An effort that began more than two years ago to make Deeryard Lake part of Lutsen Township might soon become a reality.
On May 9, County Auditor/Treasurer Braidy Powers introduced a petition signed by 10 year-round homeowners on Deeryard Lake, which is an unorganized territory, to become part of Lutsen Township.
“This is a voter initiative by those who live here full-time,” said David Morris, president of the Deeryard Lake Association.
Morris said the other lot owners on the lake had been notified about the petition, and only four responded back, none negatively.
“All of the 29 lot owners have been on notice for two years about this process,” Morris said.
Rae Piepho, Lutsen Township supervisor, said the process began more than two years ago, and she noted that Commissioner Ginny Storlie was on the Lutsen board at the time the first steps began.
The board voted unanimously to set a public hearing for June 20, at 10 a.m. in the commissioners’ room to discuss the request to annex Deeryard.
Because the board—and Powers— never have been part of an annexation process, the commissioners decided to research and examine the details of annexation at their next committee of the whole meeting, which is held the third week of the month following the commissioners’ regularly scheduled meeting.
Revolving loan postponed for Cooperation Station Daycare
On May 1, the Cook County Revolving Loan Committee (RLC) meet with Allison Plummer and Jeff Kern of the Cooperation Station Daycare board to discuss a request to have payments temporarily suspended for the childcare facility. The Cooperation Station board is in the process of resuming management of the establishment from the YMCA, and they are studying the feasibility of continuing the operation.
Cook County YMCA took over administration of the childcare facility last year after it was asked to do so by the Cooperation Station board. During this time attempts were made to find enough funds to stabilize the daycare so it could meet its debts, but when no solutions were found, the Y announced that at the end of May, 2017 it was ceasing its operation of the facility.
The RLC voted unanimously to bring the request to the county board, noting that from time to time payments have been suspended or payment schedules adjusted for loans to help provide stability for a business. Commissioners approved the request. At the end of six months the Cooperation Station Daycare board will meet with the RLC for an update.
Bond sale postponed
The bond sale for the Cook County Workforce Housing Project has been postponed. At least temporarily.
In an email to county administrator Jeff Cadwell from the Fryberger Law Firm, which is handling sales of the Taxable General Obligation Tax Abatement Bonds, Series 2017A, “The goal was to have all outstanding sources and uses updated and in hand by the May 9, 2017, board meeting. We do not expect to have everything that we need in order to ask the board to proceed with the sale.
“Our office will continue working with the county, One Roof Housing and Ehlers to obtain the final items, and anticipating setting a new sale date in the near future.”
Motions passed
. Commissioners approved an amendment to extend the work dates to September 30, 2017, for a hazardous fuel reduction project located near Camp Menogyn. The contractor was unable to complete the work in 2016. The extension falls within the date of the grant.
. A special event permit was granted to the Town of Tofte for the Fourth of July parade and fireworks. The permit is contingent upon the formal approval of event routes by the Cook County sheriff and an agreement by the sponsors to pay all costs associated with traffic control.
. Grand Marais Arts Festival was granted a special event permit from noon on Friday, July 7 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 9. Traffic control costs will be paid by the festival upon approval of the permit by the Cook County sheriff.
. Summer maintenance of special service tax district roads was awarded to the following low bidders: Mike Rose Excavating for Evergreen Road; LaBoda Grading, Inc. for Voyageur’s Point and Mile-O-Pine; and Edwin E. Thoreson, Inc. for Rosebush Hill and West Rosebush Lane.
. ASTECH Corp. was awarded the contract for asphalt pavement crack sealing on County State Aid Highway (CSAH) 2 at various locations, CSHA 12 and County Road 9 (west).
. Three donations to the Cook County Sheriff’s Office were approved. Accepted was $500 from Cathedral of the Pines Camp, two canoe paddles from Sawtooth Outfitters, and a Campbell Hausfeld 11-gallon air compressor from Kyle Oberg.
. Adam Treeful was appointed to the Cook County Planning Commission. He will fill a position that has been open for the last couple of years and represent the upper Gunflint Trail area.
In his application, Treeful said, “I’ve been a Cook County resident for the past 15 years and make my living as a dogsled ride tour operator, fishing guide, and canoe guide. I studied outdoor recreation at Northern Michigan University. I’ve helped maintain many of the hiking and ski trails on the Gunflint Trail and have contributed to creating some new ones. I’m also an avid hiker/backpacker and forager of wild edibles…I feel that I have a good understanding of the importance of what trails mean to this county from a business, leisure, economic and new demand perspective. I also understand the creation and upkeep on them too.”
Leave a Reply