In an effort to maintain snow- and ice-free sidewalks, Grand Marais city councilors spent a good portion of their Jan. 13 meeting discussing the policies in place, and who (property owners or the city) is responsible for what. Although the discussion was prompted by complaints from downtown business owners at council’s prior meeting, there was nobody in attendance to present those concerns when the topic was listed on the agenda.
Property Maintenance Supervisor Lenny Bloomquist distributed maps to councilors that showed both the sidewalks and streets the city crew clears in the business district, and in what priority. Bloomquist explained that the sidewalks are normally cleared first by pushing the snow onto the streets, and the streets are then plowed and the snow taken away to one of several stockpile areas to create clear and safe curbside parking spaces. The snow removal operation begins around 3 a.m. whenever there is 3 or more inches of snow; Bloomquist said his goal is to have the downtown cleared before anybody needs to go downtown and find a parking space.
In response to questions about why some areas are cleared better than others, Bloomquist said he is restricted by his equipment, which is primarily a Bobcat skid steer, snowblowers and shovels. Due to time considerations, the size and limited maneuverability of the equipment, and obstructions such as utility poles and parked vehicles, he said it is impossible to make every sidewalk snow-free, or to get to all sidewalks.
City Administrator Mike Roth pointed out that technically, it is the property owners’ responsibility to clean off the sidewalks. But because the city workers have been doing the job for so long, there is confusion among the public regarding who is supposed to do what. Council agreed, and decided to draft and send a letter to downtown business owners outlining the city’s snow removal process, and telling them that it is their responsibility if they wish to maintain a “higher level” of clean-up.
“It’s just not feasible for the city crew to do hand-clearing and touch-up (with shovels), but that may be the only way to do it in many places,” said Roth. And even though the city does much of the work, “there is still a need for property owners’ involvement,” he added.
Mayor Sue Hakes agreed, and urged business owners to work with the city and try to remove as much snow and ice from their sidewalks as possible. She also cautioned that although the city does most of the initial snow removal now, the city is not required to do it, and maybe won’t always be able to because of budgetary concerns.
“We’re not looking for trouble here — we just want the sidewalks to be cleared off and safe for everybody,” she said.
Themayor also asked residents who are concerned about “trouble spots” or unsafe areas to call City Hall and report the conditions. People should not
contact former street maintenance supervisor Bob Mattson with their problems, she said. “Bob has retired after many years on the job, but he’s still getting calls,” Hakes said.
In other business:
¢ It was announced that the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) will not
be going forward with a $100,000 grant request from the State Office of Energy Assistance to be used for various upgrades in city buildings. The city did not have time to meet the Jan. 25 deadline without holding a special meeting before the deadline, but Roth said there will likely be other opportunities.
Council did supply a letter of support for another CCLEP project grant through
the state Pollution Control Agency that was requested at its prior meeting.
¢ Councilor Bill Lenz reported that the Community Center Committee has been
meeting with all users and potential users of the facility in an effort to gauge what would be appropriate for the new building. Lenz said his committee also
hopes to speak with those groups not using the Community Center, and to ask
them, “Why not?”
¢ Councilor Tim Kennedy reported on a recent “Safe Routes To School” walk in
which participants looked at the availability and condition of sidewalks, mainly between the school on County Road 7 and downtown. “We’re starting to see a good system, and it’s safer for the kids to walk on,” he said. An area of particular concern, he said, is the section between the Old Gunflint Trail and Birchwood Apartments, where there are currently no sidewalks along County Road 7.
“We’re hoping to see more cooperation between the city and the county with
providing more sidewalks and better links,” he said.
¢ Councilor and Economic Development Authority (EDA ) board member Jan
Sivertson reported that, finally, “the check is here!” She was referring to the $100,000 the EDA borrowed from the city to alleviate cash flowproblems last year. The EDA still owes the city interest on the loan.
Sivertson also reported that the EDA has formed a sub-committee to plan its
financial future. Hakes and Kennedy volunteered and were appointed to serve
as the city’s delegates.
¢ A sked by the mayor, Roth gave an update on the Shoreline Motel sign.
Roth said he had spoken with hotel manager Mark Sandbo at council’s direction, and was provided a copy of the contract with the company producing the new sign, however, there is no timetable or schedule for installation of the new sign. According to Roth, the Grand Marais Hotel Company did employ a firm to remove the unsafe metal panels, but for some unknown reason several of the more-attached pieces were left in place. It is those few remaining panels that are now flapping ominously in the wind, and that concerns council.
The city’s attorney, Chris Hood, said the city, which has already sent the sign owner a letter threatening legal action if the situation isn’t corrected within 30
days, can remove the unsafe portions of the structure and assess the owner
without his consent to recover the cost if he refuses to pay.
¢ R oth reported that there are still no applicants for a vacant position on the park
board. Interested residents are asked to contact City Hall for more information.
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