Ely public meetings in 2021
29 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The City Council is reviewing the proposed 2022 budget and a $1,977,900 tax levy. Additional items include water infrastructure financing totaling over $8.3 million and various committee recommendations regarding local land use and utility payments.
- Proposed 2022 city budget and $1,977,900 tax levy
- $8,340,020 in total water infrastructure project financing via MN Public Facilities Authority
- Resolution to declare properties at 726 E Camp St, 1811 E Chapman St, and 1945 E Harvey St as blight
- $582,000.00 AE2S Construction Amendment No. 1 recommendation
- Proposed agreement for Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club parking at 1140 E Main St
Council
The City Council held a public hearing regarding a manufactured home and garage classified as hazardous due to inadequate maintenance and blight. The council discussed a deadline of June 30th for the property owner to rectify issues or proceed with demolition.
- Public hearing on hazardous property at 1945 E Harvey St
- Proposed June 30th deadline for property rectification or demolition
Council
The City Council met for a special session to consider Resolution 2021-055. The body decided to authorize a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) application to St. Louis County for the Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project.
- Resolution 2021-055: Application for CDBG program for Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements Project
Council
The City Council held a public hearing regarding Ordinance No. 350, 2nd Series. The discussion focused on adding second-hand goods dealers to the list of permissible and conditional uses in R-T, C-1, C-2, and M zones.
- Ordinance No. 350, 2nd Series regarding permissible and conditional uses for second-hand goods dealers
Council
The City Council is reviewing a recommendation to award a WWTF Project bid to Rice Lake Construction Group. The body is also discussing zoning changes for parcels on N Savoy Rd and a grant application for brownfield assessment.
- Proposed WWTF Project bid award to Rice Lake Construction Group for $6,656,000.00
- Proposed rezoning of 1702, 1708, 1804, and 1906 N Savoy Rd from P-1 to RT
- Proposed 2022 July 4th fireworks contract with Premier Pyrotechnics for $15,000
- Resolution 2021-052 supporting a US EPA Brownfield Assessment Grant application via the City of Virginia
- Payment of $122,814.57 to TNT Aggregates, LLC for the 2020 Connector Taxiway Project
Council
The City Council will discuss recommendations for a new police vehicle and the sale of city property. The body is also considering a resolution to declare the property at 1061 East Madison Street as blight.
- Purchase of a Ford Interceptor Squad vehicle for $33,031.38 plus taxes/fees and outfitting for $13,967.91
- Proposed sale of city-owned property next to 1906 Savoy Road N to Pat and Brielle Loe
- Resolution 2021-046 to declare 1061 East Madison Street as blight
- Resolution 2021-050 to apply for US Economic Development Administration funds under the American Rescue Plan Act
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $647,868.05
Council
The City Council is reviewing several contracts and agreements related to the Prospector ATV project, including a major construction award. The body is also discussing a commercial renovation loan and updates to cemetery regulations.
- Recommendation to award Prospectors ATV Phase 6 Beaver River Crossing Project to Northland Constructors for $1,859,450.00
- Proposed $17,500 commercial renovation loan for Ely Portage, LLC at 18 E Sheridan St
- Amendment No. 4 with Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. (SEH) for $46,500 for ATV project services
- Resolution 2021-045 authorizing the Ely Blue Line Club to apply for a raffle permit
- Payment of $312,662.86 to TNT Aggregates, LLC for the 2020 Connector Taxiway Project
Council
The City Council is reviewing a proposed 2022 maximum tax levy of $1,977,900. The meeting includes discussions on airport equipment, fire department vehicle replacement, and several grant agreements for trail projects.
- Proposed 2022 Maximum Levy of $1,977,900 (4.52% increase from 2021)
- Proposed $200,000 purchase of a 3000 gallon Jet Refueler truck for Ely Airport
- Proposed $1,100,000 IRRR grant agreement for Prospector Loop Beaver River Bridge
- Proposed $50,000 IRRR grant agreement for Hidden Valley Mt Bike Trails
- Recommendation to replace the 1983 Seagrave Ladder Truck with a 2015 Pierce model estimated at $500,000—$600,000
Council
The Ely City Council discussed the proposed installation of a 14-foot Voyageur sculpture and a 4-foot Bill Mason canoe sculpture in Whiteside Park. Council members raised concerns regarding safety, liability, the loss of green space, and the lack of a formal process for permanent monuments.
- Proposed 14-foot Voyageur sculpture in the northwest corner of Whiteside Park
- Proposed 4-foot Bill Mason canoe sculpture north of the band shell
Council
The City Council will hold a study session to discuss current fire activity in the surrounding area. The remainder of the agenda consists of procedural items.
- Update on fires around the area
Council
The City Council will discuss 2022 street and infrastructure priorities for the James/Pattison area and review grant applications for ATV and mountain bike trails. The body is also considering several committee recommendations regarding city equipment, park donations, and zoning.
- Proposal for $14,715 from NTS for tank removal at the Community Center
- Purchase of a Dell Power Edge Server for $8,199.97 from Voltz Technologies
- Grant applications for Prospectors Loop ATV Trail and Hidden Valley Mountain Bike Trails
- Second reading of Ordinance 346 2nd Series regarding a Zoning Map Amendment
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $788,014.36
Council
The council is reviewing various committee recommendations including a $15,000 donation for the Pioneer Mine Memorial. The agenda also includes discussions on utility bills, city infrastructure payments, and zoning map amendments.
- Heritage Preservation Commission recommendation to donate $15,000 toward the Pioneer Mine Memorial
- Ely Utilities Commission June Bills totaling $539,032.10
- City Infrastructure Improvements Project partial pay estimate of $362,786.45
- 2020 Connector Taxiway partial pay estimate of $276,352.51
- Ordinance 346 regarding a Zoning Map Amendment
Council
The City Council will discuss the 2022 proposed budget calendar and two zoning map amendments. The body is also considering several equipment purchases and cemetery regulation updates.
- Final payment of $27,148.05 to Hovland, Inc. for the Pocket Park Re-Bid Project
- Final payment of $79,800 to Champion Tank Services for the Water Tower Project
- Proposed purchase of a hydraulic hammer and chisel bit from Zieglar for $25,362
- Proposed purchase of a squad truck tablet for $2,122.16
- Proposed $30,995 bid from Laurentian Monument Granite and Stone for a 96 Niche Columbarium
Council
The City Council is reviewing several infrastructure project payments and subordination agreements for properties on E Sheridan St and E Chapman St. The body is also considering a zoning map amendment and personnel recommendations for planning and equipment roles.
- First reading of Ordinance 345 for a Zoning Map Amendment
- Payment of $273,189.46 for 2021 City Infrastructure Improvements Project
- Payment of $176,450.18 and $13,022.49 for Fiber Installation/Overnight Cut Over
- Purchase of a tandem axle equipment trailer for $12,559.39
- Subordination agreements for 242 E Sheridan St (up to $75,000 and $260,000) and 1118S 4th Ave E (up to $95,000)
Council
The City Council will review recommendations for ATV corridor access trails and ordinance updates. The body is also processing several large infrastructure payments and scheduling interviews for a Planning and Zoning Administrator.
- Payment of $493,169.63 for City and EUC claims
- Payment of $297,584.49 to TNT Aggregates, LLC for 2020 Connector Taxiway Project
- Payment of $153,302.16 to Utility Systems of America, Inc. for 7th Avenue/VA Clinic Site Improvements
- Proposed ATV corridor access trails including West Harvey St, Central Avenue, Pattison St, 8th Ave E, White St, 19th Ave E, Old Airport Rd, and Pioneer Rd
- Payment of $7,500 to Kay-Linn enterprises for Hidden Valley Mt. Bike Trails
Council
The Ely City Council is meeting to review recommendations for zoning changes, city loans, and personnel hires. The body will also discuss ATV/UTV routes and the acceptance of Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.
- Proposed rezone of 6.2 acres at 499 Miners Drive from Light Industrial to Residential Transition
- Residential Rehab Loans: $10,000 for 336 E Chapman St and $6,500 for 925 E Harvey St
- Purchase of granulated activated carbon for the WTP for $13,000.00
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $245,957.34
- Resolution 2021-032 to accept Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery Fund under the American Rescue Plan Act
Council
The City Council is considering a proclamation to return city operations to normal conditions. The body is also reviewing several residential and commercial renovation loans and budget recommendations for fire department pay and equipment.
- Proclamation to end all emergency orders in the City of Ely
- Proposed 15% pay increase for Fire Department Officers
- Residential rehab loans: $6,500 for 925 E Harvey St and $10,000 for 336 E Chapman St
- Commercial renovation loan of $17,500 for 302 E Sheridan St
- Proposed purchase of a 2011 Dodge Brush Truck for $16,800 and a cemetery mower for $6,853
Council
The City Council is reviewing several high-cost utility contracts and infrastructure improvements. The body is also discussing liquor license transfers, residential rehab loans, and the prioritization of additional housing.
- Infrastructure improvements bid from Utility Systems of America for $1,101,565.25
- Water Tower Painting Project bid from Champion Tank Services, LLC for $79,800.00
- Residential Rehab Loan for 905 E Conan St for $10,000
- Liquor license transfer for HE, LLC DBA Ely Liquor from 438 E Sheridan St to 1406 E Sheridan St
- Purchase of a Story Book Stroller for $6,010.08
Council
The City Council will discuss awarding a contract for the 2021 Partial Parallel Taxiway Project at the Ely Airport. The body is also reviewing grant requests for the Pioneer Wall and various departmental recommendations.
- Proposed contract for 2021 Partial Parallel Taxiway Project to Ulland Brothers, Inc for $1,358,475.00
- Proposed $177,000 grant request to the IRRRB Mineland Reclamation fund for the Pioneer Wall
- Recommendation to award trailhead commissioning work to IEA for $12,000
- Residential rehab loan for 905 E Conan St for water, sewer, and electrical work
- City and EUC claims for April 20, 2021 totaling $1,031,975.46
Council
The City Council met to certify the results of the April 13, 2021 Special Primary Election for Mayor. The body approved Resolution 2021-028 to canvass the votes.
- Approval of Resolution 2021-028 to canvass the April 13, 2021 Special Primary Election
- Certification of candidates Heidi Omerza and Roger J Skraba for the August 10, 2021 General Election
Council
The council is reviewing major construction bids for water tower painting and city infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the meeting addresses several staff resignations within the fire and infrastructure departments.
- Water Tower Painting Project No. 20-827: Champion Tank Services, LLC low bid of $79,800.00
- 2021 City Infrastructure Improvements Project No. 20-759: Utility Systems of America, Inc. low bid of $1,101,565.25
- Resignation of Fire Chief Erchul
- Resignation of Roger Nyquist as Infrastructure Worker
- Resignation of George Burger as firefighter and first responder
Council
The City Council met to authorize two grant applications to the LCCMR Environmental and Natural Resources and Trust Fund. These requests aim to fund infrastructure repairs and trail development.
- Resolution 2021-024: Request for approximately $178,000 for Pioneer Wall construction
- Resolution 2021-025: Grant application for Prospector ATV trails design, permitting, and construction
Council
The Council will consider the 2021 Ely Utilities Rate Recommendations and a contract for Hidden Valley Mountain Bike Trails. Other items include grant requests for the Pioneer Mine Retaining Wall and airport project bidding.
- Two grant requests of $177,350 each to replace the Pioneer Mine Retaining Wall
- Contract for construction services with Pathfinder Trailbuilding for Hidden Valley Mountain Bike Trails
- Utility upgrades at 2030 E Sheridan St via IRRR Development Infrastructure Program
- Airport advertising and bidding for a partial parallel taxiway project opening April 15, 2021
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $771,568.77
Council
The Ely City Council is reviewing several budget recommendations for infrastructure and equipment. The body is also considering the reinstatement of a secondhand goods store license and grant applications for a mural project.
- Bid from Pathfinder Trail Building for $352,930 for Hidden Valley Bike Trails
- Proposed 7% electric rate increase
- Payment of $100,017.16 for WWTF Mercury Project
- Reinstatement of secondhand goods store license for Ely Drop and Shop, Inc
- Grant requests up to $5,000 each for the Carl Gawboy Mural Re-creation Project
Council
The City Council will discuss applying for $500,000 from the IRRR regional trail grant program and $150,000 from the Federal Recreation Trail Program. The body will also review proposed revisions to cemetery rules and regulations.
- Application for $500,000 IRRR regional trail grant
- Application for $150,000 Federal Recreation Trail Program assistance
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $122,359.92
- Proposed revisions to Ely Cemetery Rules and Regulations
- Request from Cody Perkins for a permit to sap maple trees within the city
Council
The City Council is revoking the secondhand goods store license for Ely Drop and Shop, Inc. located at 204 E Sheridan Street. This action follows a controlled purchase of methamphetamine conducted by the Lake Superior Drug and Violent Crime Task Force in October 2020. The business may be eligible for conditional reinstatement upon meeting specific requirements regarding owner lists and administrative inspections.
- Revocation of secondhand goods license for Ely Drop and Shop, Inc (204 E Sheridan Street)
- Controlled purchase of methamphetamine on October 7, 2020
- Felony charges against employee Amanda Stevens for sale and possession of a controlled substance
Council
The City Council is reviewing several utility infrastructure payments and a demolition bid. The body will also discuss COVID-19 vaccine updates and a request to close the Recycling Area for a sled dog race.
- Demolition of 274 N 5th Ave E to GMen for $11,900
- Payment to Altec for bucket truck repair for $16,928.22
- AE2S Invoice for the WWTF Mercury Project for $83,385.17
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $2,547,507.30
- Purchase of Sony Vegas 18 for $200
Council
The City Council is discussing the design and authorization of the Regional Trailhead Development Project. The body is also reviewing a residential rehab loan and several grant applications for trail maintenance and equipment.
- Professional services authorization for TKDA totaling $127,200 for Ely Trailhead Facility design
- Residential Rehab Loan for Jerome and Mary Debeltz at 311 N Lakeview Drive for $7,000
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $539,617.45
- Grant applications for MN DNR Off Highway Vehicle Trail Assistance and Federal Recreational Trail Program
- Discussion on creating a new 'R-Point Five' Zone
Council
The City Council is meeting to declare a vacancy for the office of mayor and order a special election. The body will also consider new license fees and limits for short-term rentals and approve several city resolutions.
- Proposed $100 annual fee for short-term rental licenses
- Hidden Valley Mountain Valley Mountain Bike Trails construction proposal for $28,500
- Residential Rehab Loan for 311 N Lakeview Drive up to $7,000
- City and EUC claims for payment totaling $504,533.76
- Approval to hire Thomas Deyak and Kyle Lakner as probationary firefighters