Budget Worksession
The Council is continuing to work with City Staff and Department Heads to amend the 2009 Budget as a result of the 40% reduction in the 2nd Local Government Aid (LGA) payment in December 2008. In addition, the Council is preparing for the proposed Local Government Aid budget cuts for 2009 and 2010. Budget goals include identifying a $50K budget adjustment in 2009 and $100K adjustment in 2010. In addition, it was agreed that the amended budget needs to a) reflect Council priorities, b) avoid layoffs, and c) avoid significant tax increases. In May, the Department Heads will propose specific cuts and the associated negative consequences for consideration by the Council.
The Council expressed written concern to both Senator Tom Bakk and Representative Dave Dill over Governor Pawlenty's proposed cuts to LGA. Council asked them to support the current House proposal which would have a less negative impact on jobs, services and property taxes for cities.
City Council Meeting
A full Council was present for today's City Council Meeting. Others in attendance were Mike Roth, Don Davison, Kim Dunsmoor and Dave Tersteeg.
ATV Use in Grand Marais
Grand Marais residents Rhonda Silence (Secretary) and Betsy Perry (Member) of the Cook County ATV Club requested clarification of ATV use on Grand Marais City Streets. Currently, in the absence of an ordinance prohibiting ATV operation on city streets, ATVs are allowed to drive on the streets of Grand Marais. To date this has not been a problem; there have been no accidents or tickets issued in the city to date.
However, there are (7) streets within the city that are considered state-aid roads: County Road 7, Broadway Avenue, Wisconsin Street, 8th Avenue West, 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail), Creechville Road (4th Ave West) above CR 7, and Ninth Street. Because of their state-aid designation, jurisdiction of these roads is unclear. A legal opinion is necessary to determine whether these roads fall under County or City rule. Don Davison will contact Tim Scannell to make this determination and will advise at the April 29 Council Meeting.
The Council agreed that consistent allowance of ATV usage within the City is clearly a desired goal and that ATV usage on these state-aid roads would not be prohibited by the Council.
Angry Trout Variance
A variance from the shoreline setbacks allowing an addition to the restaurant dining room and an addition to the outside deck area was approved as recommended by the Planning Commission. The variance is subject to all DNR approvals and rules and retaining the existing parking/open space. This site has been used for commercial purposes for at least 75 years; the Angry Trout has operated successfully in this location since 1987.
Congestion, parking and pedestrian friendliness are issues needing attention along Highway 61, particularly at the intersection of Highway 61 and the Old Gunflint Trail near the Angry Trout. Councilor Kennedy expressed specific concerns about safety. Sue Hakes will contact MN DOT to invite them to Grand Marais to observe and discuss potential solutions.
Annexation Hearing
A public hearing to consider the Annexation by Ordinance of the remaining Blackwell Addition that is currently surrounded by City Limits was held starting at 5 PM. Although an earlier public hearing was held to consider this annexation, the State advised another hearing because one of the properties changed ownership.
Input from approximately 6 residents was heard with nobody present speaking in support of the annexation being considered. The Council will take the public input into consideration. A First and Second Reading of the Ordinance will take place at the next two City Council meetings. The Council will work with County Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers to provide information regarding property tax increases and when they will go into effect if the Annexation is approved.
Council & Staff Reports
Councilor Lenz reported that the Harbor Friends would like to gift their Outdoor Classsroom Program to the City; this is being discussed by the Park Board.
Councilor Costello will contact Michael Fischer for an update on the 1% Sales Tax effort and advise.
Mike Roth noted that the huge pile of snow in front of the Trading Post is blocking 2 parking spots and making parking difficult in front of the store and causing concern for the property owner. Because of the time of year, the City had intended to let this (and other) snow piles melt away. Instead, the Council voted 3-2 to offer to split the cost of this snow removal with the property owner.
National Volunteer Week
Mayor Hakes proclaimed April 19-25, 2009 to be National Volunteer Week in Grand Marais in conjunction with a Presidential proclamation for the same. Please use this time to honor all the volunteers who tirelessly share their time and talent with those in need.
Mark Your Calendars
Tues, April 21 at 3:30 PM, Special Park Board Worksession at City Hall
Wed, April 29 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting
Wed, May 13 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting
Wed, May 27 at 4:30 PM, City Council Meeting
Thur, May 28 at 4:00 PM, Joint County/City School/Tribal Council Meeting at Grand Portage
Call City Hall at 387-1848 to confirm meeting times and locations.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Worksession on Economic Development Authority and City Council Meeting Notes
Council Worksession on Economic Development Authority
Today's Council Worksession was held on the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority. In attendance was the full City Council, EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger, Bruce Martinson, Don Davison, Kim Dunsmoor.
The Council goals for this Worksession were to a) gather background information and enhance Council's understanding of the current state of the EDA, and b) provide strategic direction from the City to the EDA.
Below is a brief summary of the topics discussed:
1. The EDA Mission Statement needs review. Affordable Housing was not on the Mission Statement provided but has clearly been a major goal.
2. The EDA is currently in litigation with the MPCA at the Cedar Grove Business Park and with Northern Communities Land Trust.
3. Superior National Golf Course is owned and operated by the EDA and overseen by a Golf Course Subcommittee of Jim Hall, Mark Sandbo and Jan Sivertson.
4. A marketing strategy to sell lots in the Business Park is currently under development. EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger and the Council agreed that this must be a priority. Lot sales will be used to pay off the bonds sold for the Business Park infrastructure.
5. The joint housing initiative between the Cook County/Grand Marais EDA and the Lake county HRA is going well. Nancy Grabko is the Housing Coordinator.
6. Newer economic development opportunities aren't getting the focus and attention needed due to the workload of items 2, 3, 4 above. New opportunities include: Events Pavillion business plan development unanimously approved by EDA Board, Multi-Facility Garage project, Cook County Local Energy Project business opportunities.
7. A discussion of workload and possible ways to distribute work to the EDA Board or other entities was discussed with no resolution.
8. The annual EDA Budget is approximately $140,000 which includes the joint housing initiative.
Economic Development---one process by which we can improve the social well-being of our residents in Grand Marais and in Cook County---is clearly a huge task. Determining how the Council can best support the EDA and Matt Geretschlaeger in this important work needs to be figured out.
City Council Meeting
Attendance at today's regularly scheduled Council Meeting included the full City Council, Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor and Don Davison. Nobody spoke at the Open Forum.
Agenda Items
Dave Tersteeg and Amber Clay gave an update on the Pool Pals fundraising efforts for an AquaClimb climbing wall for the municipal pool. With the recent County Recreation Fund donation of $10,000, the Pool Pals have raised $17,379 of $20,000 needed. Their request for the City to front the remaining $2,622 needed to purchase the AquaClimb was approved unanimously by the Council. Fundraising will continue; a pancake breakfast is planned. The AquaClimb should be installed and ready by the summer season.
The Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution for the $100,000 loan to the EDA for startup money for the Golf Course. The contingencies set previously by the Council for approving this loan have been met.
City Attorney Don Davison is exploring a City Diversion Program for minor offenses (misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors) committed within the City of Grand Marais. The Council basically agreed that there are potential benefits to the City and the Public through diversion programs. Council asked Davison to work with County Attorney Tim Scannell to ensure that any City Diversion program be consistent with the County Diversion program.
Councilor Reports
Bill Lenz gave notice of the 2nd Park Board Listening Session scheduled for Thursday 4/2/09 at 6:30 at the Community Center. The Public is strongly encouraged to attend and participate. Information on the Master Plan Process is available at the Library, Java Moose, City Hall, Park Office and on the website at http://www.grandmaraisrvparkandcampground.com/plan.html
Lenz also reported that the Park Board asked the City Council to request the EDA move forward on development of a Business Plan for the Events Pavillion concept.
Tim Kennedy gave an update on the 1% Sales Tax Committee meeting held last week with Consultant Michael Fischer. Language for the legislation request was approved by the Committee and forwarded to Tom Bakk's office.
Kennedy also reported that County Commissioners Bob Fenwick and Jim Johnson had a productive meeting with Amy Klobuchar and Jim Oberstar in Washington, DC regarding Broad Band funding for Cook County.
And, Kennedy reported on possible funding for a feasibility study on the Biomass District Heating project being explored by CCLEP.
Mark Your Calendars
Thur 4/2 6:30 Park Master Planning Listening Session
at the Community Center
Wed 4/8 3:30 Budget Worksession
Wed 4/8 4:30 City Council Meeting
Wed 4/8 5:00 Annexation Hearing
Wed 4/29 4:30 City Council Meeting
Today's Council Worksession was held on the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority. In attendance was the full City Council, EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger, Bruce Martinson, Don Davison, Kim Dunsmoor.
The Council goals for this Worksession were to a) gather background information and enhance Council's understanding of the current state of the EDA, and b) provide strategic direction from the City to the EDA.
Below is a brief summary of the topics discussed:
1. The EDA Mission Statement needs review. Affordable Housing was not on the Mission Statement provided but has clearly been a major goal.
2. The EDA is currently in litigation with the MPCA at the Cedar Grove Business Park and with Northern Communities Land Trust.
3. Superior National Golf Course is owned and operated by the EDA and overseen by a Golf Course Subcommittee of Jim Hall, Mark Sandbo and Jan Sivertson.
4. A marketing strategy to sell lots in the Business Park is currently under development. EDA Director Matt Geretschlaeger and the Council agreed that this must be a priority. Lot sales will be used to pay off the bonds sold for the Business Park infrastructure.
5. The joint housing initiative between the Cook County/Grand Marais EDA and the Lake county HRA is going well. Nancy Grabko is the Housing Coordinator.
6. Newer economic development opportunities aren't getting the focus and attention needed due to the workload of items 2, 3, 4 above. New opportunities include: Events Pavillion business plan development unanimously approved by EDA Board, Multi-Facility Garage project, Cook County Local Energy Project business opportunities.
7. A discussion of workload and possible ways to distribute work to the EDA Board or other entities was discussed with no resolution.
8. The annual EDA Budget is approximately $140,000 which includes the joint housing initiative.
Economic Development---one process by which we can improve the social well-being of our residents in Grand Marais and in Cook County---is clearly a huge task. Determining how the Council can best support the EDA and Matt Geretschlaeger in this important work needs to be figured out.
City Council Meeting
Attendance at today's regularly scheduled Council Meeting included the full City Council, Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor and Don Davison. Nobody spoke at the Open Forum.
Agenda Items
Dave Tersteeg and Amber Clay gave an update on the Pool Pals fundraising efforts for an AquaClimb climbing wall for the municipal pool. With the recent County Recreation Fund donation of $10,000, the Pool Pals have raised $17,379 of $20,000 needed. Their request for the City to front the remaining $2,622 needed to purchase the AquaClimb was approved unanimously by the Council. Fundraising will continue; a pancake breakfast is planned. The AquaClimb should be installed and ready by the summer season.
The Council voted unanimously to approve the resolution for the $100,000 loan to the EDA for startup money for the Golf Course. The contingencies set previously by the Council for approving this loan have been met.
City Attorney Don Davison is exploring a City Diversion Program for minor offenses (misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors) committed within the City of Grand Marais. The Council basically agreed that there are potential benefits to the City and the Public through diversion programs. Council asked Davison to work with County Attorney Tim Scannell to ensure that any City Diversion program be consistent with the County Diversion program.
Councilor Reports
Bill Lenz gave notice of the 2nd Park Board Listening Session scheduled for Thursday 4/2/09 at 6:30 at the Community Center. The Public is strongly encouraged to attend and participate. Information on the Master Plan Process is available at the Library, Java Moose, City Hall, Park Office and on the website at http://www.grandmaraisrvparkandcampground.com/plan.html
Lenz also reported that the Park Board asked the City Council to request the EDA move forward on development of a Business Plan for the Events Pavillion concept.
Tim Kennedy gave an update on the 1% Sales Tax Committee meeting held last week with Consultant Michael Fischer. Language for the legislation request was approved by the Committee and forwarded to Tom Bakk's office.
Kennedy also reported that County Commissioners Bob Fenwick and Jim Johnson had a productive meeting with Amy Klobuchar and Jim Oberstar in Washington, DC regarding Broad Band funding for Cook County.
And, Kennedy reported on possible funding for a feasibility study on the Biomass District Heating project being explored by CCLEP.
Mark Your Calendars
Thur 4/2 6:30 Park Master Planning Listening Session
at the Community Center
Wed 4/8 3:30 Budget Worksession
Wed 4/8 4:30 City Council Meeting
Wed 4/8 5:00 Annexation Hearing
Wed 4/29 4:30 City Council Meeting
Monday, March 23, 2009
Small Craft Harbor/Marina Worksession
The City Council hosted the Department of Natural Resources for 3 hours on March 17 to discuss how we might work together for a Safe Harbor and Marina in the Grand Marais Harbor.
City Council Attendees: Mayor Sue Hakes, Bill Lenz, Jan Sivertson, Tim Kennedy
City Employees: Mike Roth, Dave Tersteeg, Kim Dunsmoor
DNR Attendees: Larry Killian (Harbors Program) and Tom Peterson (Operations & Maintenance Program)
Abbreviated Meeting Notes:
Sue Hakes welcomed the DNR and self-introductions were made. Hakes then made a few brief remarks about the hard work that has been done in Grand Marais to come to the general agreement for the Safe Harbor Marina project outlined in Resolution 2007-05 which passed under Mayor Larsen. Hakes acknowledged that much Public Input has been given and has been heard and it is now the responsibility of this City Council to take action in moving that resolution forward.
Larry Killian gave an overview of the following:
- North Shore Harbors Program
- Community Project Development Process
- Other Projects in Process (Two Harbors)
Killian also gave a Funding Overview and potential partnerships:
- The Army Corp of Engineers (Federal) requires a 50/50 cost-share for Boating & Safety projects. A project for our Safe Harbor & Marina could fall under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The City hopes to work with Congressman Oberstar for inclusion in that bill.
- The MN Department of Natural Resources (State) has a wealth of experience in working with the Army Corp on Harbor and Marina projects. The DNR brings design and development expertise--typically funded through the State Bonding Bill--and can be the 50% cost-share for projects with the Army Corp.
- A partnership for the design, development and construction of a Harbor & Marina in Grand Marais could be structured with the City of Grand Marais, DNR & Army Corp of Engineers.
- New Marina Operation and Management could be done by the City of Grand Marais, the DNR, or a 3rd Party.
Sue Hakes gave an overview of Resolution 2007-05 noting specifically that it must be located in the NW corner of the harbor with a basin size of about 6 acres. Hakes also noted that community support has been demonstrated by the joint letter presented to the City Council on March 7, 2008 from the Grand Marais Business Council and the Harbor Friends which supports Resolution 2007-05.
At this point, a discussion was held on several issues, with (3) being the most significant at this time:
Private Property Owners
The rights of private property owners within a Safe Harbor must be considered with respect to liability. Also, any advantage created for private property owners by development of a Harbor or Marina must be addressed. These private property issues must be resolved prior to any funding.
Land Control
The State must have control of the land within a Safe Harbor. This does not necessarily mean State ownership. Options for control include ownership, lease, or easement. The City of Grand Marais has an example of how a lease arrangement can work successfully in their lease agreement with North House Folk School.
DNR Harbor Criteria
The DNR has guidelines for state harbors and marinas. Further discussion and understanding is required to determine how both the DNR and City of Grand Marais criteria may be met through this project.
Also discussed..
Dave Tersteeg (City Park Manager) has been working for over a year with the Tom Peterson to improve the existing ramp in the SW Corner of the Harbor. New docks have been ordered for installation this summer. Further improvement to this ramp is under consideration.
Actions
1. Larry Killian will meet with DNR Acquisition & Development Management in St. Paul (Stan Linnell and Kent Skaar) to determine private property owner rights issues and DNR requirements.
2. Sue Hakes and Jan Sivertson will create a short informational pamphlet regarding the Safe Harbor and Marina project in Grand Marais. This pamphlet will be used on a temporary basis to begin raising awareness with our State Legislators Tom Bakk and David Dill, and possibly Congressman Oberstar, Senator Klobuchar. This pamphlet will be used until a more technical proposal with some design concepts and costs can be developed.
Summary
This meeting was a good first step toward meeting our mutual goals.
City Council Attendees: Mayor Sue Hakes, Bill Lenz, Jan Sivertson, Tim Kennedy
City Employees: Mike Roth, Dave Tersteeg, Kim Dunsmoor
DNR Attendees: Larry Killian (Harbors Program) and Tom Peterson (Operations & Maintenance Program)
Abbreviated Meeting Notes:
Sue Hakes welcomed the DNR and self-introductions were made. Hakes then made a few brief remarks about the hard work that has been done in Grand Marais to come to the general agreement for the Safe Harbor Marina project outlined in Resolution 2007-05 which passed under Mayor Larsen. Hakes acknowledged that much Public Input has been given and has been heard and it is now the responsibility of this City Council to take action in moving that resolution forward.
Larry Killian gave an overview of the following:
- North Shore Harbors Program
- Community Project Development Process
- Other Projects in Process (Two Harbors)
Killian also gave a Funding Overview and potential partnerships:
- The Army Corp of Engineers (Federal) requires a 50/50 cost-share for Boating & Safety projects. A project for our Safe Harbor & Marina could fall under the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). The City hopes to work with Congressman Oberstar for inclusion in that bill.
- The MN Department of Natural Resources (State) has a wealth of experience in working with the Army Corp on Harbor and Marina projects. The DNR brings design and development expertise--typically funded through the State Bonding Bill--and can be the 50% cost-share for projects with the Army Corp.
- A partnership for the design, development and construction of a Harbor & Marina in Grand Marais could be structured with the City of Grand Marais, DNR & Army Corp of Engineers.
- New Marina Operation and Management could be done by the City of Grand Marais, the DNR, or a 3rd Party.
Sue Hakes gave an overview of Resolution 2007-05 noting specifically that it must be located in the NW corner of the harbor with a basin size of about 6 acres. Hakes also noted that community support has been demonstrated by the joint letter presented to the City Council on March 7, 2008 from the Grand Marais Business Council and the Harbor Friends which supports Resolution 2007-05.
At this point, a discussion was held on several issues, with (3) being the most significant at this time:
Private Property Owners
The rights of private property owners within a Safe Harbor must be considered with respect to liability. Also, any advantage created for private property owners by development of a Harbor or Marina must be addressed. These private property issues must be resolved prior to any funding.
Land Control
The State must have control of the land within a Safe Harbor. This does not necessarily mean State ownership. Options for control include ownership, lease, or easement. The City of Grand Marais has an example of how a lease arrangement can work successfully in their lease agreement with North House Folk School.
DNR Harbor Criteria
The DNR has guidelines for state harbors and marinas. Further discussion and understanding is required to determine how both the DNR and City of Grand Marais criteria may be met through this project.
Also discussed..
Dave Tersteeg (City Park Manager) has been working for over a year with the Tom Peterson to improve the existing ramp in the SW Corner of the Harbor. New docks have been ordered for installation this summer. Further improvement to this ramp is under consideration.
Actions
1. Larry Killian will meet with DNR Acquisition & Development Management in St. Paul (Stan Linnell and Kent Skaar) to determine private property owner rights issues and DNR requirements.
2. Sue Hakes and Jan Sivertson will create a short informational pamphlet regarding the Safe Harbor and Marina project in Grand Marais. This pamphlet will be used on a temporary basis to begin raising awareness with our State Legislators Tom Bakk and David Dill, and possibly Congressman Oberstar, Senator Klobuchar. This pamphlet will be used until a more technical proposal with some design concepts and costs can be developed.
Summary
This meeting was a good first step toward meeting our mutual goals.
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