Linda Chappell
For the first time in 23 years, Grand Marais city officials are looking for a new library director.
City councilors accepted, with regrets, longtime director Linda Chappell’s letter of resignation at their Feb. 12 meeting. Chappell has served as director of the Grand Marais Public Library since 1991, when she replaced Mary Alice Harvey.
Chappell recalled that she worked at the library in other positions since about 1977 with a twoyear break in 1979 when her son was born. Her tenure dates back to the time when the library was located up the hill, where George Maruska’s accounting office is now located.
Chappell said in her letter to council that she plans to retire at the end of March. She told the News- Herald, “My last day will probably be March 28, 2014. My future plans include visiting my family in California, tending my vegetable garden this summer, starting some new quilting projects, and catching up on my reading.”
And even though Chappell will no longer be an employee of the library, she said she plans on sticking around. “You will still see me around the library, enjoying the new building and using the broadband Internet connection.”
Chappell also offered her gratitude to all those who have worked with her to make the Grand Marais library the best it can be.
“Many thanks to everyone in the community who values and supports the public library,” Chappell said. “I have worked with many wonderful staff members and volunteers over the years. My job has always been fun because the people of Cook County have such diverse interests.”
After council addressed Chappell’s retirement notice, City Administrator Mike Roth praised the outgoing director for her efforts at bettering the library and overseeing the recent renovation and expansion. “She left us with an excellent facility,” he said.
Because Chappell’s last day will be at the end of March – little more than a month away – Roth said the council should begin a search for a new director immediately. “It’s extremely unlikely we’ll have a new director in place by then [end of March],” said Roth, “but there’s a great staff there to fill in.”
Councilor and library board member Jan Sivertson said Chappell announced her intent to retire at the library board’s meeting the prior week. Sivertson volunteered to serve on the search committee along with Mayor Larry Carlson and three members of the library board. In the meantime, Roth said the job description will be updated and the position advertised in advance of interviews which will be conducted by the search committee.
In other city business:
. Howard Hedstrom of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) board asked for permission to add some temporary walls in a hallway in City Hall to create a small (about 9 feet by 11 feet) office off the EDA’s existing office space for use by small business consultant Pat Campanaro. Hedstrom said he was not there to ask for money, only for permission to go ahead and do the work on the city’s building. Councilors were in agreement, however, that because the EDA’s efforts benefit both the city and county, the city should pay for half of the estimated $4,000 cost. A motion to that effect was made and approved.
. Council voted to accept an invitation to join the Chamber of Commerce, but on the advice of the city’s auditors will not pay dues.
. On the recommendation of the planning commission, council approved a variance requested by Cook County allowing construction of a 130-foottall communications tower at the Law Enforcement Center. The taller tower is needed to provide better coverage with the recently installed ARMER radio system inside larger buildings in town such as the hospital, school and courthouse. The city’s ordinance allows structures only up to 35 feet tall.
. Also on the planning commission’s recommendation, a conditional use permit was granted to allow installation of an internally illuminated sign on the YMCA building. It was noted that the sign – a large Y – is already on the building, it’s just not illuminated yet. According to the YMCA’s permit application, the sign will be controlled by a dimmer so it is not brighter than the street lights, and it will also be on the same timer as the street lights.
. The second reading of an ordinance modifying the membership of the park board, from seven to five members, was approved. The change is intended to make it easier for the city to recruit members and maintain a full board, and also to facilitate attendance by a quorum at the monthly meetings.
. Council approved plans submitted by county engineer Dave Betts for extension of the sidewalk on the north side of County Road 7 from the old Gunflint Trail (5th Avenue) to Birchwood Apartments. City consent is needed in order to receive state funding for the project.
Leave a Reply