To help area businesses who are struggling through the COVID-19 pandemic, several members of the Grand Marais Business Coalition came before the Grand Marais city council asking for the city to add 6-8 downtown trash receptacles, picnic tables, and more porta-potties.
The meeting was held through Zoom on Wednesday, June 10. Appearing online for the business coalition were Jean Spry, Eric Humphrey and Jim Boyd.
The cost of four porta-potties is $600 per month with cleaning weekly, or $800 per month if the porta-potties are cleaned twice weekly. With many stores closing off their restrooms to customers this summer, the business coalition asked the city to underwrite the expense and consider the porta-potties to be the equivalent of public restrooms.
Council members agreed to help by adding trash receptacles to various locations around town and picnic tables- at least two to harbor park—but will start with four porta potties before adding more.
With many businesses operating at 50 percent capacity due to the COVID-19 rules set forth by the state, the business coalition, through a letter, pointed out that the community of Grand Marais “reaps a significant portion of the real estate taxes that fund its essential government services,” from these businesses. And “The owners of those properties are also the source of much charitable giving that makes this community the wonderfully cohesive place it is. Almost daily each of these are approached for contributions to one community activity or another. Almost daily, they generously provide what is asked.
“Now, they need the community to return the care. Normally, they have about five months to make enough to survive for another year. This summer, they have even less time and even greater hurdles. They need the community’s help.”
Jim Boyd said the business council recognized that food sellers have a responsibility to provide additional receptacles as well, and they have been urged to do so. But, he added, additional city containers, emptied frequently, are also needed.
Councilor Kelly Swearengen suggested adding porta-potties to the city hall parking lot near the tree line. Several other areas were discussed, but Pete Greszcyk, who owns G&G Septic Service, asks that banks of porta-potties were kept together, said city administrator Mike Roth. Council asked Roth to talk to Greszcyk about the possibility of separating porta-potties to see if that would be possible.
Councilor Swearengen asked the city to rent at least one ADA handicap accessible porta-potty and the council agreed to do so.
*Council approved a liquor license for Fisherman’s Daughter, which was formerly called Dockside Seafood Markets.
*At the request of Grand Marais Liquor Store manager Chris LaVigne, council approved hiring Natalie Mella as a part-time Liquor Store Clerk.
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