A rock cairn sign for Tofte and funding for the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum in the township were discussed—and supported—by the town board on Thursday, November 12, 2009.
Bryan Anderson, with the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC), which facilitated placement of six rock cairn scenic byways signs in North Shore communities, appeared before the Tofte Town Board in response to its request for a sign. Anderson explained that the signs erected in the first phase of the scenic byway plan were determined by representatives from various tourism associations.
Anderson said there are pros and cons regarding the signs. He said the lettering is too small and the colors on the sign are too dark. There are problems with placement of signs— they cannot be on the Minnesota Department of Transportation right-of-way, so some are placed out of the line of sight of the highway. And, said Anderson, the signs are very expensive.
He said the original estimate was $12,000 per sign—the final project cost was $18,000 – $22,000 per sign. When the cost came in so much higher than expected, one sign was dropped from phase one.
Another anticipated cost is maintenance of the signs, which have an expected 14 – 18 year life span. “Other costs to be covered are insurance and possible vandalism repair,” said Anderson.
The good news, Anderson told the board, is that ARDC has received a lot of positive feedback regarding the signs. And he said phase two of the scenic byways sign project will include Lutsen, Tofte, Schroeder, Beaver Bay, Knife River, and Silver Bay.
However, it may take awhile to find funding for those signs. Anderson said ARDC is applying for federal funding, which may be available in 2010, but the soonest signs could be constructed would be 2011 because the administrative and environmental review involved in the federal funding. “By 2011, we estimate the cost per sign will be $25, 000,” said Anderson, adding that the township would be expected to make a 5% match, which is $1,250.
Supervisor Paul James asked if the signs were copyrighted. “If the township wanted to do its own sign, could we do it? What if we could build the sign for that? We could get our own rocks.”
Anderson was unsure the township could construct a sign for that cost, but he said he would like to help the township whatever it decides. After some discussion, supervisors agreed to wait to work with ARDC on the signs. James said knowing the amount of the required match was helpful, as the township could budget for the future expense. Anderson asked for a township letter of support for ARDC to pursue funding for a Tofte cairn sign. The board agreed to provide a letter and asked Anderson to do what he can to get the second phase moving along. Anderson said he would begin discussions with Mn/DOT as to the best placement of a rock cairn sign in Tofte.
The next tourism agenda item was something the township should see results from much sooner. Jim King, representing the North Shore Commercial Fishing Museum, approached the board, requesting funding from the money the town will be receiving for its handling of West End lodging taxes. Earlier this year, the town began collecting a 4% administrative fee for administration of the lodging taxes it then disburses to the Lutsen- Tofte Tourism Association (LTTA). It is estimated that the township will receive $8,000 – $10,000 a year from the fee. The money must be used for promoting the town of Tofte.
King said the fishing museum has been happy to have LTTA as a partner at the museum. He said LTTA has furnished staffing at the museum and pays a small rent. “We want to do what we can to keep our tenants—or come up with another plan if they leave,” said King.
He said one of the first things the museum plans to do is add “Visitor Information” or “Welcome Center” to its sign. King asked if the museum and the town board could begin discussion of possible funding for seven “current needs.” He said the museum building needs a new entrance door, a cost of $750; industrial shelving to free up work and meeting space, $2,500; an additional window in the reception area to add natural light and provide staff a view of the entrance area, $500; rebuild and raise the museum sign, replacing poles with Nordic-carved beams, $1,200; and install humidifier in archive storage room, $400. The projects total $5,350; King asked the township to consider providing up to $5,500.
King said the museum would also like to create a boat shelter in the courtyard area and install ceiling fans in the display area for better temperature control and heat savings. He said he is still working on those estimates.
King met with immediate support. Supervisor D.C. Olsen said he supported the idea, but in the spirit of fair disclosure he reported that he was a member of the board of directors at the fishing museum. His board colleagues, Paul James and Tom Muntean, said there should be no conflict of interest, since Olsen receives no financial benefit from his position at the museum. Muntean made a motion to authorize the museum to proceed with the five projects, to be funded by the 4% administrative fee. The motion carried unanimously.
Supervisor James added, “You are tourism in Tofte—this is exactly the sort of thing this money was intended to be used for.”
Leave a Reply