To view agenda, Council packet, and minutes go to the Ely City website https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
Highlights and approximate time markers on video clip (posted at end):
1:48 minutes into video – Mayor’s report
No Requests to Appear.
No presentation for Heritage Preservation Committee but minutes in packet.
No presentation for Planning & Zoning but minutes in packet. 5:35 minutes into video Adam Bisbee presented P&Z recommendation regarding subdivision on Harvey St. Council Al Forsman had questions and Harold Langowski explained. Motion passed.
8:27 minutes into video – Budget Committee.
14:00 minutes into Telecommunications Advisory Board (TAB).
i. 14:00-15:12 Question about monthly fee, but Council did not discuss original inflated estimate of $20,000 for CTC to install WiFi in Whiteside Park vs. Treehouse Broadband installation for $2,320. See TAB minutes from July 25 and May 23rd.
ii. 15:12-17:154 Council approved $400 fee for this summer’s festivals (note plural) that use WiFi. In 2025 the fee is $7/vendor space for each event. During Council discussion and Harold Langowski’s response, not clear what costs occurred for work done by Mauro Caruso (Custom Theaters) in Whiteside Park for Blueberry Festival and if paid for out of estimated $20,000 mentioned in i. above.
iii. 17:40 Council approved $250 for additional filming done in May. There was no invoice included this time in Council packet. Back on June 4th, Council approved additional filming for May. Is this in addition to previously approved amount? or for June? or July? Again, there is no invoice submitted this time.
18:00 minutes – Employee Relations
18:30 minutes – Ely Utilities Commission (EUC)
22:28 minutes Departmental Reports –
23:16-26:52 minutes i. Clerk/Treasurer: Harold Langowski discusses bid to Low Impact Excavators for excavation and disposal of contaminated soils at Old Train Depot site. They will only get paid for work performed. Work is at the expense of the developer. They are raising the building to remove contaminated soil. Work is eligible for IRRRB funding (reimbursement). A DEED Commissioner will be visiting the new HUB Center and Depot project next Wed., Aug. 14th. The following week there will be a round table discussion with RAMS. Adam Bisbee asked if the building is deemed historical. Harold Langowski said probably not for tax credits. Bid approved.
22:57 minutes Fire Chief reported: 25 medical and 3 fire calls. One call was for cat on a garage roof.
30:21-33:10 minutes Library Director reported lots of activities this month; new wolf stained glass window
33:10 minutes Police Chief reported. Discussion about dogs in Whiteside Park and hot weather.
37:10 City Attorney and City Engineer: nothing to report
37:17 Communications: 8 items in packet, only 2 were commented on.
38:19-39:11 minutes G. Barbara Jones of Ely Climate Group requested Ely be active again with GreenStep City. Heidi Omerza said this is an ongoing process just filling out paperwork. If anyone is interested, let Harold Langowski know.
39:11-H. League of Minnesota Cities recognized Roger Skraba and Grant Hauschild as Legislators of Distinction for 2024. Jerome Debeltz recommended City send a letter of congratulations to them. Motion passed.
50:10 minutes Claims for Payment – Adam Bisbee asked about City putting in money for some of these projects. Harold Langowski explained no, all of these big projects are contracted out.
41:53- 44:34 minutes Old Business: 2 applications received for 1 open seat on Park & Recreation Board. Adam Bisbee asked Council to allow him to interview candidates by next Council meeting to determine their intentions to attend meetings. (Note: Park & Rec did not have quorum for last 2 months.) Approved. Discussion about whether 1 applicant completed application correctly. Mailing address is Ely, but address is for Town of Morse.
Notes: Residents and non-residents can apply for this particular open seat. The Council apparently does not have an established interview or vetting procedure to follow, including when more than one candidate applies for an open seat. The suggested interview is a step forward.
44:34 minutes New Business
H. Al Forsman requested the August 27th Council Study Session at 6:30 pm will be reserved for SafeTech and EBCH proposals for EMS. All interested parties should be invited. Motion passed.
Notes: Study Sessions are open for public to observe. Sometimes the general public is allowed to ask questions or comment. Contact Ely City Clerk for details at 218-365-3224. The Ely Economic Development Authority (EEDA) meeting is at 5:30 pm.
Open Forum: nobody requested to speak.
Meeting adjourned
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