Action Tuesday by Ely city officials will pave the way for establishing a “dog friendly field” at the cityowned softball complex.
Council members voted unanimously to accept what was presented by Craig Rice of Ely’s dog park board, and endorsed by city staff.
Various fencing around one of the fields no longer utilized by softball will be repaired and improved, closing gaps and allowing for complete containment of dogs inside the field.
The moves would in essence create a dog park at the newly-renamed Jerome Debeltz Fields.
Council member John Lahtonen had questions prior to the council vote, which was unanimous.
Lahtonen was assured that the fencing improvements must meet the approval of city staff.
The move came during a brief council session Tuesday at City Hall.
In other business, the council:
• Accepted Joe Prioreschi’s resignation from the city’s planning and zoning commission.
• Approved a resolution to seek grant funds from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board’s Culture and Tourism Grant Program.
• Approved a lease with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the Hidden Valley mountain bike trails;
• Approved a raffle permit for the Ely Rotary Club.
• Granted a temporary liquor license to the Ely-Winton Rod and Gun Club for the Aug. 16 Heritage Fest event at the Miners Dry.
• Received a certificate of substantial completion for the Ely Regional Trailhead Building project.
• Approved a residential rehabilitation loan for Carol Orban.
• Approved an easement for Minnesota Power in the Spaulding Area.
• Authorized a $3,556 change order for the trailhead project.
• Approved the second reading of ordinances defining resorts, recreational camping areas/RV parks and tattoo shops in city code, and identifying where those entities would be permitted in various zoning areas within the city limits.
• Heard from mayor Heidi Omerza about summer conferences held by Minnesota cities lobbying groups, and noted that the consensus was that little funding could be expected from St. Paul and the Minnesota Legislature in 2026, given the state budget situation.
Omerza also hailed those involved in organizing both the city’s July 4 celebration and the subsequent “Rock The Park” event on July 5.
• Approved an engagement letter with Northland Securities related to financing for the upcoming workforce housing project.
• Received word that the city of Ely received an award for reaching Step 3 in the Minnesota GreenStep Program.
• Approved city in-kind services for the upcoming Blueberry/Art Festival.
• Was briefed about the upcoming Division II American Legion State Baseball Tournament, to be held in town July 30-Aug. 2.
