Ely public meetings in 2024

December 17 Council

The Ely City Council will hold a regular meeting with significant actions including adopting the 2025 budget and final tax levy, second readings of ordinances regulating cannabis businesses and public use of cannabinoid products, and approving several utility equipment purchases. The council will also consider payments for the East End Development project and the Trailhead building, along with other committee recommendations and claims totaling over $400,000.

• Adoption of Fiscal Year 2025 budget and final tax levy (Resolutions 2024-047 and 2024-048)
• Second reading of Ordinance 381 regulating cannabis businesses and Ordinance 383 adding temporary cannabis events as interim use
• Purchase of a High Lift VFD for Water Treatment Plant ($18,750) and a breaker panel ($36,100) from Revolt Electrical Services
• Approval of $192,227.91 pay application #6 to Max Gray Construction for the Ely Regional Trailhead Building
• East End Development Project change order #1 (+$23,995.27) and pay estimates totaling $131,716.20 to Low Impact Excavators

The Ely City Council approved the 2025 budget and final tax levy, adopted two cannabis-related ordinances (Nos. 381 and 383) and gave first reading to a third (No. 384), and approved several utility and infrastructure purchases. All votes were 6-0-1 with Councilor A. Forsman absent, except the Trailhead security system which passed 5-1-1 with Councilor Kess voting no.

• Approved 2025 budget (Resolution 2024-047) (6-0-1)
• Adopted final 2025 tax levy (Resolution 2024-048) (6-0-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 381 regulating cannabis businesses (6-0-1)
• Adopted Ordinance 383 adding temporary cannabis events as interim use (6-0-1)
• Gave first reading to Ordinance 384 on public use of cannabinoid products (6-0-1)
• Approved $33,632.40 Trailhead security system from Ely Custom Theaters (5-1-1)
• Approved $72,549 transformer quote from T&R Electric (6-0-1)
• Approved $18,750 VFD and $36,100 breaker panel for Water Treatment Plant (6-0-1)

Council

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December 3 Public Hearing Ordinance 378 Zoning District Schedule

This public hearing is for the second reading of Ordinance 378, which amends the Zoning District Schedule in the Shoreland Overlay District surrounding Miner’s Lake. The ordinance introduces a requirement for building permit applicants to certify land stability at a 75-foot or greater setback, and property owners must ensure land safety and may consult a geotechnical engineer. Properties with suspected inactive mine shafts must contact the St. Louis County Mine Inspectors Office. The ordinance will take effect 30 days after final adoption and publication.

• Public hearing on Ordinance 378 amending Chapter 11, Section 11.41 of the Ely City Code regarding the Zoning District Schedule
• New building permit requirement in the Shoreland Overlay District around Miner’s Lake: applicant must certify land stability at 75' or greater setback
• Property owner is responsible for ensuring land is safe to build on and may hire a geotechnical engineer
• Properties known to or suspected of having inactive mine shafts must contact the St. Louis County Mine Inspectors Office

December 3 Council

The City Council will discuss first readings of two ordinances regarding the regulation of cannabis businesses. The body will also consider a Memorandum of Understanding to resolve a grievance with AFSCME Local Union #1490 and a zoning district schedule amendment.

• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $643,376.44
• Proposed $4,500 one-time payment to Ed Marsolek to settle a union grievance
• First reading of Ordinance No. 381 and No. 383 regarding cannabis business regulation
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 378 regarding Zoning District Schedule
• P&Z recommendation for a subdivision variation at 226 E Harvey St

November 19 Council

The Ely City Council will hold first readings of two ordinances regulating cannabis businesses (Ordinances 381 and 383) and schedule a December 3 public hearing. Council will also consider the proposed 2025 city budget, a $20,000 fireworks contract, and several loans. Additional items include an archaeological survey for Hidden Valley mountain bike trail extensions and approval of claims totaling $149,294.04.

• First reading of Ordinance No. 381 regulating cannabis businesses
• First reading of Ordinance No. 383 amending cannabis business regulations
• Proposed 2025 City of Ely Budget (pages 102-140)
• Contract with Premier Pyrotechnics for 2024 July 4th fireworks at $20,000
• Residential rehab loan of $10,000 at 845 E Pattison St and commercial renovation loan of $17,000 at 124 N Central Ave

November 12 Canvassing Board

The City Council is meeting to adopt Resolution 2024-041 to officially canvass the vote for the November 5, 2024 General Election. The meeting will review the abstract of votes cast for Mayor and three City Council members.

• Resolution 2024-041 to canvass the November 5, 2024 General Election
• Certification of 2,087 total voters from 2,304 registered voters
• Tabulation of votes for Mayor (Heidi K Omerza: 1,570; Write-in: 83)
• Tabulation of votes for City Council (Emily Roose: 1,122; Jerome J. Debeltz: 1,056; John Lahtonen: 973; Paul Kess: 907; Frederica Musgrave: 573; Write-in: 54)

November 12 Council

The City Council will consider recommendations on zoning, city code updates, and various municipal contracts. The meeting includes discussions on infrastructure grants and loan applications for residential and commercial renovations.

• Development Agreement with Depot on Central, LLC
• CDBG application for the Harvey Street Project infrastructure improvements
• Payment of $362,191.75 to Max Gray Construction, Inc for Ely Regional Trailhead Building
• IRRRB funded Prospector Trail Restrooms for $157,200.00
• Commercial Renovation Loan of $17,000 for 124 N Central Ave

Council

The Ely City Council will hold a study session to review proposed updates to the City's fee schedule covering general, planning/zoning, and police department fees. They will also discuss draft ordinances regulating cannabis businesses, including Draft Ordinance 381 (adding Chapter 6, Section 6.41) and Draft Ordinance 383 (amending Chapter 11, Section 11.50). Reference materials from St. Louis County and St. Paul are provided for information.

• Review of City of Ely Fee Schedule updates (pages 2-18) for general, planning/zoning, and police fees
• Discussion of Draft Ordinance 381 regulating cannabis businesses in Ely City Code
• Discussion of Draft Ordinance 383 amending cannabis business regulations
• Reference information from St. Louis County cannabis ordinance
• Reference information from St. Paul adult-use cannabis zoning amendments

October 15 Council

The Ely City Council will hold a regular meeting with several new business items, including resolutions for a delinquent blight violations levy and applications to DEED for cleanup and contamination investigation of the Depot site. The council will also consider requests for continued support of HVAC and snowplowing at the Ely Area Community Hub and an appointment to the Tree Board. Committee recommendations include investigating a possible deed transfer of properties at 334 and 350 W Chapman to the city and approving a reconnaissance survey for the ambulance and fire buildings.

• Resolution 2024-038 making levy against taxable properties for delinquent blight violations
• Resolutions 2024-039 and 2024-040 authorizing applications to DEED for cleanup and contamination investigation of the Depot site
• Recommendation from Projects Committee to direct staff and attorney to investigate deed transfer of 334 and 350 W Chapman to the city
• Proposal for a reconnaissance level survey from Duluth Archeological Survey for $7,866.97 for ambulance and fire buildings as required by SHPO
• Claims for payment totaling $227,270.72 plus AE2s invoices of $3,126.00 for WWTP mercury project and $3,150.00 for general consulting services

October 1 Council

The Ely City Council will vote on a development agreement with Pillar Company LLC for renovating the Ely Community Center, and consider a $277,718.45 pay estimate for the Regional Trailhead Building. Other items include a resolution to levy assessments for delinquent utility accounts, a first reading of an ordinance amending zoning district regulations, and discussion of a cannabis land use ordinance.

• Development Agreement between Pillar Company LLC and City of Ely for renovation of the Ely Community Center
• Pay Estimate #4 for Ely Regional Trailhead Building for $277,718.45 to Max Gray Construction
• Resolution 2024-036: Levy assessment against taxable properties for delinquent water, sewer, and electric accounts
• First reading of Ordinance 378 amending Chapter 11.41 regarding zoning district schedule
• Planning and Zoning recommendation on Cannabis Land Use Regulation and Ordinance update

September 17 Council

The Ely City Council will consider approving a 2025 property tax levy of $2,317,700, a 7.40% increase from 2024. Other items include committee recommendations for 2025 capital projects, a trail maintenance equipment grant application, and bids for infrastructure work. The council will also act on several loan applications and a temporary liquor license.

• Resolution 2024-035: Approving proposed tax levy of $2,317,700 (up $159,600 from 2024)
• Projects Committee recommends prioritizing Harvey Street, Conan, and 1st Avenue East capital projects for 2025
• Recommendation to submit IRRR regional trail grant application for trail maintenance equipment
• Recommendation to authorize sealed bids for six vault privy toilets on Prospector Loop Trail
• Purchase of a Perkins Diesel Engine from RMS for $5,816.67

September 3 Council

The Ely City Council will review several infrastructure payments and residential rehab loans. The body is also considering a grant agreement with St. Louis County for the Burntside Water Main Intake Project.

• Pay Estimate #3 to Max Gray Construction, Inc for $576,699.81 for the Ely Regional Trailhead Building
• CDBG Grant Agreement between St. Louis County and City of Ely for the Burntside Water Main Intake Project
• Residential Rehab Loan applications of $10,000 each for 517 E Chapman St and 45 E James St
• Recommendation to vacate Right of Way on East 10th Street South between South 1st Ave East and South 3rd Ave E
• EUC recommendation to pay $285,296.38 for July bills

Council

The Ely City Council is holding a study session to discuss a presentation by Patti Banks, CEO of Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, on a SafeTech Solutions study regarding the creation of an Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system in Northern St. Louis and Lake County. Representatives from several neighboring jurisdictions and ambulance services have been invited to attend.

• Patti Banks, CEO of Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital, will present the SafeTech Solutions study on a proposed EMS system for Northern St. Louis and Lake County.
• Invited participants include Fall Lake Township, City of Winton, Town of Morse, City of Babbitt and Ambulance Service, City of Tower and Ambulance Service, Ely Area Ambulance Service, and Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital Board.

August 20 Council Recessed until August 27 4 30pm for Lack of Quorum

The Ely City Council will consider the 2025 requested budget, which includes an 8.46% increase in property taxes, and discuss reductions. The agenda also includes claims for payment totaling $214,646.22, a $17,000 trailhead building commissioning, and a $10,000 residential rehab loan. Committee reports recommend street and alley improvements, and the council will fill vacancies on the Park and Recreation and Tree boards.

• 2025 budget discussion: $126,400 increase in general fund revenues/expenditures, 8.46% property tax increase, LGA up only $3,400, taconite aid expected to decrease
• Claims for payment: $214,646.22 city and EUC claims; $16,700.23 final partial taxiway project payment to Ulland Brothers; $6,319 membership dues to Coalition of Greater MN Cities
• Recommendation to authorize $17,000 for commissioning Trailhead Building (from IEA) and $5,000 for Miners Dry sprinkler system repair
• Consider $10,000 residential rehab loan for Morgan Sauls at 518 E Pattison St for basement waterproofing and mold treatment
• Vacate right-of-way on East 10th Street South between South 1st Ave East and South 3rd Ave E; pave storm-damaged areas on Lakeview Avenue, alley between Central and 1st Avenue, James Street, Pattison Street, and others

August 6 Council

The City Council will consider several Budget Committee recommendations for the 2025 budget, including funding for the Ely Senior Center and Community Resource. The body is also reviewing payments for the Ely Regional Trailhead Building and other local projects.

• Payment of $94,330.46 to Max Gray Construction Inc for the Ely Regional Trailhead Building
• Proposed $7,500 contribution for the Ely Senior Center in the 2025 Budget
• Proposed 10% increase to Ely Community Resource funding in the 2025 Budget
• Payment of $44,137.00 to Mesabi Bituminous for the Trailhead Site Re-bid project
• Residential Rehab Loan application for $10,000 for 518 E Pattison St

July 16 Council

The Ely City Council will consider a bid for excavation and disposal of approximately 1,000 cubic yards of contaminated soil around the Train Depot foundation. They will also vote on claims for payment totaling over $246,000, a lease for a residential dock, and several resolutions, including one authorizing a temporary deputy clerk for elections. Additionally, the council will receive correspondence on a countywide cannabis business moratorium and a request for an additional one-time donation from Ely Community Resources.

• Bid for Train Depot excavation and disposal of contaminated soils (up to 1,000 cubic yards)
• Claims for payment: City and EUC claims for $104,828.18; Pay Estimate #1 to Max Gray Construction for $126,282.36; Change Order #1 for 9th Ave East Project for $12,329.97
• Lease of vacant land for residential dock between City and Robert J & Sharon J Mattila
• Resolution 2024-031 authorizing temporary deputy clerk for election purposes
• Correspondence from St. Louis County regarding cannabis business moratorium through Dec 31, 2024

July 2 Council

The City Council will review recommendations regarding propane pricing, street lighting, and a cannabis business moratorium. The agenda also includes applications for several state grant programs and reports on approved DNR trail grants.

• Resolution 2024-024: Temporary moratorium on adult-use cannabis businesses
• $8,490 for decorative light fixtures on Sheridan Street
• DNR grants totaling $350,000 for ATV, snowmobile, and mountain bike trails
• $27,485 contract with Custom Theatres to replace City Hall lock system
• Application for the FY 25 Commercial Redevelopment Grant Program

Council

The City Council will hold a public hearing to gather comments regarding the Water Intake and Burntside Lake Water Main Replacement project. The project involves water supply mains extending from the Burntside Lake pumphouse to the N Shagawa Rd water plant. Some sections of the current main use wooden bridges that require abandonment.

• Public hearing for Water Intake and Burntside Lake Water Main Replacement project

June 18 Council

The Ely City Council will consider recommendations for cannabis cultivation zoning in industrial and commercial zones. The agenda also includes a request for MNDOT to retain signalized intersections at Central Ave and 3rd Ave East.

• Recommendation for cannabis cultivation zoning in Industrial (M) and Commercial (C) zones via Interim Use Permits
• Request for MNDOT to retain signalized intersections at Central Ave and 3rd Ave East
• Purchase agreement for Lot 11, Block 1, East Spaulding First Addition from Thomas M Holzmer
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $56,548.76
• Temporary liquor license for Ely Winton Rod and Gun Club

June 4 Council

The Ely City Council will review a zoning map amendment for 212 N Central Ave and a logistics plan for an ore car donation to the Pioneer Mine. The agenda includes recommendations from the Utilities Commission regarding construction payments and equipment purchases. A special meeting is also scheduled for June 13 to discuss the future of EMS.

• Ordinance No. 377: Zoning Map Amendment for 212 N Central Ave
• $77,864.16 payment to Rice Lake Construction Group for Waste Water Treatment Facility
• Up to $20,000 for CTC fiber installation and equipment
• $4,832.98 payment to Duluth Archeology Center, LLC
• Resignations from the Library Board and Tree/Park and Recreation Boards

June 4 Public Hearing Ordinance 377 Rezoning 212 Central Ave

The city will hold a public hearing to collect comments regarding Ordinance 377. The ordinance proposes rezoning the property known as "The Depot" at 212 N Central Ave from Industrial (M) to Commercial (C1).

• Rezoning of 212 N Central Ave ("The Depot") from Industrial (M) to Commercial (C1)

May 21 Council

The City Council will review Budget Committee recommendations for police squad equipment and dump truck parts. The agenda also includes a first reading of a zoning map amendment ordinance and a scheduled public hearing for the Water Intake and Burntside Water Main Replacement Project.

• Recommendation to purchase police squad equipment from EATI, Motorola solutions, and SHI
• Recommendation to approve $168,697 for dump truck parts from Crysteel Truck Equipment
• Direction for staff to develop a strategy and cost plan for body and squad cameras
• First reading of Ordinance No. 377 regarding a Zoning Map Amendment
• Public hearing scheduled for June 18, 2024, for the Water Intake and Burntside Water Main Replacement Project

May 7 Council

The Ely City Council will review and vote on several committee recommendations, including a rezoning request for 212 Central Ave N that would change the property from Industrial to Commercial zoning, affecting future development options for that site. Members will also consider multiple utilities department purchases and contract adjustments totaling over $630,000 to maintain local water and wastewater infrastructure used by residents. Additional agenda items include temporary liquor licenses for July events, approval of municipal claims, and updates on city board appointments.

• Rezoning recommendation for Depot on Central LLC at 212 Central Ave N from Industrial (M) to Commercial (C1) zoning
• Utilities Commission recommendations including a $11,980 pump purchase and contract adjustments with Rice Lake Construction Group
• Temporary liquor license consideration for the Boundary Waters Connect event on July 5 at Chapman Street Commons (115 E Chapman St)
• Approval of municipal claims for May 7 totaling $67,889.28 and invoices from AE2S and SEH for consulting and project improvements
• Conditional job offer for Police Officer Charles Petersen and resignation of John Hunn from the Heritage Preservation Commission

April 30 Special Council

The City Council adopted Resolution 2024-021 to authorize a grant application to the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). The application seeks funding for the contamination cleanup of the Ely Depot and Rail Yard Revitalization site. Harold R Langowski is authorized to apply for this funding on behalf of the city.

• Resolution 2024-021: Authorizing DEED application for Depot Site cleanup

April 23 Special Council

The City Council is reviewing an application and certification for the Workforce Housing Development Program regarding the Wilderness Escape project. This proposal involves the new construction of a 37-unit apartment building at 400 3 Ave W. The project seeks $4,556,512 in funding to provide market-rate workforce housing.

• Resolution 2024-020 to submit a Workforce Housing Development Program application
• New construction of the 37-unit Wilderness Escape apartment building
• Funding request of $4,556,512 for the development
• Development located at 400 3 Ave W

April 16 Council

The Ely City Council is considering budget recommendations for a new loader, dump truck, and police squad vehicle. The agenda also includes discussions regarding workforce housing applications and a blight declaration for 45 E Boundary Street. Additionally, the council will review requests for residential rehab loans and electrical improvements at the Pioneer Mine.

• Purchase of Komatsu Loader ($315,420.89) and Tandem Axle Dump Truck ($303,125)
• Residential rehab loan application for 915 E White St for $4,143.26
• Resolution declaring property at 45 E Boundary Street as blight
• $11,200 matching funds request for Pioneer Mine electrical improvements
• $9,000 cemetery entrance gate project recommendation

Council

The Ely City Council will hold a public hearing to hear public comment on Ordinance 376. This ordinance proposes revisions to the city's permissible and conditional uses list.

• Public hearing for Ordinance 376 regarding revising the permissible and conditional uses list

April 11 Local Board of Appeal Equalization

The Board of Appeal & Equalization will meet to review appeals regarding Estimated Market Value and Property Classification. The board also addresses cases where property owners refuse assessor inspections.

• Review of Estimated Market Value appeals
• Review of Property Classification appeals

April 2 Council

The Ely City Council will consider recommendations to approve utility equipment purchases and service contracts for local water and wastewater facilities. Members will also review claims exceeding $180,000 for ongoing infrastructure work, including the East End Development Project and Prospector ATV Trail improvements. Other agenda items include renewing a commercial waste disposal contract with GMen, approving a temporary liquor license for a spring event, and reviewing applicants for open committee seats. These actions cover routine municipal spending, local recreation planning, and administrative appointments.

• Renew commercial waste disposal contract with GMen for four years
• Approve Ely Utilities Commission purchases including a polymer pump ($3,839.64), water system survey contract ($3,750), and VFD installation ($1,972.00)
• Review claims for payment totaling $181,036.69 plus project invoices for the East End Development Project ($23,589.51) and Prospector ATV Trail ($11,796.75)
• Approve a variance for zero feet setbacks at 255 W Camp St for All Phase Construction vehicle storage
• Consider a temporary liquor license for Ely Folk School’s spring bonfire at Semer’s Park Beach

March 19 Council

The Council will consider recommendations to commit property to the HRA for workforce housing and pay a $2,000 invoice for a housing study update. The agenda also includes an ordinance revision regarding conditional uses and a liquor license request for Frisky Otter.

• Recommendation to commit property for workforce housing to the HRA
• $2,000 payment for Maxfield Research housing study update
• Ordinance 376 revising City Code Chapter 11, Section 4
• Liquor license application for Frisky Otter at 302 E Sheridan St
• Extension of closing date for Lot 6, Block 4, East Spaulding purchase agreement

March 12 Council

The Ely City Council will consider an ordinance regarding the Ely Housing Fund and a resolution to apply for workforce housing construction grants. The meeting also includes reviewing utility bills totaling over $853,000 and various committee recommendations.

• Resolution authorizing application for FY24 Workforce Housing Grant Program
• Ordinance 375 regarding the Ely Housing Fund
• Approval of $853,479.66 in December bills for the Ely Utilities Commission
• $9,000 residential rehab loan for 226 E Conan St.
• Purchase of 48 load management relays for $9,984.00

February 20 Council

The Ely City Council met to approve several departmental recommendations, including sharing 50% of health insurance savings with employees. The council also voted to support a $2.1 million bonding request for the International Wolf Center.

• Approved sharing 50% of health insurance savings with employees via MSRS, HSA, or payroll check
• Voted to write a letter of support for the International Wolf Center's $2.1 million bonding request
• Approved a residential rehab loan for Charlotte Ackerley at 226 E Conan St. for up to $10,000
• Approved City and EUC claims for payment totaling $390,899.85
• Approved an invoice to SEH for $5,502.50 regarding the Prospector ATV Trail

February 6 Council

The Ely City Council will review several recommendations from the Ely Utilities Commission regarding equipment purchases and contract increases. The meeting also includes discussions on employee health care savings and a conditional job offer for a police patrol officer.

• Purchase of new lab equipment up to $17,472.81
• Increase of Mick Shusta's contract by $350 per month
• Payment of $860,815.66 for December EUC bills
• One-time payment of 50% of health care savings to employees
• Conditional job offer for a Patrol Officer position

Council

The City Council is holding an informational meeting regarding the Fire Apparatus Building and Ely Area Ambulance Garage. The discussion will cover economic and environmental impacts, project alternatives, and potential funding sources such as USDA Rural Development.

• Proposed $200,000 in renovations for the existing ambulance building
• Estimated $450,000 cost for an additional ambulance storage building
• Proposed $800,000 fire apparatus storage garage project
• Application for $650,000 in USDA Rural Development funding
• City of Ely contribution of $150,000 in labor, equipment, and funding

January 2 Council

The Ely City Council will consider several purchase agreements for lots in the East Spaulding area. The agenda also includes reviewing grant applications for trail equipment and mountain bike trails, as well as approving various raffle and bingo permits.

• Purchase agreement for Lot 6, Block 4 East Spaulding from Gregory Paul Demarce
• Purchase agreement for Lot 8, Block 1 East Spaulding First Addition from Kevin Fred Decker & Debbie Lynn Decker
• Resolution 2024-005 supporting a grant for a snowmobile purchase via the MN DNR
• Resolution 2024-006 supporting a grant application to the MN DNR for Federal Recreation Trail Program
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $410,710.18

January 16 Council

The Council will review several purchase agreements for lots in the East Spaulding area. The meeting also includes discussions on police sign-on bonuses, trail grooming grants, and various local permit resolutions.

• Purchase agreements for East Spaulding lots from Gregory Paul Demarce and Kevin & Debbie Decker
• Police Department Sign On Bonus Agreement
• Resolutions supporting DNR grant applications for a snowmobile and mountain bike trails
• Resolution authorizing raffle and bingo permits for local groups
• Payment claims totaling $410,710.18

January 2 Council

The Ely City Council will consider adopting the 2024 city fee schedule and a resolution regarding the number of short-term rentals. The meeting also includes several recommendations from the Ely Utilities Commission for various payments and equipment purchases.

• Adoption of Resolution 2024-002: 2024 City of Ely Fee Schedule
• Resolution 2024-001 regarding the number of short-term rentals
• Purchase of a mini excavator for $86,250.00
• EUC recommendation to pay $387,607.86 for November bills
• EUC recommendation for a $14,793.13 replacement unit if VFD repair fails