By unanimous vote, Grand Marais city councilors approved a request from the Ridge Riders Snowmobile Club to allow snow machines to travel on the bike trail between Third Avenue West and the city’s western limits.
Use of the bike trail along Highway 61 for snowmobile travel is permitted by statute as long as proper snow conditions exist, and the city or local governing body gives approval. A similar request for use of the bike trail on the eastern end of town (near the post office and Gene’s Foods) was granted in 2007 in an effort to help link the lower end of the state snowmobile trail with the downtown business district. However, snowmobilers still had a difficult and often confusing time when trying to find their way through town to businesses on the western end of the city.
Kim Linnell and Dan Anderson of the Ridge Riders presented their request to council Nov. 30. They said the club was asked for the trail use extension by several of the west end business owners who signed a letter of support. Anderson said the snowmobile club would be responsible for grooming the trail and placing appropriate signage at each of the driveways and business entrances that intersect the trail.
The original proposal asked for the city’s assistance in keeping the sidewalk on the north side of the highway clear of ice and snow in order to provide a separate path for pedestrians, many of whom use the bike trail on the opposite side of the highway. During discussion, however, it was determined that clearing and keeping clear the sidewalk that abuts the highway would be an almostimpossible undertaking in times of large snowfalls. City Administrator Mike Roth said the city does not have the proper equipment to remove the heavy snow and ice thrown off the road by MnDOT snowplows, and the city would have to seek help from the county if the sidewalks are to be kept clear. Even then, he said, it would be a rather difficult task.
It was agreed that pedestrians would be safer on the groomed bike trail on the south side of the road, which at four feet wide can accommodate both types of uses—walkers and snowmobilers—than on the snowand ice-covered sidewalk. However, it was stressed that snowmobilers must yield to pedestrians.
Council’s decision means snowmobilers will now have a direct route from downtown to the businesses on the west end of Grand Marais as long as adequate snow cover exists on the bike trail. The decision will be reviewed by council in the spring.
In other business:
. Council directed Roth and Councilor Tim Kennedy to meet with Cook County Planning & Zoning officials in an effort to clarify policy issues involved in processing requests for Planned Unit Developments (PUD) that are outside the city limits, but within the two-mile radius in which city subdivision regulations apply.
. A zoning ordinance amendment was approved, on second reading, to re-zone portions of Seventh and Eighth avenues west from Commercial-Industrial (C/I) to Commercial-Residential Mixed Use (MU). . A “Consumption and Display Permit” application renewal was approved, allowing the Cook County Curling Club to serve beer at its functions at the Community Center.
. Councilor and Economic Development Authority (EDA) board member Jan Sivertson received feedback from councilors about what the EDA’s goals should be next year, and what the EDA can do to improve its performance. Discussion centered on the business park and creation of a marketing plan, Superior National golf course, lack of leadership, and more fiscal responsibility and accountability. Sivertson, who requested the comments at a previous meeting, said she would share them with the EDA board at its next meeting.
. At the recommendation of City Attorney Chris Hood, a letter will be sent to the county board advising the county that the city cannot participate in the community center project unless Burbach Aquatics is selected to design and oversee construction of the aquatics portion of the project. Hood said there is more urgency to the matter now that RFPs have been sent out and an architect is expected to be chosen within a month.
Legal issues arose when Burbach threatened litigation against the city, based on a 2005 agreement with the park board. Burbach contends that the city is required to use its services “on any repair, renovation or replacement of the city pool.” Should the firm prevail in court and a breach of contract is declared, the city may be liable for a damage claim in excess of $325,000.
The city alerted the county board of the situation earlier this year, but received no response.
. Council rejected a request for a $500 donation in support of the Miss North Shore Pageant scholarship fund. . Councilor and park board member Bill Lenz reported that materials are expected soon for repair of the pool roof. He also expressed concerns about the cost of getting the building up and running after the repairs are made. For instance, said Lenz, the pool must be drained and re-filled, and heating the new water is going to put “quite a strain” on the already-struggling boilers. “We may need a new boiler, and I think we have to ask ourselves, ‘How much are we willing to spend on that building?’” Lenz said. Estimates obtained earlier this year put the cost of a new boiler between $15,000 and $20,000; replacement of the stormdamaged roof is set at $88,200.
. Roth announced that Crystal Clemons has resigned from the park board after attending only one meeting. The vacancy will be advertised with others on city boards and commissions at the beginning of next year.
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