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A favorite eatery in Grand Marais has announced plans to stay open year-round, but with that announcement came a request for a variance to make two small expansions to their building.
Grand Marais City Councilors took up the request at their Wednesday, September 29 meeting.
George Wilkes, owner of the Angry Trout restaurant, asked for approval of a variance so he could expand on the north side of the property. A public hearing was held on September 15, with no one from the public appearing or offering comment via email. During the September 15 meeting, the planning commission found the variance request to be in “harmony with the purpose and intent of the ordinance and consistent with the comprehensive plan.”
Wilkes is proposing to build two small additions to the existing restaurant. “These additions would enhance the operation of our business and allow us to transition from seasonal to year-round operation,” Wilkes wrote in his request to the city.
The additions would include expanding the entryway to measure about 9’x20’ and the proposed porch roof over the restaurant’s kitchen entry measuring approximately 5’x10’.
Wilkes noted in his application that, “The proposed additions are a modest improvement to an existing restaurant facility and would not change the property’s use nor would they significantly increase the building footprint.”
*Council approved the hire of Sven Hoaglund as a Grand Marais firefighter, bringing the number to 15 members. On-call volunteer firefighters receive an annual contribution towards a retirement stipend that is funded based on years of service. The city currently puts in $1,500 per service year but is looking in the future to expand that pay. City Administrator Mike Roth filled out a statewide Volunteer Firefighter Plan requesting Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) to provide a cost estimate for an increase in the service pension level to either $1,750, $2,000, $2,300, or $2,500.
*Tina Krautz was appointed to serve on the planning commission.
*Council approved annual liquor license renewals for Gunflint Tavern on the Lake LCC and Larsen Brothers LCC (Birch Terrace restaurant, Terrace Lounge). In addition, wine and beer license renewals were approved for the Fisherman’s Daughter, Hungry Hippie Tacos, My Sister’s Place, Angry Trout Café, Voyageur Brewing Company (taproom/ growler), Gunflint Tavern (growler), and Schulte Enterprises Inc, beer-off sale.
* Council approved a grant agreement between the US Army Corps of Engineers, Cook County Soil and Water (SWCD), and the City of Grand Marais. A grant for up to $264,750 has been awarded to improve the stormwater pond below Highway 61 on 8th Avenue. The project was identified in the city’s Storm Water Management Plan, and the city has worked with SWCD and its design engineer to develop improvements for the pond
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