A survey of area business owners became an unexpected source of controversy at the city council table on Tuesday night.
Council members approved a motion to post the survey, being conducted by the University of Minnesota, on its social media accounts, but only after some debate and a single vote in opposition.
The survey is being promoted by Ely Community Response, and both business owners and non-profit leaders have been urged to respond and that “compiled results will be shared with leaders and could be used to advocate for support.”
Data from the survey would presumably provide information that would be considered as lawmakers ponder potential economic relief to local businesses in response to the ongoing wildfires and the negative impact on Ely’s economy.
Council member Emily Roose, who was instrumental in forming Ely Community Response, said the group took steps to commission the survey in the wake of the fires and a public town hall meeting last month - one that focused on the economic impact of the fires.
State Sen. Grant Hauschild (D) and State Rep. Roger Skraba (R) hosted the meeting, and Roose said Hauschild indicated that data would be helpful as lawmakers consider relief.
“He mentioned that it would be really helpful to get some economic impact results,” said Roose.
Roose added that the survey encompasses 10 questions, is fully anonymous, and that the data was being collected by the University of Minnesota Extension.
“We’re hoping we would share this on our social media accounts,” said Roose.
Lahtonen said he was uncomfortable with linking the survey to the city and cited rumors around town.
“I think it would be better if the university did it just to quell any rumors,” said Lahtonen.
Mayor Heidi Omerza asked attorney Kelly Klun if the survey could be considered a “conflict of interest” given Roose’s involvement.
Klun said “I don’t think it’s a conflict of interest,” and noted that conflicts arise when there’s financial gain involved for an interested party.
The motion to post the survey on the city’s accounts passed 5-1 with Lahtonen opposed.
In other business at a brief meeting Tuesday, the council: • Accepted the resignation of police officer Courtney Olson, who is leaving the department after about three years to take a position closer to home.
The city will advertise for a new officer.
• Heard from Riley Smith of the Ely Tree Board, who provided a tree update and cautioned that emerald ash borer could reach Ely within the next five-to-10 years.
Smith noted that it arrived in Duluth and Virginia already and will make its way to Ely, threatening about 40 percent of the mature trees in Ely.
• Approved a temporary liquor license for the Ely Winton Rod and Gun Club for a Sept. 5 wedding reception at the Miners Dry.
• Raised the permit fee for the Farmers Market to $40 per day along with the annual $150 event permit. The daily fee was $15.
• Accepted recommendations from the heritage preservation commission to seek a $15,000 grant for oral histories and $2,000 for photographic artwork at City Hall.
• Appointed Freja Alioth to the Gardner Trust Board.
• Approved various city in-kind services for the Harvest Moon Festival, which takes place Sept. 11-13.
