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This is “draft” posting of meeting highlights from the May 15, 2024, Planning & Zoning meeting held in Ely Council Chambers on May 15, 2024. Please come back to read a more polished posting. Scroll down to the bottom for the YouTube clip.
Time marker 0:50 minutes : Frederica Musgrave spoke at Request to Speak about the Land Use and Comprehensive Plan and her data request to obtain previous P&Z details about Comprehensive Plan discussion of changes. Her main concern is the City’s Plan is very anthropocentric (focused on human entertainment) and doesn’t mention Climate Change . She reference the posting: https://elyminnesota.com/blog/reviewing-ely-city-visions-plans/
11:00 minutes into clip Scott Kochendorfer, City Planning Administrator presented pages from the City Ordinance regarding platting/subdivisions. Chair Emily Roose asked Scott Kochendirfer to clarify in the future why such ordinances/documents are presented to P&Z and what they should focus on when reading before their meetings.
24:25 minutes into clipbDiscussion of Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. Pages from packet will be posted soon. Suggestions to P&Z members:
Don’t treat the review as editing someone’s essay, focusing on wording.
Refer back to the Visions for Ely. The visions NEED to be reviewed and reflect current concerns. Some community needs and awareness, demographics, economics, climate and development lobbyists have changed since the plan was initiated in 2016. Some haven’t.
Suggestions for revisions should deal with goals and details. The purpose for ongoing review should not be to make the Land Use and Comprehensive Plan as vague and skimpy as possible.
Discuss comprehensive plans and city visions from other rural cities. Goals, objectives and details align with their visions . . . and vice versa. Also look at their wording. Use what applies to Ely.
What P&Z revises has a huge impact and can be misused. For example, when you delete references to aging population. . . the City, Projects and P&Z committees will not be held accountable to spend equitable time, energy and money on projects for seniors. That does not mean anyone and everyone should ignore housing for workers, businesses, restaurants, etc. We need a balance in development that is essential for Ely. A Comprehensive Plan should guide us towards appropriate balance and accountability.
Regular meeting of Ely City Council. Agenda and packet are available on City of Ely website https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings Scroll down to watch YouTube recording of 34-minute meeting.
Ely City Council meeting – June 4, 2024
Both local newspapers, The Ely Echo and The Timberjay published several articles about this meeting.
2 major highlights with time markers:
3:40 into the clip: Recognition of Council Member Jerome Debeltz for decades of support of softball. A large sign, “Jerome Debeltz Fields,” was installed.
12:46 into the clip: Council approved Telecommunications Advisory Board (TAB) working with CTC to install “fiber and purchase of equipment not to exceed $20,000 if an agreement can be finalized concerning the use of WIFI with the festival organizers” at Whiteside Park. This is not the first time no documentation was presented to Council regarding best negotiation of prices (open bidding) nor single source awarding of services for large sums of money. If CTC is the only known source and exclusive provider of certain types of equipment and services to the City of Ely, then such should be more clearly and frequently stated. Sometimes exclusive contracts are necessary, sometimes not. Let the public and Midco subscribers know TAB and Ely City Council are and have been fiscally responsible.
BTW Who exactly is CTC? A quick Google search brings up Concurrent Technologies Corporation, Children’s Theater Company, Connection Technology Center, and Consolidated Telephone Company. Where is their office in Ely? Who owns CTC? How did CTC end up being possibly the sole source for equipment and installation services?
Part of public transparency and accountability is explaining acronyms, full names, group choices, and how decisions and expenses align with purpose (especially legal or contractual) for that group. Anyone submitting minutes should assume those reading the minutes now or 5+ years from now might ask, “Who is Irene?” or “How can I listen or watch her performance without knowing her last name?” Don’t assume everyone understands . . . clarify, especially when you want to promote the greatness of Ely.
In addition to costs for this project, 4-year time period for vendors to pay their share, and future replacement costs for equipment, Harold Langowski mentioned increased Midco fees to customers and the City of Ely. For more details, read TAB minutes (pages 29-31) in the Council packet.
Regular scheduled City Council meeting held on May 21, 2024. Agenda and packet are posted on the City website https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings Scroll down for YouTube link
Recording started later, beginning with Request to Appear, Item #7: Barbara Jones from the Ely Climate Group. She talked about the Morris (MN) Model for sustainability presentations held in Ely, the 2016 Comprehensive Plan, Grand Marais Community Vision Plan, and development in Tower. She invited Council to meet with Climate Group. Council had questions and comments and invited Climate Group to also work directly with commissions.
For Grand Marais Community Vision Plan, look on the left side of their City website
Item #8 Committee Reports from Heritage Preservation Commission (HPC), Projects Committee, and Budget Committee (added to Council packet but still not posted online as of 8:15 pm tonight). Listen to Projects discussion about contamination investigation grant for Old Train Depot site.
The Budget Committee recommended ii. “city staff to come up with a strategy and costs to implement the use of Body Cameras and Squad Cameras.” iv.”city staff to work with the league softball & youth leagues utilizing City fields, on agreement, concerning property use & maintenance expectations.”
Item 9 Department Reports included the first reading of Ordinance 377 which changes the classification of parcel from Industrial (M) to Commercial (C1). Good luck figuring out where that parcel is and who owns it. There will be a public hearing on June 4th, 5:15 pm.
Barb Jones, Ely Climate Group, presenting to Ely City Council
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.
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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.
Scroll down for info about other cities and townships near Ely, MN
Who’s running? Who filed for open seats? Check MN Sec of State hard-to-find website for latest filings: https://candidates.sos.mn.gov/ Scroll down to Search by Office box.
The default setting for search
You have several options for “Offices”
For City/Township option, you will have to indicate county and then specific city or township. Example = Ely
MN Election/Voting Dates
Primary Election – Tuesday, August 13, 2024 General Election – Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Ely filing period starts this May 2024
The filing period for Mayor (a 2 year term) and City Council (3 each with 4 year terms) begins at 8:00 a.m. Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and ends at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 4, 2024.
The online Calendar for the City of Ely also shows a withdrawal of candidacy period June 5-6 for those who change their minds. More detailed filing info –> Ely City Election Filing Info
If three (3) or more candidates file for the Mayor’s term and/or six (6) or more candidates file for a City Council term, the City will hold a Primary Election on August 13, 2024 to determine the candidates that will be on the General Election ballot for Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Note: Ely website does NOT provide direct link to list of candidates who filed on MN SOS site.
Mayor Heidi Omerza’s term expires 12/31/2024. These Council Members’ terms expire 12/31/2024: Jerome Debeltz, Paul Kess, Ryan Callen
These Council Members’ terms expire 12/31/2026, meaning not up for (re)election this year: Al Forsman, Angela Campbell, Adam Bisbee
3 Ely School Board seats are up for (re)election
These Board members’ terms expire 12/31/2024: Ray Marsnik, Tom Omerza, Hollee Coombe
These Board members’ terms expire 12/31/2026 = not up for (re)election this year: Rochelle Sjorberg, Tony Colarich, Jennifer Westlund
To get more detailed information about filing dates, documents, and whether there will be a primary for school board, check ww.ely.k12.mn.us/school-board-election-information Note: As of May 1, updated 2024 school board election information was not yet posted. However, the Superintendent’s Office just emailed that they are currently updating their website and their “filing period runs from July 30 to August 13. The last day for us [District #696] to publish the Notice of Filing is July 16.”
At past AAUW/Rotary school board candidate forum(s), you could listen to the speeches, questions and responses to figure out who (doesn’t) understand the role of school board members; who trusts the expertise of licensed teachers and superintendent; who is pushing personal and/or political agendas. Contact the candidates directly once they declare.
Filing dates for County, State and Federal offices
Local gov election info, open seats, terms, and filing periods are not always easy to find
Town of Morse https://www.townofmorsemn.com/ On the tab “Government,” there is a section entitled “Elections FAQs” which is outdated as of May 1st. For more info, folks are directed to the MN Sec of State website “Register to Vote.” There appears to be no specific details about upcoming open seats, terms, or filing periods. The website also does not appear to offer a direct link to their school district nor school board elections.
Tower https://cityoftower.com/ On the tab “Government” on the menu bar, there is a link to “Elections” which only gives info for March 5th and November 5th. For more info, folks are directed to the MN Sec of State website. As of May 1st, there appears to be no specific details about upcoming open seats, terms, or filing periods. The website also does not appear to offer a direct link to their school district nor school board elections.
Wintonhttps://www.wintonmn.com/. As of May 1st, there appears to be no posted information about voting or elections. Specific details about upcoming open seats, terms, and filing periods are missing. The website also does not appear to offer a direct link to their school district nor school board elections. On the menu bar, the tab “More,” links to another tab “Events.” No upcoming events are planned?
Babbitt https://www.babbitt-mn.com/. As of May 1st, there appears to be no posted information about voting or elections. Specific details about upcoming open seats, terms, and filing periods are missing. The website does not appear to offer a direct link to their school district nor school board elections.
Side note: Babbitt says it is “Progressive in Thinking.” Babbitt live streams its meetings AND makes them available 24/7 on YouTube. Why can’t Ely do that? Or other cities and townships?
Babbitt live streamstheir meetings
Eagles Nest Townshiphttps://www.eaglesnestmn.com/. As of May 1st, under the menu bar, there is a tab “Announcements.” The information is about voting only. Specific details about upcoming open seats, terms, and filing periods are missing. The website does not appear to offer a direct link to their school district nor school board elections.
Fall Lake Township https://falllaketownship.com/ As of May 1st, on the menu bar, there is a tab “Elections.” Specific details about upcoming open seats, terms, and filing periods are missing. The posting is for March 2024. The website does not appear to offer a direct link to their school district nor school board elections.
Regular scheduled P&Z meeting held on Wed., April 17, 2024 in Ely, MN. Scroll down for YouTube link.
Compare tonight’s tone, focused discussions and opinions, and completion of agenda with how things were proceeding months ago. Compare the number of anti-Council and anti-citizen comments. Compare wasted time spent on personal speeches. Spoiler alerts and hints:
(1) The new P&Z Chair Emily Roose is skilled at facilitating professional meetings, including modeling positive interactions with fellow commissioners and public. Polite, open, flexible, focused: these simple things create a positive community atmosphere.
(2) City Planning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer was complimented on improved agenda and packet preparation as well as individual P&Z binders they received. His recent PBS interview had positive reviews.
(3) Agenda Item #6 – Reports were clearer and more detailed, giving impression Commission was actually speaking to the public and others who didn’t receive or read P&Z agenda+packets. Government by, for and of the people. What’s important for listeners to know (and not just your opinions)? Thanks, Angela Campbell.
(4) Having Todd Credo record the P&Z meetings, even if they are not broadcast, is a great step towards accountability. The assumption is someone somewhere in City Hall or Council is watching. People behave differently when they are recorded. Hopefully, the public will be able to observe government in action (or non-action) when meetings are streamed free and easily accessible to all. Another important part of Todd’s task is projecting agenda and documents on the front screen. You can see Commissioners check the screen, helping them stay focused on topics and agenda. What is projected on the front screen is automatically recorded (and broadcast), so audiences at home and in Council Chambers are better involved in the discussions as they happen.
Highlights with time markers:
0:00 – 5:23 Agenda Item #5 Requests to Appear: Frederica Musgrave – Comprehensive Plan. She referred to P&Z packet page 17 (City of Ely Vision Statement) and page 20 (page 23 in Land Use & Comprehensive Plan). She retired here in the City to enjoy Miners Lake and Lake Shagawa Trails. She wanted to hear and enjoy nature in the City. She requested P&Z Commission think about nature and natural places. Think about noise ordinances. Talk with Park & Rec Board and local naturalists including Bill Tefft about “open spaces.”
Why was this entire paragraph recommended for deletion from #5 Land Use Recommendations on page 20? “Integrate natural infrastructure with the urban interface. The City of Ely could make better utilization and protection of rivers, lakes, urban forest, and other elements of the City’s natural infrastructure.”
Item #6 Reports –
5:23 – 11:20 Scott Kochendorfer City P&Z updates. 11:20 – 11:50 Emily Roose Projects Committee updates. 11:50 – 14:40 Council Member Angela Campbell Council updates.
Item #7 New Business
4:45 – 15:55 a. Emily Roose elected as P&Z rep to Sanitation Commission. 15:55 – 25:00 b. Discussion about dumpster enclosures.
Item #8 Old Business 25:05 – 25:22 a. Land stability requirement – nothing extra at this time per Scott Kochendirfer. 25:22 – b. Comprehensive Plan updating. This was a very focused and objective process tonight, reviewing paragraph by paragraph. They exchanged specific and general input about the City’s vision as well as real interconnecting problems/issues.
Regular scheduled Park & Recreation Board meeting held on April 15, 2024, in City Hall, Ely. Note: the May 20th meeting will be held in Whiteside Park. Board Member Todd Crego filmed the meeting tonight but there is no known public broadcast date. Park & Rec couldn’t take actions or vote until they had a quorum (10:50 minutes into the clip), but they could hear presentations. ALL the Commissioners and Council Rep Adam Bisbee were actively involved throughout the meeting with good questions and comments.
Link to YouTube is at the end of this post. Highlights of tonight’s meeting with time markers:
0:55 – 26:00 minutes – Ozzie Reif & John Scully updated about the North Country Trail. Listen to discussions about trail town committee, designated route through Ely (need to double check with Police Dept), cedar bogs, routes per maps, and trail possibly going entering private property.
Safety equipment: saddle, chains, etc.
Dutchman Tree Service proposal with YouTube clip. Good Q&A afterwards.
Safety equipment: helmet, etc.
26:15 – 55:00 Dutchman Tree Service (DTS) proposed a new kids tree climbing activity for the 4th of July at Whiteside Park this summer. The Young Life group was all excited about tree climbing. DTS played a YouTube video demonstrating all the specialized safety equipment needed. Please listen carefully to questions posed to and responses by DTS There are many issues about kids’ age/height/size, safety, first aid response, liability, staffing, kid-sized equipment, required insurance, popularity, time for kids to be properly suited up, training, and actual time to attempt the climb (not all will be physically able to finish). Listen to comments about physical challenge. DTS needs to obtain more info about special liability and insurance as well as purchase appropriate equipment for kids. When will the 4th of July committee organizers review this? The Park & Rec Board scheduled their May 20th meeting for Whiteside Park, so DTS can demonstrate with real kids on the one tree in Whiteside that meets their needs. The May 20th meeting is open to the public.
55:00 – 1:27:12 The President of the Ely Little League Board requested and the Park & Rec recommended to Council that the City of Ely fund the resupply of baseball dirt for their field. There was much discussion and many questions about payments for water and electricity, building improvements, maintenance of the field, replacements of equipment, etc. Little League is very interested in cooperating with many others who use water, electricity, field, building, etc. They donate a considerable amount of their money, time and energy for kids and field/structure improvements. . . But how much should they really pay? How much should others pay? How much should the City pay? More discussion is needed and a list made. EUC should be able to provide details about concession stand usage and billing. Little League’s first practice is May 2nd.
1:27:12 – 1:36:40 Discussion of Kata Goalen’s mural project proposal. The Board decided to suggest the artist contact NLAA directly.
Park & Recreation website has the most inclusive and visionary statement out of all the City of Ely’s websites.
1:36:40 – Discussion about the Comprehensive Plan. The Rec Center and other sites/facilities were not listed. Activities such as biking should be added. Wordage recommendations were made as to Park & Rec’s role to provide, maintain and promote a wide range of recreational opportunities.
Earlier, the Chair Morgan Sauls voiced 3 other key words: fair, equal and affordable.
FM side note: Should the Park & Rec Board (and the whole City) consider expanding their VISION beyond just humans seeking work and play in Ely? How about appreciating, respecting, promoting, and protecting spaces for all the awesome animals and plants that are also “residents” or “tourists” who work, play and raise their “kids” here? Their existence is stressed and imperiled by human activities. Where is a broad VISION statement about City-wide (lawns, homes, parks, and designated open areas) habitat protection, restoration, and promotion of non-toxic sustainable practices to promote pollinators? How could Lawns to Legumes (Minnesota Board of Water & Soil Resources) become park of the City’s vision? The Park & Rec Board can actually recommend Planning & Zoning and City Council (re)designate and (permanently) set aside spaces for Park & Recreation with the intention to preserve habitats for non-humans. Why is there no mention of Earth Month?
FM side note: Should the Park & Rec Board (and the whole City) consider expanding their VISION beyond traditional “active” recreational activities? What about considering and promoting more “passive” and individual or small group activities? For example, birding or going wildlife and nature observations by groups such as the Ely Field Naturalists. Healthy life-style exercise hints (signage) or equipment in parks or on trails. Dog parks.
FM side note: Should the Ely Senior Center recreational activities NOT be included in Park & Recreation’s VISION? The statement posted above from the Ely City website seems to include, not exclude, more passive-type activities that many seniors engage in.
Earlier in the evening, the Chair Morgan Sauls voiced 3 key words about recreational opportunities: fair, equal and affordable. How much money (actual dollar amounts and percentages) of designated Park & Rec funds are annually spent on different active and passive recreational activities? What were/are the goals to serve and improve the quality of life of all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities?
Not all groups and individuals are loud, proactive or politically astute to voice their interests, much less lobby, for funding or support for their activities from the City and Park & Rec Board. Should they be ignored, discounted, or approached as part of an inclusive outreach.
Ely MN Park & Rec Board meeting on Monday, April 15, 2024
Regular scheduled City Council meeting held on April 2, 2024, in Ely, MN. See City website for Council packet with updates. Scroll to bottom for YouTube clip.
See City website for Council packet with updates. Pages 8-15 of the packet include the Mitigation Charts mentioned by Brady Roy:
https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
Highlights with time markers: 1:35 Mayor requests input for selecting Volunteer of the Year. She also gives short legislative updates.
7:30 – 22:35 Bradley Roy updates on Ely’s Emergency Management plan with a powerpoint showing Ely Evacuation Zone Map. The plan is for Ely, not outside the city limits. Hopefully local radio station will be back up soon. 97.9 WEVE radio has been broadcasting Ely info. If people cannot access website for updates during emergency, Police Dept can go door-to-door if need be.
7:30 – 22:35 Bradley Roy updates on Ely’s Emergency Management plan with a powerpoint showing Ely Evacuation Zone Map. The plan is for Ely, not outside the city limits. Hopefully local radio station will be back up soon. 97.9 WEVE radio has been broadcasting Ely info. If people cannot access website for updates during emergency, Police Dept can go door-to-door if need be.
More details and posting of the semi-interactive plan on the Ely City website after tomorrow’s (Wed) joint press conference in Duluth with St. Louis County, U.S. Forest and DNR. The Mitigation Charts in Council packet probably won’t be posted on same City website at this time. Contact Bradley if you need a copy. (Note: see website above to get charts in Council packet.) Discussion followed. Council supported what was submitted.
22:40 Many committee reports and motions moved quickly.
23:00 Park & Rec’s 2 motions passed: (1) Paint basketball & pickleballs lines on rec center court. (2) City staff will investigate joint powers’ interest in possible joint recreation facility. Discussion.
26:00 Outgoing P&Z Commissioner Mike Banovetz appointed to represent P&Z on Sanitation Committee. He will step down when replaced.
27:20 Sanitation’s 2 motions passed: (1) Keeping G-Men contract for 4 more years. (2) Approved Spring Clean Up Days for April 26th & 27th. Note: There are plans for April 20th to be “Spruce Up Ely Day.”
34:10 Paul Kess gives update on RAMS. 34:55 Harold Langowski City-Treasurer updates, mainly about snow removal.
37:03 Fire Chief: 16 medical calls, 2 fire calls (one was for CO). 39:00 Library updates on April events including free eclipse glasses & activities. 42:05 – 58:06 Police Dept updates on hiring process. Chief models new dark navy uniform with new badge.
Communications: 44:40 (1) Paul Kess clarified lodging tax, responding to Ely Tourism Bureau email about what was published in the Ely Echo. (2) 46:40 Ely Food Shelf – Angela Campbell added that the Rotary Club successfully fundraised for the Food Shelf in March. (3) 47:15 – 58:10 Council and City encourage public to attend April 11th Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting. You can question valuation of your property, not come to complain about taxes.
50:00 Catie Clark appointed to Gardner Trust.
50:48 Joe Priorischi appointed to Planning & Zoning.
52:50: Open Forum: Mel H — (?) from Duluth only had 3 minutes (plus several extensions past that) for his speech. His speech focused on Article 5 of the Constitution. “Government is a weasel.” Politicians go in poor and come out rich. His petition is for States’ rights against a federal government that has no budget restraints.
FM side note: CommonCause.org and other organizations have commented on this petition. “Wealthy donors, corporations, and radical far-right actors are pushing calls for an Article V Convention in states across the country to reshape our Constitution for their own benefit. Frighteningly, they are just a few states away from succeeding.” Please do your own research.
Bradley Roy is giving an Emergency Management Update at Ely City Council meeting this Tuesday, April,2024. See documents submitted (pages 8-15) in the Council packet available online:
https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
Check Council Chambers and/or online just before the meeting for any additions or changes. Check back here at this website for posting of YouTube and/or documents after the Council meeting.
CITY COUNCIL: Regular Meetings – 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers; Study Session – Last Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. City Hall Council Chambers (Agendas are available on the City Website the Friday before the meeting.) Meetings are broadcasted live on Midco Channels 11 and 98. Meetings are rebroadcasted Monday, Friday, and Saturday – Channel 11 at 8am and 5:30pm unless otherwise scheduled live meeting and on Channel 98 at 9am and 7pm unless otherwise scheduled live meeting.
Regular scheduled City Council meeting held Tuesday, March 19, 2024, in Ely. MN.
Ryan Callen was acting City Mayor in Heidi Omerza’s absence.
Council packet is posted on City website. Check later for changes & additions.
https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
YouTube link at the bottom. Highlights of meeting with time markers:
FM side note regarding all Council meetings (not picking on tonight’s meeting): Council Members and City Hall are assuming viewers are able to access, want to log online ahead of time, and read the whole packet posted online. They cannot access and/or don’t (have time). As the public is watching from home, let them know more about what’s going on. Maybe this is the first time they tuned in and know nothing. Engage them as they listen on their couches, get them to chat with neighbors, inspire them to get more involved in commissions, etc. Saying something like, “Minutes are in the packet” and not relaying more doesn’t really pique public interest. If YOU are excited about YOUR job and YOUR commissions, show it! Harold Langowski shows enthusiasm, humor and gives detailed info.
2:55 – 4:39 Projects Committee: Passed 2 motions as recommended: (1) Commit property needed for work force housing to HRA and direct City Atty work up ordinance. (2) Pay $2000 housing study invoice from Maxfield Research.
There was no discussion nor mention of the many other development projects in the draft minutes submitted by the Projects Committee (pages 16-17 in Council packet). Some of the updates included (1) Ambulance & Fire Garage; (2) Old Community Center/Hotel demolition, parking lot, old Ford Garage; (3) 37-unit work force housing apartment complex. See discussion under HRA; (4) Ott redevelopment of Train Depot property; land swap of Ford Garage to use for hotel parking.
4:40 – 7:10 Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) reports given by Angela Campbell and Harold Langowski. 5:52 Zoning “P” is used for public housing projects.
7:18 City Clerk-Treasurer report
8:25 Fire Chief updated on trainings and physicals. No fire calls, 9 medical calls.
10:30 – 12:55 Library updates. Solar Eclipse program is April 8th. Starting April 1st (not a joke), the Library will give out solar eclipse glasses, 2/person while quantities last.
No Police Dept or City Engineer reports
13:06 – 25:36 City Attorney report: 13:06 (1) First reading of Conditional Uses changes to Ordinance 376. Atty thinks public’s main issues of concern would be apartment rentals and housing. No mention about formal motion from P&Z to proceed to reading. (FM side note: check P&Z minutes and our YouTube recordings of P&Z meetings for the last several months.) Additional items were provided just before tonight’s meeting. These changes require a public hearing. Public Hearing will be April 16th at 4:45 pm. (2) City Atty said changes can still be made. First reading of Ordinance approved. 22:13 (3) Public Hearing on April 16th at 5:15 pm re 45 Boundary St. 24:54 (4) Spaulding purchase
25:36 Communications: Ely Lodging Tax comparison through January (page 45 in Council packet). Fall Lake is not included.
26:35 Claims
27:13 Old Business: Council appointed Paul Dunnom to Police Commission
New Business: Approved license for Frisky Otter pending necessary items done.
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