Ely public meetings in 2020

Council

The City Council will review the 2021 budget and final tax levy, which includes a recommended 7% increase. The meeting also addresses several proposed fee adjustments for licenses and permits, as well as infrastructure and redevelopment projects.

• Resolution 2020-045: Approving the City of Ely Budget for Fiscal Year 2021
• Resolution 2020-046: Approving and adopting the final tax levy collectible in 2021
• Proposed 7% increase ($123,800) to the 2021 levy over 2020 levels
• Final Pay Estimate No. 10 for West End Redevelopment District, Phase 1: $61,326.63 to Utility Systems of America Inc.
• Partial Pay Estimate #1 for 7" Avenue/VA Clinic Site Improvements: $66,965.75 to Utility Systems of America, Inc.

Council

The City Council held a Truth in Taxation public hearing to present the proposed 2021 budget. The plan includes increasing the total city tax proposed to $1,892,300, a $123,800 increase over 2020.

• Proposed total property tax levy of $1,892,300
• Library property tax increase of $45,700 to $340,700
• Cemetery expenditure increase of $7,100 to $43,500 for maintenance
• Capital Project budgeted expenditures of $1,322,900
• Special EEDA Levy calculated at $32,130.02

The Ely City Council held a Truth in Taxation public hearing on the proposed 2021 budget, which includes a 7% city-wide tax levy increase. The council can lower the levy but cannot raise it. No formal vote was taken; the hearing was informational and adjourned without objection.

• Held Truth in Taxation hearing on 2021 proposed budget (no vote)
• Proposed 2021 city tax levy of $1,892,300, a 7% increase over 2020
• Noted levy can be lowered but not raised by council

Council

The City Council will hold a second reading of an ordinance to establish the licensing of short-term rentals. The body will also review various utility payments and airport pavement rehabilitation estimates.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 344, 2nd Series regarding the Licensing of Short Term Rentals
• Payment of October EUC Bills List for $529,646.51
• Final pay estimates to KGM Contractors, Inc for Ely Airport pavement rehabilitation: $23,422.32 and $14,820.45
• Partial payment of $50,498.20 to Hovland, Inc for the Pocket Park Re-Bid project
• Truth in Taxation Public Hearing scheduled for December 8, 2020

Council

The City Council will discuss a tourism crisis marketing grant and finalize payments for the West Camp Street and Pattison Street East improvements project. The meeting also includes a public request to discuss noise ordinance enforcement and updates on police staffing.

• Final Payment Estimate No. 7 for West Camp Street and Pattison Street East Improvements Project: $12,585.00 to Utility Systems of America
• City and EUC claims for payment: $501,188.81
• Ely Area Tourism Bureau Tourism Crisis Marketing Grant
• Conditional offers for two patrolman positions in the Police Department
• Public appearance by Bernie and Jeanette Palcher regarding noise ordinance enforcement

The Ely City Council voted 5-2 to enforce Ordinance 10.29 after residents Bernie and Jeanette Palcher complained about a neighbor's noisy generator. The council also voted unanimously to refer the issue to the Utilities Commission for further review. The motion to enforce the ordinance was made by Campbell/Kess and carried 5-2, with A.Forsman and Omerza voting no.

• Approved minutes from Nov 10 and Nov 12 meetings (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including waiver of readings and Police Chief Chad Houde's probation completion (unanimous)
• Enforced Ordinance 10.29 regarding noise complaint (5-2, A.Forsman and Omerza no)
• Referred generator noise issue to Utilities Commission (unanimous)
• Approved $2,000 for Tree Board Projects in 2021 Capital Project Fund (unanimous)
• Approved conditional offer to David Wimmer for patrolman position (unanimous)
• Approved conditional offer to Joseph Olufson for patrolman position (unanimous)
• Approved city and EUC claims for $501,188.81 (unanimous)

Council

The Council is considering a recommendation to use $16,351.68 in CARES Act funding to cover unbudgeted ambulance service costs caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agenda also includes various committee reports and departmental updates.

• CARES Act funding of $16,351.68 for Ely Area Ambulance Service
• Ordinance No. 344 regarding Short Term Rental licensing
• Premier Pyrotechnics fireworks contract for $15,000
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling approximately $761,714.90
• Purchase of water treatment plant transmitters for $1,300.00 and $4,990.00

The Ely City Council approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 344, which adds Chapter 17 to license short-term rentals, with a 5-2 vote (Kess and Campbell voting no). A public hearing on the ordinance was scheduled for December 1, 2020 at 4:30pm. The council also approved CARES Act funding allocations, including $1,000 each for the Ely Folk School and Dorothy Molter Museum, and $16,351.68 for the Ely Area Ambulance Service's COVID-related expenses. Several other routine items were approved, including consent agenda items, claims for payment, and various committee recommendations.

• Approved first reading of Ordinance No. 344 for short-term rental licensing (5-2)
• Scheduled public hearing on Ordinance 344 for Dec 1, 2020 at 4:30pm
• Approved $1,000 CARES grants to Ely Folk School and Dorothy Molter Museum
• Approved $16,351.68 in CARES funds for Ely Area Ambulance Service
• Approved Ely Utilities Commission consent agenda items totaling $313,590.08
• Accepted resignation of police officer Adam Borchert effective Nov 21, 2020
• Approved $15,000 for 2021 4th of July fireworks with Premier Pyrotechnics
• Approved Resolution 2020-041 for CDBG application for Washington Street project

Council

The Ely City Council unanimously approved a resolution to issue $1,735,000 in General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A, to refinance existing debt and save $180,857. They also approved a bond purchase contract for the same amount. For CARES Act funding, the council awarded $3,500 to each of 8 Tier 1 businesses, $2,500 to each of 3 Tier 2 businesses, and $1,500 to each of 7 Tier 3 businesses, totaling $36,000, with an additional $1,000 for eligible non-profits with storefronts.

• Approved resolution for $1,735,000 GO CIP Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A (unanimous)
• Approved bond purchase contract for $1,735,000 Series 2020A bonds (unanimous)
• Awarded $3,500 each to 8 Tier 1 CARES Act applicants (unanimous)
• Awarded $2,500 each to 3 Tier 2 CARES Act applicants (unanimous)
• Awarded $1,500 each to 7 Tier 3 CARES Act applicants (unanimous)
• Set $1,000 award for eligible non-profits with storefronts, applications due Nov 6

Council

The City Council will consider loan approvals for a residential furnace and a pocket park. The body will also discuss a proposed sale price for the Ely Community Center and schedule a special meeting regarding bond sales and CARES Act funding.

• Proposed $17,500 Commercial Renovation Loan for 115 E Chapman St for the Chapman Street Pocket Park
• Proposed $6,000 Residential Rehab Loan for 417 E Pattison St for a new propane furnace
• Recommendation to ask $79,000 for the Ely Community Center when advertised for sale
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $312,896.18
• Special Council meeting scheduled for October 27, 2020, regarding bond sales and CARES Act funding

The Ely City Council approved a $28,866 proposal for additional soil testing and drilling near the Community Center after contamination was found in a larger area; the work is 90% reimbursable by the MPCA. The council also approved a resolution affirming support for free and fair elections, set an asking price of $79,000 for the Ely Community Center, and approved several loans and a mortgage satisfaction. All votes were 6-0-1 with Council Member Omerza absent, except the Community Center asking price, which passed 5-1-1 with Campbell abstaining.

• Approved $28,866 for soil testing and drilling at Community Center (6-0-1)
• Approved resolution supporting free and fair elections (6-0-1)
• Set $79,000 asking price for Ely Community Center sale (5-1-1, Campbell abstained)
• Forwarded workforce housing request to HRA (5-0-1)
• Approved $6,000 rehab loan for Dean Hanninen at 417 E Pattison St (6-0-1)
• Approved $17,500 commercial renovation loan for E. Chapman Street Properties (6-0-1)
• Approved mortgage satisfaction for Serson Enterprises (6-0-1)
• Approved $312,896.18 in city and EUC claims (6-0-1)

Council

The council is reviewing a $1,815,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan refunding bond and several construction contract awards. The meeting also includes discussions on CARES Act business assistance and a commercial waste disposal contract.

• Proposed $1,815,000 General Obligation Capital Improvement Plan Refunding Bonds, Series 2020A
• Recommendation to award 7th Avenue/VA Clinic Site Improvements to Utility Systems of America for $294,559.50
• Recommendation to award Pocket Park Re-Bid to Hovland, Inc for $85,958.75
• Proposed $17,500 commercial renovation loan for 115 E Chapman St
• Proposed two-year contract for Todd Crego at $1,750 per month

Council

The City Council met to approve the proposed 2021 tax levy and discuss new business. The body is also reviewing demolition quotes for a property and a conditional police hire.

• Resolution #2020-033 adopting a total certified levy of $1,892,300 for 2021
• Proposed tax levy breakdown: General Fund $1,240,100, Library Fund $340,700, and General Obligation Bonded Debt $311,500
• Review of demolition quotes for 16 W Sheridan St (Looney’s)
• Conditional offer to hire Maxwell Brewer as a police officer
• Budget Committee recommendation to set the maximum 2021 levy at a 7% increase

Council

The City Council will discuss the use of remaining CARES Act funds and the hiring of two new police officers. The body is also considering a grant application for the demolition of 16 W Sheridan St.

• Payment of $515,275.02 for the James Street Project
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $382,289.46
• Resolution 2020-032 to apply for IRRR grant for demolition of 16 W Sheridan St
• Approval of background investigations for 3 police officer applicants to hire 2
• Payment of $5,125 for Ely Community Resources

Council

The City Council will review proposals from Northern Routes Rolloff and G Men for a commercial waste disposal contract. The body is also discussing the relocation of a sanitary sewer line on 7th Avenue for a VA expansion project and updating cemetery regulations.

• Proposed commercial waste disposal contracts from Northern Routes Rolloff and G Men
• Bids for sanitary sewer line relocation on 7th Avenue for VA expansion
• Water Tower Clean and Coat proposal for $5,000
• Payment of $31,190.00 to JPJ Engineering, Inc for WWTP Mercury Plan
• Transfer of off-sale liquor license from Sarah Burger to Joseph Hiller DBA Wildlife Liquor

The Ely City Council approved the Sanitation Committee's recommendation to accept proposals from Northern Routes Rolloff and G Men for the Commercial Waste Disposal Contract, subject to vendors providing required paperwork, including a valid bond and insurance, within 15 days. The council also approved several other actions, including liquor license fee rebates, a new first responder vehicle purchase, and rejecting bids for the Pocket Park to rebid with an adjusted scope.

• Approved commercial waste disposal contracts with Northern Routes Rolloff and G Men, contingent on paperwork within 15 days (unanimous)
• Approved liquor license fee rebates for businesses with licenses as of March 1, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of a 2020 Chevy 3500 Crew Cab for first responders for $38,038 plus taxes (unanimous)
• Rejected Pocket Park bids and authorized rebidding with adjusted scope (unanimous)
• Authorized going out for bids for sanitary sewer line relocation on 7th Avenue (unanimous)
• Approved EUC consent agenda items including water tower clean/coat for $5,000 and payments totaling $326,937.77 (unanimous)
• Approved mortgage satisfactions for Ryan and Michale Callen and Mary Lobe (6-0-1 with Callen abstaining on first)
• Approved claims for payment for September 1, 2020 totaling $609,607.75 (unanimous)

Council

The City Council is reviewing recommendations to apply for IRRR grants for the Trezona Trail, VA Expansion infrastructure, and residential demolition. The body is also considering updates to cemetery rules and a storefront rehab loan.

• Proposed IRRR Regional Trail Grant for Trezona Trail and Semers Park connection
• Proposed IRRR Development Infrastructure Program grant for VA Expansion sewer and road work
• Proposed IRRR Residential Demolition Funds for 274 N 5th Ave
• Storefront Rehab Loan for Pastika Building, LLC at 131 E Chapman St for $17,500
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $373,738.33

The Ely City Council approved several items, including using CARES Act funds for new laptops, a projector, and two trucks, and applying for IRRR grants for the Trezona Trail and infrastructure. They also approved increasing the ambulance contribution to $10.10 per capita for 2020, and postponed a cemetery rule change for clarification. A property maintenance issue at 106 E Harvey was discussed with a status report due by the next meeting.

• Approved CARES Act purchase of Public Works and First Responder trucks (unanimous)
• Approved CARES Act quotes for laptops and projector ($13,499.60) (unanimous)
• Approved IRRR grant applications for Trezona Trail and VA Expansion sewer main (unanimous)
• Approved IRRR demolition funds application for 274 N 5th Ave (unanimous)
• Approved $17,500 Storefront Rehab Loan for Pastika Building, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved ambulance contribution increase to $10.10 per capita for 2020 (unanimous)
• Postponed cemetery rules update for clarification (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2020-029 urging bonding bill (unanimous)

Council

The council will discuss a mask mandate and review several utility-related approvals, including wastewater treatment plant projects and fiber optic leases. The meeting also includes an audit presentation and the approval of 2020-2021 liquor licenses.

• WWTP Mercury Project engineering service contract and soil borings not to exceed $10,000.00
• Purchase of 3 Phase meters for $4,553.28 and light fixtures for $3,210.00
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $566,484.59
• Sanitation contract review
• Application for FY21 Community Infrastructure Grant Program funds

Council

The City Council will discuss the utilization of $256,910 in Cares Act funding and a professional services agreement for the Ely Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) Improvements Project. The body is also reviewing a preliminary 2021 budget and various infrastructure project payments.

• Recommendation to utilize $256,910.00 in Cares Act Funding
• Agreement with Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. for WWTF Improvements
• Storefront Rehab Loan for Front Porch Coffee & Tea Co. at 343 E Sheridan St for $12,000
• Final payment of $125,542.13 to Casper Construction Inc for 17th Ave E/7th Ave E/Water Tower project
• Partial payment of $249,215.89 to Utility Systems of America Inc for West End Redevelopment District

Council

The City Council is discussing financial assistance for the Prospector ATV trail system and reviewing several utility and infrastructure purchases. The body is also addressing public facility rentals and the maintenance of the Miners Lake fishing pier.

• Request for up to $50,000 to assist with a 10-year lease for state lands used by the Prospector ATV trail system
• Proposed $29,169 wireless microphone system upgrade for the Telecommunications Advisory Board
• Storefront rehab loan of $12,000 for shingle replacement at 343 E Sheridan St
• Purchase of a grit auger for $5,340.00 and 47 poles for $15,323.00 for the WWTP
• Resolution 2020-023 authorizing a cooperative agreement with the State of Minnesota for the Miners Lake Public Fishing Pier

The Ely City Council held a public hearing with the Sanitation Committee to hear comments on the Commercial Waste Disposal Contract. No members of the public spoke, and no comments were received at the Clerk's Office. The hearing was adjourned without objection.

• Held public hearing on Commercial Waste Disposal Contract
• No public comments received
• Adjourned hearing without objection

Council

The Council is holding a study session to discuss the Waste Water Treatment Facility plan, including costs and schedules to address mercury exceedances. The body is also discussing the Ely Public Schools Bond Referendum and Tourism Bureau rebranding.

• Waste Water Treatment Facility project with an estimated cost of $9,300,000
• Proposed $7,000,000 Point Source Implementation Grant for wastewater funding
• Discussion of Ely Public Schools Bond Referendum
• Tourism Bureau rebranding plans
• Wastewater design timeline with a final submission to MPCA by January 30, 2021

Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss several infrastructure payments and a residential redevelopment grant for the demolition of a property. The body will also review a storefront rehabilitation loan and various departmental reports.

• Resolution 2020-019 to accept IRRRB Residential Redevelopment Grant funds for the demolition of 15 S Central Avenue
• Payment of $96,923.24 to Utility Systems of America Inc for West End Redevelopment District Phase 1
• Storefront Rehab Loan of $17,000 for Ely Area Senior Citizens, Inc for work at 27 S 1st Ave E
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $426,886.92
• Approval for Chief Houde to attend the MCPA Leadership Academy in New Brighton, MN

Council

The City Council will discuss resolutions to allow outdoor dining and a temporary outdoor dining permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. The body is also reviewing several grants, loans, and utility purchases.

• Cares Act Airport Grants Agreement for $30,000
• Storefront Rehab Loan for Arrowhead Outdoors at 1810 E Sheridan St for $5,000
• Purchase of 16 light fixtures for Chapman Street for $49,824.00
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $292,015.66
• Resolution 2020-015 allowing outdoor dining

Council

The City Council is holding a study session to discuss a draft ordinance for short-term rentals. The discussion includes Planning and Zoning recommendations regarding license density, fees, and administrative standards.

• Discussion on Short Term Rentals with Planning and Zoning
• Council Position on Current Restrictions on Local Businesses

Council

The City Council is reviewing recommendations to reopen park facilities and restrict pavilion rentals. The body is also considering a contract for the Police Chief and a new part-time Civil Enforcement Officer.

• Police Chief contract review
• Proposed hire of Matthew Egan-Ostrokol as part-time Civil Enforcement Officer
• Change Order No. 3A for 2018 Ely Airport Pavement Rehabilitation Project: $14,712.00
• Payment of $101,551.12 to Utility Systems of America, Inc. for West End Redevelopment District Phase 1
• Recommendation to deny driveway construction from Pioneer Road for 2111 Sibley Drive

Council

The City Council is meeting via Zoom to discuss a local emergency extension and various infrastructure bids. The body will review professional services for the 2020 Connector Taxiway Project and a storefront rehabilitation loan.

• Construction Engineering Services for 2020 Connector Taxiway Project with TKDA for $119,300
• Storefront Rehab Loan for TMC Property, LLC / Cunningham Electric at 421 N Lakeview Ave for $17,500
• Michaels Power bid for Electrical Improvements/Fiber installation for $176,450.18
• Budget adjustment to increase Fire Department minor equipment budget by $5,000 to $11,000
• Resolution 2020-014 to extend the period of a Mayor-Declared Local Emergency

The Ely City Council approved a $119,300 contract with TKDA for construction engineering services on the 2020 Connector Taxiway Project, which is 100% reimbursable by the FAA. The council also approved a $5,000 budget adjustment for fire department turnout gear, a $176,450.18 electrical/fiber installation bid, and a $17,500 storefront rehab loan. A moratorium on calendar parking until fall was enacted, and the local emergency declaration was extended.

• Approved $119,300 TKDA engineering contract for 2020 Connector Taxiway Project (unanimous)
• Approved $5,000 budget increase for fire department turnout gear (unanimous)
• Approved $176,450.18 Michaels Power bid for electrical/fiber installation (unanimous)
• Approved $17,500 storefront rehab loan to TMC Property LLC/Cunningham Electric (unanimous)
• Approved Ely Senior Center application for storefront loan (unanimous)
• Approved moratorium on calendar parking until fall (unanimous)
• Approved Chris Bud Ahrens to Park and Recreation Board (6-1)
• Approved Resolution 2020-014 extending local emergency (unanimous)

Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for the Police Chief position. Four individuals are scheduled for interviews throughout the day.

• Police Chief interview: George Burger
• Police Chief interview: John Swenson
• Police Chief interview: Chad Houde
• Police Chief interview: Adam Borchert

The Ely City Council conducted interviews for the Police Chief position and used a ranked voting process to narrow candidates. After multiple rounds, the council voted to hire Chad Houde as the new Police Chief. The council also voted to keep the applications of the other finalists on file for a year.

• Hired Chad Houde as Police Chief (6-1)
• Eliminated John Swenson from consideration (unanimous)
• Eliminated George Burger from consideration (5-2)
• Kept other finalists' applications on file for a year (unanimous)

Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to review the processes and procedures for interviewing candidates for the Police Chief position. The agenda includes model forms and guidelines from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding interview panel conduct and legal hiring constraints.

• Process and Procedures for Police Chief Interviews

The Ely City Council voted unanimously to conduct police chief interviews in person in the council chambers with social distancing, and to make the hiring decision immediately after the interviews. The council also discussed but did not vote on whether to provide interview questions to candidates ahead of time, leaving that for a pre-interview meeting. The mayor's emergency declaration allowing in-person meetings will be considered for approval at the next council meeting.

• Approved in-person police chief interviews with social distancing (unanimous)
• Approved making the police chief hiring decision immediately after interviews (unanimous)
• Tabled decision on providing interview questions ahead of time

Council

The City Council will hold a second reading of Ordinance No. 342 regarding refuse collection and disposal rules. The body is also reviewing a LELS contract and various infrastructure payments.

• Second reading of Ordinance No. 342 regarding refuse collection and disposal
• Storefront Rehab Loan for TMC Property, LLC at 421 N Lakeview Ave for $17,500
• Archaeological Survey for Hidden Valley Mountain Bike Trails for $3,903.30
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $155,906.42
• LELS Contract for January 1, 2020 — December 31, 2022

The Ely City Council approved a three-year contract with LELS (likely the local law enforcement labor group) including 2.5% wage increases each year and full-day holidays on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. The council also approved consent agenda items, including a $17,500 storefront rehab loan for TMC Property LLC, and accepted applications for police chief interviews. A motion to reconsider K-America's extension proposal was approved, with Councilmember Campbell abstaining due to a conflict of interest.

• Approved LELS contract Jan 1, 2020 – Dec 31, 2022 with 2.5% annual wage increases (6-1, Debeltz absent)
• Approved consent agenda including $17,500 storefront rehab loan for TMC Property LLC (6-1, Debeltz absent)
• Approved $3,903.30 for Phase 1 Archaeological Survey for Hidden Valley Mountain Bike Trails (consent agenda)
• Approved FAA Cares Act grant for airport operations and taxiway project (reported, no vote needed)
• Approved 2nd Reading Ordinance No. 342 on refuse collection rules (6-1, Debeltz absent)
• Approved claims for payment totaling $155,906.42 plus engineering invoices (6-1, Debeltz absent)
• Approved HPC recommendation to reconsider K-America extension after more progress (5-1-1, Campbell abstained)
• Scheduled special council meeting May 31, 2020 for police chief interviews (6-1, Debeltz absent)

Council

The Board of Appeal & Equalization met to review proposed property assessed values from the St. Louis County Assessor’s Office. The board determined the overall median ratio of 93.5% for residential sales fell within state-mandated levels. Three specific requests for building evaluation decreases were approved.

• Decreased building assessment for Jerry and Wendy Lyytinen (PID 030-0240-00040) by $50,600
• Decreased building assessment for Steven Gadow (PID 030-0200-01100) by $22,400
• Decreased building assessment for Carl Blair (PID 030-0030-00080) by $30,100

Council

The City Council is meeting via Zoom to extend a mayor-declared local emergency and consider a new ordinance regarding refuse collection. The body will also review several construction contracts and a storefront rehabilitation loan.

• Resolution 2020-013 to extend the period of a Mayor-Declared Local Emergency
• 1st reading of Ordinance No. 342 regarding refuse collection and disposal rules
• Pioneer Mine Retaining Wall construction estimate increase from $16,800 to $22,300
• $17,500 Storefront Rehab Loan for 246 E Sheridan St (E Sheridan St Properties, LLC)
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $144,948.88

The Ely City Council unanimously approved the consent agenda, including a $22,300 change for a laser 3-D scan of the Pioneer Mine retaining wall, a $17,441.54 decrease for the West End Redevelopment District Phase 1, and a $17,500 storefront rehab loan for 246 E Sheridan St. The council also approved the first reading of Ordinance 342 (refuse collection rules), scheduled a public hearing for April 21, approved resolutions to submit an LCCMR grant request for the Pioneer Wall and to extend the mayor-declared local emergency, and approved claims totaling $144,948.88. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved consent agenda items A-E unanimously, including construction documents for Pioneer Mine wall (with $22,300 laser scan change), contract change order #1 for West End Redevelopment (decrease $17,441.54), and storefront rehab loan for 246 E Sheridan St ($17,500)
• Approved 1st reading of Ordinance 342 (refuse collection rules) unanimously
• Scheduled public hearing on Ordinance 342 for April 21 at 4:30pm unanimously
• Approved Resolution 2020-012 authorizing LCCMR grant request for Pioneer Wall construction unanimously
• Approved Resolution 2020-013 extending mayor-declared local emergency unanimously
• Approved claims for payment of $144,948.88 unanimously
• Approved advertising for bids for 2020 Fiber Installation and Independent Fee Review for Connector Taxiway unanimously
• No action taken on Whiteside Park permit for Chamber of Commerce

Council

The City Council is reviewing several infrastructure project awards and contract changes. The body is also considering resolutions regarding a commitment to citizens and a policy against boycotting Fortune Bay Casino.

• Proposed bid award for James Street Project to Utility Systems of America, Inc. for $961,086.05
• Proposed bid award for Clearing of the Burntside Right of Way Project to L. Murphy Construction for $17,760
• Proposed $16,800 bid from McDonald and Mack for Pioneer Mine Retaining Wall construction design
• Proposed Change Order No. 1 for Business Park 2 Project decreasing contract by $15,574.50
• Proposed request from US Customs to install a new facility at 1901 W Shagawa Rd

The Ely City Council declared a state of emergency and approved a COVID-19 advisory, including building closures and service changes. They also approved several construction contracts, including a $961,086.05 bid for the James Street Project, and adopted a policy on accrued leave use during declared emergencies. All decisions were made unanimously.

• Approved Resolution #2020-009 Commitment to Citizens of Ely (unanimous)
• Approved Proclamation and Declaration of Emergency (unanimous)
• Approved COVID-19 advisory and cancellations, including library and rec center closure (unanimous)
• Approved Change Order No. 1 for Business Park 2, decreasing contract by $15,574.50 (unanimous)
• Approved Final Pay Estimate No. 5 for Business Park 2, $17,561.13 to Mesabi Bituminous, Inc. (unanimous)
• Awarded James Street Project bid to Utility Systems of America, Inc. for $961,086.05 (unanimous)
• Approved Emergency Operations Plan V2 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved City of Ely Policy 2020-1 on Accrued Leave Use During Declared Emergency (unanimous)

Council

The Ely City Council held an emergency meeting to discuss COVID-19 preparations. They decided to close the Library and Rec Center starting March 18, with limited curbside pickup at the library, while city operations continue as usual. The council unanimously canceled the March 31 study session and canceled all city-paid travel and training until further notice. No local emergency declaration was made, and the council will follow state and national guidelines.

• Canceled March 31 study session (unanimous)
• Closed Library and Rec Center starting March 18
• Canceled all city-paid travel and training until further notice
• No local emergency declaration; will follow state/national guidelines

Council

The City Council is discussing support for the Twin Metals and Polymet projects and state funding for local schools and trails. The meeting also includes public testimony regarding the Ely Chamber of Commerce's removal of nonprofit groups from local festivals.

• Resolution 2020-008 supporting Twin Metals and Polymet Project Development
• Resolution 2020-006 supporting Ely Public Schools request for state funding
• Resolution 2020-007 requesting state funds for Ely Trailhead and Prospector’s Loop Trail System
• Payment of $525,577.43 for January EUC bills
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $231,171.92

Council

The City Council will review 2020 Ely Utilities rate recommendations and a new Police Chief job description. The meeting also includes reports from various city committees and departments.

• 2020 Ely Utilities Rate Recommendations
• Police Chief Job Description
• Election Judges for the March 3, 2020 Presidential Nomination Primary Election
• $376,127.99 in City and EUC claims for payment

The Ely City Council approved several routine items, including utility rate increases for water, sewer, and electric, the appointment of election judges for the March 3 primary, and a library board appointment. The council also approved claims for payment and mortgage satisfactions. No substantive policy decisions were made beyond these routine approvals.

• Approved utility rate increases: $0.50/month water fixed charge, $1.00/month sewer fixed charge, 1% electric increase (unanimous)
• Approved election judges for Presidential Nomination Primary Election on March 3, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved David O'Donnell for library board term expiring 1/31/2023 (unanimous)
• Approved city and EUC claims for February 18, 2020 totaling $376,127.99 (unanimous)
• Approved mortgage satisfactions for Nancy and Richard Petrzilka (unanimous)
• Rescheduled March 10 council meeting to March 4, 2020 at 5:30pm (unanimous)

Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding utility rates and a facility plan amendment. The body is also considering a purchase agreement for the Trezona Trail property and a new tobacco ordinance.

• Utility Rate Hearing and Facility Plan Amendment Hearing
• Purchase Agreement between SPI, LLC and City of Ely for Trezona Trail Property
• Tobacco Ordinance regarding Federal Tobacco 21 Law
• JPJ Engineering Mercury Removal Pilot Study for $12,000 and Facility Plan Amendment for $25,000
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $573,607.26

The Ely City Council approved the purchase of the Trezona Trail property from SPI, LLC for $200,000, with closing set for March 1, 2020. The council also approved several operational items, including wastewater treatment equipment replacements, a utility rate hearing, and committee appointments. All votes were 6-0-1 with Council Member A. Forsman absent.

• Approved purchase agreement with SPI, LLC for Trezona Trail property for $200,000 (6-0-1)
• Approved VFD replacements at WWTF: Lift Pump 2 for $11,700 and RAS Pump 1 for $8,560 (6-0-1)
• Scheduled utility rate hearing for Feb 18, 2020 and WWTF facility plan hearing for Feb 26, 2020 (6-0-1)
• Approved EUC consent agenda including 2020 rate recommendations and $37,000 in engineering studies (6-0-1)
• Approved 2020 committee assignments and appointments (6-0-1)
• Approved Resolution #2020-004 for Duluth Economic Development Authority revenue bonds (6-0-1)
• Awarded 2020 legal publishing to Ely Echo (6-0-1)
• Approved temporary liquor license for Ely Folk School on Feb 12, 2020 (6-0-1)

Council

The Ely City Council held a study session to discuss short-term rentals with Planning and Zoning, but no committee members were present and no decisions were made. The meeting was procedural only, with no old or new business acted upon.

Council

The City Council is meeting to decide on several infrastructure projects and financial approvals. Key items include a commercial renovation loan and the approval of plans for the James Street Project.

• Resolution 2020-003 approving plans for the James Street Project
• Bids for a new Public Works Department plow truck
• $17,500 commercial renovation loan for 228 E Sheridan St
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $830,997.84
• $5,232.25 refund check to Kuehl’s Logging for a 2015 timber sale contract

Council

The City Council is reviewing payments for the Vermilion River Bridge Construction Project and two commercial renovation loans. The body is also discussing the 2020 fee schedule and a grant for the Pioneer Mine Retaining Wall.

• Pay Estimate #8 for Vermilion River Bridge Construction Project for $254,173.38 to George Bougalis and Sons
• Commercial renovation loan for 141 N Central Ave for $17,500
• Commercial renovation loan for 228 E Sheridan St for $17,500
• Minnesota Historical and Cultural Heritage Grant Agreement for Pioneer Mine Retaining Wall Construction Drawings for $10,000
• City and EUC claims for January 7, 2020 totaling $383,378.11