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See 4-page agenda for Council meeting (scheduled to start at 5:30 pm) and 97-page packet at https://www.ely.mn.us/council-meetings. Check inside Council Chambers for last minute changes and additions.
The Telecommunications Authority Board (TAB)
See pages 43-44 in the packet. TAB continues to spend additional monies for entertainment instead of for government awareness and oversight. Apparently TAB is still giving single source contracts to Custom Theaters (Mauro Caruso),
Roman circus activities to distract citizens from government.
TAB’s priority is NOT to provide free 24/7/365 streaming access to City meetings to the public. “Government service” is limited to those who pay a subscriber fee to Midco. Just like people have to subscribe to the Ely Echo to important information, including but not limited to elections.
TAB’s priority to to stream activities via web cameras. Entertainment is the focus. Entertainment for those who like to watch web camera shots, and the viewers are apparently not known. Not a priority: Transparency, accountability, reporting,etc. of elected, hired and appointed folks involved in our community
There’s no priority to observe the Ely recycling area where people continue to dump cardboard boxes, trash, and inappropriate plastic items (not just bags) into the dumpsters. That would be a different kind of awareness building and accountability. Plus save money. It’s expensive having Harold Langowski or other City staff clean out the dumpsters.
Sean Clark submitted resignation, so a seat should be open.
Arrowhead Coalition of Trails June 22nd community meeting
See pdf page 67 in packet for Arrowhead Coalition of Trails June 22nd Community meeting in Ely 5-7 pm. Check with your trail friends or contact the Coalition directly for more info.
It is interesting that the May 30th issue of The Ely Echo had a huge front page article about recent IRRRB funding for ATV trails.
The City of Ely decides which projects Ely “needs.” The Council approves recommendations from Planning & Zoning, Projects, and City Hall (Harold Langowski). It appears there are many key members who intend to turn Ely into an ATV thoroughfare and mecca.
People interested in better walking (sidewalks) trails usable in winter along Minders Drive and elsewhere, as well as hiking and biking within the area should express their opinions too.
See pdf page 67 in packet for Arrowhead Coalition of Trails June 22nd Community meeting in Ely 5-7 pm. Check with your trail friends or contact the Coalition directly for more info. It is interesting that the May 30th issue of The Ely Echo had front page article about recent IRRRB funding for ATV trails.
Ely Area Tourism Bureau update
See pages 68-69 for the Ely Area Tourism Bureau update submitted by Whitney Woods, Marketing Director.
The Public Hearing (not Board of Adjustment) at 5:15 pm
City Hall does not provide details. On the Public Notices website it is listed last rather than at the top. People would have to scroll down to get the most current information. The vague information via both Council Meetings and Public Notices website provide different information. Why can’t BOTH posts say this is a First Reading, include the actual Ordinance changes, and include an explanation/reason for the changes? Why do links for public hearings sometimes include volumes of documentation and opther times nothing?
When you click the link to the actual proposed Ordinance, there is no explanation as to what has changed NOR the reasons driving the changes. Why inform the public BEFORE the hearing?
MN Secretary of State information posted at 6:37 pm, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. This might not be a complete list, as filings are not always immediately posted.
BREAKING NEWS: The reason why you are not seeing updates to the Sec of State’s website is the City of Ely and other cities and townships are not required to immediately forward or post information.
They are to do so as soon as possible. There’s no specified turnaround time. They are required to log in filings. Ely City Hall will have a variety of excuses. Nothing new: Ely City Hall was slow 2 years ago. City Hall knew for ages that the two-week filing period was May 19th -June 2nd and should have planned accordingly. No surprise. Voting and elections should be top priority with appropriate and adequate backup plans, including staffing aware of and able to prioritize election-related activities.
BREAKING NEWS: The City of Ely is not required to post or update its voting and election information (election dates, absentee ballots, filing dates, etc.) online.
We reported 05/17/2026 that outdated 2024 election information was still posted on the Ely City Website two days before filing was to start. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/start-filing-to-run-for-local-city-school-county/. That was a Sunday. It is not known if 2026 info was finally posted the next day Monday, on the first day of filing, or later. And Ely could have just left thre2024 info on its website.
The law requires them to post information inside City Hall and published in the City’s official newspaper (The Ely Echo). That’s it. Ely City Hall does the absolute bare minimum when it comes to democratic (small “d”) government education and outreach. We need to think about how we can change MN State laws in a positive inclusive way, so local governments like Ely are compelled to be more responsive with its website. The excuse will be $$. It’s not about $$. It’s about shifting the priorities and purpose of government back to serving the People.
BREAKING NEWS: Angela Campbell and Adam Bisbee filed for City Council.
We contacted the MN Secretary of State’s Office after 11:30 am on 05/29/2026 regarding State’s laws re: turnaround times and online posting. They checked their website and didn’t have any new candidates showing up for Mayor or City Council. They suggested we contact Ely City Hall directly, even considered walking into the Clerk’s Office to see the logs, or contacting the County Auditor. We called the County Auditor. They received new info today, Friday 05/29/2026, that 2 new candidates filed for City Council (see above) and nobody filed to run against current Mayor Omerza. Angela Campbell confirmed to us that she had filed Thursday morning.
Note: both the Secretary of State’s Office and the St. Louis County Auditor’s Office were helpful, informative, willing to educate about the laws regarding elections, professional and apolitical. As should be expected.
What’s on the MN SOS website?
As of 12 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026:
Current Mayor has filed for re-election or her 3rd term.
The 3 current City Council Members haven’t yet filed for re-election (Al Forsman, Angela Campbell, and Adam Bisbee).
Name search on our website. Sometimes it’s best to just type in the last name in the box on the upper right upper right corner and then press enter. There usually is a YouTube recording to watch.
Here’s an example for our current Mayor Heidi Omerza..
On 11/12/2024 the Mayor targeted Council Member Adam Bisbee and the entire Park & Recreation Board for asking questions about the budget. Uppity citizens, they are not! Al Forsman joined the Mayor. At the next Park & Rec meeting, the Mayor made an unusual appearance seated in public area, making certain they stayed in line. Intimidation!
On 01/04/2025, nobody showed up for a Public Hearing that involved zoning of newly added parcels to the City as well as rezoning of older parcels. Scroll down to “What’s the purpose of a Public Hearing?” (green highlight).
As an teacher, as the Mayor often reminds Council & the public, one would think she’d initiate official City-wide changes to increase citizen awareness and involvement in Public Hearings. Needless to say, she should lead well-thought out, substantial and logical changes to current City Hall practices that produce results. Nothing. She remains dumbfounded.
There’s only a 2-week filing period to file for Mayor & City Council.
Two weeks! May 19 – June 2nd.
The filing dates May 19-June 2nd have been known and posted on MN State website for a long time. Why isn’t this information easily found on local government websites (and school districts for school board elections)? On May 17, 2026 we posted how the 2026 Ely Election websites were still showing data for 2024 elections. Our screen snapshots were taken on May 17, 2026 – not in 2023 – two days before people could start filing for federal, state, county and local offices. See https://elyminnesota.com/blog/start-filing-to-run-for-local-city-school-county/. Incomplete and last minute posting on government and school board websites is a disservice.
Look up Current Filing Info on MN Sec of State Website
The excavation/land alteration and conditional use permit (CUP) Public Hearing scheduled for 5:00 pm is the most upsetting when you read the two (2) letters submitted against it. Please scroll down to read about the 2nd BOA scheduled at 5:15 pm. It will impact downtown Ely.
The first 81 pages encompass the previously posted documents on the City website. Page 82 is an email response from Paul Schurke. Frederica Musgrave submitted an 18-page opposition to permit response (Pages 83-101).
Pages 102-153 (41 pages total) is the City’s official Finding of Facts, basically supporting KK & PI, LLC’s excavation/land alteration and conditional use permit. The City’s Finding of Facts is actually only 9 pages. The other 32 pages are copied pages from City Code and other places that may or may not relate to Sandy Point. And 2025 reports that do not address the impact of KK & PI, LLC excavation/land alteration for the original (April) desire for a private beach club.
For some reason, these last 32 pages were NOT included with the 80-page packet posted online on May 1st, meaning the public does not have adequate time to review and comment. It also does not allow for rebuttal by environmental experts specializing in the protection of wildlife habitat.
Don’t be fooled or distracted by photos added by the City
The City of Ely included token photos of Sandy Point and Bill Tefft’s birding brochure. The newly posted written Finding of Facts and previously posted Staff Analysis are the official documents that downplay any concerns about wildlife habitat and the historical existence and legal rights of the Anishinaabe and Ojibwe who lived here since the 1400’s. Even the Ely Echo acknowledged the settlement of Sandy Point by the Ojibwe in its Ely, Since 1888 (published in 1998).
The City of Ely is blatant in its promotion of this permit request
Photocopying and inserting pages from City, State and other regulatory agencies does not mean they actually address past, present and future issues at Sandy Point in terms of wildlife and recognition of and protection for Anishinabe and Ojibwe history and culture. Everything inserted — carefully selected — to support the City Attorney’s development on Sandy Point and rental business. Sections from the Land Use and Comprehensive Plan to protect natural areas and habitat were intentionally ignored. The Comp Plan also ignores Indigenous rights and settlements.
Page 106 in the BOA packet
Indigenous settlement is still downplayed:
“May have been once used . . . . well over 100 years ago.”
The City’s word choice questioning the settlement of the Ojibwe is an insult to historical fact AND the Anishinaabe. They have been here since the 1400’s.
The City absolutely refuses to recognize birds using the shoreline and land (habitats). The City and KK & PI, LLC only see the parking lot.
Youtube recording of 5/13/2026 Park & Recreation Board meeting wondering what role Park & Rec has and wants to take. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/whats-the-purview-of-park-rec-may-13-2026/
City of Ely’s posted agenda and packet (154 pages) for the 5 pm BOA Public Hearing on May 20, 2026. Read the City “Staff Analysis” and “Finding of Facts” that are blatant support for the City Attorney’s KK & PI, LLC to do whatever they want on Sandy Point. There is another BOA scheduled at 5:15 pm. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/2-boas-may-20-sandy-point-and-sheridan-camp/
Check back soon for additional information and our response to the new CUP request to be decided by Board of Adjustment (BOA) on May 20, 2026: https://elyminnesota.com/blog/. This link will take you to the last post. To find other Recent Posts, scroll down the right-side of the screen. To search posts by topic or key word, use the search box on the right-hand side of screen. To search posts by category, scroll down the left-side of the screen.
The unnoticed 2nd BOA Public Hearing – 6 ft fencing in downtown Ely and setback variance
The other variance request scheduled to start 15 minutes later at 5:15 pm should be of concern to all, residents, nonresidents, and business owners. Do we want an Ely that is walled up and ugly as we drive, bike or walk by businesses, apartments and homes? Ely is supposed to be a welcoming, safe, aesthetically pleasant, and attractive city. The requested variance by Eagle Wolf Development sets the wrong tone for Ely.
Regulations, codes/zoning, and vision plans were established by the Ely community to ensure not only a welcoming atmosphere but also for public safety reasons. Why have laws, regulations and requirements if you don’t follow them. These include setbacks. These include 6 foot high fences. Are property owners buying and redeveloping properties with the full expectation that they will get a variance? Especially in the downtown area? If P&Z and then BOA continue to approve almost all the variances submitted to them, perhaps they should recommend to Council that (1) The profits and desires of businesses, corporations, property owners and real estate owners override previously established community guidelines and/or (2) We don’t need any regulations, codes, etc. Of course, SOME variances might be worthy of approval.
Local elections are just as important as state and national elections. There are many reasons why local elections get less publicity and promotion or education by local governments.
Check back here later for more information about our local 2026 elections for Ely and surrounding communities. For updates on filing, check
What’s the filing info on Ely website?
Here’s “current” filing information for the City of Ely 2026 elections as posted on the official City of Ely website. This is a screenshot taken at 9:19 pm on Sunday, May 17, 2026. Yes, the year posted is for 2024. Filing for Ely City elections starts on Tuesday, May 19, 2026! Two days before federal, state, county and local filing begins.
Why wasn’t 2026 election & filing info posted on the Ely City website back in April 2026?
If you subscribe to the Ely Echo, the City of Ely’s official newspaper, you will see the Notice of filing for the 2026 primary and general election City of Ely, MN on Section 2, Page 4, in their May 19th issue. Apparently, the Echo posted announcements on May 2nd May 9th (2026). Not all citizens in Ely (want to) subscribe to the Ely Echo for financial or political reasons. Maybe less than half. To be in the May 2nd issue of the Echo, City Hall must have been submitted info in April. What’s going on??
Chances are the Ely City Website will not be specific about who’s up for election. You’ll have to go to https://www.ely.mn.us/council and scroll down the page to see when their current term expires. The expiration term date of 12/31/2026, means the seat is up for election this November 2026. That means Mayor Heidi Omerza. That means Council Members Al Forsman, Angela Campbell and Adam Bisbee.
Until the City of Ely posts current information, go to the Secretary of State website.
Look back at posts on our Citizens for Transparency website, you’ll see we addressed issues about appointments too. Here’s from December 2023 when we had just set up the website and were using pages instead of posts. Look on the menu bar for Go See Speak Now! To find the 12/05/2023 original agenda, packet, last minute additions and the approved minutes go to https://www.ely.mn.us/2023-meetings
Most important: Posting of openings for Commissioners whose terms expire the end of January
#13, New Business C: Advertise for Open Committee Seats that the term limits will be expiring or coming due in January 31, 2024. 1) Did you know there were term limits? Do people continually stay on the Commission(s) until some maximum limit? Where is that posted on the official Commission websites, ordinances, or City Charter? 2) Why didn’t City Hall provide a list of those upcoming open (?) positions, sorted by Commission, Committee or Board? Why does Council – or the public – have to search page-by-page, print or write out and then figure who reached their term limit, etc.? 3) Will Council request, indeed demand, an open and fair process to fill those open (??) positions? What are the qualifications, the real ones and not the political ones? Do we really need “experts” and lobbyists or people who think systemically and in the interest of Us the People?4) Will Council address City Hall’s proactive (politely phrased) seeking of a replacement of Commissioner Caruso on Planning and Zoning? Review Part C of the citizens’ recording of P&Z meeting on Nov. 15th. Part C = https://youtu.be/bZLWQTG4xA4 Includes discussions after P&Z meeting was adjourned
P&Z Nov. 15 minutes – Is all this – more length and details – essential? If you have time, compare pages 16-19 in the packet with YouTube recordings listed below. Especially look at 5:23+ time marker on Part A when Council Member Angela Campbell reports. What did she say the citizen requested from Council on Nov 7th? Codes of ethics, standards of conduct, conflict of interest and (finally) open meeting policies. The P&Z meetings only mention open meeting laws. Why didn’t ethics, standards and conflicts make it to the minutes? Why filter or cleanse from the record? This is why meetings need to be recorded and made public. Some individuals within City Hall, Council and Commissions want discussions about ethics, standards of behavior to go away.
If you compare the board members’ backgrounds, skills, knowledge and employment with those on other Ely commissions, you’ll probably notice how the Park & Recreation Board best reflects the whole community. They care about the community they were appointed to represent. They respect each other & are open to questions & different opinions.
Trailhead Building Fiasco
But Park & Recreation (P&R) is being politically punished, precisely because they see themselves as voices of the greater community. Example: “Purview” of Trailhead Building was given to Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). This was a nasty political decision, not a logical one. If you read minutes of Ely City Council, HPC and P&R over past months, a political fight was occurring. Many P&R Members resigned. Note HPC and P&R minutes are submitted to and posted in Council packets. See https://www.ely.mn.us/council-meetings
Request to Appear 1 – Margaret Egan presented an update on Trailhead Design; later Pam Turnbull joined. Both are co-chairs of the Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC). Excellent job. Good on-point critiques. However, their presentation could be considered a scandalous expose of EXPENSIVE INAPPROPRIATE design and EXPENSIVE INAPPROPRIATE furnishing of the Trailhead Building.
Design and furnishing were not HPC’s fault. Trailhead lobbyists, developers, designers, and installers did not get adequate input from users (building staff & public customers), because there were no commitments to occupy the building. Great opportunity for profiteers.
Who paid and is paying for the mistakes? Taxpayers, grant funders, and those who pay lodging taxes. We pointed out lack of fiscal due diligence https://elyminnesota.com/blog/city-council-dec-17-2024/. There are also several posts about the luxury Trailhead being built as if is were for billionaires in Jackson Hole Wyoming. See https://elyminnesota.com/blog/city-council-dec-16-2025-lodging-tax-trailhead-commission-appointments/
When the 12 photos are posted online at https://www.ely.mn.us/government look at them while Margaret Egan mentions problems and their recommendations. Rich resort towns like Jackson Hole, WY can finance expensive fancy digital displays that break down and software quickly becomes outdated. We’re Ely. We’re the getaway place, relaxing culture, back to simple nature. We like real maps hanging on the wall. When you hear about all the information to be displayed all over, does it sound like there’s a central theme or purpose? Or just cluttered and junky?
Does it sound like the Trailhead is to be used as a Park & Recreation site or a new Chamber of Commerce Building? What was originally presented to Ely citizens and Council? What was presented when funding was requested? And now what with all the expensive “necessary” changes proposed, what’s the REAL theme or purpose?
HPC’s recommendations mean more taxpayer $$, lodging taxes, and grant $$ pouring into the Trailhead Bldg. What’s the priority? Funnel more $$ into an underused building for the Chamber of Commerce or into actual services for people/nature.
Park & Rec’s purview to protect – Be proactive then and now
Request to Appear 2 – Frederica Musgrave asked about the role of Park & Rec in protecting bird habitats and Ojibwe culture. She and Bill Tefft had been addressing natural habitats and zoning since 2023 (Bill Tefft before). What has actually changed? There were no protections set in place after those many presentations.
Now we need them, but it’s too late. A BOA Public Hearing is set for May 20th re Sandy Point on Shagawa Lake.
Sandy Point is an important bird viewing site. Annual bird counting takes place there. The birds do not go to the parking lot, #8 on the map. It’s not just aquatic birds. Birds also go to the trees, land and bushes. Boat launches, construction, human activities and noise disturb bird habitats. One sentence from Sherry Abts’ email was read: “MN DNR and Loon researches state that DISTURBANCE of a SHORELINE is detrimental to Loon families.” What’s Park & Rec’s role to protect the bird habitat?
There was an Ojibwe village at Sandy Point. There’s nothing in Ely’s Comprehensive Plan, Tourism website, or Chamber of Commerce website about the Ojibwe at Sandy Point. Some people say there are burial grounds there. What’s Park & Rec’s role is protecting this site?
This photo from the Ely Winton Historical Society was passed around.
A paragraph from Anton Treuer’s Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians but Were Afraid to Ask was read and two excerpts passed around.
A good land acknowledgment will be local and specific, mentioning by name the tribes who have called the land in that area home. It will also acknowledge historical injustice. And it will make a call to action for the institution or group. I support land acknowledgements because they address invisibility and marginalization of Indigenous people. But the real trick is to make sure we don’t stop there: acknowledgment is a first step, not the end of the journey. If it isn’t followed up with real action, a statement is just performative. We need to work toward equity, inclusion, and empowerment of Native people in everything we do.
Pages 241-242 from Anton Treuer’s book.
Page 252 from Anton Treuer’s book.
Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians but Were Afraid to Ask, Minnesota Historical Society Press, 2023.
Note: Question raised after meeting, “Would Treuer consider signage and plaques as being just a different kind of performative statement?” Furthermore, a sign/plaque identifying Sandy Point as a bird viewing site would not preserve or protect the shoreline or land habitat. It would not improve the lake water quality and clarity. It would not stop human activities: noise, boat launches, tree cutting or shoreline/land excavation when BOA grants variances and Conditional Use Permits.
Youtube recording of 5/13/2026 Park & Recreation Board meeting wondering what role Park & Rec has and wants to take. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/whats-the-purview-of-park-rec-may-13-2026/
City of Ely posted 154 page agenda and packet for the 5pm BOA on May 2oth. Read “Staff Analysis” and “Finding of Facts” that are blatant support for the City Attorney’s KK & PI, LLC to do whatever they want on Sandy Point. There is another BOA scheduled at 5:15 pm. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/2-boas-may-20-sandy-point-and-sheridan-camp/
Check back soon for additional information and our response to Sandy Point issues: https://elyminnesota.com/blog/. This link will take you to the last post. To find other Recent Posts, scroll down the right-side of the screen. To search posts by topic or key word, use the search box on the right-hand side of screen. To search posts by category, scroll down the left-side of the screen.
Youtube recording of 5/13/2026 Park & Recreation Board meeting wondering what role Park & Rec has and wants to take. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/whats-the-purview-of-park-rec-may-13-2026/
Check back soon for additional information and our response to the new CUP request to be decided by Board of Adjustment (BOA) on May 15, 2026: https://elyminnesota.com/blog/. This link will take you to the last post. To find other Recent Posts, scroll down the right-side of the screen. To search posts by topic or key word, use the search box on the right-hand side of screen. To search posts by category, scroll down the left-side of the screen.
Park & Rec’s purview to protect – Be alert and reactive
During Old Business, a proposed Pickleball site was discussed. Putting in the building would require cutting of trees, putting in new road, parking lot, and doing other land improvements. This is in wooded area near Shagawa Lake. (Pages 47-50.) Does all this natural land need to be disturbed? What City Hall, lobbyists, developers, and real estate investors propose is the easiest and most profitable for them. Their mission is not to preserve and protect nature.
P&R has NO current mission, recommendations or guidelines to preserve and protect natural spaces. Alternatives aren’t voiced. Short Term Goals (1-2 years) in P&R Comp Plan (Page 63): “Continue to Work with P&Z to establish City Nature Preserves, Green Spaces, & expectations for new developments.” Meaning nothing will be in place until 2027-2029? By then, many shoreline & land habitats will be destroyed/disturbed. Variances & Conditional Use Permits (CUP) are almost automatically approved, bypassing original guidelines in place for legit reasons.
Park & Recreation Board Members do not currently understand they have the power to say they want a different location option for Pickleball courts, etc. Until Park & Rec finalizes their sections of the Comp Plan with Planning & Zoning regarding green areas, Park & Rec still has the power to say they want a different location option for Pickleball or whatever development. Not every piece of open green space has to be developed. Until Park & Rec sets up a precedent and continues to insist on nature-balanced guidelines, BOA/Planning & Zoning and Council with approve almost every variance, CUP or development recommendations without giving a hoot about birds or natural areas.
If P&R was renamed Park, Health and Recreation . . . Then maybe the mental, physical & spiritual health needs of the whole community AND nature would be better addressed.
Our main focus = Comp Plan Steering Committee & Ely Economic Development Authority
Here’s the 3-page agenda from 91-page Council packet. Find the packet and last minute changes & additions for at https://www.ely.mn.us/council-meetings or at https://www.ely.mn.us/government. Last minute items might not be posted, so check on the table right inside the Council Chambers’ door.
Spring Clean Up Days are May 15th & May 16th.
Park & Rec Board: Another resignation submitted. Appointment for previously open seat.
Pages 36-43 are about household and business hazardous waste collections
CPSC is requesting a Study Session with City Council on May 26th There April 27th unapproved minutes are below. It seems CPSC doesn’t have clear objectives/guidance. Here’s 3 alternate suggestions:
(1) City Council should have previously and now should consider using their monthly Study Sessions to go over the Land Use and Comp Plan. They have cancelled most of their Study Sessions for the last few years. Council Members were elected by citizens in Ely to represent them. Commissioners were not elected.
(2) City Council should have the GreenTeam and/or the Ely Climate Change Group facilitate discussions about Land Use andComprehensive Plan. The Ely Climate Change Group members on the GreenTeam understand a Comprehensive Plan should include more than just dead things like infrastructure and buildings. For example: our diverse humans and their different needs; balanced and sustainable environment, including animals habitats; serving the needs of those living here; recycling and repurposing that includes buildings; preparing for climate change; reviewing ordinances, zoning and codes to preserve and protect natural and open areas AND to designate cultural and historical sites of Indigenous Peoples who settled here first. Ely has/had signage for rocks but nothing for the Ojibwe.
old signage for Ely Pillow Rock
(3) Have the CSPC, Climate Change Group, and City Council all meet together at least once monthly during previously scheduled Study Sessions.
Read the Ely Economic Development Authority (EEDA) minutes from March 31st posted below.The discussion about updating the EEDA’s website is interesting.
Some of us frequently look at the Date (Data?) and Demographics page for personal research without any interest in developing a business or project. Are those visits counted towards the 120 annual visits? By the way, if you’ve never visited the EEDA website – or if you have – time yourself as to how long it takes you to actually find the Data and Demographics page. Then figure out, based on the data, what percent of the Ely population is 50 years or older.
Look over the last item NEW BUSINESS. The way it’s written up, it’s not clear if $14,000 total was “awarded” or $14K x 3 = $42,000. Or is the “award” 3 x 42K = $126,000. Do each and every one of the Council Members know the actual amount? Do they all know how this was calculated? What the project was? Most importantly, does the public know? The minutes were not written to keep the public informed nor show accountability.
This was originally presented on a “page” instead of an individual “post” on our website back in 2023 when Citizens for Transparency first set up this website. Concerns addressed then still exist.
Note: Further below we have inserted the complete text typed in 2023 that accompanied the YouTube recording of the meeting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ0rLsKCMrg and the agenda. These were not included on the original page/post.
November 28, 2023 Joint Study Session (Council with P&Z)
This meeting is a casual working study session about (re) zoning and (re) coding parts of Ely. No actions are taken, just open candid discussions among P&Z, Council, City Attorney and City Clerk. The public can observe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ0rLsKCMrg
In 2023, we did not post the agenda or (parts) of the November 28th Joint Study meeting packet. You can find those materials on the Ely City website at https://www.ely.mn.us/2023-meetings
This video is a benchmark educational tool for Tuesday’s participants: Ely City Council, the Planning & Zoning Commissioners, and City Hall…as well as the residents of Ely, MN. Listen to great questions and comments. I was personally impressed with the candor. Candor lets us truthfully identify problems and then agree on the best strategies to resolve issues. These casual Study Sessions are a unique opportunity for us to observe elected officials, appointees and City Hall voicing residents’ and local business’ needs and concerns. Spoiler alert: the Chair of P&Z is not a resident of Ely. Tonight’s (Nov. 28, 2023) Study Session is an informal discussion about current and future zoning, coding, permissible and CPUs (conditional use permits) which will lead to ordinance changes. The current list (those HUGE pages you see the Mayor holding) can be found in Sec. 11.40 of Ely’s City Code https://www.ely.mn.us/ordinances Our list is not completely accurate — listen to conversations. The City knows properties are not zoned/coded correctly. Tonight’s meeting was not for Council to make motions or vote. Candor was expected in their back-and-forth sharing. This is a benchmark video, so you are not aware of individuals from Ely’s Open Communications group attempting to work and meet with P&Z and the City on housing issues (housing options, reasonable costs, locations, zoning, and research findings including but not limited to The Amenity Trap, a report published by Headwaters Economics ). Red lights are not green lights. This is a benchmark video, so think about how the P&Z, the City, and Council Members deal with complicated issues. What are the strategies of the past, present and, more importantly, the future? Is the spinning-wheels (AKA shuffling-papers) pattern working? With limited staff, why are we constantly reinventing the wheel? Will big decisions and smaller ones be based on short-term or long-term effects? Little picture vs. big picture vision? At other City meetings, residents have shared examples of coding/zoning info and maps from other cities – are they discussed tonight? Example: Other cities’ choice of colors for zoning maps. This is a benchmark video, so observe how citizens in attendance are or might be more fully engaged, meaning better comprehend what’s being discussed. The Study Session tonight is intended for open casual discussions among P&Z, Council Members and City Hall. The public may observe. No problem. However, without wasting trees, which and what appropriate materials (could be) provided and/or projected on screens – or in hallway – so all (including citizens in attendance) can visualize concepts, etc.? Yes, we don’t need to waste paper. Only 2 items were projected on the overhead screen for the audience in attendance and at home: the agenda and a section of the permissible and CPU list. The one huge map seen in the front corner was behind Ely’s Planning Administrator. Citizens wanting a more transparent and accountable representative government are now recording Ely’s public meetings. There will be benchmarks as study guides. There will be follow-up videos marking progress. We are also setting up an accessible website for the public where we will discuss Ely Politics. The goal is to migrate forward together. Don’t kill the messengers or fight the messages. Humans are not perfect. Our governments are not perfect. Re(read) the messages, focus on We The People, think smart, fix the problems, and stay transparent. Our Preamble : “We the People…, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” Other Ely benchmarks: Open Public Hearing (meeting was opened and immediately “deleted” by the Chair of BOA) = • Ely MN Open Hearing BOA (P&Z) Nov 15 2023 … Includes citizens comments before and after cancellation. The hearing started at 5:30 pm, October 18th. P&Z mtg started at 6:30 pm. The official City calendar recently removed its posting of the Hearing. The P&Z meeting on Oct. 18th started at 6:30 pm, not 5:30-6:30 pm per recently revised official City calendar. The recording is split into 3 parts. A and B are each approx 30 minutes, Part C approx 8 mins. Part A = • Ely MN Planning & Zoning Nov 15 2023 Part A Includes motions to update Public Hearing procedures and training Commissioners on Robert’s Rules of Order Part B = • Ely MN Planning & Zoning Nov15 2023 Part B Includes discussion on Planning Unit Development (PUD) for next shoreline/campground development requests Part C = • Ely MN Planning & Zoning Part C Nov 15 2023 C Includes discussions after P&Z meeting was adjourned
This was originally presented on a “page” instead of a “post” on our website back in 2023 when Citizens for Transparency first set up this website. Concerns addressed then still exist.
Note: Further below we have inserted the complete text typed in 2023 that accompanied the YouTube recordingand the agenda. These were not included on the original page/post.
Awareness Tools
Citizens for transparency have started recording City Council and Commission meetings. We are using the first recordings as benchmarks, multi-educational tools to observe, review and evaluate our City government. Subsequent recordings will be reviewed for progress towards the goal of a citizen-focused and citizen-based government. Each of these YouTube videos have “study guides” or commentaries below the video.
November 21, 2023 City Council meeting
Cindy Smyka’s presentation on Ely’s Tourism Bureau is outstanding. Time marker 8:15.
Cindy Smyka , Ely Tourism Bureau, from the YouTube recording. This was not posted on page/post in 2023.
This is a benchmark recording by citizen volunteers who are seeking a more transparent, accountable, and accessible city government in Ely, MN. This meeting on November 21, 2023 is multi-purpose educational tool for residents to observe City Council in action. It’s also intended to be used as a mirror for City Hall, City Council Members, and appointed Commissioners to objectively observe and reflect on their own behaviors and beliefs. Are they really for, by and of The People? What does that look like? What could it look like? We have been recording other City and Commission meetings with the same goal. We start with a benchmark and follow up with more recordings. We started documenting City meetings after there were huge protests against the City and “our” Planning & Zoning pushing development of a huge RV Park Campground in a residential neighborhood on Miners Lake. At the Council meeting on Nov. 7th, there was a very candid and upsetting disclosure about what occurred at the Oct. 18th P&Z meeting. On Nov. 7th, Council was requested to adopt codes of ethics, standards of conduct, conflict of interest and opening meeting policies. We are developing a new website, Ely Politics ,to educate residents, local businesses and organizations, City Council, Commissioners, and City Hall on important issues and how politics works (the good and the bad). Humans are not perfect. Governments are not perfect. We want to migrate forward and create a more perfect local government that reflects all the people and our environment. Ely is The Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. We believe in our Preamble: “We the People…, in Order to form a more perfect Union…” This recording is a benchmark on how City Council operates. What tools in Council Chambers, especially visual ones, are used to help the audience in Council Chambers and at home better follow along and thusly better understand complicated issues throughout the meeting? And also appreciate awesome people, events and businesses here in NE MN. What (non)technical tools are being used — or not — in this benchmark? What is being projected on front and back walls? What is posted inside or outside the Council Chamber, especially maps and charts, for the public to consult (without wastefully printing so many pages)? After watching this recording, maybe Council will repurpose that huge movable chalkboard that has had the same drawing visible to to the public for months (a year now)? This recording is also a benchmark to observe how Council and City Hall welcome, encourage and process input from the residents in the Ely area. Does Council then use this input for deep discussion and actions to fix problems? What happened since the last Council and P&Z Commission meetings? Will controversial issues like the need for codes of ethics, standards of conduct, conflict of interest, open meetings laws, etc., be addressed — skipped over or ignored? Note: Cindy Smyka’s presentation on Ely’s Tourism Bureau was outstanding, informative and full of visuals projected on screen and with printed materials. Listen to questions, comments and motions from Council: Can you tell who they talk to? What new or old issues do they bring up for discussion? When they talk about development in the area, do they start with citizen input (beyond just those appointed people they know), fiscal responsibility, appropriateness of location(s), activities, needs and interests of all citizens? What kind of openness and outreach to citizens does Council make and sincerely want? Talking is not the same as doing. Forward thinking doesn’t just mean having plans for more housing and more tourists. What discussions, steps ordinances, etc. does Council need to consider for “our Posterity,” as mentioned in the Preamble?
This was originally presented on a “page” instead of an individual “post” on our website back in 2023 when Citizens for Transparency first set up this website. Concerns addressed then still exist.
Note: We have inserted the complete text typed in 2023 that accompanied theYouTube recording of the meeting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo5rZ1nC0qg . This text was not included on the original page/post.
This benchmark recording of Ely’s Park & Recreation Commission meeting on November 20, 2023 is a multi-purpose educational tool. It is an accessible window into Ely’s Park & Rec discussions, work and contributions to our community. Ely is The Gateway into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA). This recording is a benchmark on how Park & Rec operates. Is the Commission living up to its full potential? Does the Commission realize it is a powerful voice of the community to maintain, preserve, protect and even expand open natural spaces for Nature and for passive as well as active enjoyment? Do they want to stand up (pass motions) or stand back (letting others represent the citizens and Mother Nature)? Listen to each of the Commissioners speaking tonight. This recording is also a benchmark for how Park & Rec welcomes input from the residents and volunteers in the Ely area. Is there sincere, respectful and valued dialogue with the presenters tonight? Does the Commission use this input in their subsequent discussions and actions? Hint: yes, yes, yes. Presenters: (1) Bill Teft – identifying natural and open spaces in Ely; comparing Two Harbors zoning maps and coding with Ely’s. (2) Kathryn Farion – giving Garden Club updates. As with other Ely Commissions, Boards and Committees, … are the attendees (audience in room) able to fully follow along and understand the discussions? What materials were provided? What could be provided or projected on the screens? What maps and documents could be posted inside the City Chambers or in the hallway before/during the meeting, so the attendees could visually see items discussed. Could the agenda and packets be posted online? Where there is a will, there is a way. Finally, Park & Rec Commission meetings are not recorded by the City. There is nothing to (re)broadcast or stream. This recording is the only real public window brought to you by citizens wanting transparency and accountability in government, where the voices of all citizens are heard and respected. This benchmark video will be followed up with more videos marking progress. We are also setting up a website for the public where we will discuss Ely Politics. The goal is to migrate forward. Don’t kill the messengers or fight the messages. Humans are not perfect. Governments are not perfect. Re(read) the messages, focus on We the People, think smart, fix the problems, and stay transparent. Our Preamble: “We the People…, in Order to form a more perfect Union…”
Here’s what was on the original page back in 2023:
Awareness Tools
Citizens for transparency have started recording City Council and Commission meetings. We are using the first recordings as benchmarks, multi-educational tools to observe, review and evaluate our City government. Subsequent recordings will be reviewed for progress towards the goal of a citizen-focused and citizen-based government. Each of these YouTube videos have “study guides” or commentaries below the video.
November 20, 2023 Park & Recreation Commission
About 7 minutes into the meeting, Bill Tefft talks about zoning & coding for natural spaces and open spaces for Park & Rec activities. He speaks later on too. Maybe Park & Rec can get Planning & Zoning via City Council to act, plus maybe expand natural spaces? Kathryn Farion gives Garden Club updates and their future needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo5rZ1nC0qg
This was originally presented on a “page” instead of an individual “post” on our website back in 2023 when Citizens for Transparency first set up this website. Concerns addressed then still exist.
Awareness Tools
Citizens for transparency have started recording City Council and Commission meetings. We are using the first recordings as benchmarks, multi-educational tools to observe, review and evaluate our City government. Subsequent recordings will be reviewed for progress towards the goal of a citizen-focused and citizen-based government. Each of these YouTube videos have “study guides” or commentaries below the video.
November 15, 2023 Planning & Zoning Commission
The P&Z meeting is posted in 3 parts. A and B are each approx 30 minutes, Part C approx 8 mins.
Part A = https://youtu.be/xhphp1iSHoo Includes motions to update Public Hearing procedures and training Commissioners on Robert’s Rules of Order
Part B = https://youtu.be/dn3Z5JCFpcU Includes discussion on Planning Unit Development (PUD) for next shoreline/campground development requests
For the Residents? City Council mtg June 2 2026
See 4-page agenda for Council meeting (scheduled to start at 5:30 pm) and 97-page packet at https://www.ely.mn.us/council-meetings. Check inside Council Chambers for last minute changes and additions.
The Telecommunications Authority Board (TAB)
See pages 43-44 in the packet. TAB continues to spend additional monies for entertainment instead of for government awareness and oversight. Apparently TAB is still giving single source contracts to Custom Theaters (Mauro Caruso),
Roman circus activities to distract citizens from government.
TAB’s priority is NOT to provide free 24/7/365 streaming access to City meetings to the public. “Government service” is limited to those who pay a subscriber fee to Midco. Just like people have to subscribe to the Ely Echo to important information, including but not limited to elections.
TAB’s priority to to stream activities via web cameras. Entertainment is the focus. Entertainment for those who like to watch web camera shots, and the viewers are apparently not known. Not a priority: Transparency, accountability, reporting,etc. of elected, hired and appointed folks involved in our community
There’s no priority to observe the Ely recycling area where people continue to dump cardboard boxes, trash, and inappropriate plastic items (not just bags) into the dumpsters. That would be a different kind of awareness building and accountability. Plus save money. It’s expensive having Harold Langowski or other City staff clean out the dumpsters.
Sean Clark submitted resignation, so a seat should be open.
Arrowhead Coalition of Trails June 22nd community meeting
See pdf page 67 in packet for Arrowhead Coalition of Trails June 22nd Community meeting in Ely 5-7 pm. Check with your trail friends or contact the Coalition directly for more info.
It is interesting that the May 30th issue of The Ely Echo had a huge front page article about recent IRRRB funding for ATV trails.
The City of Ely decides which projects Ely “needs.” The Council approves recommendations from Planning & Zoning, Projects, and City Hall (Harold Langowski). It appears there are many key members who intend to turn Ely into an ATV thoroughfare and mecca.
People interested in better walking (sidewalks) trails usable in winter along Minders Drive and elsewhere, as well as hiking and biking within the area should express their opinions too.
See pdf page 67 in packet for Arrowhead Coalition of Trails June 22nd Community meeting in Ely 5-7 pm. Check with your trail friends or contact the Coalition directly for more info. It is interesting that the May 30th issue of The Ely Echo had front page article about recent IRRRB funding for ATV trails.
Ely Area Tourism Bureau update
See pages 68-69 for the Ely Area Tourism Bureau update submitted by Whitney Woods, Marketing Director.
The Public Hearing (not Board of Adjustment) at 5:15 pm
City Hall does not provide details. On the Public Notices website it is listed last rather than at the top. People would have to scroll down to get the most current information. The vague information via both Council Meetings and Public Notices website provide different information. Why can’t BOTH posts say this is a First Reading, include the actual Ordinance changes, and include an explanation/reason for the changes? Why do links for public hearings sometimes include volumes of documentation and opther times nothing?
When you click the link to the actual proposed Ordinance, there is no explanation as to what has changed NOR the reasons driving the changes. Why inform the public BEFORE the hearing?