Ely public meetings in 2022

Meeting

The Ely City Council will vote on the 2023 city budget and final property tax levy, and consider three new union employment agreements. The council also has recommendations to rezone a property on Miners Drive and approve several utility and airport contracts.

• Resolution 2022-036 approving the City of Ely 2023 budget
• Resolution 2022-037 adopting the final 2023 tax levy
• Rezone 760 E Miners Drive to Commercial 1 (C-1)
• Employment agreements with Law Enforcement Labor Services, AFSCME Essential Unit, and AFSCME Base Unit for 2023-2025
• Claims for payment totaling $1,142,089.47

The City Council approved the fiscal year 2023 budget and final tax levy. They also ratified three employment agreements for law enforcement and AFSCME units running through 2025. Additionally, the council approved several airport and utility projects.

• Approved Fiscal Year 2023 City Budget (Unanimous)
• Approved Final Tax Levy collectible in 2023 (Unanimous)
• Approved Law Enforcement Labor Services employment agreement 2023-2025 (Unanimous)
• Approved AFSCME Local 1490 Essential and Base Unit agreements 2023-2025 (Unanimous)
• Re-zoned 760 E Miners Drive to Commercial 1 (C-1) (Unanimous)
• Approved $351,125.00 change order and $412,205.72 pay application for Partial Parallel Taxiway (Unanimous)
• Approved 2023 Ely Utilities Commission Budget (Unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 366 regarding Zoning Map Amendment (Unanimous)

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing the 2023 proposed budget and Truth in Taxation presentation. The proposal includes a total city-wide property tax levy of $2,096,500, representing a 6% increase from 2022.

• Proposed 2023 total property tax levy of $2,096,500
• Budgeted expenditure increase to $5,446,600
• Reduction in Fiscal Disparities funding to $268,266.38
• Capital projects including 9th Ave infrastructure and airport improvements
• Increase in Ely Area Ambulance Service funding to $62,500

The City Council held a Truth in Taxation public hearing to present the proposed 2023 budget. The presentation detailed proposed tax increases and expenditure changes, but no formal vote to approve the budget was recorded in these minutes.

• Proposed 2023 total city tax at $2,096,500 (increase of 6.00% from 2022)
• Proposed 2023 operational expenditures at $5,446,600
• Proposed Capital Project expenditures of $1,450,000 for 9th Ave, water main, airport, and park improvements
• Proposed increase in Ely Area Ambulance Service funding from $34,300 to $62,500 plus 20% of building operational costs
• Proposed Equipment Replacement property tax increase of $15,000 (8.57%)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:39pm (Unanimous)

Meeting

The Council approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 364, 2nd Series. This action adds Section 20.2.62 to the City Code regarding the sale of land. The ordinance facilitates the purchase of the Department of Revenue building and its subsequent sale to the Ely Area Community Foundation.

• Approved 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 364, 2nd Series (4-0-3)

Meeting

The Ely City Council will consider several land sales, including selling platted right-of-way to David Franks and a lot in the East Spaulding Plat to Mark Wilson for $15,000. They will also review residential rehab loans, a $150,264.78 payment for street improvements, and multiple ordinance readings on land sales and zoning. The agenda includes procedural items like approving minutes and consent agenda.

• Recommendation to sell Block 4, Lot 8 in East Spaulding Plat to Mark Wilson for $15,000
• Partial Payment Estimate No. 4 for 2022 Street Improvements/Spaulding Phase III for $150,264.78 to Utility Systems of America, Inc.
• Residential Rehab Loan for Sandra Thom and Jay Pohlman for $10,000 for furnace and insulation
• Residential Rehab Loan for Mary Lou Korpela for $6,745.74 for trailer demolition at 1815 E Chapman St.
• 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 362 adding Section 20.2.61 on Sales of Land

The City Council approved a purchase agreement and first-reading ordinance to transfer a building to the Ely Area Community Foundation for $1.00 after a donor provides $1,035,000. Other actions included approving a second-hand goods license and several residential rehab loans.

• Approved sale of revenue building to Ely Area Community Foundation (6-1)
• Approved 2nd Hand Goods license for Back on the Rack Inc
• Approved $10,000 Residential Rehab Loan for Sandra Thom and Jay Pohlman
• Approved $6,745.74 Residential Rehab Loan for Mary Lou Korpela
• Approved $15,000 sale of Block 4, Lot 8 in East Spaulding Plat to Mark Wilson
• Approved up to $20,000 for Premier Pyrotechnics for 2023 4th of July Fireworks
• Approved $150,264.78 payment to Utility Systems of America, Inc for street improvements
• Approved Resolution 2022-031 authorizing Knights of Columbus Council 3238 to conduct Bingo

Meeting

The Ely City Council will consider a Planning and Zoning Commission recommendation to rezone four parcels to Residential Transition (RT) to allow for a resort development. The council will also vote on several contracts and loans, including a $590,391.75 payment for the WWTF Improvements project, a $26,475.00 contract for Miner's Memorial improvements, and two residential rehab loans totaling $17,000. Additionally, the council will hold a first reading of an ordinance adding a new section to the city code regarding the sale of city land.

• Rezoning of four parcels (PINs 030-0230-0230, 00086, 00100, 00080) to Residential Transition (RT) for resort development
• Payment of $590,391.75 to Rice Lake Construction Group for WWTF Improvements
• Purchase agreement for property at 760 Miners Drive East
• Letter of intent to purchase Lot 8 Block 4 East Spaulding Plat for $15,000
• Residential rehab loans: $10,000 for furnace/doors/insulation and $6,745.74 for trailer demolition at 1815 E Chapman St

The Council approved the purchase of the Revenue Building from the State of Minnesota to facilitate a transfer to the Ely Area Community Foundation. Other key actions included rezoning property for resort development and approving several residential rehab loans.

• Approved $1,025,000 purchase of 760 Miners Drive East (Revenue Building) (Unanimous)
• Approved rezoning of four parcels to Residential Transition (RT) for resort development (Unanimous)
• Approved $590,391.75 payment to Rice Lake Construction Group for WWTF Improvements (Unanimous)
• Approved $26,475.00 quote from C&C Winger, Inc for Miner’s Memorial concrete and ADA sidewalks (Unanimous)
• Approved $10,000 residential rehab loan for Sandra Thom and Jay Pohlman (Unanimous)
• Approved $7,000 residential rehab loan for Doug Scheibe (Unanimous)
• Approved $6,745.74 residential rehab loan for Mary Lou Korpela (Unanimous)
• Approved 1st reading of Ordinance No. 362 regarding sales of land (Unanimous)

Meeting

The Ely City Council will hold a study session to discuss cemetery monument and stone installation with the Cemetery Committee. The committee has identified problems with monument alignment, size compliance, and foundation installation. The discussion follows a September committee meeting where these issues were raised.

• Discussion of cemetery monument installation issues including lot staking, monument approval, and size compliance
• Review of monuments exceeding cemetery specifications (42-inch headstone vs. 36-inch spec, 54.5-inch base vs. 42-inch spec)
• Proposal to find a cement contractor to properly pour all monument foundations
• Update on Korpi Trust funds for brick post repair being delayed due to market losses

The council and Cemetery Committee discussed issues with improper headstone and footstone installation, including size violations and lack of foundations. No formal votes were taken; members discussed potentially contracting a local mason or using preformed concrete pads to ensure consistency.

Meeting

The Ely City Council will consider a Budget Committee recommendation to reduce the 2023 proposed levy from $2,117,500 (7.06% increase) to $2,096,574 (6.0% increase). They will also discuss a request to increase the Ely Area Ambulance Service subsidy from $34,300 to $62,500 for 2022, and a recommendation to move forward with a gravel parking lot and access trail to Miners Lake. Other items include a $17,625.92 purchase of a John Deere Blower/Sweeper for the skating rink and a residential rehab loan of up to $10,000.

• Recommendation to reduce 2023 proposed levy to $2,096,574 (6.0% increase)
• Request to increase Ely Area Ambulance Service subsidy from $34,300 to $62,500
• Recommendation to move forward with gravel parking lot and access trail to Miners Lake
• Purchase of John Deere Blower/Sweeper for $17,625.92 for the skating rink
• Residential rehab loan of up to $10,000 for Doug Scheibe

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing funding requests to cover operating losses for the Ely Area Ambulance Service. The body will also consider zoning map amendments and an annexation agreement with the Town of Morse.

• Proposed $62,500 contribution to Joint Powers Ambulance Board and $600 for taxes and insurance
• EUC recommendation for Rice Lake Construction Group payments: $565,508.52 (Pay App #6) and $94,144 (Change Order #1)
• EUC recommendation to approve solar installation at 1601 N Pioneer Rd
• Second reading of Ordinance 360 (Zoning Map Amendment) and Ordinance 361 (Sales of Land)
• Joint Resolution 2022-029 for annexation of the Town of Morse to the City of Ely

Meeting

The City Council will review several items including airport maintenance proposals, residential rehab loans, and new city ordinances. The meeting also includes discussions on land sales, utility easements, and various municipal payments.

• Airport: $2,700 proposal from TKDA for industrial storm water permit update
• Airport: $6,422.50 quote for terminal furniture reupholstering and $3,079.86 for window shades
• Residential Rehab Loan: $7,500 for roof replacement at 946 E Chapman St
• Residential Rehab Loan: $9,000 for concrete step repair at 6 W Harvey St
• Projects Committee: $975.00 survey work award to Bear Island Surveying

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing several financial recommendations, including fund transfers from the General and Airport funds to Capital Projects. The agenda also includes various payments for utility bills, street improvements, and wastewater treatment facility projects.

• Transfer of $500,000.00 from General Fund to Capital Projects Fund
• Transfer of $297,807.54 from Airport Fund to Capital Projects Fund
• Transfer of $197,250.00 from Airport Fund to Equipment Replacement Fund
• WWTF Improvements Project invoice #82097 for $28,396.19
• Street Improvements/Spaulding Phase III Project payment of $370,783.21

Meeting

The City Council will review various municipal matters including liquor licenses and committee reports. Discussion includes a variance for an accessory garage structure and potential land purchases to bring lots into conformance.

• Pay Estimate #4 for Ely WWTF Improvements Project to Rice Lake Construction Group: $505,874.05
• City and EUC claims for August 2, 2022: $413,158.06
• Invoice #81559 for WWTF Improvements Project to AE2S: $14,759.79
• Board of Adjustment variance request for a garage at PID# 030-0030-02340
• Proposed land purchase by Tom Everson to bring existing lot into conformance

Meeting

The City Council will review several committee recommendations regarding public safety equipment, municipal building maintenance, and local infrastructure. Discussions include funding for a new ambulance building and various street and facility improvements.

• Approve up to $25,000 for the Ely Fire Department Pumper Truck
• Approve $150,000 toward the New Ambulance building from the Unrestricted Fund Balance
• Approve Carlson Company quote of $14,190 for Airport Maintenance Building heating system
• Purchase a Police Department Desk from Innovative Office Solutions for $7,689.49
• Pay estimate #6 to TNT Aggregates, LLC for $47,814.36 regarding the 2020 Connector Taxiway

Meeting

The City Council will review a bid for three property demolitions and a resolution regarding short-term residential rental inspections. The body is also considering the sale of two city parcels and the appointment of election judges.

• Demolition bid for 237 W Sheridan St, 1815 E Chapman St, and 1945 E Harvey St to GMen for $34,321
• Proposed sale of parcel 030-0030-02340 to Daniel Krings
• Purchase Agreement for Lot 6, Block 1 East Spaulding First Addition to Larry and Penny Reedy
• Resolution 2022-021 regarding Short Term Residential Rental Property inspection checklists
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $1,124,912.84

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing several infrastructure payments and proposed ordinances regarding short-term rentals and land sales. The body is also considering residential rehab loans and temporary liquor licenses for local events.

• Pay Estimate #2 for 2021 Partial Parallel Taxiway Project to Ulland Brothers for $332,841.39
• 2nd Reading of Ordinance No. 357 regarding Licensing of Short Term Rentals
• Partial payment estimate #3 to Rice Lake Construction Group for WWTF Project for $526,870.00
• Residential rehab loans for 1139 E Washington St ($6,000) and 246 N 5th Ave E ($10,000)
• Temporary liquor licenses for Dorothy Molter Memorial Foundation events in August and September

Meeting

The Ely City Council held a public hearing to consider Ordinance 356 2nd Series. The proposal is to rezone 233, 243, and 247 East Chapman St. from Residential 2 (R2) to Residential Transitional (RT).

• Proposed rezoning of 233 East Chapman St. from R2 to RT
• Proposed rezoning of 243 East Chapman St. from R2 to RT
• Proposed rezoning of 247 East Chapman St. from R2 to RT
• Ordinance 356 2nd Series

Meeting

The City Council held a study session to discuss an updated ordinance and inspection checklist for short-term and long-term rentals. The proposed Ordinance No. 344 would establish a licensing system to regulate vacation rentals within the city.

• Proposed Ordinance No. 344 to add Chapter 17 regarding the licensing of short-term rentals
• Requirement for licenses in zones R-1, R-2, RT, C-1, C-2, and SMU
• Proposed guest limits of two times the number of bedrooms plus one
• Requirement for a 24-hour contact person capable of responding within 60 minutes
• Requirement for owners to pay Ely Area Lodging Tax to the Cook County Auditor’s Office

Meeting

The City Council will discuss a zoning map amendment and a draft resolution regarding the number of short-term rentals allowed in the city. The body is also reviewing bids for street improvements and various recreation center rental fees.

• 1st Reading of Ordinance No. 356 for a Zoning Map Amendment
• Draft Resolution authorizing the number of Short Term Rentals in the City of Ely
• Bids for 2022 Street Improvements/Spaulding Phase III
• Request for $3,900 in American Rescue Plan Funds for Ely Community Health Center
• Proposed Rec Center rental fees: $100 for full day and $50 for half day

Meeting

The City Council will review several items including a rezoning request for East Chapman Street and various utility payments. The meeting also includes discussions on employee relations, hazardous waste collection dates, and an annual tree removal plan.

• Rezoning of 233, 243, and 247 E Chapman St from R2 to RT
• InControl proposal for WWTF VFD replacements: $24,739.00
• AE2S payment for WWTF project: $7,821.50
• Rice Lake Construction Group payment estimate #1 for WWTF: $116,256.13
• Note and Mortgage to Alayna and Thomas Geisler for $10,000

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing several financial recommendations including federal funding for emergency services and water supply. The Budget Committee has also proposed distributing SLFRF funds to local non-profits and allocating remaining ARPA funds to various city projects.

• Requesting $2.4 Million in federal funding for the emergency service building
• Requesting $2.0 Million in federal funds for water supply improvements
• Proposed SLFRF payments totaling $122,259.00 to local organizations
• Allocation of $244,382.92 in remaining ARPA funds to broadband, infrastructure, and nonprofits
• Change order No. 2 for Northland Constructors regarding Prospector ATV Trail-Phase 6 for $568,049.46

Meeting

The council is reviewing various committee recommendations including utility rate increases and personnel hires. Discussions include a proposed water line replacement project near local schools and upcoming seasonal event permits.

• EUC recommendation for $1.00 increase to Sewer fixed fee and $0.50 increase to Water fixed fee
• MIDCO lease arrangement proposal for $300 per month for temporary storage yard
• Proposed hire of Chad Gregerson for Electrical Line Worker IV position
• EUC payment of $2,809.67 CIP Rebate to EBCH and $500 to Piragis Northwoods Company dba Chocolate Moose
• Ordinance 353 regarding vacation of city-owned property on Lockhart Street and Alley

Meeting

The City Council approved a $467,485 expenditure for the purchase of two fire trucks. Additionally, the council authorized an application to accept funds for the Ely Public Water Main Replacement Project.

• Approved listing agreement with Keller Williams Classic Realty NW for Sibley Court parcels
• Authorized $467,485 for the purchase of a ladder truck and engine
• Approved Resolution 2022-012 regarding the Ely Public Water Main Replacement Project

Meeting

The Ely City Council held a public hearing to discuss recommended rate changes from the Ely Utilities Commission. The commission proposed increasing fixed fees for sewer and water services to offset rising operating costs caused by inflation. Electric rates are recommended to remain unchanged following a new contract with Minnesota Power.

• $1.00 increase to the Sewer fixed fee rate
• $.50 increase to the Water fixed fee rate
• $8.5 million total cost for Waste Water Treatment Plant improvements
• $8.0 million in planned grants for the WWTP project
• $0.5 million loan through the Clean Water Revolving Fund

Meeting

The council will review proposed water and sewer fee increases and various infrastructure payments. Discussion includes funding for the Ely Area Ambulance Service and several ordinances regarding land sales.

• Proposed $0.50 increase to Water fixed fee and $1.00 increase to Sewer fixed fee
• $264,587.26 partial pay estimate for Prospector ATV — Phase 6 Beaver River Crossing to Northland Constructors
• Resolution requesting support and funding for a new Ely Area Ambulance Service facility
• Three invoices from Short Elliott Hendrickson, Inc. totaling $14,503.86 for the Prospector ATV trail
• 5-year interim use permit for the Annual Jake Forsman Memorial/Fundraiser & Car Show-Burnout Competition

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing a recommendation to award a demolition contract for the Eagle Wolf Development Project and a zoning map amendment for W Sheridan St. The body is also considering several property transactions and funding requests for city infrastructure.

• Proposed $158,400 demolition contract to Koval Construction for 303 E Sheridan St
• Second reading of Ordinance 351 to rezone 301, 303, and 305 W Sheridan St
• Proposed $17,500 Storefront Rehab Loan for Stony Ridge at 60 W Lakeview Ave
• Purchase agreement to buy Lot 1, Block 1, Echo Property for $66,305.53
• Proposed columbarium pricing: $750 for single niche and $1,500 for double niche

Meeting

The City Council will review several recommendations from the Ely Utilities Commission regarding wastewater treatment and water main repairs. The agenda also includes discussions on municipal airport grants, zoning amendments, and a storefront rehab loan.

• Proposal to InControl for $123,477 for the WWTF Project
• Reduction of the WWTF Improvements Project design phase budget by $174,724.33
• Airport Rescue Grant for $32,000 for Ely Municipal Airport
• Purchase agreement for 40 N Klondike Dr for $27,500
• Storefront Rehab Loan for 60 W Lakeview Ave for $10,500

Meeting

The City Council is reviewing recommendations to sell city-owned lots and a property at 40 N Klondike. The body is also considering various payment claims and a resolution for the Knights of Columbus to conduct bingo.

• Recommendation to sell 40 N Klondike for $27,500
• Recommendation to list Sibley Court Lots with Keller Williams at a 7% commission
• City and EUC claims for payment totaling $460,408.51
• Pay estimate of $80,797.50 to Northland Constructors for Prospector ATV — Phase 6 Beaver River Crossing
• Resolution 2022-004 authorizing Knights of Columbus Council 3238 to conduct bingo

Meeting

The City Council is meeting to discuss the issuance of a $549,561 General Obligation Revenue Note and a payment for airport taxiway work. The body will also consider rezoning three properties on W Sheridan St and approve official city depositories for 2022.

• Resolution 2022-002 for the issuance and sale of a $549,561 General Obligation Revenue Note
• Payment of $66,009.32 to Ulland Brothers, Inc. for the 2021 Partial Parallel Taxiway
• Proposed rezone of 301, 303, and 305 W Sheridan St from Industrial(M) to Central Business(C-1)
• Resolution 2022-003 to execute a Minnesota Department of Transportation Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant Contract
• Approval of 2022 official city depositories: Frandsen Bank & Trust, Boundary Waters Bank and 4M Fund