Ely public meetings in 2020
31 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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