Progress on the Grand Marais Public Works building has been sure and steady, said John Hegenmiller, site superintendent for the $5 million building that is being built on the location of the old Tomteboda property.
Hegenmiller appeared before the council on Wednesday, September 13 with a construction update.
“The roof panels are here and will be installed as the weather allows,” said Hegenmiller. He also said the final grade would start on the roadway next week and the interior concrete slab and walls are complete. “We are about 85 percent framed out and will start sheet rocking next week,” he added.
Council heard two conditional use permits that came recommended for passage from the Grand Marais Planning Commission.
The first was from Cory Pederson who wanted to operate his house located next to the former Cobblestone garage as a lodging facility. The lot is currently zoned for existing family structures. Councilor Tim Kennedy, who is the city’s liaison on the planning commission, said the commission found the request conforms to the city’s comprehensive plan and is in compatible use with the existing neighborhood. He said the board was worried about a lack of parking, but they made that known to Pederson.
The second conditional use request came from Matt and Mike Groth who asked to rezone their property from C/1Service Commercial Industrial to R-1 permanent residential. If the property is successfully rezoned, the Groths said they would construct multifamily residential development (4-6 units) on it. The property is on the new Gunflint Trail and is just below the former boat/motor repair shop run by Rick Austin and Randy Eckroot.
A lengthy discussion ensued about rezoning the land use to R-1 or R-2. City Administrator Mike Roth said the R-2 zoning was designated for multi housing developments. But he added the only difference between them was that R-2 had a larger setback.
City Attorney Chris Hood, listening by phone, was asked for his recommendation. He said if the city could show a rational basis for why the property should have an R-1 designation and demonstrate that it was for the public’s safety, interest and welfare, the council could go ahead and approve it.
Council decided to go ahead with a first reading for the property to be rezoned R-1. A second reading on the zoning requests for both properties will be held in two weeks.
Council passed a motion to send letters to U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar, Al Franken and Representative Rick Nolan asking them to support the J-1 work-travel visa program.
On the importance of J-1 visa holders to Cook County, Kennedy said, “I don’t know many businesses who don’t need seasonal employees… A lot of our students return year after year until they can’t come back and do the program any more…I can’t think of saying anything except positive things about this program.” Kennedy made the motion to send letters to Senators Klobuchar and Franken and Representative Rick Nolan to support the J-1 program.
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