Cook County/ Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) board members made quick work of regular agenda items before ending the March 8, 2016 meeting with a double closed session. Superior National on track for opening
Superior National at Lutsen golf course finances for February 2016 were reviewed and EDA Treasurer Scott Harrison, acting as manager of the golf course, said Superior National has more liquidity than at this time last year. Harrison said it is a reflection of having good weather last year.
Harrison added that it is good news, as there is enough cash to start operations at the golf course without having to temporarily borrow from the EDA as has been done in the past.
EDA Board Chair Howard Hedstrom asked if the golf course was increasing promotion of the course with the completion of the improvements and expansion of River 9 last fall. “This is the year to start,” he said.
Harrison noted that work is still under way at the golf course on the Canyon section. “The big kicker will be Canyon and we have another year for that,” said Harrison.
Hedstrom suggested that the golf course increase its promotional efforts. “You have to sell what you have!” he said.
Harrison also presented a draft budget for SNL for 2016. Harrison, PGA Golf Pro Heath Ekstrom and Accountant Paul Goettl created the draft and Harrison asked the EDA board to review it to discuss further at the April EDA meeting.
Harrison pointed out that the budgeted amount for capital improvements was “pretty skinny.”
He reiterated that SNL needs to get Canyon open. Contacted on April 7, SNL Grounds Superintendent Mike Davies said MidAmerica Golf representatives will be making site visits in April. Depending on weather conditions, it is hoped that work will begin in early May.
The golf course opening itself is also dependent on weather, said Davies. The opening date had been set and postponed a number of times. Davies said he hopes to be open for golfing on the first week of May. He added, “That is pretty typical for us.” Assisted Living planning to proceed
Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Representative Pat Campanaro distributed the final Assisted Living and Elder Services Market Study completed by Wipfli LLP with help from the EDA and the North Shore Health Care Foundation.
The 25-page study includes demographic data and market demand projections, looking ahead to 2021. The study looked at assisted care facilities in other communities, such as Edgewood Vista in Hermantown and Silver Bay and Ely Carefree Living to consider numbers of residents, services offered, fees and so on. Also researched was the Cook County North Shore Hospital and Care Center expansion and renovation and how it could provide better services for people needing assisted living services.
Wipfli LLP reported that for 46 percent of the market, affordability would not be an issue. For others, it was noted that Public Health and Human Services could coordinate funding through elderly waiver programs.
The report states that continuum of care is a concern. Senior services are not coordinated or operated by a single entity. The community has senior apartments, home care and transportation services, a senior center, meal program, Project Lifesaver, long-term nursing care beds, short-term rehab services and geriatric health services at the hospital and clinic. However, the report notes, assisted living is missing from the continuum of services in Grand Marais.
The study concludes that market demand shows a need for 16 to 20 market rate assisted living units; 8 to 12 market rate memory care units; and 6 to 8 waiver supported assisted living beds in the next five years, for a total opportunity of 30 to 40 beds.
The study recommends that the EDA and its partners take steps to qualify potential developers for an assisted living project.
Campanaro said the Assisted Living Committee is reviewing request for proposal (RFP) documents used for similar projects in other counties. She said the committee wants to avoid hiring a consultant to put together an RFP.
She said Steve Nielsen, Health Care Foundation board member, is spearheading that effort. Once the subcommittee reviews the RFP and approves it, it will be sent out to developers to see if there is interest in creating Assisted Living housing in Cook County.
Howard Hedstrom expressed appreciation to Nielsen, who has done a great deal of work on this study. Hedstrom said, “He’s been our biggest critic, but has also been a huge help.” Closed session for hiring and housing
The EDA board ended its March meeting with a double closed session to discuss two topics. The board reviewed the process for hiring an EDA director and reviewed applications.
The board also considered a purchase agreement for a piece of property in Grand Marais that is under consideration for development of single family homes as workforce housing.
Both of those matters will be discussed again at the Tuesday, April 12 EDA meeting to be held at 4 p.m. at Grand Marais City Hall.
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