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Meeting of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority of Ely (HRA) held at the Pioneer Apartments on November 12, 2024. The agenda and packet are not posted online. HRA meetings are broadcast/streamed. Minutes of this meeting will eventually be submitted to Ely City Council. Check for them in a Council Packet posted online at www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings.
Scroll down for the 29-minute YouTube video clip of this meeting.
Disclosure/disclaimer: Citizens for Transparency did NOT consult or conspire with any HRA Board Members or any Ely Council Members in the production of this video or in the analysis of this meeting. We are independent thinkers. Please do not displace anger against them for what is written here.
Page 1 of HRA agenda
Page 2 of HRA agenda
Page 3 of HRA agenda
Kristin Zobitz, Executive Director
At the start of meeting, Council Rep & Chair of HRA Board Angela Campbell clarified procedures about communication flow and meetings. Among other things, a kind reminder that there is an official channel for tenant complaints: contact Kristin Zobitz, Executive Director (114 North 8th Ave. East, Box 111, Ely, MN 55731).
FM note: HRA previously shared their detailed rules of conduct, conflicts of interest, etc. via the Ely City Council meeting packets. Council should consider examining them – as well as those rules for the Ely School Board – to create behavior codes for Council, Mayor, City Hall, Commissioners, and others while officially volunteering, representing, or working for the City.
www.ely.mn.us/government
As you watch the 29 minute video, it is apparent that the HRA building complexes and Executive Director cannot totally operate independently from the world. They are not like a for profit business or corporation that has the money and ability to independently act, pick and choose. Many HRA issues require figuring out what the City of Ely is responsible for in terms of costs and services — which speeds up or delays decisions and actions. This is also Ely, a rural area in NE Minnesota where contractors, City consultants, etc. are already stretched out with so many projects and appointments on their books. As you listen to the whole video, you hear that HRA strives to build good relationship with its tenants, the Ely community, its Board, the City of Ely, and its suppliers of materials and services. None of this is simple or easy.
At some point, however, maybe the Executive Director and long-serving HRA Board can sit down and talk honestly, openly and objectively about single source contracting vs. competitive bidding, not just for pricing, but also in terms of (1) Response time after call or request. (2) Reasonable expectations for turnaround times for COMPLETION of essential work and/or materials. (3) Expected quality of work and possible impacts on other appliances, structures, tenants, etc. (4) Turnaround times for COMPLETION of repairs if original work didn’t meet expectations; (5) Alternatives to purchasing of essential items that would require months of waiting time for new parts.
In this video of the November 12th HRA meeting and also the video of the October 8th HRA meeting https://elyminnesota.com/blog/hra-oct-8-2024-meeting/, it is pointed out that some of the original design work, original construction, original installation, choice of items, and improper repairs have lead to current and reoccurring problems. At some point, maybe the Executive Director and HRA Board can sit down, make a list of should-look-for preventable issues, and then make sure any new HRA housing decisions (development, construction and management) include proactive measures to reduce problems.
Time marker 8:27 into video – HRA Board Member expresses in one sentence what tenants, the newly hired Executive Director, and everyone else feels. However, it’s not enough to just say, “To me, it’s like it’s dragging out forever.” Do something systemically and proactively as a group. Don’t just do things in a reactive only manner.
Time marker 8:40 into video – Discussion of waiting lists and newly adopted rules that were designed to reduce problems with long lists and special requests of those on waiting list. The overarching problem: There is not enough housing in Ely, especially not enough affordable housing. Different lists of housing requests for one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments were recently combined into one list. The new procedure, simply put: If you are at the top of the newly combined waiting list and an available one-bedroom apartment is offered to you — even though you need a two-bedroom apartment — if you say “no” to the one-bedroom apartment, you go to the bottom of the newly combined waiting list. If you don’t want to go to the bottom of the combined list, you need to say “yes” to the one-bedroom, move into the one-bedroom, and then somehow you have a better chance of transferring to a two-bedroom apartment when it becomes available. The same process would apparently apply if you were at the top of the waiting list and wanted a one-bed: Go to the bottom of the list or take the two-bedroom apartment. Before you decide on acting against this process, read the next paragraph.
City Hall and City Council have not ACTIVELY promoted or established ADEQUATE and EQUITABLE means for ALL citizens to provide direct input BEFORE decisions are made on issues that impact them.This is not HRA’s problem, it is a problem of Ely’s political culture. HRA meetings are not recorded, so the public cannot see who actually said what during the HRA meetings leading up to the combined list. Hearsay can be inaccurate. Minutes are not transcripts, nor should they be. We all make mistakes (humans, anyway). At those previous HRA meetings — and Council meetings for that matter — who asked about input from those on the waiting list? Who asked about the effects and if those effects were reasonable and fair? Humans make mistakes. Humans can refine, revise or retract decisions. Who on the HRA Board or Council will step up and speak? Government and changes in general should be about “Let’s do better now from this moment on. Let’s admit and correct our mistakes.”
Time marker 12:10 into the video: Original wait time for parts for handicapped door was 2-4 weeks. A tenant spoke about concerns at the end of today’s meeting. FM note: Door problem and wait time was mentioned at last Oct 8th HRA meeting https://elyminnesota.com/blog/hra-oct-8-2024-meeting/ What can long-serving HRA Board Members recommend to the new Executive Director, so essential repairs don’t take so long? How could delivery of parts have been sped up? Did HRA purchase expensive door(s) that are prone to long wait times for parts? What are priorities for working doors?
Regular scheduled meeting of the Ely, MN Park & Recreation Board on Monday, October 21, 2024. Scroll down for YouTube video clip. Here’s a Board processing all of the items placed on tonight’s jam-packed agenda: new project proposals, updates on old and ongoing projects, funding and staffing issues, and reviewing the Comprehensive Plan. Observe the time, care and discussions spent on agenda items.
Feel the comfortable welcoming atmosphere where sharing takes place and many questions are posed. Thanks, Morgan Sauls (Chair)!
See how the whole meeting gradually evolves into working strategies for the next meeting. Democratic processes take time to evolve. P&R is “behind schedule,” because they didn’t have quorum for several months.
A suggestion was made that the next meeting focus on the Comp Plan. Other (new) items should take backstage unless discussion and actions are essential. Members will get copies of Land Use and Comprehensive Plan before the next meeting to study ahead of time. The next Park & Recreation Board meeting is Monday, November 18th, at 5 p.m.
Tonight’s agenda (time markers might not be added later):
Requests to Appear
Kathryn Farion (Garden Club update) – Morgan Sauls read letter
Lucy Soderstrom (work & plantings on Trezona) – appeared later
Ozzie Reif (North Country Trail Memo of Understanding)
New Business
Camping in Whiteside Park by Tour of MN group
Ely Rec Center update
Old Business
Drum head tops in Whiteside
Pillow Rock plaque and possible picnic area
Comp Planning – Bill Tefft spoke from audience in Chamber
Suggestions from Citizens for Transparency:
(1) As a general plan for all future agendas: Deal with Old Business first, then bring up New Business. Exception: urgent essential items.
(2) Don’t put new ideas, projects and proposals on the agenda for discussion unless they relate to the Comprehensive Plan and/or what you have decided to be goals for Park & Rec. Reduce clutter on the agenda. Examples: Fitness Court (possible locations and funding needed to raise $200,00) and Depave St. Louis Park (pages 17-19 in tonight’s P&R packet).
(3) Reduce discussions about funding sources for newly introduced projects, etc. when you haven’t tied them into the Comprehensive Plan nor how they provide services to underrepresented and underserved members of the Ely community . . . or the natural environment.
(4) If you like an idea or project, think about how that idea or project can be carried out or offered by businesses, organizations or groups here in the community. What do you want that Ely needs per (2) above? Don’t negotiate with developer or business until P&R decides (2) above. Don’t get trapped into single source or expensive prpjects. P&R members and City staff are already overtasked. Why create more work following up when the idea or project isn’t a priority?
(5) Don’t get distracted by shiny objects, brochures and PowerPoint presentations. Don’t get distracted by what you think is cool and what your groups would like. Look at projects and activities in relationship to the whole community that P&R serves. Prioritize your time and service to ALL: “Guide the planning, maintaining, and development of the parks and recreation in Ely. ..[I]mprove the quality of life for all ages, backgrounds, and physical abilities of the residents of Ely and surrounding area.” Half+ of Ely’s population is seniors.
(6) Imagine classrooms where teachers individually or as a group decide what they want to teach, when, and to whom. Where it’s okay to leave kids behind or ignore them. The state or district says teach fractions during a certain grade level. A teacher doesn’t like fractions, so they don’t or do so inadequately. This happens. Goals and objectives for lesson plans should be aligned with district/state guidelines. Teachers should strive to reach all kids, facilitate learning for all to the best of their ability. Start with the district/state guidelines. In reference to P&R’s work on the Comp Plan: agree on visions, goals and objectives, including revisions AND additions of goals and objectives that were missed, ignored or not recognized back in 2016.
Regular scheduled P&Z meeting. 3 Commissioners were absent who tend to have different questions and comments about process, impact, and wording. Lots of major items on the agenda tonight. Huge amount of information to digest in the packet. Unfortunately, P&Z packets are not posted online for public to view and prepare citizen+ input before P&Z makes official recommendations to Council. Scroll down for YouTube video.
Please check back later for addition of documents from P&Z packet as well as time markers. We wanted video posted ASAP.
Look for blue highlighted sections for information about Miners Lake development. City Council had their first reading of Ordinance change to land stability on October 1st. Even though they didn’t have maps or specific details in front of them, Council approved the first reading. The City Attorney advised Council to approve, because “It’s the easiest way.” The City Attorney works for City Hall, not for the residents. City Hall wants to expedite development on Miners Lake. P&Z Commissioners tonight did not ask for maps nor details about planned development.
The only “info” given to Council on Oct 1st. No map, no description, no details about planned developments. Nothing in print. City Hall intentionally set up 1st Reading for ACTION (quick approval), not informed discussion.
This page is from page 376 in Master Ely City Code. It was not provided to Council on Oct 1st. Most likely it was not provided to P&Z in recent months, before they requested additional info. More info than just this page should have been in the Council packet.
Is this what P&Z Commissioners approved tonight? See if you can observe any discussion tonight about why wording like “building permit” and required certification are deleted. “Consult” and “contact” are not the same as “certify.” Look at the extremely loose and vague “if the property owner deems necessary.”
Compare this laissez-faire attitude about Miners Lake development with all the other mandatory (safety) code requirements for homes and businesses.
The original justification City Hall gave to P&Z was, “It’s too expensive to certify it’s safe to build on these areas. So let’s get rid of the whole ordinance.” You (regular person) can’t just build what and how you want on your property. You can NOT say, “I didn’t deem [required process or specs] necessary” or “It’s too expensive.”
This was in P&Z packet tonight. First time something in writing. Areas along Miners Lake are potentially unsafe for development. Look at comments 3, 4 and 6 above in Synopsis of Changes.
We should expand safety and “include properties with inactive Mine shafts” per #4.
If government or lobbyists want unlimited development and an ordinance is blocking that, they claim the ordinance is “unclear.” Council and P&Z are gullible and/or they don’t have time to process so many dense pages to ensure safe development. Do what California did: build a nuclear power plant right on an earthquake fault line.
From the P&Z packet tonight. Listen for someone to read this out loud or cite it, especially the 3rd paragraph.
In the Synopsis of Changes above, notice the “rephrasing” of DNR comments to make people believe it’s perfectly fine to remove land stabilty certification.
Look to the right, 3rd paragraph:
[Local government] can adopt a model ordinance we [MN DNR] write or they may adopt more restrictive standards.”
Ely City Hall wants NO real preventive safety measures or ordinances, so City Hall’s favored developers can build whatever and wherever they want on Miners Lake. Safety and residents be damned. Now the proposed expanded ATV/RV campground in the residential area on Miners Lake will fly through the Board of Adjustment.
Reports from Projects Committee and Scott Knochendorfer, Ely Planning & Zoning Administrator
Updates on meetings re: GreenStep Cities; Ely Climate Group; possible creation of a sub-committee Green Team
New Do-Over Public Hearing in Nov. for Church Subdivision
Tiny Homes developer (full name & address still not disclosed) looking for land
Tues, Oct 29th, 6:30 pm = Joint Study Session with Council to discuss cannabis ordinance
Project for Fire Bldg slowed down to ascertain historical status of buildings
IRRR gave hotel $200K in funding (IRRR not mentioned in Projects minutes
For New and Old Business, recommendations were made to Council. The actual wording as well as what was or was not included in the recommendations wasn’t always clear. Watch to see if anyone asked for exact re-reading before votes were taken. Did the Commissioners really understand and agree to everything they recommended? Really quick “deliberations” tonight. Example:
New Business
Procedures for vacation of right of way (2 pages in P&Z packet). Why was topic suddenly introduced tonight? Apparently no action was taken to update since 2004. Does this relate to other developments being discussed tonight? Yes. Look at the Development Agreement with the Train Depot. What fees will they pay?
Property incentives (2 pages). Very interesting, but why was this topic introduced tonight to P&Z? Should it go to Park & Rec and Tree Board first? There are many cities, states, and organizations that have plans with and without funding. Start with Visions and Comp Plan instead of spending energy reacting to random ideas and proposals. Also, why isn’t the City promoting the generation of ideas coming from the Commissioners themselves (who are involved in OUR community). Our City staff is already overtasked! After goals and objectives are agreed upon AND prioritized, then discuss $$ allocation.
Development agreement for Old Train Depot (5 pages). Many changes and planned businesses including an outdoor amphitheater. Watch the video for details about expanded development to north and south of the depot! This development project needs more space than previously mentioned? Specific details aren’t all written down, then or now. Miners’ Drive, the road itself, might be pushed northward to make room for expansion of this site. Who pays for rebuilding the road? The grant or taxpayers? Supposedly few people use the current public parking on the south side of Miners? So the Depot can have it? New public parking spaces, if necessary, would be built on green area on north side of Miners Drive. Who pays? Very few questions were asked, including, “How does the parking, road changes, and site expansion as well as the outdoor amphitheater or outdoor bar/restaurant fit in with the Veterans Memorial space?” What exactly did the Commissioners agree to and recommend to Council? Did they give approval for all the businesses planned? No questions or comments from Commissioners about increased noise spilling into residential areas. Did they also agree to everything in the 3-page Development Agreement? Is P&Z even tasked to review, agree to or recommend development agreements? FYI: Matthew Stupnik and family (instead of new LLC) are redeveloping the Ely Community Center? What else was missed or not asked?
Old Business
Second-Hand Goods License Ordinance
IUP Process Update – no documents
Land Stability Requirement (14 pages). Very few questions and comments from Commissioners. The DNR said, “Authority is passed from state level to the local level . . .They can adopt a model ordinance we write or they may adopt more restrictive standards.” Ely City Hall wants a LESS restrictive standard. Note the City wants property owner to be responsible for ensuring land is safe . . .[and] consult with geotechnical engineer if the property owner deems necessary.” Notice the City is still NOT providing specific maps. Council asked for maps. Compare with ordinance at Council’s first reading on Oct. 1st.
Next Council meeting on Oct 12th will probably approve the 2nd reading without major discussion.
Dumpster Ordinance (3 pages)
Update City Comp Plan (4 pages) – More papers. Once again, no time to discuss.
Regular scheduled City Council meeting held on Tuesday, October 15, 2024. Agenda and Council packet are available on www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings. Scroll down for YouTube video.
Once again, last minute additions were posted online, not giving public or Council Members time to review and research new items. Informing the public in a timely manner is not important? There are several problems with the Projects Committee minutes, most likely because they were quickly typed up and not reviewed by Members prior to submission to Council. Many of the topics discussed at Projects are of major interest to the public, but Council Members did not comment or ask questions. Examples:
Under Unfinished Business (Projects Committee):
e. Why wasn’t the giver of the $200K grant named? Who gave $200K for hotel project? Why is this a secret or ?
f. A development agreement is being drafted for swap of City property on north side of depot project for the old Ford garage for parking at the hotel. Is this in addition to City owned property on south side of depot – public parking on north side of Miners Drive across from Veterans’ Memorial – that was to become part of depot project?
Under New Business (Projects Committee): a. What “does not appear”?? Sentence(s)missing.
b. Information about letter from the Chamber of Commerce and staffing at the trailhead facility would have been of public interest tonight. The public would have appreciated an update on planned uses for the trailhead facility. Is the goal of Council meetings to finish in less than an hour or to inform the public?
3:20 minutes – Request to Appear (Tonight’s Council agenda): Ian Lah reported on the impact of arts and culture on our community and economy. City Council Members were invited to attend the Ely for Ely Conference (Monday, November 18th) and the Ely Cultural Alliance on Tuesday, November 19th). See report details in the Council Packet.
Possible deed transfer of properties at 334 and 350 W Chapman to the City of Ely (letter from owner not included in Council packet).
Proposal for reconnaissance level survey for construction of ambulance and fire buildings for $7,866.97 (Note future of Ely ambulance services still not determined, if EBCH will house, etc.)
19:54 minutes – Fire Depart: 19 medical and 4 fire calls. Public announcements.
26:57 minutes – Library Report: Upcoming activities at library. The library will be closed Fri, Nov 15th, and Mon, Nov 18th, for installation of new carpet.
30:10 minutes – Police Chief: Public announcements. Council approved recommendation to hire Bradley Roy as sergeant.
33:23 minutes Communications: A. EBCH Northeast Regional Ambulance Initiative Next Steps meeting on Friday, Oct 18th, 2 pm, at GEL. B. 34:35 minutes – Lodging Tax Report through July. Paul Kess explained. C. Oct 28, 6 pm, public meeting about Harvey Street Reconstruction Project.
Lodging Tax Report
38:20 minutes – New Business
Application to DEED for cleanup of depot site.
Application to DEED for investigation of contamination of depot site.
Mary Groeninger-Helms appointed to Tree Board.
43:48 minutes Council Member Al Forsman requested motion to have City Attorney correct difference between cannabis and liquor sales. Passed
Regular monthly meeting of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority (HRA) held at the Pioneer Apartments on October 8, 2024. As with many city meetings, the agenda and packet are not posted online nor broadcast/streamed.
This is the Citizens for Transparency’s first recording of an HRA meeting. Note: recording did not start at beginning.
Minutes of this meeting will eventually be submitted to Ely City Council. Check for them in the Council Packet posted online at www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
This was the 2-page agenda handed out at the meeting:
Names of Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) members, their terms, and what HRA is supposed to do are posted on Ely website www.ely.mn.us/boards. Scroll down webpage to find HRA. To the right, you will find a copy of what was posted today, October 8th.
Two agenda items were approved too quickly tonight: A hotel development agreement (yellow highlights) and the first reading of Miners Lake ordinance change (blue highlights).
City Hall is pushing for actions, ordinances & developments BEFORE a new Council is seated in 2025. Artificial emergencies and “easiest ways” will be promoted. Stay vigilant! Your active civic participation in local government is essential, whether it is attending meetings, watching videos, sharing information, or contacting City Hall and Council Members. Your vote counts!
Scroll down for time markers and YouTube clip. Agendas and documents in Council packets are posted on Ely City website at www.ely.mn.us/2024-meetings
How could Council so quickly approve the Development Agreement without real discussion? The 3-page agreement was posted an hour before Council was to meet. Which members had adequate time to read through and understand the Development Agreement (and other documents that were suddenly added 1 hour before Council met)? Why was it so urgent to have Council sign off tonight? Supposedly so Ely and developer could apply for funding. But no deadline dates for filling were mentioned. And the application was already being scored. Was this current application submitted under the name of The Pillar Company LLC or Matt Stupnik, since scoring already started?
Compare the amount of time Council asked questions and commented re hotel development vs. time spent on the Dumpster Enclosure Ordinance. Answer: hotel zero minutes, dumpster 7 minutes
Why did The Pillar Company LLC suddenly appear as the one completing the renovation and conversion of the original Ely Community Center into a hotel? On the third page of the agreement, Mattew A Stupnik signed as owner of The Pillar Company LLC. He was supposedly the original owner and developer for the project. The Pillar Company LLC was not cited in previous documents, minutes or agendas. Why was this name change necessary? Is this a liability issue because failure is hinted at tonight?
40:14 minutes into the YouTube clip – Harold Langowski mentioned they’d been working for “some time” on this development agreement. 41:10 + He mentions if the project stalls or fails (not completed), IRRR will hold back on its funding (if granted). Who steps up to finish the project? Listen to details given about the IRRR funding being for demolition efforts. What about actual construction of hotel rooms and cigar room? Parking details still need to be agreed upon. 44:20 Council approved the development agreement without a single question, comment or discussion.
Who and what is The Pillar Company LLC? LLC = Limited Liability Company A quick search on the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Search Business Filings tonight (Oct. 1st) did not show The Pillar Company LLC as being registered in MN. It is not listed as an active or inactive business. So it was suddenly created or changed its name and thus is not listed tonight?
An address search for The Pillar Company LLC’s “principal place of business at 30 S 1st Ave East” brings up The Ely Community Center. Has the building been approved for occupation and operation of a business? In other words, is this a real (=working) office?
SLC Parcel Tax Lookup
A search on the St. Louis County Parcel Tax Lookup for 30 S 1st Ave East shows Matthew Stupek is the owner. He lives in Dellwood, MN.
He purchased the property for $2 in December 2018.
A Google search on 30 S 1st Ave East also brings up an Ely website page titled “Community Center Information.” The attached photos “taken before the 2018 sale” aren’t posted, but a link to the 2014 Community Center Reuse Study (pdf) is still working as of Oct. 1, 2024. The sale price was $79,000?
The completion deadline has now changed from Summer of 2025 to maybe October 2026 . . . or later. It is not clear when the parking lot at 26 and 36 East Conan will be finished. Other issues and questions come to mind. There was no discussion tonight comparing this new agreement with the previous one Council signed in 2018.
page 14 in online Council additions packet
page 15 in online Council additions packet
page 16 in online Council additions packet
Why did Council have to approve the first reading of Ordinance 378 tonight, removing the land stability requirement? They did not have enough facts – or requested clarifications – in front of them.
They did not have a map in their packet. The map below is what WE are providing for YOUR reference. Is the City talking about Spaulding, Trezona Trail, or whole shoreline? Answer: Whole shoreline around Miners Lake. There will probably be a zoning change, but nothing was presented saying how the different shoreline areas on Miners Lake will be zoned after the Ordinance has been approved (after 2nd reading and Public Hearing). Council was not told what could or is already in planning. Many residents on Miners Lake are concerned about future development that does not fit into their residential areas nor protect the natural environment (why they moved there).
https://assets.simpleviewinc.com/simpleview/image/upload/v1/clients/elymn/trezona_trail_69a2209b-387e-44cd-a6e8-6b07e6d5b267.pdf. This map was NOT in Council packet on Oct. 1st.
page 114 in online Council packet
If Council does not have enough information, they can always ask for more details and more input from the public or experts. Council has delayed holding first readings previously. They did not delay tonight. City Attorney Kelly Klun said, “It’s easiest for Council to first approve” the reading tonight and then get information. They will do the necessary checks. Easiest isn’t the best choice. Being informed first is the best choice.
Council minutes from Sept. 3, 2024
On September 3, Council wanted the City Attorney to provide “more clarification” about the removal of “land stability.” It’s not clear in the excerpt to the left who’s purchasing which shoreline areas. There’s a vague reference to “the land that is being sold.” Should these areas best be designated and protected as open space? Rather than clarifying anything, as requested, an ordinance was presented for its first public reading.
7:30 – 10:40 minutes in YouTube: Dr. Catherine Helm-Clark spoke. She explained why the City should consult DNR before making any ordinance changes. She referenced Silver Rapids resort development issues and DNR involvement. Ely doesn’t need to get involved in lawsuit with the DNR.
10:40-12:45 discussion followed.
Minutes from December 20, 2023 P&Z meeting
P&Z tried to get more information, even requesting it not appear on future agendas since no discussions were taking place. They didn’t have information., etc. But the topic – removal of land stability – kept appearing on the agenda. Requests for clarification were ignored or bypassed and suddenly the first reading appears. Something stinks and it ain’t rotting fish. Council does not understand and/or doesn’t want to take the time to understand the maneuvering going on. Council is being played against residents. Stop now before a messy Public Hearing is held. Beware when someone suggests you make uninformed decisions because it’s the “easiest way” to proceed.
Removal of “land stability” started appearing on P&Z agendas and/or minutes back in Dec 2024 if not earlier AFTER the ATV/RV development was successfully protested against by the Ely community. There are no coincidences.
Removal started appearing at the same time P&Z and City Hall pushed PUD (Planned Unit Development). There are no coincidences. Then P&Z Chair Mike Banovetz said the PUD would speed up approval processes, overriding the current ordinances that block or restrict a development. Watch the video clips posted for the Nov. 15, 2023 P&Z meeting, Part B, approximately 2 minutes into the clip. This is why Citizens for Transparency started recording. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/recording-pz-mtg-nov-15-2023/
Highlights with time markers on YouTube.
12:45 minutes into YouTube – Park & Recreation Board report and recommendations.
17:14 minutes into YouTube – Planning and Zoning Commission report and recommendations. 18:30-27:50 minutes – Cannabis discussion – P&Z/Council Study Session set for October 29th 27:50-34:05 minutes At Dumpster Enclosure Ordinance discussion – sent back to P&Z.
40:14-44:35 – Development Agreement with The Pillar Company LLC (See notes above)
55:26-58:19 – First reading of Ordinance 378 – land stability along Miners Lake shoreline (See notes above)
1:00:00-1:04:45 Harold Langowski responded to Correspondence from Ely Area Ambulance Service (EAAS) regarding replacement of Chuck Novak.
1:05:20 – Claudia McBride appointed to Tree Board
1:07:20- Ely membership in the Iron Range Brownfields Coalition (Page 151 in Council Packet) to seek grants from US EPA. Harold then asked to discuss funding applications status. Otts (property owners) have to fund development for monies not received. We’ll keep applying.
1:10:45 – Open Forum – Frederica Musgrave – Last minute additions to Council agendas should be posted earlier (by noon). An hour doesn’t allow time to review.
AI has now taken a new spin on YouTube videos. We can NOT stop or remove the message that is displayed across the top of YouTube videos posted here on this website. At this time, there is no way for us to delete the panel nor control the content. Apparently this has something to do with the wording “elections, “candidate forums,” or ???? Sorry!
We discovered this problem today (September 25) when posting the Candidate Forum for the Ely Council race that was held on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Northland College. https://elyminnesota.com/blog/candidate-forum-for-council-sept-24-2024/
Only 4 of the 5 candidates running for City Council appeared at the forum hosted by the Ely Branch of AAUW and the Rotary Club of Ely at Northland College.
Reporters from The Ely Echo and The Timberjay were there. If you subscribe to these newspapers, you will be able to read their digital articles before papers are delivered to stores or delivered to you. Be informed: support both newspapers!! Subscription rates are posted below after the YouTube video.
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.
Planning & Zoning Oct 15 2024
Regular scheduled P&Z meeting. 3 Commissioners were absent who tend to have different questions and comments about process, impact, and wording. Lots of major items on the agenda tonight. Huge amount of information to digest in the packet. Unfortunately, P&Z packets are not posted online for public to view and prepare citizen+ input before P&Z makes official recommendations to Council. Scroll down for YouTube video.
Please check back later for addition of documents from P&Z packet as well as time markers. We wanted video posted ASAP.
Look for blue highlighted sections for information about Miners Lake development. City Council had their first reading of Ordinance change to land stability on October 1st. Even though they didn’t have maps or specific details in front of them, Council approved the first reading. The City Attorney advised Council to approve, because “It’s the easiest way.” The City Attorney works for City Hall, not for the residents. City Hall wants to expedite development on Miners Lake. P&Z Commissioners tonight did not ask for maps nor details about planned development.
Nothing in print. City Hall intentionally set up 1st Reading
for ACTION (quick approval), not informed discussion.
Compare this laissez-faire attitude about Miners Lake development with all the other mandatory (safety) code requirements for homes and businesses.
The original justification City Hall gave to P&Z was, “It’s too expensive to certify it’s safe to build on these areas. So let’s get rid of the whole ordinance.” You (regular person) can’t just build what and how you want on your property. You can NOT say, “I didn’t deem [required process or specs] necessary” or “It’s too expensive.”
Look at comments 3, 4 and 6 above in Synopsis of Changes.
We should expand safety and “include properties with inactive Mine shafts” per #4.
If government or lobbyists want unlimited development and an ordinance is blocking that, they claim the ordinance is “unclear.” Council and P&Z are gullible and/or they don’t have time to process so many dense pages to ensure safe development. Do what California did: build a nuclear power plant right on an earthquake fault line.
In the Synopsis of Changes above, notice the “rephrasing” of DNR comments to make people believe it’s perfectly fine to remove land stabilty certification.
Look to the right, 3rd paragraph:
[Local government] can adopt a model ordinance we [MN DNR] write or they may adopt more restrictive standards.”
Ely City Hall wants NO real preventive safety measures or ordinances, so City Hall’s favored developers can build whatever and wherever they want on Miners Lake. Safety and residents be damned. Now the proposed expanded ATV/RV campground in the residential area on Miners Lake will fly through the Board of Adjustment.
Reports from Projects Committee and Scott Knochendorfer, Ely Planning & Zoning Administrator
For New and Old Business, recommendations were made to Council. The actual wording as well as what was or was not included in the recommendations wasn’t always clear. Watch to see if anyone asked for exact re-reading before votes were taken. Did the Commissioners really understand and agree to everything they recommended? Really quick “deliberations” tonight. Example:
New Business
Old Business