Complying with state statutes, the Cook County commissioners set the preliminary 2013 tax levy for the Cook County – Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) at their Sept. 18 meeting, but that figure—which was left unchanged from the current rate— is far from a done deal.
The discussion was sparked when Auditor-Treasurer Braidy Powers told the board that the preliminary levy has to be set and turned in to the state for certification before Oct. 1. “That means you have to either set it this week or at your meeting next week.” However, he added, the number can be changed—up or down—any time before the end of the year when the budget is finalized. “All you have to do today is give me a number to plug in and send to the state.”
“This is something we’re going to have to have a meeting with them for,” said Board Chair Jan Hall. “It needs some more discussion.”
Commissioner Sue Hakes agreed, saying she was “very uncomfortable” with the EDA’s budget and state of affairs, and disappointed with reports of a recent EDA meeting both in the newspaper and in the agency’s official minutes. Specifically, Hakes said she had problems with the way in which the office was being run by Community Fundraising Solutions at a rate of $2,000 per month. Hakes said the office staff is not qualified to answer questions pertaining to the business park or to act in the role of a pseudo-director. In an August 30 letter to the EDA, Grabko wrote, “This is not time spent answering phones for an additional $2,000 per month – they are services that have been provided that CFS was not previously compensated for.”
“They need to figure out how to sell lots,” said Hakes, also noting that the EDA’s website is still wrong and there is still no marketing plan in place for the business park.
As an aside, Hakes said comments made by EDA board members that the agency’s mission statement needs to be changed appear to be misguided. Hakes said nobody talked with the city or county about that, and if the mission statement is changed, “Does that change what we levy to them?”
One of the issues with the levy amount is whether the EDA will contribute its share of $40,000-$60,000 to the city of Grand Marais for bond payments on the business park lots. The city has requested that amount because it (city) is responsible to make the payments beginning in 2013, and it was understood at the time of the financing that the EDA would share in the cost if an adequate number of lots were not sold.
Hakes said she was “not interested in upping their request,” but also said she was in support of the county levying (through the EDA budget) for half of the bond payments if need be, whether it’s $40,000 or $60,000. Commissioner and EDA board member Bruce Martinson said he believed there might be enough money in the EDA’s coffers to cover the bond payment, thus making the city’s request moot.
As there were many unknowns, Commissioner Jim Johnson suggested the EDA’s levy amount remain at $148,566. “This obviously needs more discussion. We can add to it later if we need more for the bond payment.”
At Hakes’ suggestion, that discussion will take place with a joint meeting of the county board, city council and EDA board. “They (EDA) can come to us and present their plans and tell us how they’re going to spend the money, and answer our questions and concerns,” she said. A date for that meeting will be announced soon.
. Personnel Director Janet Simonen said she and Commissioner Hall have been talking with the top two candidates to fill the vacant assessor’s position, and have made an offer to the top person. However, she said, the man who has 14 years of experience in another county has been making demands which the entire board should decide on. They include accelerated leave accrual and pay scale placement (to account for his experience), moving costs, and operating the office on a four-day-per-week schedule. The last item caused some concern among the board, which decided to stick with its original offer and if it’s refused, to move down the list to the next candidate, whom Simonen said is still interested.
“The office is busy five days a week,” said Hall.
“It’s a dangerous situation if we have our idea of the job, and he has his,” commented Johnson. “There has to be a clear message up front about who’s the boss.”
. Information Systems Director Danna MacKenzie said she needed some clarification before moving forward with plans to construct a communications tower on Old Ski Hill Road. The request was made by Buell Consulting on behalf of Verizon Wireless, which has been unable to negotiate with WDIO for use of the existing tower. Because any action would possibly affect Verizon, AT&T, ham operators who use the tower and WTIP radio, MacKenzie said she would set a meeting with the principals and asked for a member of the county board to be appointed.
. MacKenzie also introduced Rowan Watkins as the new IT/radio support technician. Watkins, a graduate of Cook County High School, was welcomed by the board. “You used to wait for the school bus in front of my house!” said Commissioner Hall.
. Commissioner and Airport Board board member Jim Johnson reported that the runway project is set to start Oct. 1 and will probably take about three weeks to complete.
. At the request of Tim Kennedy of the Superior Cycling Association, the board agreed to allocate $25,000 for enhancement and construction of a mountain bike trail system, providing a Legacy Trails grant is approved. The project has the widespread support of the West End communities and city of Grand Marais.
Kennedy said the project has been scaled back a bit due to concerns about being able to complete the 52 miles of track within the required two-year period.
The money won’t be needed unless the grant is approved, said Kennedy, and even then probably won’t be spent until 2014-15.
. The board approved a lease of county land on the northeast corner of the recycling center property to Northeast Service Cooperative for construction of a 14-foot by 20-foot building to be used to store electronic equipment for the broadband infrastructure. Maintenance Director Brian Silence and Solid Waste Officer Tim Nelson both said they had no problems with the siting or use of the building, and that it will not interfere with the operation of the recycle center.
. Personnel Director Simonen was given the go-ahead to begin the hiring process for an office support person in Public Health & Human Services. The position has been budgeted for, said Simonen, and is much-needed because the office is short-staffed. There have been three resignations in the past two weeks.
. At Auditor Powers’ request, the board set a date of 6 p.m. Dec. 12 for the annual Truth in Taxation Hearing. Also presented and approved were 2013 fire levies in the unorganized territories: Colvill, $39,434; Grand Marais Extension, $44,990; Gunflint Trail, $75,000; Hovland, $74,000; Lutsen Extension, $32,898; and Maple Hill, $43,500.
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