Mayor Hakes, Councilors Costello, Kennedy, Lenz and Sivertson were all present for today's Budget Worksession and Council Meeting. Also present were Mike Roth and Kim Dunsmoor. City Attorney Chris Hood was present (via telephone) for the Council Meeting. Park Manager Dave Tersteeg, Assistant Manager Amber Clay and Fire Chief Ben Silence presented budget overviews to the Council.
Budget Worksession
Council reviewed Expenditures and Revenues for several departments in the General Fund including Council, City Clerk, Elections, Financial Administration, City Attorney, Planning & Zoning, Government Buildings, Law Enforcement, Fire, Medical Services, Animal Control, Highways Streets & Roads, Recreation, Swimming Pool, Boat Harbor, and City Parks.
Council must set the maximum levy for the City before September 14 and will do so at their next regularly scheduled Council Meeting on September 8, 2010. A final budget work session will be held just prior to that meeting. Setting the budget for 2011 is particularly challenging this year due to the uncertainty of Local Government Aid to cities and the pending contract negotiations with city employees.
City Council Meeting
Open Forum
No member of the public opted to address the Council during the Open Forum.
Consent Agenda
The Consent Agenda, including Meeting Minutes from both 7/28 and 8/11, was approved with no changes.
Harbor Park Flagpole Request
Gene Erickson addressed the Council with an offer to pay for a memorial flag pole in Harbor Park. This idea was born out of a group of friends exploring ways to remember their friend and local business owner, Dick Joynes. Erickson and friends have collected $1300 for a flag pole and memorial plaque to include the name of Joynes; the plaque would be large enough to memorialize others as a way to raise funds for the Park.
Because Harbor Park is part of a Conservation Easement and was funded in part by a DNR Natural Scenic Grant it is unknown whether or not a flagpole would be allowed. Council unanimously passed a motion for Mike Roth to contact the DNR to see if such a memorial would be allowed. Councilor Sivertson reminded the Council that there was an extensive public process that went into the design of Harbor Park that would also need to be considered carefully.
Mayor Hakes suggested (2) possible alternatives to Erickson for the memorial flagpole including Compass Park and the Coast Guard Station. Erickson ruled out the Coast Guard Station, but said Compass Park might be an acceptable alternative to Harbor Park.
All-Hazard Mitigation Plan Resolution of Adoption
Council adopted the 2010 Update of the Cook County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. Jim Wiinanen was present to answer questions. Wiinanen notified Council that there will be Workshop in November 2010 for elected officials to understand their roles in emergency situations.
EECBG Project Committee
Council passed a motion for Tim Kennedy and Mike Roth to represent the City and work with Cook County Local Energy Project, the County and other community stakeholders in working to develop an energy efficiency and renewable energy plan for Cook County and the City of Grand Marais. George Wilkes of CCLEP was present to answer questions about the grant and also to introduce Don Grant as the Energy Plan Coordinator.
Quick Variance Resolution
Council voted unanimously to deny the request for a variance to reduce the side yard setback from 10 to 5 feet for an addition to property owned by Dan and Linda Quick. Council findings were based on the recent MN Supreme Court ruling in the case of Krummenacher v. City of Minnetonka which tightly restricts the reasonable use of the "undue hardship" legal standard for granting or denying variance requests. Landowners seeking a variance must now show that the property cannot be put to any reasonable use without the variance. Council expressed their regrets in not being able to grant the variance.
MMUA 2010-11 Safety Management Program Contract
Council voted unanimously to renew the Safety Management Program contract with Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association (MMUA). The City and MMUA have been successful in working together to develop a safety program that is both effective and affordable.
Economic Development Authority/Superior National Golf Course
Council discussed the Economic Development Authority's (EDA) recent recommendations regarding Superior National Golf Course to the County Board. The EDA's proposal includes management change at Superior National from the EDA to a non-profit organization, ownership change from the EDA to the County, $1,569,000 in One Percent Sales Tax funding, bond payment of $467,000 by the County and an additional $100,000/year to the County General Fund.
Hakes and Roth reported that at the August 24 County Budget Hearings, the EDA requested a supplementary levy of $119,470 from the County to enable the EDA to pay the general obligation bond debt incurred for the development of Cedar Grove Business Park.
(Background: Hakes and Roth attended the July 13 EDA Board Meeting to communicate the City's position to the EDA Board regarding the $1.6 million bond debt on the Cedar Grove Business Park. Representing the City of Grand Marais, Hakes expressed grave concern over the Cedar Grove Business Park debt and requested that the EDA Board include the bond payment in their budget and consider it in their levy request. Hakes requested the EDA resolve their existing debt obligation before creating any new obligations or debt.)
Council & Staff Reports
Kay Costell0 reported that the Library is in the process of reviewing architectural drawings for a proposed library expansion to be paid for with One Percent Sales Tax funds.
Bill Lenz requested Council review the existing lease agreement with East Bay Suites for (5) parking spaces for consistency with the terms of other leases, including Stone Harbor Wilderness. Council agreed lease agreements should be fair and equitable and authorized Mike Roth to discuss with EBS Manager Andrew Warren.
Mike Roth reported on the Coalition of Greater MN Cities Conference in Winona MN. Highlights of the conference included Candidate Forums for Governor and State Auditor.
Sue Hakes updated the Council on the progress being made by the Community Center Steering Committee. The Committee is interviewing potential Construction Managers for the proposed project to be funded by One Percent Sales Tax funding.
Mark Your Calendars
Thurs, August 26 at 4 pm, Joint City/County/School/Tribal Council Meeting at City hall
Wed, September 8 at 3:30 pm, Budget Worksession
Wed, September 8 at 4:30 pm, City Council Meeting
Wed, September 29 at 4:30 pm, City Council Meeting
Showing posts with label Safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Safety. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Budget Worksession, City Council Meeting & Special Assessment Public Hearing
It was a busy afternoon at City Hall with a Budget Worksession, City Council Meeting and Special Assessment Public Hearing. Present for these meetings were Mayor Sue Hakes, Councilors Kay Costello, Tim Kennedy and Jan Sivertson. Councilor Bill Lenz was absent. Also present were Mike Roth, Kim Dunsmoor. Attorney Brandon Fitzsimmons of Flaherty & Hood participated in both the City Council Meeting and Special Assessment Public Hearing.
Budget Worksession
Council met to continue its work on the 2010 Budget by reviewing the City Hall General Fund Expenditures, Cable TV Fund and the Debt Service Fund. City department heads continue to prepare their 2010 budget requests and will meet with the Council Friday August 28 at 9 AM. The Preliminary Levy for the City will be set on September 9.
City Council Meeting
Open Forum
Nobody from the public spoke at the Open Forum.
Payments Approved
Council reviewed the Grand Marais Fire Relief Association's Lump Sum Pension Plan Report for Year 2009. Relief Association investments have gone down approximately 20% requiring the City of Grand Marais to make a contribution of $8529 in 2010.
Redstone Construction Pay Estimate #6 and (2) Minor Extra Work Orders were approved by the Council for the 2008 City of Grand Marais Street and Utility Project.
The Safety Management Program contract with Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association and the annual payment terms of $12,400 were approved.
One-Percent Local Option Sales Tax
Council discussed the current status of the 1% Local Option Sales Tax. Jan Sivertson reported that she has assembled a preliminary team to begin the work of educating the public about the Sales Tax. The team will include an advocate of each of the (7) proposed projects: Danna MacKenzie, Buck Benson, Diane Booth, Mark Sandbo, D.C. Olsen, Linda Chappell. The voter referendum is scheduled for November 3, 2009.
Council & Staff Reports
Councilors Jan Sivertson and Tim Kennedy reported on the EDA regarding the Cedar Grove Business Park. Currently the EDA is struggling to determine asking prices for the individual lots, recognizing that lots are different sizes with different topography and visibility and should be priced accordingly. The pressure is on to sell lots to repay the $1.63M bond due in January 2010. The EDA and the City are meeting with their bond counsel Friday to discuss options.
Mike Roth gave an update on the Rec Park Master Plan. The graphic designer is incorporating the wetland delineation into the Park Map. The Master Plan recommended by the Park Board will be delivered to the City Council in September. Mike Roth also acknowledged the new city entrance signs provided by the Scenic Byways organization.
Special Assessment Public Hearing at 5:00 PM
The Council held a Public Hearing for the Special Assessments for the improvements done on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Avenues, as well as 4th Avenue between the Gunflint Trail and 11th Street. Approximately (10) residents expressed concerns, asked clarifying questions and offered constructive or positive feedback. The assessments for the 1-2-3-6 Avenue projects were adjusted downward due the subtraction of the cost for sidewalks on 1st Avenue. City Staff will be available to answer specific questions about individual property owner payments and possible deferment options for those who qualify. Council voted 4-0 to pass a resolution to adopt the proposed/adjusted assessment.
Mark Your Calendars
Thur August 27 4:00 PM Joint City/County/School/Tribe Meeting At City Hall
Fri August 28 9:30 AM City Budget Worksession
Fri August 28 1:00 PM Ehlers Bond Counsel Meeting (EDA and City)
Wed September 9 3:30 PM Worksession--Preliminary Levy
Wed Septmeber 9 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed September 30 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Budget Worksession
Council met to continue its work on the 2010 Budget by reviewing the City Hall General Fund Expenditures, Cable TV Fund and the Debt Service Fund. City department heads continue to prepare their 2010 budget requests and will meet with the Council Friday August 28 at 9 AM. The Preliminary Levy for the City will be set on September 9.
City Council Meeting
Open Forum
Nobody from the public spoke at the Open Forum.
Payments Approved
Council reviewed the Grand Marais Fire Relief Association's Lump Sum Pension Plan Report for Year 2009. Relief Association investments have gone down approximately 20% requiring the City of Grand Marais to make a contribution of $8529 in 2010.
Redstone Construction Pay Estimate #6 and (2) Minor Extra Work Orders were approved by the Council for the 2008 City of Grand Marais Street and Utility Project.
The Safety Management Program contract with Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association and the annual payment terms of $12,400 were approved.
One-Percent Local Option Sales Tax
Council discussed the current status of the 1% Local Option Sales Tax. Jan Sivertson reported that she has assembled a preliminary team to begin the work of educating the public about the Sales Tax. The team will include an advocate of each of the (7) proposed projects: Danna MacKenzie, Buck Benson, Diane Booth, Mark Sandbo, D.C. Olsen, Linda Chappell. The voter referendum is scheduled for November 3, 2009.
Council & Staff Reports
Councilors Jan Sivertson and Tim Kennedy reported on the EDA regarding the Cedar Grove Business Park. Currently the EDA is struggling to determine asking prices for the individual lots, recognizing that lots are different sizes with different topography and visibility and should be priced accordingly. The pressure is on to sell lots to repay the $1.63M bond due in January 2010. The EDA and the City are meeting with their bond counsel Friday to discuss options.
Mike Roth gave an update on the Rec Park Master Plan. The graphic designer is incorporating the wetland delineation into the Park Map. The Master Plan recommended by the Park Board will be delivered to the City Council in September. Mike Roth also acknowledged the new city entrance signs provided by the Scenic Byways organization.
Special Assessment Public Hearing at 5:00 PM
The Council held a Public Hearing for the Special Assessments for the improvements done on 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th Avenues, as well as 4th Avenue between the Gunflint Trail and 11th Street. Approximately (10) residents expressed concerns, asked clarifying questions and offered constructive or positive feedback. The assessments for the 1-2-3-6 Avenue projects were adjusted downward due the subtraction of the cost for sidewalks on 1st Avenue. City Staff will be available to answer specific questions about individual property owner payments and possible deferment options for those who qualify. Council voted 4-0 to pass a resolution to adopt the proposed/adjusted assessment.
Mark Your Calendars
Thur August 27 4:00 PM Joint City/County/School/Tribe Meeting At City Hall
Fri August 28 9:30 AM City Budget Worksession
Fri August 28 1:00 PM Ehlers Bond Counsel Meeting (EDA and City)
Wed September 9 3:30 PM Worksession--Preliminary Levy
Wed Septmeber 9 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Wed September 30 4:30 PM City Council Meeting
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Pedestrian Safety Improvements in Grand Marais
Slowly but surely the City is improving Pedestrian Safety and slowing traffic along Highway 61 in Grand Marais. The Council has been working with MnDOT Traffic Engineer Rob Ege and the Street Department and have accomplished the following:
1. Pedestrian crosswalks have been repainted.
2. An additional crosswalk was added near 3rd Avenue and the Dairy Queen.
3. Additional "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS" signs have been purchased and placed at the new crosswalk and at the 5th Avenue crosswalk.
4. Two "EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD" signs have been ordered and will arrive in August. In the meantime, two signs of this type have been borrowed from MnDOT for the Dragon Boat Festival and Fisherman's Picnic.
5. The City has applied for a permit to install an electronic "YOUR SPEED IS" sign at the west end of town on Highway 61.
The City intends to continue working with MnDOT and Sheriff Falk to resolve pedestrian and traffic safety issues in Grand Marais.
Each of us can help improve safety issues in our town by remembering to "Watch out for the other guy!"
1. Pedestrian crosswalks have been repainted.
2. An additional crosswalk was added near 3rd Avenue and the Dairy Queen.
3. Additional "STOP FOR PEDESTRIANS" signs have been purchased and placed at the new crosswalk and at the 5th Avenue crosswalk.
4. Two "EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD" signs have been ordered and will arrive in August. In the meantime, two signs of this type have been borrowed from MnDOT for the Dragon Boat Festival and Fisherman's Picnic.
5. The City has applied for a permit to install an electronic "YOUR SPEED IS" sign at the west end of town on Highway 61.
The City intends to continue working with MnDOT and Sheriff Falk to resolve pedestrian and traffic safety issues in Grand Marais.
Each of us can help improve safety issues in our town by remembering to "Watch out for the other guy!"
Thursday, May 21, 2009
MN Department of Transportation Meeting
The City of Grand Marais hosted Robert R. Ege, MN DOT District Traffic Engineer out of the Duluth Traffic Office this morning. Attendees included Mayor Hakes, Councilors Kay Costello and Tim Kennedy, City Administrator Mike Roth, and City Finance Director Kim Dunsmoor. Several interested members of the general public were also in attendance and were able to ask questions and participate in the discussion.
The purpose of this two-hour meeting was to discuss potential short term and long term solutions to traffic and pedestrian safety issues in the City of Grand Marais. About half of the meeting was discussion, the second half of the meeting was a walking tour. Both were helpful.
One of the major concerns addressed was how to reduce the speed of traffic as it goes through Grand Marais along Highway 61. If the 30 mph speed limit could be moved further west to the top of the hill at the west end of the city it would be extremely helpful. Rob Ege will check into this and will advise.
The near-term ideas and possible solutions discussed today were:
- Move the 30 mph speed limit further west (top of the hill)
- Purchase and install permanent "YOUR SPEED IS" sign at the 30 mph sign
- Purchase/borrow (from MN DOT) "EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD" sign for special events
- Re-paint existing crosswalks
- Create (1) new crosswalk now
Several traffic/pedestrian problem areas were identified including the areas around 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail), the Dairy Queen, the Post Office and the Hospital. Long term, the City intends to continue working with MN DOT to build more pedestrian crosswalks, curb & gutters, sidewalks where appropriate. Today's meeting was the first step.
Funding for these projects is, of course, important. Ege said there is possible funding (up to 80%) for safety projects through a Highway Safety Improvement Project. Ege will provide information to us on this potential funding source.
The information gathered today will be discussed with the full City Council at the next meeting on May 27, 2009 so the Council can determine future actions.
The purpose of this two-hour meeting was to discuss potential short term and long term solutions to traffic and pedestrian safety issues in the City of Grand Marais. About half of the meeting was discussion, the second half of the meeting was a walking tour. Both were helpful.
One of the major concerns addressed was how to reduce the speed of traffic as it goes through Grand Marais along Highway 61. If the 30 mph speed limit could be moved further west to the top of the hill at the west end of the city it would be extremely helpful. Rob Ege will check into this and will advise.
The near-term ideas and possible solutions discussed today were:
- Move the 30 mph speed limit further west (top of the hill)
- Purchase and install permanent "YOUR SPEED IS" sign at the 30 mph sign
- Purchase/borrow (from MN DOT) "EVENT CONGESTION AHEAD" sign for special events
- Re-paint existing crosswalks
- Create (1) new crosswalk now
Several traffic/pedestrian problem areas were identified including the areas around 5th Avenue West (old Gunflint Trail), the Dairy Queen, the Post Office and the Hospital. Long term, the City intends to continue working with MN DOT to build more pedestrian crosswalks, curb & gutters, sidewalks where appropriate. Today's meeting was the first step.
Funding for these projects is, of course, important. Ege said there is possible funding (up to 80%) for safety projects through a Highway Safety Improvement Project. Ege will provide information to us on this potential funding source.
The information gathered today will be discussed with the full City Council at the next meeting on May 27, 2009 so the Council can determine future actions.
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