• The board received a letter from Grand Marais Mayor Sue
Hakes stating the city’s support for leaving county state aid roads within the city limits open to AT V use. County Attorney Tim Scannell has said the roads in question fall under county jurisdiction, and the matter can be discussed at the May 26 public hearing for a countywide AT V ordinance. However, because the public notice and proposed ordinance have already been published in advance of that hearing, the document cannot be changed to include the status of the state aid roads without rescheduling the hearing. County Highway
Engineer Shae Kosmalski said she is still researching the
matter.
• The board voted to contribute $7,500 to the Superior
Timber Wolves Sportsman Club for the purchase of new tracks for its Tucker snow cat that grooms the snowmobile trails in Tofte and Schroeder. Paul James, club treasurer,
said the four new tracks will cost $20,500; the club
has raised the rest of the money through fundraisers.
• Robert Robinson presented a petition asking that a
subordinate service district be established for West Rosebush Lane. Such action by the county board would mean that the county assumes normal maintenance and snowplowing, and the property owners would be
assessed for the service. A public hearing was set for 10
a.m. June 23.
• The board terminated its contract with Culbert Appraisal
Services of Virginia for noncompliance issues including failure to meet deadlines and not working within state guidelines. Kosmalski said the delays caused by Culbert have left progress on the County Road 8 (Devil Track Road) project at a standstill, could have “significant repercussions” on the project’s funding, and may delay
it until next year. The board awarded a new contract to
Charles Norell of Finlayson, Minn.
• Dockan Painting of Grand Marais was awarded a contract
of $9,775 as low bidder to make repairs and paint
the Historical Society Museum on Broadway.
• Sheriff Mark Falk and Communications Engineer Duane
Ege were given the go-ahead to contract for removal of a 1960s-era communications tower on Mount Maud in Grand Portage and replacement with a modern 120-foot freestanding model. Falk said that due to the importance and poor condition of the Mount Maud tower, and the difficulties the county is having with the DNR in replacing the Hovland tower, he has decided to swap priorities and do the Grand Portage work first, at an estimated cost of $262,000. The project will be paid for through a $1 million communications grant the county received following the Ham Lake fire.
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