With the construction of broadband Internet infrastructure now in private hands, the Cook County Broadband Commission has been rethinking its role. Toward that end, at the June 28 county board meeting the group proposed changes to a 2009 ordinance establishing a county-run fiber optic network and a commission to oversee it.
A memo to the county board from Information Systems Director Danna MacKenzie and Broadband Commissioner Howard Hedstrom states, “Since the commission was created in 2009, efforts to build broadband infrastructure in Cook County have moved from the county to North East Service Cooperative and Arrowhead Electric. In light of these changes, the activities of the commission have shifted from preparing to run a telecom business to monitoring, advising, educating, and assisting to ensure broadband infrastructure is built, that it meets the needs of the county and its citizens, and that we have the skills and knowledge to leverage broadband-based technologies once they arrive.”
The North East Service Cooperative and Arrowhead Electric Cooperative both received American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (“stimulus”) grants to bring fiber optic infrastructure to Cook County and are working together to make this happen.
The proposed new ordinance wording states, “The Cook County board recognizes the potential to strengthen the economic and social vitality of Cook County and its citizens through the strategic adoption of broadband technologies. The board hereby finds that the establishment of a broadband commission to advise and educate on the development, adoption, and use of broadband and directly related technologies is in the best interests of the county.”
If passed, the amended ordinance would give the commission the responsibility of developing telecommunication service goals for the county, a plan for achieving them, and annual plans of action, seeking grants in support of its mission, maintaining good working relationships with all broadband service providers and guiding them in delivering the best possible service to the county, and negotiating service contracts as needed with county departments. Language not changed from the original ordinance states, “The county board shall make available to the commission such appropriations as it deems fit for salaries, fees, and expenses necessary in the conduct of its work.”
The current commission, appointed by the county board, is comprised of Terry Meath, Paul Harvey, Howard Hedstrom, Scott Harrison, and Commissioner Bruce Martinson, with Commissioner Sue Hakes the county board alternate.
A hearing on the proposed changes to Ordinance 2009-57 will be held on Tuesday, July 12 at 8:30 a.m.
Visitors Bureau celebrates first year
“Congratulations on a successful first year!” Commissioner Sue Hakes told Cook County Visitors Bureau (CCVB) Executive Director Sally Nankivell. The organization melded numerous tourist organizations into one—the Grand Marais Area Tourism Association, the Gunflint Trail Association, and the Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Association—and includes participation from Grand Portage and Lutsen Mountains Corporation.
“We’re totally ecstatic with our first year, the way everything has worked out,” Nankivell told the county board.
Events promoted by CCVB include the Gunflint Greenup, the Snowarama Easter Seals snowmobile fundraiser, Moose Madness, A Taste of the Gunflint, Volks Ski, Winter Tracks, and the Lutsen 99er bike race as well as other events related to the arts, culture, and connecting with nature. Some events are designed to attract a cross-section of participants.
The board passed a motion approving a 2011-2012 budget of $223,521.36. Overhead is expected to take up 25 percent of the budget.
Community center location
Sue Hakes reported that the Community Center Steering Committee continues to explore the costs of several potential community center sites. She said Assistant Planning and Zoning Administrator David Demmer thinks the corner of Fourth Avenue West and the new Gunflint Trail could be mitigated successfully for either a building or a ball field (if a community center replaced one of the existing ball fields), although mitigating for a building might be easier. Maps from the Highway Department indicate the area would not need a lot of bedrock blasting if a building were placed there, Hakes said.
For the latest information on the Community Center project, visit the Cook County website at www.co.cook.mn.us.
North Shore Trade and Tech Project
Commissioner Fritz Sobanja reported that the North Shore Trade and Tech Project, begun several years ago to increase trade and technical training, has met its original objectives and may be disbanding. One of its legacies would be the technical training program for high school students and adults at William Kelley High School in Silver Bay. That district’s student population has declined even more significantly than Cook County’s has, Sobanja said, so housing the program in the high school has been a good development.
Federal mileage rate change
The board approved a motion to change the county mileage rate to match the federal government’s new rate of 55.5 cents per mile, which started July 1.
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