Grand Marais Mayor Sue Hakes told city councilors Nov. 9 that now is the time to move forward with projects approved a week earlier by voters when they passed a 1 percent sales tax referendum. “That was our number one goal, and we helped pass it. It’s fabulous,” Hakes said. “But how do we take this and apply it to... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors are still wondering about the future of the city’s burn pile following some recent complaints about smoke, and a visit from the DNR regarding an accumulation of “inappropriate” materials at the site. Located off the Gunflint Trail near the water tower, the area has long been used by local residents and contractors to dispose of their... READ MORE >
Members of the Grand Marais Park Board spent most of their November 3 meeting discussing and debating campground fees for the 2010 season, but decided to wait until next month to make a final decision. While the board seemed in agreement with a recommendation from Parks Manager Dave Tersteeg that there should be no substantive increase in fees, there was... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors dealt with a number of issues ranging from public restrooms and television to holiday parades and decorations during their October 28, 2009 meeting. Mayor Sue Hakes began the meeting by asking for public comment. Mark Sandbo, representing the Grand Marais Hotel Company, addressed council and “thanked” them for having a letter sent to his employer threatening... READ MORE >
Grand Marais city councilors met in a work session October 14 to discuss their options regarding refinancing of $1.6 million in general obligation bonds the city issued in 2007 to provide infrastructure improvements for the Cedar Grove Business Park. After considering options on various terms — 10, 15 or 20 years — councilors voted during their regular meeting to authorize... READ MORE >
The year-long process to develop a long-range plan for the Grand Marais Recreation Park concluded September 30, 2009 when City Council approved the recommendation of the Park Board by a 3-2 vote. Park Manager Dave Tersteeg presented the final plan and outlined the process which began in August 2008. Development of the plan was made possible by a grant from... READ MORE >
Members of the Cook County Hospital District board learned Sept. 22 that they have another item on their to-do list: finding a new director for the Grand Marais facility. Longtime administrator Diane Pearson told the board that she intended to resign her position within six to nine months for personal reasons and organizational concerns. Pearson said she felt comfortable making... READ MORE >
Grand Marais taxpayers will see a 3 percent levy increase next year unless city council makes further cuts to its proposed 2010 budget before the end of the year. Councilors approved a preliminary maximum levy total of $802,657, including a general revenue levy of $601,802 at their Sept. 9 meeting. Thelevy — which amounts to about a $24,000 increase —... READ MORE >
Following deliberation and some adjustment, Grand Marais city councilors approved $1.2 million in special assessments at their Aug. 26 meeting. Themoney is needed to pay for street and utility improvements that were begun last year and are now nearing completion. The assessments represent 65 percent of the approximate $2.5 million project; the remainder will be spread among the city’s entire... READ MORE >
Even though Grand Marais city councilors devoted their Aug. 12 work session to a discussion of next year’s budget, City Administrator Mike Roth cautioned that until two key factors are determined — the amount of state aid the city will receive, and the amount of support the city will get from the county for swimming pool operations — a clear... READ MORE >
