The Ely city council ran through routine business at Tuesday’s regular meeting before hearing from two members of the public on the Ely Area Lodging Tax Board.
Jason Zabokrtsky spoke to the council about a decision of the Ely Area Lodging Tax Board to give monies to the Ely Chamber of Commerce and help pay for the new trailhead building which he said is “a significant and dramatic change…and sets a troubled precedent.”
Zabokrtsky said reducing the funding to the Ely Tourism Bureau will negatively impact tourism in Ely. He said the local marketing professionals need to be left to do their jobs.
“Unwise use of these funds means our businesses do worse,” said Zabokrtsky.
Edith Renner of Motel Ely said she supports what Zabokrtsky said and that she was concerned about Ely Area Lodging Tax Board Paul Kess who she said didn’t follow the council’s direction on this issue.
“What is your guys’ role here if he’s not following that?” asked Renner.
She asked that a council member be appointed to represent the city of Ely instead of Kess, a former council member, or that it be opened up to the public including herself.
The council heard both speak under open forum and took no action and made no comment.
Operations director Harold Langowski responded to a question from council member Emily Roose on if bids were sought for a $12,500 contract with American Masonry to perform mortar and stone sample removal on the city hall building. Langowski said the work is specialized so bids were not required. He said the work will include restoration of the stonework and window replacement.
Langowski said there were areas that will be followed up on including disconnecting roof drains following the smoke testing conducted recently.
At Hidden Valley, the council approved a resolution continuing support and sponsorship of the Hidden Valley Ski Area and the Ely Nordic Ski Club’s efforts to maintain and operate the recreation area. Langowski said the city will continue to be the club’s sponsor to receive state funds.
Mayor Heidi Omerza said she was at a Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities conference in Grand Rapids. She noted the autonomous vehicles there and that the discussion included the upcoming legislative session. “We’re to figure out ways to get things done with less money,” said Omerza.
In other business the council:
• Approved a $10,000 residential rehabilitation loan to Frank Ivancich at 837 E. James St. to replace a propane furnace and a $6,503 local to Stacy Villard at 19 E. Pattinson St. to replace a sump pump and reroute water.
• Scheduled a Truth in Taxation meeting for Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 p.m.
• Approved the resignation of Claudia McBride from the Tree Board. Council member Adam Bisbee said a $50,000 grant being applied for would plant 30 new trees and treat invasive buckthorn.
• Noted a piece of equipment was purchased for $930 for resetting cemetery stones that had toppled over.
• Langowski said some trees will be removed at the cemetery as well.
• Approved putting the Fire Department’s Kodiak Engine #4 up for auction. Langowski said the city has other equipment up for auction online as well.
• Heard from council member Angela Campbell on a 1978 letter on the Hubachek cabin that was given to the city and used by the Chamber of Commerce for many years.
• Approved a three-year agreement with Ely Community Resource to manage the Rec Center property.
• Approved providing inkind snowplowing and a licensed boiler operate for The Hub through the Ely Area Community Foundation.
• Approved a plan for the Ely fire department’s first responders to establish and formalize a medical director at an annual cost of $500; formalize standard operating procedures, have the first responders licensed with the state; and, standardize the first responders bags and equipment. Fire chief Dave Marshall said Kristen Zobitz will be stepping down as coordinator by the end of the year. He said 75% of the fire calls are medical.
• Approved $20,000 to have Premier Pyrotechnics shoot the July 4 fireworks.
• Heard from Marshall that there will be a $20,000 cost to outfit a new fire truck. The cost will be paid for with a $5,000 DNR grant and $15,000 from the fire department relief association.
• Director Rachel Heinrich gave an update on happenings at the Ely Public Library.
• Noted calendar parking is in effect and tickets will be written.
• Approved a resolution so the Knights of Columbus Council 3238 to conduct bingo.
