In an effort to curb flooding problems on the north side of the Grand Marais Public Library, city councilors moved forward with plans to design and construct a 570-square-foot rain garden in front of the building at their July 9 meeting.
City Administrator Mike Roth explained that in times of extreme rainfall, the water tends to pool behind the building. By improving the ditching on the east side of the library and creating a pathway for the water, the problem should be somewhat alleviated, he said. However, Roth cautioned, the rain garden is not designed for a “large-scale event” and will help– but not solve–the problem.
Councilors reviewed a drawing prepared under the auspices of Cook County Soil & Water Conservation District. The drawing illustrates the proposed location of the rain garden, which will also collect excess runoff near the sidewalk between the library and Arrowhead Building, but won’t encroach on the sidewalk, rose garden or large lawn directly in front of the library.
Although council elected to proceed with the project, final design work has yet to be done, along with the task of finding a steward to take care of the garden upon completion.
Mayor Larry Carlson asked Roth about the garden’s maintenance and cost, and Roth said the city and Soil & Water would pay for the construction, but it is imperative that a steward be enlisted for upkeep, as past experiences with rain gardens have shown that time and attention are directly proportional to attractiveness. Councilor Tim Kennedy agreed, stating that a well cared-for rain garden, such as the one on West First Street near the library, is quite attractive, while a nearby one off the highway looks like a “bunch of brush.”
If a caretaker cannot be found, Roth said the rain garden could be as simple as a grassy depression that the city crews mow with the rest of the lawn. So at this point, Roth said it is not known what the garden will look like. However, the city administrator said he was optimistic the project could be a joint venture with the tenants of the Arrowhead Building, as they have a vested interest in mitigating the drainage problem and may be willing to care for the runoff area.
In other news, council approved the library’s 2015 budget as presented by Library Director Steve Harsin and library board president Audrey Stattelman.
The budget calls for expenditures of $282,064 and an operating request of $267,314, a 2.18 percent increase over the current year. Under the joint powers agreement with the county for operation of the library, if the library’s budget increases less than 5 percent and city council approves it, the county must also give its approval; each entity pays half of the operating costs although the city owns the building and the staff are city employees.
Harsin said visitation to the library, attendance at programs and circulation figures are all significantly up, and observed that the new facility “is serving the community well.” He also expressed his gratitude to the Library Friends, which has made $14,000 available this year to purchase books and other materials and equipment.
Councilor and library board member Jan Sivertson said the items causing the increases were those beyond the board’s control such as wages, insurance and propane costs. Sivertson added that she was pleased to see the increase earmarked for book, periodical and AV materials. “It’s a very, very good budget,” Sivertson said.
In related news, Sivertson reported that Aug. 22 is the deadline for artists wishing to submit proposals for artwork to be displayed in the library under the terms of a $10,000 Minnesota Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund grant received earlier this year. Sivertson said the project is expected to be completed by June 2015.
The announcement led to a brief conversation about the progress–or lack thereof–of efforts to establish a public arts review board. Mayor Carlson asked the question and said “it’s a timely thing to do,” and Sivertson and Roth said they were still working to “frame the question…and gather the troops.” Roth said it will likely be a few months yet before enough information is available for council to have a meaningful discussion. The board is being created to review requests for donations of art to the city and decide if they should be accepted and if so, where they will be displayed.
The issue was raised most recently a month ago when a request was made to council to allow installation of a “Little Free Library” post and box in Harbor Park. In May, the park board was asked to consider the donation and placement of a memorial sculpture somewhere on city property.
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