A public works facility for the city of Grand Marais is moving ahead. At the Wednesday, August 31 meeting, the Grand Marais City Council reviewed a draft request for proposal (RFP) for a firm to serve as construction manager for the proposed facility at the former Tomteboda Motel/Grand Marais Inn site.
City Administrator Mike Roth said LHB Engineers had created the RFP for the city.
Roth noted that the construction manager would not be able to provide a firm price at this time, as the cost of the building is yet unknown. However, he said the RFP asks for their fees, which will allow for comparison.
The RFP seeks a construction manager to oversee completion of a new facility on the seven-acre site, which will include a repair shop, parts storage and large vehicle storage area. In addition, the location will have administrative offices, a training room, lockers and toilets.
Councilor Tracy Benson noted that the RFP did not include language regarding energy efficient construction. She asked if that should be added. Her colleagues agreed and asked Roth to have LHB add language about sustainability and renewable energy.
The council happily accepted a proposal from Donn Eliasen to purchase two log buildings at the future public works site for a sum of $1 each. Eliasen committed to removing the buildings, leaving only the stone fireplaces and any in-ground concrete. The former Tomteboda site is where the city plans to build its new public works facility.
City considers 5.49 percent levy increase
The council did not have to make an immediate decision on its 2017 levy, so there was discussion only. Administrator Roth presented a preliminary levy with an increase of 5.49 percent, from $871,865 in 2016 to $919,769 in 2017. The council noted the preliminary levy funds all of the immediate capital outlay requests from city departments. Although department requests were met and the public works facility is funded, Roth said no funds are earmarked for a new liquor store, city hall—or a topic of frequent council discussions— public restrooms.
Roth said, “The question is, how fast do you want to do all these projects?”
Roth suggested that the council might want to add an additional small increase, such as 2 percent. He said if you add a little to the levy each time, the burden to taxpayers is more easily absorbed.
Councilor David Mills agreed. He said that was one of his concerns that one year the city would need to drastically increase its levy by 10 percent or more to cover operations.
Councilor Tim Kennedy said he would like to know if there is something the departments need that should be added. “This is the time to discuss that,” he said.
Roth agreed, but added, “There is always a wish list.”
Councilors agreed to wait until the next meeting on September 14 to make a decision on the levy amount.
Noise complaints heard
With the windows open because of warm August weather, the council could hear the sound of loud vehicles passing by. In his mayor’s report, Arrowsmith DeCoux said he had been hearing complaints from the public about noise in the city, primarily about loud music, but also about loud vehicles and trucks idling.
The city noise ordinance was discussed. In July 2009, the city updated its ordinance making it legal for outdoor performers to play amplified music until midnight on weekends, and until 10 p.m. during the rest of the week.
Arrowsmith DeCoux said he would speak with Sheriff Pat Eliasen about enforcement of the ordinance.
In other business
. An initiative that passed with no discussion was the issuance of a mayoral proclamation declaring Wednesday, September 21 as a day to recognize the International Day of Peace. The request came from Kathy Sullivan, who invited councilmembers to attend a gathering at the picnic shelter at the Grand Marais Rec Park at 7 p.m. on the 21st.
. The idea of establishing a committee to consider public art donations was revisited after the city received such an offer at the August 10 council meeting. Wayne Potratz would like to donate a 7-foot-long metal sculpture of a canoe to possibly be located in Boulder Park, off Broadway Avenue.
. Roth said he and Arrowsmith DeCoux had been invited to a planning conference in St. Cloud. They said their expenses would be paid.
. Councilor Tim Kennedy said he would be attending October 2016 Project for Public Spaces conference in Vancouver, British Columbia. David Demmer of Cook County Land Services was going to go, but is leaving the county for another job, so someone else from the county could go. The cost of airfare, hotel, mileage, meals and conference registration would be covered by the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Center for Prevention Moving Matters funds. County Commissioner Jan Sivertson is also attending.
. Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux, who did not officially file during the candidate filing period in August, announced that he was running for mayor as a write-in candidate.
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