Grand Marais city councilors began discussion Nov. 28 about a possible “re-treeing” program aimed at the downtown business district and adjacent Rec Park.
Councilor and library board member Jan Sivertson began the conversation during her report on a recent library board meeting. Jokingly referring to the proposal as one to provide “more beaver food,” Sivertson said the board heard of an opportunity that was available to purchase some $25 elm trees for placement on the lawn in front of the library building; two large elm trees were removed from the area two years ago to make way for a building addition. Plans at the time called for replacement of those trees and other landscaping, which is the reason the topic was on the library board’s agenda.
Sivertson said it sounded like a good deal to her, and in general, a good idea to expand on and implement throughout the town. “One of our weaknesses is that there are no trees downtown,” the councilor said. “It makes a town…and it does a lot for the aesthetics.”
City Administrator Mike Roth said there have been efforts in recent years to plant trees along city streets, notably downtown during the last reconstruction project and along West Second Street in the vicinity of the courthouse, with varying degrees of success.
Roth said that while the $25 elm trees may seem like a good deal, the trees are probably too small to be of practical use where needed. For instance, he said, such a small tree in a sidewalk grate does not stand a chance if a Bobcat or other snow-removal equipment bumps into it.
Roth said the most recent trees purchased and planted by the city along the sidewalks cost $600 apiece, and were considerably bigger (12 feet tall) than those offered for $25. There may be a way to purchase and plant the smaller trees in a designated area (such as the Rec Park) and re-locate them once they grow bigger, but the city lacks the equipment needed to do the job.
Councilor and park board member Bill Lenz said he believes the Rec Park would also benefit from the addition of more trees. “Campers love the shade,” he said, adding that he will bring the topic up at the park board’s next meeting. The park board has also recently expressed concern about rogue beavers that have been chomping on trees near the marina, and measures have been taken to protect the remaining trees.
Sivertson said the plan was definitely one worth pursuing, perhaps in phases over a 10-year period. Mayor Larry Carlson said the topic will be re-visited at a future meeting, when more information and input is available.
In other business:
. Paul Coe of Security State Insurance was on hand to review the city’s liability insurance policy renewal, which totals $75,055 through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. Council accepted the new policy with only minor revisions.
Coe said he anticipates some procedural changes planned by the Trust for next year, designed to simplify the process, to work in favor of smaller cities such as Grand Marais. There could be as much as a 30 percent change in the city’s rates, Coe said.
. Councilor Lenz said he is not interested in serving as the city’s representative on the ARDC after his current term expires at the end of the year. Lenz said he has sat on the board for seven years. There was no interest expressed by any other council member to take the seat next year, and Roth said the vacancy will be added to the list of appointments council makes each January.
. On that topic, Roth reminded citizens that there will be a number of slots to fill for the new year: one seat on the Economic Development Authority; two seats on the library board; two seats on the park board; one position on the Public Utilities Commission; and one vacancy on the planning commission. Interested persons may contact City Hall for more information or an application.
“There’s plenty of opportunity for people to get involved and make a difference,” Roth said.
. Council approved a 3.2 on-sale beer license for the Curling Club, allowing it to sell beer at events at the Community Center; the club already has a consumption permit allowing members to drink beer on the premises. The license approval is contingent on the county board also granting its okay.
. Dean Farnum was hired as the new cleaning person for the library, a 6-10 hours per week position.
. Council’s Dec. 12 meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m., with the required budget information meeting commencing at 6 p.m. The public is encouraged to attend.
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