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euismod dolor nec pretium. Nunc ut tristique massa.
Nam sodales mi vitae dolor ullamcorper et vulputate enim accumsan.
Morbi orci magna, tincidunt vitae molestie nec, molestie at mi. Nulla nulla lorem,
suscipit in posuere in, interdum non magna.
Disclosure: This post is heavily skewed towards human/City actions to (not) actively protect nature, wildlife and their habitats. Wildlife and Nature have their own value beyond human entertainment. For definitions and explanations of anthropocentrism, see Science Digest, TreeHugger, your dictionaries and other favorite research links.
Reviewing and revising city vision statements and comprehensive plans should not be tackled as if you were just doing a connect-the-dots, word find, or crossword puzzle. You don’t just chop up and spice up/down comprehensive plans and vision statements as if you were preparing dinner. Most people (commissioners in this case) need some guidance from those who truly understand alignment, desire true diversity, and practice systemic+holistic thinking. Previous experience is good, but that doesn’t automatically mean you understand alignment, diversity or systemic+holistic thinking. Deleting, adding or revising items can create tremendous and often (un)intentional loopholes for development. In this case, human vs. Nature impacts.
Ideally, a city’s vision and its plans should be closely aligned. A vision would be your goal(s), and the plan would be proposed journey(s) towards your goal(s). Ideally, the vision would reflect the uniqueness of YOUR city.
Seek skilled guidance – identify your biases and/or ignorance – before for decide
There are many organizations and research groups that publish informative planning guidance online. Last year at an Open Communications forum hosted by Adam Bisbee, someone shared a Headwaters Economics report entitled The Amenity Trap. It is available online at https://headwaterseconomics.org/outdoor-recreation/amenity-trap/
The Amenity Trap addresses many issues Ely is facing and some issues that don’t apply.
Unfortunately, for those of us who think humans aren’t doing enough to respect, protect, preserve, maintain, restore and expand wildlife habitat areas, especially with Climate Change upon us, The Amenity Trap is too focused on human needs. Otherwise, the report is very informative and easy to read.
Another attendee of Open Communications forums shared an opinion piece published in the Duluth News Tribune: “Corporate wolf clothed in ‘community’ lurks in Minnesota” about biased studies. It is important to keep an open mind but also be skeptical. Or is it be skeptical but always keep an open mind?
How does Ely vision itself?
The City of Ely, MN, has three different visions posted online. Which one is the official version? Which ones are and will be used to guide and justify development?
About 80% of human communication is non-verbal — facial expressions and body movements. Look at someone’s non-verbals to see what they are really “saying.” The visuals on Ely’s website are also “speaking” to the public.
Click on the website to see spectacular photos of the area. They beckon tourists and visitors to come, savor and entertain themselves in the outdoors.
Ely needs tourist and visitor dollars to support local businesses and employment, raise families, and make good profits. Nature can be profitable entertainment.
Nothing is wrong with these amazing photos. But something is missing.
Vision Statement in 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan to guide all development.
.
All our tomorrows depend upon today – vintage Hallmark poster
Where aren’t there any animals in the beautiful photos posted on the official City of Ely’s website? Wildlife is missing. If and when wildlife descriptions or photos are found, the focus is on human enjoyment and entertainment.
Let’s not show endearing close-ups of animal habitats, not even adult animals raising their offspring. Such photos suggest protecting, maintaining, and restoring areas that need to be free from human-generated noises, toxins, trash, speeding “toys,” pets, roads, buildings, etc.
Perhaps the City of Ely does/did not intend to send the message that nature exists only for human entertainment. However, that not so subtle message remains.
In its official vision statement, Ely has not obligated itself to be a sustainable or pro-native-habitat city. We’re all about human entertainment (sports), human survival (houses and work), and human activities (play).
In the vision statement above, “naturally pure” Ely is not defined but seems to refer to needs of humans to play and work. There are no references to providing, maintaining, protecting or restoring any native wildlife habitats within the City of Ely.
The statement about human “neighborhoods that compliment their natural surroundings” is open to interpretation. If nature and natural areas exist for human entertainment, it would be quite logical to put a huge noisy ATV/snowmobile campground in a residential neighborhood on Miners Lake or anywhere else. Adopting a PUD similar to that used in Minneapolis and Babbitt could be used to promote such “complimentary” development.
The Ely Planning & Zoning Commission is currently revising Ely’s Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. As of May 13th, 2024, we have not been able to obtain a pdf copy of ALL previously suggested revisions that include deletions of “nature.” The reviewing and revisions have been ongoing since ?? The process and final submission date to City Council are not crystal clear. Allowing going public input is not clear. The same is true for other Ely committees, commissions and boards.
https://www.ely.mn.us/mission shows a third “vision statement” for Ely on its official website. The wording is not the same as in the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. Nor is there a date when this “vision statement” was approved by City Council. This is confusing, having so many versions.
References to nature are also absent from this version of Ely’s vision and values. This vision is also so generic, it could be used for any industry-controlled, profit-only-motivated, and polluted city in Texas, Louisiana, etc.
If current and future Ely development and spending are guided by this vision statement, we humans and Nature are in trouble! The scrapping away of “nature” in this vision and values statement might explain the deletion of “nature” from the Ely Planning & Zoning Commission’s suggested revisions for Ely’s 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan.
What else is missing in Ely’s vision statements?
Past, current and future writers of Ely’s vision statements (commissioners) don’t represent all the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, philosophies, desires or abilities of Ely residents. This might not have been intentional. For example, if you’ve never had to use a cane or wheelchair, it is hard for you to visualize how awkward or impossible it would be for you to access bathroom stalls, coat racks, sidewalks, entrances, or stairs to second floors. Public accessibility doesn’t cross your mind, so you don’t mention accessibility in the City’s vision . . . nor consider it a priority for project funding.
Proactively preparing for and dealing with climate change impacts on humans, national and local economy, land/water/air, habitats, and animals.
Setting aside, swapping, developing/preserving appropriate spaces within Ely for wildlife and wildlife viewing, including but not limited to birds, butterflies and frogs. Establishing a city park or garden for people is not the same as creating a safe habitat. The City of Ely ownes a tremendous amount of land. It is difficult to get a comprehensive and accurate list of all City-owned land. The City quickly resolves to swap and rezone/recode City-owned properties to promote developers. Should it choose to do so, the City could “easily” rezone/recode areas to open space for parks — preserves — and recreation.
The Board of Adjustments (BOA) and City Council approve variances to City codes. How often is climate change sited to approve or disapprove variances? Is future protection of shorelines or habitats of importance, a higher priority than a human wanting to expand symbols of human ownership? Seek balance for the future and Nature.
MN Board of Water and Soil Resources
Education and promoting city-wide and private landscaping and plantings that encourage pollinators, use non-toxic alternatives, and match expected changes in weather patterns. There are many programs and websites such as Lawns to Legumes that provide some funding in additional to excellent reference materials.
Promote sustainability (best practices): packaging, consumption and recycling of materials, energy efficiency, human and environmental health, biodiversity, social equity, fair-trade organizations, low-impact development, low-impact outdoor recreation, public transportation, limiting or eliminating pollution, etc.
Expand awareness and funding of diverse demographic needs and interests beyond just housing; Fund accessibility of businesses and public buildings/areas; expand transportation options within and beyond city limits; maintain and expand year-round safe sidewalks for all; support for “non-sports” and low-impact activities and hobbies; Do more tangible outreach to underrepresented populations for tourism, use of public amenities, and inclusion in government; support underfunded and under-the-radar groups such as the Ely Field Naturalists and the Senior Center; actively promote mutual needs of local college, integration and expansion of student population.
Actively and equitably reduce the number of vacant (unoccupied) houses and blight properties in the core area of Ely. Actively and equitably reduce the number of vacant (unoccupied) buildings and businesses in Ely’s downtown.
Other missing visions – list your own
What developments and land use plans were/are desired for Ely?
To discover the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan on the City of Ely website: Click the tab Departments and then the tab Planning & Zoning:
As you scan the 83 online pages of the Plan, think about how these paragraphs align with Ely’s stated vision (and those visions not currently included). The Land Use and Comprehensive Plan should closely align up with the City’s visions/goals . . . and vice versa.
Everyone can check the documents to see if their issues of concern, their visions, are included in Ely’s visions and plans. The following is a suggested strategy on how to quickly discern what is currently stated in the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. Note “stated” or “included” does not mean it was/is a priority, pursued, or equitably funded.
Many recommendations and/or legal requirements are in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan but not mentioned in the City’s vision statements.
Although “climate change” is not mentioned in the vision statements nor in the Plan, there is one hit for “climate.” In 2016, an altered future was considered a potentiality –not a certainty — by Ely. Concern was focused on human impacts, not wildlife.
Page 59“climate” page 60 in Plan
The most surprising sentence in the Plan is something the City, the Park & Recreation Board, and the Planning and Zoning Commission have apparently ignored, for lack of a better word.
What comprehensive goals, objectives AND actions have been considered and undertaken to protect the environment, including but not limited to wildlife and animal habitats? A one-block garden is not the same as protecting the environment.
Page 27 in the Plan
Note: We do not have a copy of any proposed Planning & Zoning changes for this page or this paragraph.
“Open space” had 11 hits in the Plan, including Page 27. There is no real description of what “open space” is supposed to look like nor its purpose.
Page 56 of Plan
Is “open space” to be used for human recreation activities or set aside as a wildlife habitat/nature preserve.
Page 56 in the Plan discusses natural infrastructure. It would be nice to know what the City has done and plans on doing that “protects ecological systems and enhances biological diversity” (2nd paragraph). What role has the Park & Recreation Board played or will play to “Identify where to encourage protection of natural resources” (3rd paragraph). Identification requires the City provide Park & Rec with detailed — easy to view and understand –maps, photos and information. Some City-owned land might not be easily identifiable for these purposes. For such reasons, local naturalists could be solicited for their expertise. Remember: the City can swap land or rezone/recode land when it so desires.
Page 57 in the Plan is a continuation of Natural infrastructure. The 2nd paragraph ties these major local “surface water” bodies to human recreation, enjoyment and river views from homes. There is no mention of wildlife habitats, migrating birds, nor of low-impact activities by non-homeowners, such as researchers, naturalists and hobby bird watchers.
Page 57 seems to have been written without considering comments on Page 56 . . . or vice versa.
“open space” – page 2 in Plan“open space” – Pages 3 & 4 in Plan
“open space” – page 25
Page 18 in Plan – See updated City Ordinances
“Accessibility” had 5 hits, 4 relating to handicapped or wheelchair access. “Wheelchair” had 0 hits. “Accessible” had 2 hits but they don’t really refer to handicapped/wheelchair access.
Page 67 in the Plan
Page 25 in the Plan
Page 42 in the Plan
Page 42 in the Plan
“Sustainability” had 0 hits in the vision statements and 5 hits in the Plan. “Sustain”and variations there of had 17 hits, mainly referring to utilities and facilities.
Page 60 probably refers to mining. Many focus on the “promise” of jobs (not the same as in the good ol’e days) vs. the long-lasting (= forever) toxic pollution of habitats, animals and humans. Health is a top priority for sustainability.
Page 55 in the Plan
Page 60 from the Plan
Page 7 from the Plan
Page 35 in Plan
“Outreach” is not part of Ely’s vision. There are 2 hits in the Plan. However, both refer to doing surveys without mention of taking extra steps to get the opinions of underrepresented people in the survey. Neither hits mention actively recruiting the underrepresented to become members of established government and decision-making groups such as their Steering Committee.
Page 8 in the PlanPage 52 in the Plan
“Equity” had 0 hits in vision and Plan. “Equitably” had 1 hit in the Plan.
Page 25 in the Plan
“Dog” and “dog park” had 0 hits in vision and Plan. “Bird” had 0 hits in vision and Plan.
Compare the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan and a few recent(?)/past proposed changes discussed by Ely’s Planning & Zoning Commissioners.
Unmarked page 23 from 2016 Plan
Poor quality printed copy of page 23 from the Plan available to public at April 17, 2024, P&Z meeting. Not clear what changes in date at bottom indicate.
Examine changes to the 3rd from the bottom paragraph. Who suggested the deletion of this paragraph? When? Why?
Concerned? Get involved in Ely local government, attend meetings, write or voice in person your concerns.
Did you move to Ely to quietly enjoy many aspects of Nature in your city . . . within walking distance? Or did you plan on living in a city filled with housing, businesses and entertainment centers, so you would have to take a trip outside the “gates” to see wildlife and native habitats? What is your definition of “Gateway”?
Especially consider attending the committee, board and commission meetings. Please request to speak and present a printed copy of your speech and any documentation. If you can, prepare ahead of time by doing word finds within the Land Use and Comprehensive Plan if you don’t have time to study the 83 pages. What exactly do you want the commissioners to do? Be general and specific.
For example, do you want them to do something now, in the near future, or some non-specific time in the future (years from now)?
Suggest changes in current documents: Provide each commissioner with a printed copy of the paragraph(s) you’d like revised, one copy unmarked and the other with your suggestions. Have them physically hold a printed copy, so they can see, hear and read while you present. If you are presenting at City Council, put your complete speech (or key points) in writing and attach important documents, so that everything appears online in the Council packet and thus available for the public to access. When Council and/or the public read the minutes — if they read them — your presentation and documents are buried out of sight.
Suggest they take action now: As above, provide them each with a printed copy. Write out a motion for them to discuss right then or put on the agenda for their next meeting. Commissions make recommendations to Council or request documents from City Hall. Have them put those recommendations in a motion that they vote on. Discussion among commissioners themselves doesn’t catch the eyes of City Council nor the citizens. They need to make some kind of stance and/or commitment, otherwise the topic and urgency fades. A political game, intentional or not. Apathy wins. Apolitical folks don’t understand the game and usually don’t want to play games.
Examples of possible requests:
The vision statements and Land Use and Comprehensive Plan for Ely do not include the words “Climate Change” or “Sustainability.” I would like this group to incorporate these words in Ely’s vision and Comprehensive Plan as follows . . .
The vision statements and Land Use and Comprehensive Plan for Ely do not include the words “Climate Change” or “Sustainability.” I would like this group to hold a special open study session with these City/regional groups (list) and climate change and sustainability experts to discuss and suggest actions the City could take with others.
On Page 27 of the Comprehensive Plan, Ely is should set up goals and objectives to protect open space and the environment. I would like this group (P&Z) to set up a special study session with these groups (Park & Rec, City Hall, local naturalists) to identify and discuss all City-owned property or acquirable property that could set aside to protect open spaces and the environment.
We have community experts in Nature, systemic+holistic thinking, sustainability, diversity, accessibility, community visions/planning, etc. Many don’t want to get involved in politics. Listen to them. Ask them to speak at committee meetings (but don’t push). Gather facts, learn and stand up. Thanks!
The Government tab on the City of Ely website has links to the form you need to complete — Request to Appear. Submit by the Thursday before the next Council meeting (online or drop off). The Council agenda and packet are supposed to be posted online by Friday PM. You can submit later but the Friday posting should be your goal.
On this Government link, you can view 2024 upcoming and past Council agendas and packets.
Do not assume the Public Meetings Calendar is always 100% accurate for non-Council meetings.
The Commissions, Committees, Boards tab lists regularly scheduled meeting times and open seats. The open seat info is frequently outdated. When you click on the links to individual groups, sometimes the list of members is accurate. It is rarely obvious who is a voting member or not. Purpose and tasks of these groups is not always posted. Are their purposes and tasks (posted or not) aligned with what’s in the City Charter, vision statements and Land Use & Comprehensive Plan?
The Government tab has links to the City of Ely Charter document and the City Code & Ordinances.
The Land Use & Comprehensive Plan is semi-hidden.
On the tab Departments, click Planning & Zoning.
Then on the P&Z City page, you will find a link to the Land Use & Comprehensive Plan.
Reviewing Ely City Visions & Plans
Disclosure: This post is heavily skewed towards human/City actions to (not) actively protect nature, wildlife and their habitats. Wildlife and Nature have their own value beyond human entertainment. For definitions and explanations of anthropocentrism, see Science Digest, TreeHugger, your dictionaries and other favorite research links.
Reviewing and revising city vision statements and comprehensive plans should not be tackled as if you were just doing a connect-the-dots, word find, or crossword puzzle. You don’t just chop up and spice up/down comprehensive plans and vision statements as if you were preparing dinner. Most people (commissioners in this case) need some guidance from those who truly understand alignment, desire true diversity, and practice systemic+holistic thinking. Previous experience is good, but that doesn’t automatically mean you understand alignment, diversity or systemic+holistic thinking. Deleting, adding or revising items can create tremendous and often (un)intentional loopholes for development. In this case, human vs. Nature impacts.
Ideally, a city’s vision and its plans should be closely aligned. A vision would be your goal(s), and the plan would be proposed journey(s) towards your goal(s). Ideally, the vision would reflect the uniqueness of YOUR city.
Seek skilled guidance – identify your biases and/or ignorance – before for decide
There are many organizations and research groups that publish informative planning guidance online. Last year at an Open Communications forum hosted by Adam Bisbee, someone shared a Headwaters Economics report entitled The Amenity Trap. It is available online at https://headwaterseconomics.org/outdoor-recreation/amenity-trap/
The Amenity Trap addresses many issues Ely is facing and some issues that don’t apply.
Unfortunately, for those of us who think humans aren’t doing enough to respect, protect, preserve, maintain, restore and expand wildlife habitat areas, especially with Climate Change upon us, The Amenity Trap is too focused on human needs. Otherwise, the report is very informative and easy to read.
Another attendee of Open Communications forums shared an opinion piece published in the Duluth News Tribune: “Corporate wolf clothed in ‘community’ lurks in Minnesota” about biased studies. It is important to keep an open mind but also be skeptical. Or is it be skeptical but always keep an open mind?
How does Ely vision itself?
The City of Ely, MN, has three different visions posted online. Which one is the official version? Which ones are and will be used to guide and justify development?
About 80% of human communication is non-verbal — facial expressions and body movements. Look at someone’s non-verbals to see what they are really “saying.” The visuals on Ely’s website are also “speaking” to the public.
Posted visual visions of Ely on its website: https://www.ely.mn.us/
Click on the website to see spectacular photos of the area. They beckon tourists and visitors to come, savor and entertain themselves in the outdoors.
Ely needs tourist and visitor dollars to support local businesses and employment, raise families, and make good profits. Nature can be profitable entertainment.
Nothing is wrong with these amazing photos. But something is missing.
Vision Statement in 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan to guide all development.
Where aren’t there any animals in the beautiful photos posted on the official City of Ely’s website? Wildlife is missing. If and when wildlife descriptions or photos are found, the focus is on human enjoyment and entertainment.
Let’s not show endearing close-ups of animal habitats, not even adult animals raising their offspring. Such photos suggest protecting, maintaining, and restoring areas that need to be free from human-generated noises, toxins, trash, speeding “toys,” pets, roads, buildings, etc.
Perhaps the City of Ely does/did not intend to send the message that nature exists only for human entertainment. However, that not so subtle message remains.
In its official vision statement, Ely has not obligated itself to be a sustainable or pro-native-habitat city. We’re all about human entertainment (sports), human survival (houses and work), and human activities (play).
In the vision statement above, “naturally pure” Ely is not defined but seems to refer to needs of humans to play and work. There are no references to providing, maintaining, protecting or restoring any native wildlife habitats within the City of Ely.
The statement about human “neighborhoods that compliment their natural surroundings” is open to interpretation. If nature and natural areas exist for human entertainment, it would be quite logical to put a huge noisy ATV/snowmobile campground in a residential neighborhood on Miners Lake or anywhere else. Adopting a PUD similar to that used in Minneapolis and Babbitt could be used to promote such “complimentary” development.
The Ely Planning & Zoning Commission is currently revising Ely’s Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. As of May 13th, 2024, we have not been able to obtain a pdf copy of ALL previously suggested revisions that include deletions of “nature.” The reviewing and revisions have been ongoing since ?? The process and final submission date to City Council are not crystal clear. Allowing going public input is not clear. The same is true for other Ely committees, commissions and boards.
https://www.ely.mn.us/mission shows a third “vision statement” for Ely on its official website. The wording is not the same as in the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. Nor is there a date when this “vision statement” was approved by City Council. This is confusing, having so many versions.
References to nature are also absent from this version of Ely’s vision and values. This vision is also so generic, it could be used for any industry-controlled, profit-only-motivated, and polluted city in Texas, Louisiana, etc.
If current and future Ely development and spending are guided by this vision statement, we humans and Nature are in trouble! The scrapping away of “nature” in this vision and values statement might explain the deletion of “nature” from the Ely Planning & Zoning Commission’s suggested revisions for Ely’s 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan.
What else is missing in Ely’s vision statements?
Past, current and future writers of Ely’s vision statements (commissioners) don’t represent all the diverse backgrounds, perspectives, philosophies, desires or abilities of Ely residents. This might not have been intentional. For example, if you’ve never had to use a cane or wheelchair, it is hard for you to visualize how awkward or impossible it would be for you to access bathroom stalls, coat racks, sidewalks, entrances, or stairs to second floors. Public accessibility doesn’t cross your mind, so you don’t mention accessibility in the City’s vision . . . nor consider it a priority for project funding.
Proactively preparing for and dealing with climate change impacts on humans, national and local economy, land/water/air, habitats, and animals.
Setting aside, swapping, developing/preserving appropriate spaces within Ely for wildlife and wildlife viewing, including but not limited to birds, butterflies and frogs. Establishing a city park or garden for people is not the same as creating a safe habitat. The City of Ely ownes a tremendous amount of land. It is difficult to get a comprehensive and accurate list of all City-owned land. The City quickly resolves to swap and rezone/recode City-owned properties to promote developers. Should it choose to do so, the City could “easily” rezone/recode areas to open space for parks — preserves — and recreation.
The Board of Adjustments (BOA) and City Council approve variances to City codes. How often is climate change sited to approve or disapprove variances? Is future protection of shorelines or habitats of importance, a higher priority than a human wanting to expand symbols of human ownership? Seek balance for the future and Nature.
Education and promoting city-wide and private landscaping and plantings that encourage pollinators, use non-toxic alternatives, and match expected changes in weather patterns. There are many programs and websites such as Lawns to Legumes that provide some funding in additional to excellent reference materials.
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/l2l
Promote sustainability (best practices): packaging, consumption and recycling of materials, energy efficiency, human and environmental health, biodiversity, social equity, fair-trade organizations, low-impact development, low-impact outdoor recreation, public transportation, limiting or eliminating pollution, etc.
Expand awareness and funding of diverse demographic needs and interests beyond just housing; Fund accessibility of businesses and public buildings/areas; expand transportation options within and beyond city limits; maintain and expand year-round safe sidewalks for all; support for “non-sports” and low-impact activities and hobbies; Do more tangible outreach to underrepresented populations for tourism, use of public amenities, and inclusion in government; support underfunded and under-the-radar groups such as the Ely Field Naturalists and the Senior Center; actively promote mutual needs of local college, integration and expansion of student population.
Actively and equitably reduce the number of vacant (unoccupied) houses and blight properties in the core area of Ely. Actively and equitably reduce the number of vacant (unoccupied) buildings and businesses in Ely’s downtown.
Other missing visions – list your own
What developments and land use plans were/are desired for Ely?
To discover the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan on the City of Ely website: Click the tab Departments and then the tab Planning & Zoning:
https://www.ely.mn.us/vertical/sites/%7B487F0A5E-BE52-4CAD-977F-7436EDEE4F85%7D/uploads/COMPREHENSIVE-PLAN-2016.pdf
As you scan the 83 online pages of the Plan, think about how these paragraphs align with Ely’s stated vision (and those visions not currently included). The Land Use and Comprehensive Plan should closely align up with the City’s visions/goals . . . and vice versa.
Everyone can check the documents to see if their issues of concern, their visions, are included in Ely’s visions and plans. The following is a suggested strategy on how to quickly discern what is currently stated in the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. Note “stated” or “included” does not mean it was/is a priority, pursued, or equitably funded.
Many recommendations and/or legal requirements are in the 2016 Comprehensive Plan but not mentioned in the City’s vision statements.
Although “climate change” is not mentioned in the vision statements nor in the Plan, there is one hit for “climate.” In 2016, an altered future was considered a potentiality –not a certainty — by Ely. Concern was focused on human impacts, not wildlife.
The most surprising sentence in the Plan is something the City, the Park & Recreation Board, and the Planning and Zoning Commission have apparently ignored, for lack of a better word.
What comprehensive goals, objectives AND actions have been considered and undertaken to protect the environment, including but not limited to wildlife and animal habitats? A one-block garden is not the same as protecting the environment.
Note: We do not have a copy of any proposed Planning & Zoning changes for this page or this paragraph.
“Open space” had 11 hits in the Plan, including Page 27. There is no real description of what “open space” is supposed to look like nor its purpose.
Is “open space” to be used for human recreation activities or set aside as a wildlife habitat/nature preserve.
Page 56 in the Plan discusses natural infrastructure. It would be nice to know what the City has done and plans on doing that “protects ecological systems and enhances biological diversity” (2nd paragraph). What role has the Park & Recreation Board played or will play to “Identify where to encourage protection of natural resources” (3rd paragraph). Identification requires the City provide Park & Rec with detailed — easy to view and understand –maps, photos and information. Some City-owned land might not be easily identifiable for these purposes. For such reasons, local naturalists could be solicited for their expertise. Remember: the City can swap land or rezone/recode land when it so desires.
Page 57 in the Plan is a continuation of Natural infrastructure. The 2nd paragraph ties these major local “surface water” bodies to human recreation, enjoyment and river views from homes. There is no mention of wildlife habitats, migrating birds, nor of low-impact activities by non-homeowners, such as researchers, naturalists and hobby bird watchers.
Page 57 seems to have been written without considering comments on Page 56 . . . or vice versa.
“Accessibility” had 5 hits, 4 relating to handicapped or wheelchair access. “Wheelchair” had 0 hits. “Accessible” had 2 hits but they don’t really refer to handicapped/wheelchair access.
“Sustainability” had 0 hits in the vision statements and 5 hits in the Plan. “Sustain”and variations there of had 17 hits, mainly referring to utilities and facilities.
Page 60 probably refers to mining. Many focus on the “promise” of jobs (not the same as in the good ol’e days) vs. the long-lasting (= forever) toxic pollution of habitats, animals and humans. Health is a top priority for sustainability.
“Outreach” is not part of Ely’s vision. There are 2 hits in the Plan. However, both refer to doing surveys without mention of taking extra steps to get the opinions of underrepresented people in the survey. Neither hits mention actively recruiting the underrepresented to become members of established government and decision-making groups such as their Steering Committee.
“Equity” had 0 hits in vision and Plan. “Equitably” had 1 hit in the Plan.
“Dog” and “dog park” had 0 hits in vision and Plan. “Bird” had 0 hits in vision and Plan.
Compare the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan and a few recent(?)/past proposed changes discussed by Ely’s Planning & Zoning Commissioners.
Examine changes to the 3rd from the bottom paragraph. Who suggested the deletion of this paragraph? When? Why?
Concerned? Get involved in Ely local government, attend meetings, write or voice in person your concerns.
Did you move to Ely to quietly enjoy many aspects of Nature in your city . . . within walking distance? Or did you plan on living in a city filled with housing, businesses and entertainment centers, so you would have to take a trip outside the “gates” to see wildlife and native habitats? What is your definition of “Gateway”?
Especially consider attending the committee, board and commission meetings. Please request to speak and present a printed copy of your speech and any documentation. If you can, prepare ahead of time by doing word finds within the Land Use and Comprehensive Plan if you don’t have time to study the 83 pages. What exactly do you want the commissioners to do? Be general and specific.
For example, do you want them to do something now, in the near future, or some non-specific time in the future (years from now)?
Suggest changes in current documents: Provide each commissioner with a printed copy of the paragraph(s) you’d like revised, one copy unmarked and the other with your suggestions. Have them physically hold a printed copy, so they can see, hear and read while you present. If you are presenting at City Council, put your complete speech (or key points) in writing and attach important documents, so that everything appears online in the Council packet and thus available for the public to access. When Council and/or the public read the minutes — if they read them — your presentation and documents are buried out of sight.
Suggest they take action now: As above, provide them each with a printed copy. Write out a motion for them to discuss right then or put on the agenda for their next meeting. Commissions make recommendations to Council or request documents from City Hall. Have them put those recommendations in a motion that they vote on. Discussion among commissioners themselves doesn’t catch the eyes of City Council nor the citizens. They need to make some kind of stance and/or commitment, otherwise the topic and urgency fades. A political game, intentional or not. Apathy wins. Apolitical folks don’t understand the game and usually don’t want to play games.
Examples of possible requests:
We have community experts in Nature, systemic+holistic thinking, sustainability, diversity, accessibility, community visions/planning, etc. Many don’t want to get involved in politics. Listen to them. Ask them to speak at committee meetings (but don’t push). Gather facts, learn and stand up. Thanks!
https://www.ely.mn.us/government
The Government tab on the City of Ely website has links to the form you need to complete — Request to Appear. Submit by the Thursday before the next Council meeting (online or drop off). The Council agenda and packet are supposed to be posted online by Friday PM. You can submit later but the Friday posting should be your goal.
On this Government link, you can view 2024 upcoming and past Council agendas and packets.
Do not assume the Public Meetings Calendar is always 100% accurate for non-Council meetings.
The Commissions, Committees, Boards tab lists regularly scheduled meeting times and open seats. The open seat info is frequently outdated. When you click on the links to individual groups, sometimes the list of members is accurate. It is rarely obvious who is a voting member or not. Purpose and tasks of these groups is not always posted. Are their purposes and tasks (posted or not) aligned with what’s in the City Charter, vision statements and Land Use & Comprehensive Plan?
The Government tab has links to the City of Ely Charter document and the City Code & Ordinances.
The Land Use & Comprehensive Plan is semi-hidden.
On the tab Departments, click Planning & Zoning.
Then on the P&Z City page, you will find a link to the Land Use & Comprehensive Plan.
https://www.ely.mn.us/departments
Public Notices, including hearings, are posted on the tab Our City.
https://www.ely.mn.us/city