It was quite the opening of the January 13th City Council meeting as Michael Garry was sworn in. While Zoom meetings have become the norm during the pandemic, it appears that formality and professionalism was lost on Garry. He was far too relaxed, forgetting to raise his hand while taking the oath and injecting his political views into it. Councilor Kennedy left big shoes to fill and one can only hope that Garry will take his new position more seriously in the future.
The consent agenda was quickly approved, as was the Cook County News-Herald’s legal bid for 2021. Council also approved the five existing depositories of city funds. Patrick W. Knight, Communications Director for the City of Grand Marais presented his memo on updating the Social Media Policy, which the council unanimously passed.
Representing the Minnesota Housing Partnership, Elizabeth Glidden and Ella Mitchell gave an informative presentation in regards to their collaboration with the EDA. The two entities have been working together under the Technical Assistance Award to examine the impact an HRA (Housing and Redevelopment Authority) would have on Cook County. There are currently 230+ HRA’s in Minnesota and while the program has similarities to the work the EDA does, it would open doors to bring in additional funds and opportunities to Cook County. It is expected that in spring of 2021, the MHP will identify program options and recommend action to the county board.
The most extensive discussion of the night was spent on the 2021 Citizen Appointments and the following individuals were selected to serve as follows:
Six-year term on the EDA: Virginia Palmer
Three-year term on the Library Board: Kevin R LeVoir
Three-year terms on the Park Board: Rita Hinchmann (incumbent) and Frances Jarchow
Three-year term on the PUC: Tracy Benson
There are still four positions needing to be filled (two on the library board and two on the Planning Commission). City residents that have any interest are encouraged to apply.
With the departure of Tim Kennedy, there are a number of openings for council representation on boards. It was an opportune time for existing council members to express interest in swapping boards. The boards with updated council representatives are:
Library Board and ARDC Board: Michael Garry
Planning Commission: Kelly Swearingen
Public Utilities Commission: Craig Schulte
Cook County Parks and Trails Liaison: Anton Moody
As is tradition at the first meeting of each new year, an acting mayor is nominated in the event the mayor is absent. For 2021, Councilor Schulte nominated Councilor Swearingen to serve as acting mayor, which was passed unanimously.
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