Bob Pranis, chairman of the Cook County Broadband Commission, appeared before Grand Marais City Council June 24 to seek support for a pilot project designed to bring a “co-working” computer facility to town. Pranis explained that the commission is working on an application for a $25,000 grant through the Blandin Foundation. However, the grant needs to be accompanied by a... READ MORE >
At the urging of an accomplished author and historian, Grand Marais city councilors agreed June 10 to submit a grant application to the state Historical Society to facilitate a photographic survey of the city’s oldest buildings. But council stopped short of committing any of the city’s resource—such as staff time, use of office equipment or other “in-kind” services— to the... READ MORE >
In an effort to make lots in the Cedar Grove Business Park more marketable, Grand Marais city councilors approved a joint powers agreement with the county and Economic Development Authority (EDA) May 27. The seven-page agreement, which was recently approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners, calls for the county to contribute half of the annual bond payment amounts... READ MORE >
Grand Marais City Council’s May 13 meeting included discussions of the farmer’s market, Sunday growler sales, energy savings and vacation rentals. Councilor and planning commission member Tim Kennedy began the proceedings with a recap of the planning commission’s May 6 meeting, during which approval was granted for a variance and conditional use permit. The variance was granted to David and... READ MORE >
Agreeing that “now is the time” to update and improve the city’s public restrooms, Grand Marais city councilors voted April 29 to spend up to $5,000 to renovate and modernize the facilities at City Hall. The work will be done by the city’s streets and maintenance, and parks departments beginning as soon as possible. The suggestion by Parks Manager Dave... READ MORE >
Following a lengthy conversation and debate, Grand Marais city councilors voted April 8 to approve a resolution of support backing local farmers. The issue was prompted by Greg Gentz, who appeared before council March 25 to ask for a letter of support on behalf of Lake View Natural Dairy, which is embroiled in litigation with the state regulatory agency over... READ MORE >
At the request of the Cook County North Shore Hospital and Care Center, Grand Marais city councilors agreed March 25, 2015 to support a grant application for $350,000 from the Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation Board in support of the hospital’s proposed $24 million expansion and renovation project. Kimber Wraalstad, hospital administrator, explained that the council’s action is necessary because... READ MORE >
Grand Marais City Council’s March 11 meeting began with a visit from newly-elected Cook County Sheriff Pat Eliasen. Eliasen explained that his department’s current contract with the city to provide law enforcement services states the sheriff should meet with city council at least once a year. However, Eliasen said he wants himself and his deputies to be as accessible as... READ MORE >
Kerrie Berg of Cook County Soil & Water presented an update on the continuing process to develop rain gardens throughout the county to Grand Marais city councilors at their Feb. 25 meeting. Specifically, Berg wanted to know if she should continue her efforts to plan for and earmark some of the available grant funds for construction of a proposed rain... READ MORE >
In an effort to develop a long-term planning strategy and identify needs for consideration in future budgets, Grand Marais city councilors decided Feb. 11 to hold a day-long workshop sometime next month. City Administrator Mike Roth broached the topic at council’s prior meeting and was asked to compile some information about the various options. Roth reiterated Feb. 11 that there... READ MORE >
