Do North!

Get into the holiday spirit by coming downtown Grand Marais today to listen to music, enjoy some hot chocolate, see Santa and his sled dogs, and share in the lighting of the holiday tree!

Festivities begin just after 4 pm and all are welcome to share in this family event!  Hope to see you there!

Setting the Preliminary Levy and City Council Meeting

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

Budget Meeting
Council discussed the 2011 Budget for the City of Grand Marais and set the preliminary levy at 3%. The preliminary levy is a not-to-exeed; the final levy will be set in December. Setting the budget was difficult due to the uncertainty of Local Government Aid. The State has notified the City that we will receive $155,000 in LGA and $49,000 in Market Value Homestead Credit, but it is extremely unlikely that Grand Marais will received those amounts and could receive zero. The City will also be negotiating their union contract this Fall.

Council Meeting

Open Forum
No member of the Public opted to address the Council at the Open Forum.

Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda was approved.

Planning Commission Report
Tim Kennedy and Mike Roth gave an overview of (2) issues discussed at the 9/1/2010 Planning Commission Meeting:

1) Stanley Poole and Nadine Maki are requesting a zoning amendment to change Lots 3-17 Block 26 in the Harbor Addition from C/I (Commercial Industrial) to MU (Commercial/Residential Mixed Use). Approximately 15 residents attended the public hearing regarding this request, many with questions and comments. The Planning Commission is considering expanding the area for potential rezoning and will hold a new public hearing on October 6.

2) The Planning Commission considered several options to address the recent MN Supreme Court decision regarding variances : a) creating a new setback standards for property line setbacks, b) create an expansion permit similar to the previous variance process, and c) work with the League of MN Cities to seek legislative change. Creating new setback standards is a lengthy process with unintended consequences. Attorney Chris Hood informed Council that using an expansion permit is not consistent with the new State Law. So, the Planning Commission is leaning toward Option C to seek legislative change; the downside of this option is that it will take months or longer. Council instructed Mike Roth to write a letter to the League of MN Cities.

2010 Liquor Permit Renewals
Council approved the Liquor License renewals pending receipt of fee payment, Insurance Certificates, successful background checks, and no delinquences in local taxes or service payments. Once this is confirmed, the renewal forms will be sent to the State of MN.

Resolution 2010-12 Preliminary Levy
Council approved Resolution 2010-12 to set the prelininary levy which must be done prior to September 15 annually. This prelininary levy number is reported to the State and used by the County Auditor to prepare parcel specific tax notices. The City may not adopt a final levy greater than the prelininary levy. The final levy will be decided in December.

EECBG Lighting Retrofit Contract Approval
Council approved the grant agreement with the State for our Lighting Retrofit Project. Lighting fixtures will be replaced in City Hall, the Water Treatment Plant, the Waste Water Treatment Plant and the Park Building to increase lighting efficiency.

Burn Pile
Council discussed the agenda for the Public Meeting on September 29 at 5:00 pm on the Burn Pile. This Public Meeting will be posted next week. The Public is encouraged to attend and participate.

Council & Staff Reports
Kay Costello reported that the proposed Library expansion project is moving forward. The Library Board is reviewing proposals from several architectural firms and will be presenting their findings and suggestions to the City and the County Board.
Bill Lenz reported on the Rec Park income through August. The Campground is up $22k, while the pool and marina are each down ~$1300. Lenz also reminded the Council that WTIP Radio Waves is scheduled for this weekend in the Rec Park and promises to be a lot of fun.
Tim Kennedy reported that the Biomass Grant for a feasibility study continues to move forward with the LCCMR; Cook County is working with Ely on this $150k effort. Additional funding is being sought from the County Board for ~$113,000. Kennedy reported that the County is considering possible sources for this funding to be 1% Sales Tax funds and Forest Resource funds.
Jan Sivertson reported that the North Shore Management Board will be holding its annual meeting in Grand Marais on 9/30/2010.
Mike Roth reported that the new crosswalk over Highway 61 at the base of the Old Gunflint Trail (5th Avenue) is complete. Roth also reported that Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Agency will be at City Hall tomorrow (Thursday 9/9/2010) for its annual meeting. Mayor Hakes will welcome SMMPA members.
Sue Hakes reported receiving a letter from the Mayor and Planning Commission Chair from Two Harbors requesting support in amending regulations prohibiting new off-premise advertising signs along the North Shore Scenic Drive.

Mark Your Calendars
Thurs, September 9 from 9-Noon, Joint County/City/EDA at Courthouse
Wed, September 29 at 4:30 pm, City Council Meeting
Wed, September 29 at 5:00 pm, Burn Pile Public Meeting
Wed, October 13 at 4:30 pm, City Council Meeting
Wed, October 27 at 4;30 pm, City Council Meeting

Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting

Mayor Hakes and Councilors Costello, Kennedy, Lenz and Sivertson were all present for both today's Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting. Also present for both were Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor and Chris Hood (via telephone). Lenny Bloomquist was present for the Council Meeting.

Budget Worksession
The Council continues to work on the 2011 Budget. Department Heads are working on individual budgets and will present to Council on August 25. Council reviewed (3) scenarios for the 2011 Budget with difference being the amount of State Aid received in the form of LGA and MVHC. Council assumes that State Aid will be reduced as the Governor and State Legislators work to resolve the $5-6 Billion State Deficit. The City and the City Workers Union will be negotiating a new contract this Fall. The Council will set its maximum levy on September 8, 2010.

City Council Meeting

Open Forum
No member of the Public opted to address the Council during Open Forum.

Approve Consent Agenda
Council approved Consent Agenda without Meeting Minutes. The July 28 Meeting Minutes were accidentally omitted from the Packet and will be reviewed for approval at the next Council Meeting.

Planning Commission Report

Variance Standards
The Minnesota Supreme Court recently issued a decision that changed the longstanding interpretation of the statutory standard for granting zoning variances. This Court ruling holds cities to a much stricter standard which considerably limits variance opportunities. Basically, the Supreme Court concluded that city authority to issue a variance is limited to those very rare cases where the property cannot be put to "a reasonable use" without the variance. And the Court stated that "unless and until the Legislature takes action to provide a more flexible variance standard for municipalities, we are constrained by the language of the statute to hold that a municipality does not have the authority to grant a variance unless the applicant can show that her property cannot be put to a reasonable use without the variance."

The Council voted unaninously to refer this change in the legal standard to the Planning Commission. Among other things, the Planning Commission will work to incorporate these changes into our City Code Section 19.20. Council also asked the Planning Commission to find a way for our City Code to allow the City greater flexibility in allowing "variance-like" approvals under the zoning code.

Quick Variance
Dan and Linda Quick requested a variance to construct a two-story addition to their existing single-family home located 5' within the required 10' side yard setback on their property zoned R-1. The City Council voted unanimously to deny this request based on their finding that the request did not pass the new legal standard (see above) as interpreted by the Supreme Court in Krummenacher v. City of Minnetonka, 2010 WL 2517702 (Minn. 2010). Council expressed their sincere regrets in having to make this decision.

Harbor Park Flagpole Request
Gene Erickson was on the agenda to discuss possible locations for a flagpole in memory Dick Joynes, but Gene did not attend today's meeting. Mayor Hakes discussed (2) sites to be considered for the memorial flag pole: Coast Guard Station and Compass Park. Hakes contacted Richard Fortunato of the USBP to see if replacing the current flag at the Coast Guard Station was feasible. Fortunato was receptive to the idea stating he would need to talk with Chief Hernandez, the Coast Guard and the Historical Society.

Stone Harbor Lease
Council discussed and modified a lease agreement for use of public property by Stone Harbor, LLC to locate a temporary rack for storage of kayaks between May 1 and November 1. The property to be leased is adjacent to property owned by Jack Stone of Stone Harbor Wilderness Supply Co located on the East Bay. Mayor Hakes noted that she received negative feedback about the proposed lease from (1) Grand Marais resident. She also referenced a call she received from Cathi Williams, co-owner of Bear Track Outfitter. Williams said that she also had an interest in leasing land for storing Bear Track Outfitter kayaks on the Harbor. Mayor Hakes expressed the importance of supporting local businesses, fairness, and the possibility of establishing a policy for leasing city owned property. After some discussion, Council voted unaninously to approve the lease and that other requests should be considered on a case by case basis.

Street Truck Purchase
Council unanimously approved the purchase of a much needed street truck including dump box, plow and sander. The City collects $18,000 annually to buy capital for the Street Department; the replacement schedule budgets $60,000 for the replacement of this truck. The quote for the new truck is $62,392.34. Delivery is anticipated in ~4 months.

Burn Pile Update
Council has received several complaints about poor air quality caused by the City's burn pile. Council is considering all options including closing the burn pile. A Public Hearing is being scheduled for September 29 to hear ideas, pros and cons from the Public before any decision is made.

Fire Department Grant
The Fire Department has received a grant for $1800 to offset the cost of 5 handheld radios totalling $3750. Council unanimously approved the grant agreement. Mike Roth acknowledged the initiative of volunteer fire department member Aaron Mielke in receiving this grant.

ECFE Request for Road Closing
Council approved a request from the ECFE to close the city street between the Community Center and the Fire Hall to accomodate a large equipment display on Saturday 8/21 of the County Fair.

Council & Staff Reports
Bill Lenz reported that both Golf Course and Rec Park revenues are up through July while Pool revenues are down and the Marina is even when compared to 2009. He also noted that WTIP will host their annual Radio Waves concert at the Sliding Hill September 9-10.

Sue Hakes forwarded a request from School Superintendent Beth Schwarz to present an overview of the School Referendum. Council will be present at the next Joint ISD166/City/County/Tribal Council meeting on August 26 to hear the presentation. Hakes also said Bruce Leng told Hakes he would like to meet with her and Mike Roth to discuss options for his Theatre Building in downtown Grand Marais.

Mark Your Calendars
Wed, August 25 at 4:30, City Council Meeting
Thur, August 26 at 4:00, Joint ISD166/City/County/Tribal Council Meeting at City Hall
Wed, September 8 at 3:30, Worksession on Budget
Wed, September 8 at 4:40, City Council Meeting
Wed, September 29 at 4:30, City Council Meeting
Wed, September 29 at 5:00, Tentative Public Hearing on City Burn Pile

Fisherman's Picnic

A personal note..

Fisherman's Picnic 2010 was really fun. It was my first year as a Lion so I had the opportunity to really plug into the event, which made it even better. I had the pleasure of working in the Fishburger Stand, the Information Booth, selling raffle tickets and being the MC of the Loon Calling Contest. I played BINGO at the American Legion and won for the first time in my life!!! I walked the Parade, listened to lots of local musicians and witnessed log rolling, kids playing games and the oh-so-yucky Fish Toss competition! Best of all, I shared time with friends and neighbors.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this year's Picnic. We really live in a wonderful town.

Happy 40th Birthday Grand Marais Playhouse!

The Grand Marais Playhouse is celebrating its 40th Season with a Birthday Bash in the backyard of the Arrowhead Center for the Arts.

Free lemonade, birthday cake and dance music by "The Cavern Beat!" Join the fun!

20th Annual Grand Marais Arts Festival 2010

The Grand Marais Art Colony is celebrating its 20th Annual Arts Festival in downtown Grand Marais. I spent a wonderful morning yesterday wandering from booth to booth enjoying the many works displayed in over 60 booths by local and visiting artists.

The temperatures are cool and there is virtually no wind; I think I'll go catch the 2nd day of this event! Hope to see you there!

Meeting with Northeast Entrepreneur Fund

Dawn Johnson, Women's Business Network Program Director for the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund (NEF), was gracious enough to schedule a meeting with me to meet the NEFs newly hired Business Developer, Tom Furman. Johnson, Furman and I met at City Hall to discuss the programs available at NEF and how residents of Grand Marais and Cook County might take advantage of their classes, consulting and loans offered.

According to their website...

The Northeast Entrepreneur Fund helps people start and grow successful, locally owned small businesses. Its mission is to promote the entrepreneurial spirit and create economic wealth and diversity. NEF provides training, consulting and financing to emerging and small businesses in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin.

If you are a busines owner, or wish to start a business, please consider the services of the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund. They may be able to give you just the advantage you need.

Contact Info:

Dawn Johnson dawnj@entrepreneurfund.org
Tom Furman tomf@entrepreneurfund.org

Also, be sure to watch for the monthly Women's Business Network Lunches in Grand Marais. These events are co-sponsored with Cook County Higher Ed and will resume this Fall. They are great events for broadening ones knowledge and support base in owning and operating a small business.

Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting

Mayor Hakes, Councilors Costello, Kennedy, Lenz and Sivertson were all present for today's Budget Worksession and City Council Meeting. Also in attendance were Finance Director Kim Dunsmoor and Attorney Chris Hood (via telephone). City Administrator Mike Roth was absent.

Budget Worksession

Kim Dunsmoor provided the Council with an overview of Governor Pawlenty's supplemental budget bill which was signed into law on April 1, 2010. The State of MN has an immediate $1 Billion deficit which the State Legislature plans to address with $700 Million in cuts to Health & Human Services and K-12 Education. The Legislature also anticipates $400 Million increase in Federal funding for Medicaid. If these plans do not materialize as anticipated, further cuts to local governments could be made.

The impact of the State's Budget problems have already resulted in a $73,647 cut to the City of Grand Marais' Local Government Aid (LGA) funding for 2010. This month, the City learned that an additional unallotment has been made in the amount of $33,352, this time from the Market Value Homestead Credit (MVHC). The State Legislature has not finalized the entire $1 Billion Supplemental Budget Plan, so the exact amount of the City's unallotment won't be known until June 2010, but the situation certainly isn't likely to improve.

Council, led by Dunsmoor, reviewed the 2010 planned projects, equipment needs, expenditures, and fixed assets depreciation. It became clear very quickly that Council is not in position to approve new spending without a clear understanding of what will be given up to do it.

City Council Meeting

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

Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda was approved with no changes.

Sheriff's Fire Order
Council voted unanimously to approve Resolution Approving Fire Ban (Resolution 2010-02) as recommended by City Attorney Chris Hood and Cook County Sheriff Mark Falk. On April 22, 2010 Falk issued an Order prohibiting all campfires and recreational fires within Cook County, MN. Because Sheriff Falk's Order was more restrictive than the DNR Commissioner's and Superior National Forest Supervisor's Order, Hood recommended that the Council adopt this Resolution to be 100% consistent with the County. Hood said he believes the Sheriff has the authority to issue fire permits for businesses and organizations on a case by case basis.

North House Folks School Building Permit
Council approved a building permit for North House Folk School to move and expand their Blacksmith Shop. The proposed building complies with City zoning requirements. Council approval is required to approve this permit as a condition of the lease between NHFS and the City of Grand Marais. Greg Wright has met with the Park Board about the project. Council approved this building permit by a vote of 4 - 0. Councilor Kay Costello recused herself from this vote as she is employed by North House.

Personnel
Council unanimously approved hiring Lee Hall as a part time liquor store clerk to replace Buffy Butz who has resigned her position.

Council & Staff Reports
Jan Sivertson reported that several downtown business owners have expressed safety concerns about the old Theatre Building on Wisconsin Avenue. Council will review current Ordinances regarding dilapidated buildings and consider options for this building and others.

Sue Hakes publicly thanked Grand Marais resident and business owner Jim Shinners for coordinating the downtown clean up in celebration of the 40th Annual Earth Day. Shinners reported that over 75 people participated in the clean-up activities (see photo above). Supporting the project were the Cook County News Herald and WTIP Community Radio, US Border Patrol, Forest Service, Church Groups, Girl Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, North House Folk School, Harbor Friends, the Grand Marais Business Council and motivated individuals!

Hakes reported that Commissioner Bob Fenwick asked her to confirm with the Council that they still support including the Pool and Softball Field in the proposed Community/Rec Center. Council confirmed.

Mark Your Calendars
Wednesday, May 12 at 4:30 pm, City Council Meeting
Wednesday, May 26 at 3:30 pm, Budget Meeting
Wednesday, May 26 at 4:30 pm, City Council Meeting
Thursday, May 27 at 4:00 pm, Joint City/County/School/Tribal Council Meeting at Location TBD

Grand Marais Business Wins Award

Dockside Fish Market Wins Joel Labovitz Award

Congratulations to Grand Marais entrepreneurs Shele and Harley Toftey for winning the prestigious Joel Labovitz Entreprenurial Success Award during a lavish ceremony at the Duluth Events and Convention Center (DECC). Award recipients are chosen by a panel selected by the UMD Center for Economic Development. Criteria used to evaluate each nominee included--competition in the industry, personal and financial risks taken, impact to the local and regional economy, and ability of the business to adapt to change.

Laurie Spry, Dick Powell and I all had the pleasure of watching Shele accept this award before a crowd of approximately 350 that included Arrowhead Region business leaders, fellow entrepreneurs, IRRB and SBA representatives, the Duluth News Tribune, and Duluth Mayor Don Ness. The Northland News Center's News Manager Barbara Reyelts was the Master of Ceremonies.

Thank you, Shele and Harley, for all that you do for the City of Grand Marais and Cook County!

A Visit from Senator Franken's Staff

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting with (2) members of Senator Al Franken's staff this afternoon. About a week ago I had a call from Daniel Fanning (Northeast Field Representative based in Duluth) asking if he could meet with me; of course I responded with an enthusiastic yes! So today, both Fanning and Marc Kimball (Minnesota Commmunications Coordinator based in St. Paul) paid a visit to me after stopping in at the Java Moose Coffee Shop.

Meeting with the Staff of a US Senator is an honor and an opportunity not to be wasted. Both Fanning and Kimball were eager to hear about our local issues, and I appreciated being able to share some of my biggest concerns with them:

- I expressed the frustration I feel and hear from the citizens of Grand Marais and Cook County about the amount of Stimulus Money that is being spent on projects that aren't truly useful to this community. Better communication with local city and county government is necessary to ensure that precious federal funding dollars are spent more wisely in Cook County.

- We talked about how Rural Areas differ from Urban Areas in Minnesota. In Cook County we always struggle with too few year-round living wage jobs and lack of affordable housing. In addition, our Local Government Aid for the City, as well as funding for both the County and ISD 166 are being slashed to painful low levels. We have a small tax base and few other resources to tap into.

- We discussed the economic and cultural benefits of having a Safe Harbor and Marina in the Grand Marais harbor. I gave them an extremely brief history on the work we are doing with the DNR and the Army Corp of Engineers. They were encouraging and asked me to keep them in the loop on this project.

- We discussed the Cedar Grove Business Park and the challenges the EDA, City and County are facing with respect to selling lots and paying the recently re-financed General Obligation bond burdening the City of Grand Marais.

Not surprisingly, Kimball and Fanning shared that they hear similar concerns in other Northern Minnesota communities. At the end of our meeting, we agreed that better communication is critical for Senator Franken to understand the needs of the Grand Marais/Cook County community so that he can represent us to the best of his ability.

Today's meeting was a first step in building a better and more productive relationship between elected officials to meet the needs of those we serve.

Thank you Marc Kimball and Daniel Fanning for taking the time to visit Grand Marais today. Enjoy your trip to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area this summer!

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. If you, or someone you know, is affected by domestic violence or sexual assault, please contact the Violence Prevention Center in Cook County at 218 387 1262.

Services provided by the Violence Prevention Center are free and confidential.

Read-A-Thon Project is Impressive and Win/Win!

Congratulations to the Third Graders at Sawtooth Mountain Elementary and Heather Kemp on their thoughtful and worthy Read-A-Thon project. What a great idea for raising money for the Senior Center and enjoying the pleasure of reading! Everybody wins!

Holiday Parade Tonight in Grand Marais!

Join the fun tonight at the Chamber of Commerce Annual Christmas parade in downtown Grand Marais. The Parade starts at 6:00 PM. If you want to be in the parade, the line-up begins at 5:30 PM in the Senior Center Parking Lot; this year's them is A Christmas Carol.

After the Parade, be sure to stop in at the Senior Center for pictures with Santa. Cookies, hot cider and coffee will be served.

White Tents a Glowin'

The North House Folk School Winterer's Gathering campers are settled in at the School and the Rec Park. The lamps inside the tents and the outdoor fires cast a warm and friendly glow. Join the fun this weekend.

Special Election Results

The Polls close at 8:00 PM tonight. If you've not voted, there is still time to hand deliver your ballot to the Cook County Courthouse. Exercise your right to VOTE and let your voice be heard.

From Community Radio WTIP--

Tune in to WTIP on Tuesday, Nov. 3 for the 1 percent sales tax referendum results. As the ballots are tallied, WTIP Hosts Roger Linehan and Jay Andersen will keep you up to date on the results. Special coverage starts at 8:20 p.m. with updates every half hour.

From Cook County--

The County will be posting the referendum results as each precinct is certified by the County Auditor. Starting soon after the polls close at 8pm, we will begin posting results at http://co.cook.mn.us/

OCTOBER IS NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

A Proclamation by the President of the United States...

Domestic violence touches the lives of Americans of all ages, leaving a devastating impact on women, men, and children of every background and circumstance. A family's home becomes a place of fear, hopelessness, and desperation when a woman is battered by her partner, a child witnesses the abuse of a loved one, or a senior is victimized by family members. Since the 1994 passage of the landmark Violence Against Women Act, championed by then Senator Joe Biden, our Nation has strengthened its response to this crime and increased services for victims. Still, far too many women and families in this country and around the world are affected by domestic violence. During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we recommit ourselves to ending violence within our homes, our communities, and our country.

This evening in Grand Marais, about 2 dozen community members, friends and neighbors held a candlelight vigil at Java Moose to remember the women, children and men that died this year in Minnesota as a result of domestic violence. The group then walked to Harbor Park to light the Tree of Hope. This special tree is 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.

If you or someone you know needs help, call the Violence Prevention Center in Grand Marais at 387-1237 or go to: http://www.boreal.org/violencepreventioncenter/MainLFrame.html

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.

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!

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.

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