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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ0rLsKCMrg This video is a benchmark educational tool for the Study Session’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 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…”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykfYbCvF0HU 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.
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 Minnesota. 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 re-purpose 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?
Throughout tonight’s meeting and during future Council meetings, 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?
Note: Around the 8:15 time marker, Cindy Smyka’s presentation on Ely’s Tourism Bureau was outstanding, informative and full of visuals projected on screen and with printed materials.
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).
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…”
This Planning & Zoning Commission meeting followed the Open Public Hearing that was suddenly cancelled that night. Parts A and B are each about 30 minutes long. Part C is about 8 minutes long. Commission meetings of citizen-appointed meetings are not recorded, (re)broadcast or streamed. The official minutes are not complete. Agendas and packets are not posted. Citizens deeply concerned about transparency and accountability are now filming and sharing unfiltered recordings of many meetings, especially the most powerful one, P&Z.
Part B = • Ely MN Planning & Zoning Nov15 2023 P… Includes discussion on new Planning Unit Development (PUD) for next shoreline/campground and other development requests .
Part C = • Ely MN Planning & Zoning Part C Nov 1… Includes discussions after P&Z meeting was adjourned. Part C starts up with continued discussion of Ely’s Comprehensive Plan review process (agenda Item 7, Old Business, e) 2:55 minutes Covenant Ordinance, zoning changes, and Ely Marathon (agenda Item 6, New Business, c, then b, then a). 4:07 meeting adjournment The most interesting discussion occurs about 5:40 minutes into this 8 minute clip about a commissioner’s replacement in 2024. The City was actively seeking a replacement THEY wanted, not what the citizens wanted.
Chair of Board of Adjustments (BOA), Mike Banovetz, opened and then immediately “deleted” the meeting.
All the BOA Members met later that night for their scheduled Planning & Zoning meeting. https://youtu.be/l2eL3P3G7Ks Includes citizens comments before and after cancellation
The recordings for each Council or Commission are to be used as benchmarks, multi-educational tools for the citizens, elected City Council Members, appointees (Commissioners), government workers, staff, volunteers, department heads and administrators. Are discussions, decisions and actions by, for and of the citizens and residents — using the citizen/resident viewpoints? Are they really actively included, encouraged and valued? Are citizens’ concerns followed up by Commissioners, Council Members or City Hall? Subsequent recordings and review of packets and actions will show progress or not.
Beyond Robert’s Rules of Order . . . Why are citizens demanding transparency? Why are citizens requesting detailed codes of ethics, standards of behavior, conflicts of interest and opening meeting laws?
November 15, 2023 Open Hearing (canceled)
Open Public Hearing (canceled) = https://youtu.be/l2eL3P3G7Ks Includes citizens comments before and after cancellation
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
November 20, 2023 Park & Recreation Commission meeting
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? Kathtyn Farion provides updates on Garden Club activities and needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo5rZ1nC0qg
November 21, 2023 City Council meeting
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
This is a story about a common Minnesota American Black Bear and a person originally from Indiana, me, who used to believe if you got this close to a Black Bear you were a goner. Since I did get very close and I’m still here, my beliefs must have been incorrect. Mid September, 2015 I was dutifully taking out the compost to the base of the hill behind our home as I do on occasion. The occasion being when my wife, Betsy, tells me it’s time. She determined that 5:15 PM was about right this evening. Looking up the hill at the back, I saw a Black Bear eating green plants on the hill side not the least concerned about my approach or with my being within 30 feet. The bear just kept slowly moving forward and eating not even looking up. As I walked to the back, not knowing he was there, I wasn’t trying to be quite upon approach and was surprised when I saw him. He (I’ll explain later why I believe it to be a male.) on the other hand couldn’t have cared less about my presence. I took out my ubiquitous smart phone and started taking video. The video at the bottom of this page starts with a short segment of this cell phone video. The video below is a 9:00 minute video condensed from about 1.5 hours of video shot on this first and then a second encounter two days later.
Two days after the encounter on the hill behind the house, the bear came in about 11:00 AM to feed on bird seed. I heard a crash outside and went out to see the bear munching on a pile of bird seed he had dumped out of one feeder. I’d filled the large bird feeder cylinder the evening before, so it was full, and that is the one he took down. No damage to the feeder. He is a very gentle bear. After hearing the crash I went outside and slowly approached the bear talking softly to him as I approached. I sat down about 10’ away and began filming. About an hour later I changed positions and sat down for filming about 6’ from the bear at a different angle. After more leisurely feeding he stood up looked around and slowly walked to the other side of the backyard for a drink out of our water fountain. The fountain isn’t very sturdy, the top is loosely sitting on it’s pedestal and certainly wouldn’t hold his weight. But, he didn’t knock it over, just stood up lightly balancing with paws on the fountains edge and had a drink. He then looked up smelling another nearby bird feeder. He started to reach for it and politely got down when I told him rather firmly…NO!
He then briefly and nicely posed for some photos and went back to the original feeder to partake of what he had left. Maybe the pickens weren’t good enough now. He stood up and slowly moved toward a number of other seed feeders in that same area, stood up on his hind legs and started to take down another feeder. My response was again NO and then a louder No!, and then….well, you can see the finale in the video, it’s not what I expected!
A few days later he returned late at night, in the dark, and knocked over one of my neighbors bee hives. That caused an even louder crash. When I rushed outside to see what could have made such a commotion he was gone. Even though he continued to come into the yard late at night, he didn’t touch the other bee hive. He continued to come into the yard well into November even after frosts and freezes that I thought would indicate time for hibernation. I’ve been told that male bears may not den up until early December long after the females are in their dens. For that reason I’ve called this young polite beautiful Black Bear a he. Another thing I learned, the hard way, was that Black Bears WILL feed on thistle in thistle feeders. I thought taking in all the other feeders would be sufficient, but not so. We have bear teeth prints in what was a new mesh thistle feeder. And, the bear polished off about 2 lbs. of thistle. From now on ALL bird feeders will be put up early Fall on Boundary St. in Ely.
Dr. Lee Frelich took time out of his busy schedule to come to Ely July 21, 2015. He gave two talks, on on Climate Change and Invasive species at the Ely Tuesday group and one at VCC that evening on the effects of Sulfide Mining on the Boundary Waters, sponsored by the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters. Spokes person for the Campaign, Becky Rom gave the introduction for both talks and added current economic data and impacts of Sulfide mining after Lee’s evening talk.
The two videos that follow are from those events and are a must see for all who have any questions or concerns about Sulfide Mining in our region. Dr. Frelich taught us about the delicate balance of the forest and lakes in our region and noted that the Boundary Waters is a world known and highly valued scientific baseline as research tool that benefits this region and the world. It is rare that we get to hear about research this valuable presented in such a way that we can all understand and that belies the years and years of research it took to get to these conclusions. And warnings, if we are smart enough to pay attention to these facts. These videos of Dr. Frelich’s presentations have only been edited to eliminate the silence when someone in the audience was asking a question and the microphone didn’t pick that up. However, Dr. Frelich re-phrased each question which you can hear and then answered all of our questions. Both events were inspiring and I’ve already had over a dozen requests for DVD’s of the presentation. That I’ll be working on soon.
Each video is about 55 minutes long, although YouTube shows the length as much longer. After 55 minutes the videos wil appropriately go to black and continue there for a LONG time. That is due to some error I made in editing and processing that I have not figured out, yet, how to correct. But, I will and in the meantime, these videos are just too important not to see.
Enjoy! And, take notes if you like and ask questions if you have any. I’m sure we will be able to get an answer from Dr. Frelich or Becky Rom or someone from the University of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters.
One finally comment, before you get to these excellent presentations. Although these talks and discussions were primarily base on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, it is self evident that this research will apply appropriately and forcefully for the defending of all our valued forests and waterways to the North Shore of Lake Superior, down the St. Louis River and to every fragmented marsh, bog, stream, river or lake in this amazing Arrowhead Region of Northeastern Minnesota. Although the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is a necessary and excellent campaign that I believe will be successful. My personal interest is in seeing NO SULFIDE MINING in Northeastern Minnesota and the Arrowhead Region. We need to protect the Superior National Forest, Lake Superior, the St. Louis River, the Cloquet Valley State Forest, the Duluth Harbor and Bay. We can only do that by saying NO to Polymet and NO to Sulfide Mining in our region. These talks apply to these other areas also.
Effects of Climate Change and Invasive Species on the Boundary Waters
Effects of Sulfide Mining on the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
What good will it do to be the Land of 10,000 polluted lakes with no wild rice or potable water? Well, I suppose, if the water is no good, maybe California, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nevada, all running out of water, won’t want MN polluted water?
Dec 12 Open Conversations Public Forum