Citizens for transparency have started recording City Council and Commission meetings. We are using the first recordings as benchmarks, multi-educational tools to observe, review and evaluate our City government. Subsequent recordings will be reviewed for progress towards the goal of a citizen-focused and citizen-based government. Each of these YouTube videos have “study guides” or commentaries below the video.
November 15, 2023 Open Hearing (canceled)
https://youtu.be/l2eL3P3G7Ks – Development/expansion of huge RV campground in residential area on Miners Lake, Ely, MN. Includes citizens comments before and after cancellation
November 15, 2023 Planning & Zoning Commission
The P&Z meeting is posted in 3 parts. A and B are each approx 30 minutes, Part C approx 8 mins.
Part A = https://youtu.be/xhphp1iSHoo Includes motions to update Public Hearing procedures and training Commissioners on Robert’s Rules of Order
Part B = https://youtu.be/dn3Z5JCFpcU Includes discussion on Planning Unit Development (PUD) for next shoreline/campground development requests
Part C = https://youtu.be/bZLWQTG4xA4 Includes discussions after P&Z meeting was adjourned
November 20, 2023 Park & Recreation Commission
About 7 minutes into the meeting, Bill Tefft talks about zoning & coding for natural spaces and open spaces for Park & Rec activities. He speaks later on too. Maybe Park & Rec can get Planning & Zoning via City Council to act, plus maybe expand natural spaces? Kathryn Farion gives Garden Club updates and their future needs. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo5rZ1nC0qg
November 21, 2023 City Council meeting
Cindy Smyka’s presentation on Ely’s Tourism Bureau is outstanding. Time marker 8:15.
November 28, 2023 Joint Study Session (Council with P&Z)
This meeting is a casual working study session about (re) zoning and (re) coding parts of Ely. No actions are taken, just open candid discussions among P&Z, Council, City Attorney and City Clerk. The public can observe. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQ0rLsKCMrg