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The Ely Park & Rec Board met outside on May 20, 2024. The meeting started at the shelter in Whiteside Park, then walked over to the Little League baseball fields. The group then walked over to see a tree climbing demonstration by Dutchman. They wanted to offer this activity to kids during July 4th events at Whiteside. Unfortunately, conversations during the walks, presentation and demonstration portion of the Park & Rec meeting were not of YouTube quality for posting. After the two “walking field trips,” everyone returned to the pavilion at Whiteside. Scroll down for YouTube clip.
Ozzie Reif gave updates of Trail Town.
The Ely Pickleball Club presented info followed by discussions.
Council Rep Adam Bisbee talked about a multiple-use recreational facility that could be used all year, bringing into Ely during the “off season.”
Council Rep Adam Bisbee talked about a multiple-use recreational facility that could be used all year, bringing into Ely during the “off season.”
Julie Higdahl offer reflections using Rec Center
Updates on Semers Building
Park & Rec Budget for 2024-2024. Harold Langowski, City Clerk, presented info and asked Park & Rec to review. Frederica Musgrave discussed Park & Rec budget, what’s missing, and also talked about Comp Plan.Rec to review.
Land Use & Comp Plan discussed. Abby Dare shared 7 pages from NRPA (National Recreation & Park Association): “Parks and Recreation is Essential.”
Regular scheduled Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held in Ely, MN on September 18th, 2024. Scroll down for link to video recording.
Request to Appear: Park & Rec Board Chair Morgan Sauls & Council Rep Adam Bisbee requested Planning & Zoning consider using City-owned and designated open space parcels as simple parks or green space for neighborhoods. Lots of questions and discussion. P&Z was amenable. Great job, everyone! Next time, please mention seniors and birders.
Scott Kochendorfer has been meeting with Ely Climate Group and looking at the GreenStep Cities program. He’ll be meeting with MPCA. Ely might really be at Level 3 right now. Paperwork has to be done.
Scott Kochendorfer showed short video about National Fitness Campaign. Question why this was shown at P&Z instead of Park & Rec. Note: It was presented at Park & Rec Board meeting 2 days ago, questions were asked, but no recommendations were made for P&Z to get involved.
This is the 3rd meeting that a tiny home developer has been discussed at P&Z meeting. The first time involved “slideshow” presentation by Scott Kochendorfer. The second time (last meeting) were updates on developer meeting with the City. As usual, P&Z had lots of questions. People will purchase the homes; the developer will own and lease out the space (land). No pricing for homes was presented tonight. The developer is working on funding and apparently wants to start next summer. Council Member Bisbee suggested using “studio housing” instead of “tiny homes.” The developer’s full company name and address (in Wisconsin or Canada?) have not appeared in writing in the agenda, minutes, or packet documents (?) for 3 meetings now. Transparency is important, so the public can also get involved checking info online. Will this end up being a single source development?
Second Hand Goods License Ordinance
Cannabis Zoning: 9 dense pages for P&Z to discuss for first time with hope they could make recommendations to Council tonight. P&Z Board Member Joe Prioreschi pointed out the ordinance recommendations presented to them seemed to have double standards (more strict than with liquor) and have unreasonable regulated times for private cannabis events. P&Z recommended approval of some parts of the documents, noting exceptions Joe Prioreschi mentioned, and asked for study session with Council.
IUP Process update – discussion Dumpster Enclosure Ordinance – discussion
After 2 hours, P&Z adjourned. There was no time to discuss the Ely Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. The time spent earlier in the evening would have been better spent discussing the City Comp Plan instead of watching a National Fitness Campaign video that had nothing to do with P&Z.
Regular meeting held at the Ely Recreation Center (ERC) on Main Street instead of Council Chambers. Park & Recreation Board meetings are not usually recorded by the City. There are 3 video clips of this meeting posted by Citizens for Transparency, because there were 2 outdoor “field trips” that were not recorded.
Tonight was perhaps an record-setting meeting in terms of the number of recommendations made to City Council. Many of the recommendations were done outside and should appear in Park & Rec’s minutes posted in City Council’s packet.
Part A (approx 8 minutes) starts with usual discussion about agenda, etc. New Board Member Steven Toddie welcomed.
Chair Morgan Sauls and Adam Bisbee were invited to attend the Wednesday (Sept 18) Planning & Zoning meeting to start discussion on green spaces. If others from Park & Rec want to attend, they should consider attending as public and not as Park & Rec Board Members, or just not attend, so there are no issues about quorums and open meeting laws. Council Members Adam Bisbee and Angela Campbell (Council Rep on P&Z) are not voting members of their commissions, so they can both attend.
Abby Dare voted in as Vice Chair of Park & Rec Board.
Part A was followed by “walking field trip” outside to the skateboard area. Two girls formally recommended repairs and changes. Park & Rec voted on several recommendations for action. See their Sept 16th minutes when posted in Council packet. For privacy reasons, this was not recorded.
Part B (approx 47 minutes) Discussion begins with North Country Trail Town memo of understanding from Steve Piragis and Ozzie Reif. An official ribbon-cutting event at noon on Sept 28th at Hidden Valley. Community involvement and groups shared.
Other topics: replacement of drum head at Whiteside Park and how to deal with vandalism in the parks, including using cameras. Trail maps – which ones and where are they (should be) available.
Abby Dare would like more pollinator gardens, rain gardens, etc. Discussion followed. She’ll bring more info later. Park & Rec would like to collaborate with others. Sustainability is important. Maybe make it part of Comp Plan. Make it part of Park & Rec mission. Gardens are hard to maintain. Should we consider private enterprise to maintain?
Other topics: hockey rink repairs, stories, costs, sharing. Should Park & Rec set up a study session for public to get together and talk about multi-recreational activities (mainly sports)? Yes. Mural painting at Semers Pavilion. There are various artists and NLAA are interested.
Comprehensive Plan. Scott Kochendorfer suggested there be a Google document shown on the overhead screen at the Planning & Zoning meeting.
Part B was followed by “walking field trip” to Pillow Rock (greenstone rock formation). Park & Rec voted on several recommendations about new signage, removal of posts, and clearing/weeding of Pillow Rock area. See their Sept 16th minutes when posted in Council packet. Due to expected rain, this excursion was not recorded.
Part C (approx 20 minutes long) starts with a discussion of designated dog-friendly area near softball field. Bruce Wheelright presented progress his group has made. Questions, answers and comments followed. There are issues about wet areas. Dogs are not allowed on ball fields. The dog park group is still working on nonprofit status. Liability costs might be $800/year??
Scott Kochendorfer presented information from the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) for “A comprehensive community wellness program.” Lots of discussion about possibilities for Ely and court design reflecting Ely.
Council Member Adam Bisbee shared information he found about liability when public activities take place on private property.
Scott Kochendorfer, Planning Administrator, discussed the possibility of developing mountain bike and dirt bike trails by the college and along the south side of Miners Lake). The City has been talking with a trail developer for the area by the college. The maps presented are hard to read, so listen closely to the presentation.
Special notes from FM: In response to this posting, many have commented about having non-motorized mountain and dirt bike trails closer to downtown Ely, near the college, etc. Many new people I’ve spoken to want motorized bike trails. The purpose of the Citizens for Transparency website is to provoke citizen action. Why promote transparency when nobody acts? Yes, saying “motorized” provokes. Scott Kochendorfer did not clarify. Citizens need to appear at commission, committee and board meetings to propose what they want, what they feel fits in with their neighborhood and surrounding community, whether businesses or nature. Look through previous recordings of Park & Rec to see when “quiet bikers” last presented. Look at their minutes. There is a different kind of open discussion that flows when citizens directly approach the commissions, committees, and boards at their meetings. If you can, compare the discussions (of previously recorded) Park & Rec meetings when citizens directly presented vs. when The City presented what was lobbied to them. In both instances, there needs to be more reflection on the community-wide vision for areas — not just piecemeal decisions based on a zoning code of open, commercial, etc. There are MANY voiced and unvoiced opinions about projects, trails, developments, etc. for the same desirable areas in Ely. How can Park & Rec or Planning & Zoning select among the BEST proposals when they are currently presented in piecemeal fashion? We need more quiet bikes and bikers in and around Ely. We need more discussions that evolve around what additional services, amenities, signage, parking stands, “repair stations,” etc. are needed, as well as safe paths. Park & Rec meetings are the most open, transparent and welcoming format for bikers to DIRECTLY share ideas and proposals with the WHOLE community.
Regular Ely, MN City Council meeting held on September 3, 2024. Agenda and Council packet available on City website https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings. Scroll down for link to YouTube. Recording started late with end of Mayor’s Report. No Consent Agenda items. No Requests to Appear. Highlights and time markers:
0:45 seconds into YouTube – Planning & Zoning report 2:10 into recording -Questions & discussion about P&Z recommendation to approve list of zoning designations for areas that currently do not have zoning designation. Council packet has list of locations. There will be a Public Hearing. 3:00 into recording – Questions and discussion about removal of “land stability” requirement. Harold Langowski explained location and history. It is difficult to certify. 6:45 – Telecommunications Report 7:17 – Employee Relations Report
7:30 – EUC – Discussion of sustainability efforts: Holophane light fixtures; EV study with CALSTART 9:40 Gardner Trust 10:05 – Ely Lodging Tax Report – Paul Kess talked about his approach to lodging tax issues; see packet his written explanation that Council approved. 12:30 – Park & Rec meeting change of location will meet at Ely Rec Center3rd Monday 5 pm. 13:10 – 17:20 Clerk/Treasurer Report – Annual Crack Sealing of City Streets – Discussion about where, solicitation of quotes and quality. Kudos to Council Member Paul Kess: He asked about the City getting quotes for work ($18,615). Harold Langowski avoided saying no request for bids were sent out. Typically, the City uses J&A, basically saying the City doesn’t need to seek quotes. There are 2 local vendors they use. The state has a list of statewide vendors, meaning there are more than 2 vendors. Yes, comments were made about J&A’s quality work. There was no discussion of actual REQUIRED policy to make sure citizens get quality at fair price. No other vendors will be contacted by the City for bids, so they are excluded from opportunity to bid? If you’re not part of in group, you’re not in? Having AND following established purchasing procedures is the best policy. There are legitimate ways to exclude contracting with lowest bidders. There are legitimate ways to justify awarding single source contracts. Document it. 17:20 – Fire Chief. 8 medical calls, 1 fire call (Babbitt). Public Safety Open House on Sept 25 19:10 – Library Director – LOTS of activities. Library will be closed next week from Tues., Sept. 10th to Fri, Sept. 13th while staff attend out of town library gathering. 21:43 – Police Chief – school is open; bear visitors
City Attorney – nothing City Engineer – nothing Communications – nothing 24:34 – Claims for Payment 25:45 – Old Business – Steve Toddie appointed to Park & Rec. Council Member Adam Bisbee explained process. Who is “we”? No discussion about Council formally establishing application process, interviewing, and then Park & Rec Board recommending appointments 26:38 – Mayor Heidi Omerza announcing 2 open seats for Tree Board and Heritage 27:25 – Council Member Angela Campbell welcomed public 27:30 – New Business Open Forum – nobody
The Ely MN City Council August 20th meeting didn’t have a quorum and reconvened tonight on Aug 27, 2024. Council packets for both meetings with changes & additions are available at https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings Scoll to bottom to watch YouTube recording.
The 4:30 pm meeting went quickly tonight, because a special study session had already been scheduled to start at 5:30 pm. The Ely Bloomenson Community Hospital (EBCH) was to present SafeTech Solutions study on EMS for area. Ambulance Joint Powers Members and EMS involved were invited. To see recording, go to https://elyminnesota.com/blog/ems-study-session-city-council-aug-27-2024/
Due to quickened pace, there was not too much discussion tonight. Most importantly, Council did not discuss policies and procedures for applications and appointments to commissions. For details, see the posting and recording of the August 19th Park & Recreation Board meeting at https://elyminnesota.com/blog/park-rec-aug-19-2024-mtg-2/ Who should interview applicants? Interview in private or public? Recommend appointment without first seeing any information? Is this the new normal?
Council approved posting the new Tree Board and Park & Rec openings. There was no discussion about how long openings should be posted before applications are closed off. Page 8 in the Council packet says the City will post until 4:30 pm on Aug 29th. Tonight is Aug 27th. The official City newspaper is the Ely Echo. The earliest newspaper posting of open seats would be Sat., Aug. 31st, the day after applications are closed. Who cares about protocol?
As previously mentioned, minutes from Commission meetings are constantly posted in Council packets before the minutes are reviewed and approved by the commissioners. The minutes are rarely marked as drafts. If the minutes are subsequently revised (nobody wants to point mistakes), how and when are revised minutes announced to Council AND to the public? Staff and Commissioners should NOT be rushed to submit minutes to Council. Why the pressure?
Park & Rec had a quorum for only half of its meeting on August 19th. One Board Member had to leave early. There was no note taking after that time? Council will never learn what was discussed by the remaining Board Members, including comments directed to Council? As usual, great comments, questions and concerns about dog park vs. dog-friendly park; WHY they want to meet with Planning & Zoning; what they remember from Bill Tefft’s presentations; comments about the Comp Plan; possibilities for public school and VCCstudents . . . all that talk and time was off the record? What does Robert’s Rules of Order say about note taking and minutes when there’s no quorum? You cannot take actions if there’s no quorum. Talk matters?
This is a special study session of the Ely (MN) City Council on August 27, 2024, that was open to the public. The Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital (EBCH) was invited to present the findings of SafeTech Solutions whom EBCH had contracted with. Scroll down for YouTube link.
To view the 15-page Council packet for tonight, which included some copies of EBCH’s power point presentation, go to https://www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
Click link to view a recording of the 2-hour long June 13, 2024, presentation by EBCH and SafeTech Solutions at the Ely Senior Center: An Evaluation of Creating an EMS System in Northern St. Louis & Lake County, MN:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5kGtG7Y4HE
Patti Banks mentioned tonight as she had previously over and over again, SafeTech Solutions had major problems getting financial information from certain parties. Not all parties involved would release their info. She did not point fingers. Many of those asking questions tonight wanted data, including dollars and cents data. It is indeed hard to forecast costs, etc. when you don’t have complete current information. Nobody speaking tonight volunteered to name which organization was unwilling to provide financial details, etc. to SafeTech Solutions.
After Patti Banks’ presentation, several representatives from the interested organizations voiced concerns, asked questions, and expressed support for many proposed changes, including future outsourcing of jobs, housing, number of ambulances, etc.
What is surprising is that many of these concerns and questions were not voiced on January 29, 2024, when the Ambulance Joint Powers Board met in Winton, MN. Patti Banks kept asking for input and suggestions before SafeTech Solutions finalized their report. Little/no input from the Ambulance Joint Powers Members. Watch the recording of that meeting at https://elyminnesota.com/blog/recording-ambulance-jp-board-mtg-jan-29-2024/
At approximately 1:03:00 time marker, Catie Clark from the Timberjay asked an important question about a special loophole.
At approximately 1:10:00 time marker, MN Representative Roger Skraaba spoke briefly. He had entered the Council Chambers just minutes before.
Note: Our Ely Council Rep on the Ely Area Ambulance Service Joint Powers Board is Al Forsman. Our alternate is Paul Kess.
Regular Park & Recreation Board meeting held on August 19, 2024 in Ely, MN. Scroll to bottom for video clip. Approximately 50 minutes into the meeting there was no longer a quorum.
Planning Administrator Scott Kochendorfer will now be attending the Park & Rec meetings.
1:49 – 13:02 minutes into the clip: Discussion about recommending to City Council 1 or 2 new members to previously 1 and now tonight 2 open seats on the Park & Recreation Board. Todd Crego emailed City this morning that he was stepping down. Kristen Anthony and Steve Tobbie were recently and privately interviewed by Park & Rec Chair Morgan Sauls, City Clerk Harold Langowski, and Council Rep Adam Bisbee. Council Member Paul Kess in attendance mentioned that Council might have to officially post the 2nd opening before appointing someone.
Who really should be interviewing applicants, so they represent the diverse voices of the community?? Should there be private or public interviews? Does the City and the Council want diverse viewpoints on the Commissions? What are appropriate questions? Could interviews be conducted via email (in writing) with the same appropriate questions sent to all applicants or could be part of the application? Does the City and the Council want diverse viewpoints on the Commissions? If applicants are to be independent from the City, why is the City Clerk Harold Langowski interviewing candidates instead of City Council members? Morgan Sauls conducts very open, comfortable and welcoming Park & Rec meetings as the Chair, but should the Chair interview and recommend new members of the Board instead of Council Members? Park & Rec members tonight did NOT receive any information about the 2 applicants. They voted based on the Chair’s comments, period. Everyone is trying their best to make up for the absence of established policies and procedures for appointments to commissions as well as established rules for behavior, ethics and conflicts of interest.
13:03 minutes into the clip – Recap of May-July Park & Rec activities.
14:30 minutes Short discussion about creating an attendance policy.
24:25 minutes – Northland College (VCC) wants to rent Whiteside Park on Tuesday, Sept 17th for a community event.
28:50 minutes – Discussion about kayak rental proposal submitted to the City by Rent.fun that would cost $10K-$20K to activate. City would only need to provide space and then receive 50% of generated rental revenue. Board members discussed current plans using donated items or contacting local outfitters to provide service.
38:35 Discussion about Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. Frederica Musgrave asked to speak about planned outdoor stage at Old Train Depot location across from Veterans Memorial. Residents and others don’t want loud noise in the neighborhood or park area. We shouldn’t have an open stage. Not there. We need noise ordinances that include what’s best for birds and not just humans. Also, the Park & Rec meeting packet tonight did not include the Comp Plan paragraphs about their needing to set up goals and objectives to protect open space and the environment. Open space and environment were not included in tonight’s agenda. Please put these topics on next month’s agenda and set up study session with Planning & Zoning.
Board Members brought up Bill Tefft’s previous presentations to the group. Park & Rec would like to meet with Planning & Zoning Commission. Discussions about getting public school, VCC students, and other partners involved in open spaces, etc.
1:03:30 – date on Dog Park. Abby Dare expressed concerns about calling it a dog-friendly area instead of a dog park. Discussion about City involvement.
1:12:00 – Discussion about location of donated benches and shade trees to be provided by the Tree Board.
Update on Pizza Oven for Semers Park – Need to follow up on status.
1:18:00 Discussion about mural artist Kada Goalen wanting to work on Ely projects. Same email was discussed at the April 15, 2024 Park & Rec Board meeting. Did they connect with NLAA as recommended? Not sure why the proposal was discussed again tonight. However, there was a good discussion – once again – about options with local artists and organizations. Video clip of that Park & Rec meeting = https://elyminnesota.com/blog/park-rec-board-mtg-april-15-2024/
Discussion about lease/maintenance agreement options in parks.
The Ely City Council will be holding a special study session open to the public on Tuesday, August 27, 2024. The City has invited SafeTech, Ely hospital, and locally involved Joint Powers and EMS to participate.
Will they accept SafeTech’s suggestions? Why? Why not? Please come to listen.
Certainly, there are many ignored and forgotten paragraphs in Ely’s Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. One can debate whether this has been intentional or not.
Who is served — or not served — when these paragraphs are ignored and forgotten? Follow the money. Who suffers? Who profits?
Find the 2016 Ely Land Use and Comprehensive Plan: On the City of Ely webpage, click Departments, select Planning & Zoning, and then open the document.
At the very bottom of Page 27 in the 2016 Land Use and Comprehensive Plan, the last paragraph rarely (if ever) is included or highlighted in meeting packets distributed to Council, Park & Recreation Board, or the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Ely is the Gateway to the Boundary Waters. On the outside of that gate, individuals and groups are actively trying to preserve, protect, maintain and enhance the environment. Inside the City of Ely is another story. Inside Ely, “open space” usually means “not good enough for building” or “waiting for a developer.”
There seem to be no goals nor objectives written up in the Comp Plan to protect open space and the environment. Nothing since 2016. There seems to be no goals nor objectives from the Park & Recreation Board nor from Planning & Zoning Commission.
Beware the wording “should consider.” Are those two words being interpreted as you can ignore and forget? You don’t need to discuss, promote or initiate any projects?
Pages 27 and 28 both address blight and substandard properties. Our neighborhoods and downtown business area in Ely have many buildings that are substandard and/or vacant. They are not visually appealing and bring down property values. People don’t understand why it takes so long for the City to do something.
Why are some development plans (tear down and build up) seemingly fast tracked in comparison to others? What is the overall plan, guidelines, process and timeline for vacant and substandard structures? What are the priorities? How are priorities ranked?
Page 28
In the paragraph to the left, the wording “should be” is used instead of “should consider.” Act. Do something.
In this case, “substandard properties and buildings “should be acquired and demolished.”
Funding is, of course, an issue. Why are some projects seemingly fast tracked for funding? What are the established and transparent guidelines, procedures, etc?
Back in the 1970s, the Minnesota Legislature enacted a law, Minn. Statutes, Chapter 116B, the Minnesota Environmental Rights Act, which is still on the books, that states that “each person is entitled by right to the protection, preservation, and enhancement of air, water, land, and other natural resources located within the state…” Section 116B.01.
That law subsequently defines “natural resources” as “all mineral, animal, botanical, air, water, land, timber, soil, quietude, recreational and historical resources.” Section 116B.02, Subd. 4.
In other words, Minnesotans do have a statutory right to quietude, defined by Oxford as “a state of stillness,calmness, and quiet in a person or place.”
Planning & Zoning Sept 18 2024
Regular scheduled Planning & Zoning Commission meeting held in Ely, MN on September 18th, 2024. Scroll down for link to video recording.
Request to Appear: Park & Rec Board Chair Morgan Sauls & Council Rep Adam Bisbee requested Planning & Zoning consider using City-owned and designated open space parcels as simple parks or green space for neighborhoods. Lots of questions and discussion. P&Z was amenable. Great job, everyone! Next time, please mention seniors and birders.
Scott Kochendorfer has been meeting with Ely Climate Group and looking at the GreenStep Cities program. He’ll be meeting with MPCA. Ely might really be at Level 3 right now. Paperwork has to be done.
Scott Kochendorfer showed short video about National Fitness Campaign. Question why this was shown at P&Z instead of Park & Rec. Note: It was presented at Park & Rec Board meeting 2 days ago, questions were asked, but no recommendations were made for P&Z to get involved.
This is the 3rd meeting that a tiny home developer has been discussed at P&Z meeting. The first time involved “slideshow” presentation by Scott Kochendorfer. The second time (last meeting) were updates on developer meeting with the City. As usual, P&Z had lots of questions. People will purchase the homes; the developer will own and lease out the space (land). No pricing for homes was presented tonight. The developer is working on funding and apparently wants to start next summer. Council Member Bisbee suggested using “studio housing” instead of “tiny homes.” The developer’s full company name and address (in Wisconsin or Canada?) have not appeared in writing in the agenda, minutes, or packet documents (?) for 3 meetings now. Transparency is important, so the public can also get involved checking info online. Will this end up being a single source development?
Second Hand Goods License Ordinance
Cannabis Zoning: 9 dense pages for P&Z to discuss for first time with hope they could make recommendations to Council tonight. P&Z Board Member Joe Prioreschi pointed out the ordinance recommendations presented to them seemed to have double standards (more strict than with liquor) and have unreasonable regulated times for private cannabis events. P&Z recommended approval of some parts of the documents, noting exceptions Joe Prioreschi mentioned, and asked for study session with Council.
IUP Process update – discussion
Dumpster Enclosure Ordinance – discussion
After 2 hours, P&Z adjourned. There was no time to discuss the Ely Land Use and Comprehensive Plan. The time spent earlier in the evening would have been better spent discussing the City Comp Plan instead of watching a National Fitness Campaign video that had nothing to do with P&Z.