informal basis. The agenda is set and agreed to at the beginning of these meetings. The public is welcome to attend and listen.

Safe Routes to School
After the agenda was set, the Safe Routes to School group made an informational presentation. The goal of this group is to work with parents, schools and local government to improve safe routes for all children and encourage children to walk and bike to school. The local Safe Routes to School group consists of approximately 30 community members and is part of a larger national effort. A request by the group was made for the County and City to consider Safe Routes to School priorities when planning future road and sidewalk improvements.

Asian Carp and VHSV
Tribal Chairman Norman Deschampe reported that Grand Portage is working with Senator Al Franken's office to protect Lake Superior from Asian Carp infestation. He also expressed grave concerns about the VHS virus which is already documented in Lake Superior and like Asian Carp, will cause fish mortalities. Deschampe also reported that the Grand Portage Tribe has received authority to participate in Joint Powers Agreements; this news was received very positively.

ISD School 166
School Board Member Eric Kemp shared the ISD166 School budget concerns and outlined potential solutions. The proposed State cuts are deep and will likely result in both program and personnel cuts. The School Board is also considering a referendum.

Broadband
The County reported that Cook County was unsuccessful in its bid for a Federal Grant to build Broadband services in Cook County. It appears the County Board is uncertain about submitting a proposal for a 2nd phase of Federal grants. Commissioner Bob Fenwick also reported on the bill currently before the State Legislature to reduce from 65% to 50% the referendum vote needed before Cook County can operate its own telephone exchange; the outcome of this bill is not yet known.

One Percent Sales Tax Projects
County Board members acknowledged that prioritizing and allocating funds for One Percent Projects is a priority they need to work. Mayor Hakes advocated for the Community Center, the project for which Community support was strongest. Fenwick said there is "no project higher" on the County's list at this time.