{"id":1483,"date":"2024-09-03T21:35:20","date_gmt":"2024-09-04T02:35:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/elyminnesota.com\/blog\/?p=1483"},"modified":"2024-09-04T11:55:50","modified_gmt":"2024-09-04T16:55:50","slug":"city-council-sep-3-2024-mtg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/elyminnesota.com\/blog\/city-council-sep-3-2024-mtg\/","title":{"rendered":"City Council Sep 3 2024 mtg"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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. <\/mark>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.<\/mark>
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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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