Grand Marais city councilors voted July 25 to sign a settlement agreement with Burbach Aquatics, ending a legal dispute that precluded the city’s participation in the planning and development of a new community center. As outlined by City Attorney Chris Hood, the agreement stipulates that the city will pay $57,500 to settle Burbach’s claims that it was entitled to provide... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors gave approval for a number of permits for this year’s Fisherman’s Picnic at their July 11 meeting. The annual event will be held Aug. 2-5. Andrew Smith and Al Taenzer of the Lions Club, which sponsors the event, appeared first with their application for a street and sidewalk permit. There was some discussion about the number... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors were joined by members of the Public Utilities Commission June 27 to hear a proposal from their bond counsel regarding refunding of a $1,965,000 electric system revenue bond. And it was an easy decision. Bruce Kimmel of Ehlers and Associates said five bids were received, and he was pleasantly surprised by the results. Whereas he was... READ MORE >
Grand Marais’ Fourth of July parade topped the city council’s June 13 agenda as Chamber of Commerce Director Bev Wolke appeared with the street and sidewalk permit application for the annual event. However, unlike other years when the permit was approved with little fanfare and as a matter of routine, there was some discussion regarding a new policy instituted by... READ MORE >
Kerrie Fabius of the Cook County Soil & Water District visited Grand Marais city councilors May 30 to present and review a grant agreement between the city and volunteer caretakers of two proposed rain gardens. Unfortunately, the document was deemed unacceptable and sent back to the city’s attorney for further revision and clarification. Fabius explained that council approved the contribution... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors voted 4-1 May 9 to pursue litigation against a Wisconsin firm. The action, if successful, will allow the city to participate in ongoing efforts to construct a community center. An action for declaratory judgment will be filed by Flaherty & Hood, the city’s legal counsel, seeking relief against Burbach Aquatics Inc. The firm has alleged that,... READ MORE >
Who says city government can’t move quickly? Following a closed session at their April 25 meeting, Grand Marais city councilors voted to enter into a purchase agreement with Matt Geretschlaeger for approximately 20 acres of city-owned land on the Gunflint Trail near the water tower. Geretschlaeger, who plans to build a zip line on the property this summer, agreed to... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors adopted, on first reading, a revised animal ordinance at their April 25 meeting. Some suggestions offered by councilors will be incorporated into the draft and the final version is scheduled for a vote May 9. The updated ordinance will go into effect following another supporting vote and publication in the News-Herald. Councilors said they were a... READ MORE >
Grand Marais City Council put plans for a new zip line on the fast track April 11 with unanimous approval to appraise and negotiate the sale of 20 acres of cityowned land off the Gunflint Trail for development of a $750,000 enterprise. Matt Geretschlaeger, whose proposal last month to build a zip line adjacent to a residential area at the... READ MORE >
Grand Marais City Council okayed the purchase of a new fire truck and street sweeper at its March 28 meeting. Chief Ben Silence and Aaron Mielke of the city’s fire department appeared before council to say that they were recently notified by FEMA that the city has been awarded a $209,950 FEMA grant to be used toward the purchase of... READ MORE >
