The former Fenstad Motel on 5th Avenue in Grand Marais has been vacant for many years, as is evident by the overgrown grass and bushes. The Grand Marais City Council approved a conditional use permit on July 13 that will allow Keith Bergeron to once again put the building to use.
The Grand Marais City Council considered a request for a conditional use permit (CUP) from Keith Bergeron to operate a four-unit residential and lodging facility at the former Fenstad Motel on 5th Avenue in Grand Marais.
Bergeron, who was at the Wednesday, July 13 meeting, plans to live in one unit and rent the other three as apartments or short-term vacation rentals. The Grand Marais planning commission held a public hearing on July 6 to hear the proposal. There was little public comment, just a few questions.
Nearby homeowner Jean Marie Modl wrote a strong letter of support, noting that she can see this property from her home. She said reestablishing the property as a rental property would honor its history; address a housing shortage problem; create a new small business; and add to the charm of “our fair city.”
After hearing from the public, the commission recommended granting the CUP, noting that the use is compatible with the existing neighborhood and small-scale lodging is allowed in this zone. Nearby short term rentals are Russell’s Cottages, MacArthur House B&B and Feathernest Inn.
Granny pods on city agenda
The idea of “granny pods,” temporary dwellings that provide transitional housing for aging or ill family members, was discussed by the Cook County commissioners last month. Administrator Mike Roth brought the subject to the city council at this meeting, explaining that the city was being asked if it too wanted to “opt out” of allowing these temporary dwellings. If the city does not, the new state law would make this a permitted use.
Tim Kennedy said to his knowledge such an accessory dwelling had never been asked for. Councilor Tracy Benson agreed, but added with the county’s aging population, this could become more common.
Councilor Anton Moody asked if the question of these accessory dwellings was addressed in the city’s current zoning guidelines. Roth replied, “Not very well.”
Moody said the city should have its own language to address this. City Attorney Chris Hood said if changes are made to ordinances, it must go through the planning commission.
The council agreed to share the information with the planning commission and to ask it to come up with a recommendation for the city on whether it should opt out of the new state law or if Grand Marais ordinances need to be changed to address these temporary dwellings.
Live from City Hall
Patrick Knight, of Good Measure Media, appeared before the council to follow up on his proposal to video council meetings and to upload them to an online location of the city’s choosing.
Knight said he has contracted with the Cook County commissioners and has recorded and uploaded four sessions now. The county has its meeting video on its website. In August the county, with Knight’s assistance, will begin live streaming its meetings.
Councilors asked what it would cost for Good Measure Media’s services and Knight said $50 per hour, with a minimum of five hours per month.
Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux said he estimated that the service would cost $250 a month or approximately $3,000 per year.
Noting the $50 per hour charge, Councilor Tracy Benson quipped, “Another reason to stay on schedule.”
Administrator Mike Roth said the city used to pay $1,000 per month for the city’s cable access channel PAC-13, operated by the late Holly Nelson. That video was only available to city cable subscribers or by checking out a videotape of meetings from the library.
“We abandoned that concept a long time ago,” said Roth. “If you’re interested in having your meetings available for the public, this is probably your best course of action.”
Councilors expressed interest and Councilor David Mills said, “One of the reasons we moved our meetings to 6:30 was to get more public involvement. This is another way to get people involved.”
Kennedy said, “I think it’s a valuable thing, for citizens to be able to hear discussions for themselves. If it turns out not to be a benefit, we can always cancel.”
A unanimous motion passed to hire Good Measure Media at the rate discussed.
In other business
. City Administrator Mike Roth told the council that the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) wants to meet to address the question of how the city—and the county—will invest in the proposed housing projects in the city. “The question is— are we going to use local dollars? And if yes, where are we going to get them?” said Roth.
The meeting was set for Tuesday, July 26 at 1 p.m. in the commissioners’ room at the Cook County courthouse.
. As Cook County commissioners did at their July 19 board meeting, the city council approved the Grand Marais Lions Club request to close some city streets to vehicles for the Fisherman’s Picnic on August 4 – 7.
. The council reviewed the Grand Marais Public Library budget presented by Steve Harsin and Audrey Stattelman. The duo presented two possible outcomes, noting that the final budget depended on insurance costs. Kennedy noted that under the “worst-case” scenario, the library anticipated no more than a 5percent budget increase over the next five years. He voiced support and his colleagues followed suit approving the city’s portion of the library budget for 2017.
. Mayor Arrowsmith DeCoux said he had been receiving calls regarding the poor condition of Creechville Road. David Mills, who resides on the road, agreed that the road is in bad shape. Arrowsmith DeCoux asked Roth if city staff could look at the road to see what needs to be done.
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