Tracy Benson
Tracy Benson is the newest member of the Grand Marais City Council.
Councilors spent about 20 minutes at their Jan. 28 meeting discussing the merits and qualifications of the five candidates who expressed interest in the position, which was vacated at the beginning of the year when Jan Sivertson resigned to represent the city on the Cook County Board of Commissioners. Those seeking the council seat were Bob Spry, Daniel Ditmanson, Karen Blackburn, Reid Dusheck and Benson.
Mayor Jay Arrowsmith DeCoux said he was pleased that “five outstanding candidates” came forward and noted that “each brings something unique.” During the course of the discussion, it became apparent that councilors were looking for diversity and someone with a strong financial background. Thus, the list was narrowed to Benson and Blackburn, both of whom were lauded for their business acumen and bookkeeping experience.
In fact, the two were regarded as so closely matched and well-qualified that it was finally suggested a coin toss be used to determine a winner. However, Councilor Dave Mills said he didn’t like the idea of a coin toss to make such an important decision and nominated Benson. “I’m more comfortable nominating Tracy. She grew up here, moved away, and came back…and I believe she has the right experience,” he said.
The vote to appoint Benson was unanimous, with the mayor stating, “This is a hard decision. There is no bad choice here.” Following the vote, Benson was asked to leave her seat in the audience and join council at the table to participate in the remainder of the meeting. Blackburn was also in attendance and she thanked council for the consideration and kind words, and said there were no hard feelings.
Benson will serve the final two years of Sivertson’s term, until the end of 2016. She said she planned to do a lot of reading and studying to become familiar with the issues facing council and looked forward to serving on the board. Arrowsmith DeCoux said council will probably spend some time at its next meeting reviewing councilors’ appointments to the various committees and commissions to include Benson and more evenly distribute the workload.
With its full complement of five members, council then:
. Adopted on second reading an ordinance spelling out the fees for two new liquor licenses; the first reading was approved in December. The ordinance states that an annual fee of $220 will be charged for both taproom and off-sale malt liquor licenses, both of which are needed to allow operation of the Voyageur Brewing Company. In a related action, the brewer’s liquor license application was also approved with no dissension.
. Listened as George Wilkes of the Cook County Local Energy Project (CCLEP) introduced the agency’s new project coordinator John Praxmarer and said he would be working to improve communications with both the city council and the public. At Wilkes’ request, council scheduled a Feb. 18 work session to familiarize new councilors with the biomass district heating project and give them a chance to ask questions of the engineer. Council also voted to make the District Heating Task Force a formal city committee, reasoning that the designation will allow the city to have more oversight and input, and receive regular updates about the project’s progress.
. Had a discussion led by City Administrator Mike Roth on the importance of strategic planning and the need to develop a long-term priority list. Roth said the various approaches “can be cheap – or cost tens of thousand of dollars…that’s up to you to decide.” In addition to prioritizing projects, other items which may be considered include review of the city’s Comprehensive Plan and City Code. Roth was asked to compile some examples and information on the varying processes – and costs – which may be used to meet the yet-to-be-determined goals for presentation at a future meeting.
. Voted to hire Melissa Wickwire as a part-time librarian. Her primary duty will be cataloging; the position is 10 hours per week.
. Voted to join Greater Minnesota Parks & Trails at the suggestion of Councilor Tim Kennedy, who said the city has never been a part of the organization even though the county is. Kennedy said the group focuses on the development of trails and other outdoor recreational projects, and it will behoove the city “to be a part of the discussion” as funds are disbursed. Membership dues are $150 annually.
. Granted a request from Arrowsmith DeCoux, who said he was contacted by the developers of Grand Lakeview to be put on an upcoming council agenda to discuss a pending development agreement with the city. Roth said he would provide more information and a timeline of the proposed project to build town homes behind GoFer Cabins at council’s next meeting.
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