The Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved hiring Mary Somnis as EDA director on April 12. Board Members Heidi Doo-Kirk (left) and Board Chair Howard Hedstrom (right) welcomed Somnis, who will actually start in her new position May 16.
The Tuesday, April 12 meeting of the Cook County/Grand Marais Economic Development Authority (EDA) started on a high note, with the introduction of EDA director candidate Mary Somnis.
EDA Board Chair Howard Hedstrom introduced Somnis and asked the board to ratify the recommendation of the personnel subcommittee, which it promptly did with a unanimous motion.
“This is the best thing we’ve done in a long time,” said EDA Board Member Heidi Doo-Kirk.
Somnis will start the new position May 16.
Later in the meeting, the board noted Mark Sandbo’s letter of resignation, effective June 1. Sandbo, who was participating in the meeting by phone, said he had enjoyed his time on the EDA board and was only resigning because he and his wife, Jeanne, were moving to be nearer their grandchildren.
A motion passed to accept Sandbo’s resignation, with regrets. Sandbo will attend one more meeting as an EDA board member on May 10. After that the board will need to appoint someone to represent the city of Grand Marais.
Sandbo reminded his colleagues that someone on the EDA would need to be appointed to the Poplar River Water District Board and the Golf Course Committee, which he served on. Golf course gearing up for May opener
In his update on conditions at Superior National at Lutsen (SNL) Grounds Superintendent Mike Davies quipped, “The good news is it’s almost spring.”
Davies said he has seen signs of some good grass, including on the new River 9 holes. He gave the EDA board a projected opening date of May 5, but cautioned that the date had been moved several times already. He said the first week of May is typical for SNL.
EDA bookkeeper Paul Goettl went over the draft budget that was presented to the EDA board by Treasurer Scott Harrison at the last meeting.
Goettl said the budget is based on 11,000 rounds of golf, up from what was budgeted in 2015 (10,500), but slightly down from the 2015 actual (unaudited) of 11,032. Goettl said now that River 9 is open, it is hoped more rounds will be played. But weather is always a factor.
Mark Sandbo asked Mike Davies if enough had been budgeted for maintenance of the new holes. Davies said yes, it is a modest budget but is sufficient for now. He pointed out that the line item for fertilizer and chemicals was up quite a bit because of the need to get the new holes growing. Likewise, Goettl said the cost of electricity will be higher because of the need for more irrigation of the new grass.
The proposed budget had a projected net income at the end of 2016 of $57,273. A unanimous motion passed to approve the budget as presented.
In other business
. Campanaro shared information on the Arts Economy Planning Retreat held in March. She said the retreat came after the McKnight Foundation suggested that the Grand Marais Art Colony develop a plan to grow the Cook County Arts Economy. Campanaro said the economic activities discussed would be a good fit for the EDA.
“It’s an exciting project,” she added.
. Campanaro said the EDA would be hosting the North Shore Health Care Foundation Golf Tournament again this fall. She suggested that EDA board members form a team and take part in the tournament. “We have until October,” she said.
. Campanaro also said she has been meeting with community members regarding a shortage in daycare. She said the issue is reaching a critical point. At a recent meeting, she heard from two families—both with professional jobs— with small children who might have to leave the community because they are unable to find suitable daycare.
Hedstrom said any barrier to people living and working in the community is something the EDA should be concerned with. The board asked Campanaro to keep them updated.
“Anyone with a passion for this is invited to join the group,” she said.
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