Tofte Supervisor Paul James, following up on last month’s discussion of whether the township should continue to host a fireworks display on the 4th of July, reported on February 11 that he has learned that conducting the show will be “problematic.” Since about 1936, volunteers in the Town of Tofte have conducted the Independence Day fireworks, but after an explosion during the 2009 display, the state fire marshal said that would no longer be allowed. Thetown board reiterated that it wants a fireworks show on the 4th of July, even if it is different—and more difficult—than in the past.
In January, James said he had found a certified pyrotechnics team from Ely that could conduct the display, which would satisfy the state fire marshal. James reported on the team’s recent visit to the Tofte Park. He said he worked with them to GPS the area and determine the best location to set off fireworks. James said if the display includes fireworks with four-inch shells, a 280-foot clearance area is required. James said, “That is dead center in the park by the big birch tree and the picnic tables. The problem is—where will people park? And watch?”
Tofte town board candidate Jim King asked if using a smaller shell size would make a difference. James said using a three-inch shell would cut the required clearance area to 210 feet.
The board asked Fire Chief Rich Nelson, whose firefighters previously conducted the fireworks display, if he thought smaller shells would mean a less-impressive show. Nelson said the big difference is how far the shell goes up into the air. “Depending on cost, I think you could put on a pretty good show,” he said.
James said in the past the township has invested $2,500 on its fireworks display, which covered the pyrotechnics only, since fire department volunteers set off the fireworks. That means the cost of a Tofte fireworks display will be much higher in 2010.
The Ely pyrotechnics crew said their biggest show would include 350 shots for $5,000. A smaller show would offer 150 shots for $2,500. James added, “The biggest difference is that they are asking $2,000 to come set up the show.”
Nelson, who said he looked forward to watching the show for a change, said, “That seems pretty cheap to me.”
Ways to overcome the increase were discussed, with Supervisor D.C. Olsen asking what citizens thought about using the lodging tax administration fees collected by the town of Tofte. Citizens in attendance said they felt this would be a good use of the money. However, Olsen noted that there wasn’t much in the fund yet.
Clerk Barb Gervais asked if the townships of Lutsen and Schroeder could be informed of Tofte’s plight. For the last several years, each of the neighboring townships has contributed $500 and Tofte paid the remaining cost of $1,500. “Perhaps if they understand the increase, they would double their contribution,” said Gervais.
The board asked Gervais to write a letter to the other West End townships.
James pointed out that in addition to money, volunteers are needed. He said volunteers would be needed to man the clearance zone perimeter to make sure people did not park or sit in the 280-foot clearance area. He asked if the township should clear brush from the hillside so people could sit there. Board members and citizens nodded their heads and began brainstorming on how to make it work. James said maps of the new restricted zone could be posted at Mike’s Holiday and North Shore Market and at the vendor booths at the park on the 4th of July.
Supervisor D.C. Olsen was as enthusiastic as his fellow citizens, but added that he was concerned about the lack of parking. He noted that more people would have to park on Highway 61.
Town Clerk Barb Gervais suggested that the township consider a shuttle service, asking people to park at Birch Grove and ride a shuttle over. Sources of shuttle service—school buses, Lutsen Ski Hill, Bluefin Bay, or the AEOA bus—were considered.
The other option, said James, was to conduct the fireworks display about six miles away from the festivities in the Tofte Park, at the Taconite Harbor Safe Harbor. “But we’ve talked about this being a Tofte thing. It’s always been here,” said James.
It was agreed that help is needed if Tofte hopes to once again host an Independence Day fireworks show. The town board encouraged anyone who would like to volunteer to serve on a Town of Tofte 4th of July committee to contact Town Clerk Gervais at (218) 663-7315.
In other business:
» Supervisor James and board of
supervisor candidate Jim King reported on the ongoing discussion regarding the possible merger of the county’s tourism organizations, stating that there are many details to be worked out. The men said they hope to have information at the March 9, 2010 annual meeting on how this merger will affect the Lutsen Tofte Tourism Association and its officeat the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum. “We’ll talk about it at the meeting and people can express their opinions,” said James. “Then
any necessary action can be taken
in April.”
» The town board authorized the
purchase of a projector and screen, which can be used to make presentations. The town budgeted $1,500 for this expense and Supervisor Olsen said he could purchase both from Sam’s Club for $800.
Leave a Reply