The Town of Morse board gave final approval to recreation grants to area organizations. The annual appropriation funds a variety of activities.
Receiving funding will be Ely All Night Graduation, Ely Area Softball, Ely Baseball Association, Ely Blue Line, Ely Community Education, Ely Golf Club, Ely Hoop Club, Ely Igloo Club, Ely Net Club, Ely Klown Band, Ely Little League, Ely Nordic, Ely Softball League, Ely TD Club, End of the Road Archers, Northeast Range/ Ely Trap Club, Northwoods Partners, Prospector ATV Alliance, Ely PTO, Ely Community Resource, NLAA.
The board discussed the short-term rental issue. The county was contacted on this issue and provided a list of 19 licensed providers and five applicants. The board’s question on how to limit the number of rentals was not answered.
Board chair and Ely Lodging Tax board member Terry Soderberg said there are 128 units being rented in the whole area. He said Granicus was hired to scour online listings and that company has compiled a list with addresses.
Supervisor Bob Berrini said the township should be charging the property owners a fee to have a short-term rental.
Also at the June 11 meeting, the board:
• Voted to spend up to $10,000 on applying calcium chloride on several gravel roads for dust control.
• Will ask the county Land Department about choosing parcels to be rezoned to light industrial and to put parcels up for sale.
• Heard from supervisor Bob Berrini that St. Louis County was supposed to do improvements on three roads in Morse, but that work has now been pushed back to 2027.
• Discussed the arsenic levels of a new well in the township. The property owner said her water is still not drinkable.
• Berrini noted that the short-term rentals are contributing to a lower population in Morse. The new numbers are 1,131 people and 561 households.
• Approved the RAMS dues of $432 for 2025.
• Discussed a culvert replacement on Esterberg Road with plastic pipes.
