Okay. All right. Want to give it just a second. Make sure everyone's ready. >> Any >> Just make sure you're ready. >> Yeah, I'm ready. >> Okay. Got the rain off your glasses. No. Yeah.
>> All right. The time is 6:32 and with us this evening is um city attorney Gavin Kio. We have um Craig Schulty, Bill Loves, myself, Mike
Roth, and Kim Van Beck along with a packed room which is wonderful. Um so we will move on with that to open forum for anyone who is here this evening for open forum. How it rolls is that the lovely
table right in front here is just special for you with your mic and um we ask that your time is limited and if you you can see if you have a handout it's um no more than five minutes and if a
subject has already been discussed say something new about it please. Um and mo but most importantly please introduce yourself for the record. That's really it to that. So, um, if anyone would like to speak for open
forum, go ahead. An open forum is an opportunity for you to present, but it's not a time in which we engage back and forth. We we listen. Hello Joel St. John the Mayhew in I'm
here with my wife Amy. >> I'm Amy St. John >> and uh got a couple others with us. Mike Ralph from LHB and our project manager Aaron uh Lindberg. We wanted to just update everybody on the status of our project, our new development project downtown. and we have some renderings
that we're here to share and um just provide some general updates of where we're at in our project when our final stages of funding and we're um driving hard to break ground this spring. We're shooting for June 1. Um on this first rendering that Mike Roth has up on the
screen, you'll see our exterior elevation. So, this will be on the gravel lots, the current joins parking lot and the three burned lots, of course, working our way down the block. And the corner you'll see where our restaurant's going to be. And um we'll
have lodging units and an event center on the second floor and three new retail shops that we of course lost in the fire. Um, and then you'll see the main entrance sort of in the center of the building and that's about where that that kind of the pergola comes out um
towards the center of the building. That's about where the Crooked Spoon used to be located and that'll be the main entrance for the restaurant and our cocktail lounge. So, if you want to go to the next slide, Mike >> I do >> the challenge. We had technology
challenges earlier today too. >> There we go. This will be generally the view when you come in that main entrance. You'll come into sort of an open concept lounge. Um and to the left of this, we don't have it in these renderings. Um there will be a restaurant which hopefully in our
beautiful warm months. Um up here we'll have some outdoor seating which will be fantastic. Um and then you'll see to the right we've got a nice fireplace area and the the retail shops will be to the right um screen right of where you're looking. um over towards you kind of the
Spanoli side. Um and this will just be an open lounge type of setting, cocktail lounge, open to all and for guests as well. Um and then the next slide will be our event center on the second
level. Um which is actually two parts. It's a two spaces that can be joined into one large event center or sectioned off into two small ones. And they open up onto a rooftop deck, which is the final slide, Mike.
And you'll see we've got sort of some of the comp. You'll see the blue water there and the Ben Franklin to the right to kind of give you an idea of the proximity and kind of the the location. That's just kind of the top top level view. Um, we're excited to dig in and
um, keep sharing updates with you guys as we go, but like I said, we're working on permits and our logistics plan to share with Mike and the team. Um, and we're kind of full steam ahead on those pieces, so the updates will keep coming.
>> All right. Very good. Any Is that it? >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. >> Thank you. Anything? Yeah. >> Yeah. Thank you very much. >> Rock and roll. >> Thanks for the time, guys. >> Yep. We appreciate you coming in. Absolutely. >> Lots of interest within the community. So, thank you.
>> All right. Is anyone else here for open forum this evening? Hello, Kelly Swearingen. I'm glad Kim knows how to spell my last name. Um, Joel and Amy, it's a beautiful building. >> Thank you so much.
>> As somebody who is, I'll say a true local, I think it will add to the aesthetics of Graham Marray. >> Thank you so much. >> I look forward to having you there. Uh counselors, I am here tonight not because I know Michelle, but because I do want to fully support her application
for the conditional use permit and to challenge you to remove the stipulations which came through the planning commission. I certainly understand what the zoning states and by nature I am a rule follower and support rules. But rules
need to make sense. The current residential area of Grand Marray is not what it used to be. In the city limits, which operates businesses along with having homes for our citizens, is a mismatch throughout. Our neighborhoods
are comprised of many things. Examples, we have two welding operation businesses in town. churches, school, laundromat, elderly apartments, hair salons, restaurants, cabin rentals, massage
therapists, and likely some I'm not naming. I don't call any of them out to shame them, only to say that we are intertwined. None of these have limits set forth that they provide off- streetet parking or limit their customers to a 3pm stop
time. The average working person would not be able to support Michelle or her business if we are unable to use her services after work. I think consideration should be given when an applicant applies as to how we handle them. Do those who tutor students
or give piano lessons in homes for money then need to apply for the same conditional use permit? It really isn't very different. How does a plan come together that seems fair and equitable to all? This then brings me to another point
which is far more complicated and having a greater impact on our community. The VRBO. Do you currently limit the number of cars that park at one? Some do not provide off- streetet parking but continue to operate. If we want to stay
within a residential theme, what about doing away with the RBO's altogether within the city limits? Does this anger some or cause hackles to go up? I am sure. I don't want to tell people how or who to sell their homes
to. That is not what I'm here to do. I also would like to sell mine in the next three to five years and partially fund my retirement. But I also want a family in my home that will love it the way that I do. I do want to plant a seed for our counselors to be bold and
challenging in trying to help solve the issues of workforce shortage in our community. Two apartment buildings have now been opened in the last 11 months, but neither is full currently. Homes are needed. Homes are wanted. There was something in the Northern
Wilds magazine about a month ago that stated the average home sale for Cook County in 2025 was $249,500. A quick calculation showed that a 30-year mortgage with a generous 6% interest would equal a payment of $2,575
a month. That does not escrow in the insurance or the taxes. A Google search said the standard recommendation for housing costs in one's budget should be 28 to 35% of your gross income. If I round a $3,000 a month payment
equaling $36,000 a year, a single person would have to earn $125,000 a year or roughly $60 per hour. That's at 2080 for the year. Cook County does not support many jobs in that bracket
for one person and oftentimes not even a twoerson home. If the city were to eventually phase the RBO's out within the city limits, I believe this would likely drive down some of the housing prices, therefore opening up homes to younger people who
currently live here or want to move here. Many have heard me say my greatest accomplishment in life so far was the day I purchased my home as a single mother, giving my son not a place but a home to grow up in just the way that I
did. Yes, driving home down home home prices down comes with repercussions and I do not state it lightly. There are people and taxes which would be negatively impacted. But the stark realization that if we cannot find young people or young families to live here,
work here and support this community, Grammaray will eventually go away. I work in a place where we greatly seal and see and feel the impact of the workforce shortage. Who will take care of our seniors when they need a place to go? Or if we cannot
staff a health care facility or a school with quality teachers and coaches, where will others move in order to find these services? I realize much honest discussion, soularching, hard choices, and community connection needs to go into a process.
But I challenge you tonight to make a small insignificant step in allowing Michelle the conditional use permit. Not because I and others come and support, but because the truth is we need people like her and her young family here. We need to be attracting and working
with the 25 to 55 year old age group and we need them to be here. Thank you for listening. >> Thank you. >> Are there other people here for open form this evening? Hi, I'm Tom Supernot. Um, I live
directly across the street from Michelle and Carrie Andy. And prior to this meeting at the zoning commission, I I oppose this um variance, but we had we being Carrie, Andy, I and
Michelle had a long productive conversation. Well, and in that conversation, they answered our questions and concerns about this variance.
And I believe that in a and the result of that is that I fully support this uh variance for the nail salon. Michelle and Carrie Andy are hardworking citizens of this community.
And to try to add on to the previous uh presenter is this is the type of people we need in this community. We all know it's very hard in this county community to make a living. Usually two, three
jobs to do it. I fully support Michelle and Carrie Andy and their two children to be able to enjoy Cook County like the rest of us. Thank you. >> Thank you.
I saw someone else pop up. Don't want to call you on the spot, but I thought there was a rush to the mic. So, >> well, after all of this, I don't know if I really need to say anything more. That was that was very kind to say and
um you covered everything. So um I just came up to say as a business owner in Grand Marray like this is >> if you could introduce yourself. >> I'm Jordan Plameumber. Um do you need anything else? Is it just my name? >> Yep. So I need to know for the record. Thank you.
>> Um yeah, as a local business owner and community member in support of Michelle and her decision to run her business from her home. Um, I'm here to show that support. Um, yeah, I was surprised to hear that there was a complaint both from a business
community standpoint and um, I see what she's doing as a positive. Um, the community was so important with me and uh, my business opening and um, I know that she's felt that support too and just being here um, I feel it and it just makes me really proud of Grammar
and to be a part of this. Um, but yeah, Grand Ray runs on people showing up for each other. Small businesses are a part of that. When we support each other, we keep this place strong, connected, and a little more resilient. Um,
yeah. Uh, I think it's great. So, I'm here to support, and I'm so happy that so many people went in front of me and said all the great things. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Is there anyone else for open forum?
My name is Laura Moose and I am here to support Michelle as a friend and as a client. I would also like to read an email from my friend and business partner, Gina Joyce. >> Oh, thank you. Because that's on a request for us to do so. >> Oh, if that fine.
>> Wonderful. Um, dear members of city council and staff, I am writing to express my support for Michelle's nail salon and urge to council to consider approving her application. Homebased beauty businesses like Michelle's are a genuine asset to our community. We
already welcome hair salons operating out of private residences and anel salon should be no different. It creates meaningful employment for the owner while providing a convenient personal service to local residents. What makes this business model particularly well
suited to a residential setting is that nails loans typically operate on an appointment basis. This means there should be little to no food traffic beyond scheduled clients nor congestion or surrounding streets nor disruption to
neighbors daily lives. Supporting Michelle is supporting exactly the kind of a small community rooted entrepreneurship or neighborhood thrives on. I respectfully ask the council to consider voting in favor of her approving application. Thank you for
your time, consideration, and service. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anyone else this evening? >> Hi there. Uh, my name is Jessica Braymond and I've been a community member for eight years in Grand Marray
and I've been following Michelle on social media for a couple of years um and very much have been looking forward to um nail technician services in Grand Marray. Uh many of us travel quite far um so I can assure you there's
definitely need in this community um for her services and for a homebased salon. So just implore you to approve her application. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else this evening? >> Um I just want to share this also with
you guys. >> Okay. Um, my name is Michelle Maldonado. First of all, I'm so sorry if I say something wrong, but English is not my first language. >> Uh, I I am a licensed nail technician
and a small business owner here in Grammar. Thank you for your time, your service, and the opportunity that you're giving me to speak. I am here today to respectfully request approval of my homebased nail studio and to provide
clarity on the on the on its true nature, impact, and value to this community. First, I want to be very clear about what this business is and what it is not. This is a low impact appointment only studio. I serve one
client at a time. I have no employees. There is no walk-ins. There is no increase in traffic beyond a typical residential visitor. There is not um there is no unusual noise, no disruptive activity and no
external impact to the neighborhood. In fact, the nature of my work is quiet, is controlled and detail uh focused. make it uh make us make oh my gosh make
is it less disruptive than many everyday residentials activities through this process. An important point has come forward. There is there are and other individuals within city limits operating homebased businesses including similar
services such a um hairdressers. Some have been stated they have been operating for many years under similar conditions. So naturally the question becomes what makes my business different
because fairness and consistency in application matter. In addition I want to highlight something that cannot be overlooked. I've received an overwhelming public support, not just from clients, but from
neighbors, local residents, and members of this community. People have taken the time to write, comment, and speak up because they recognize that small homebased businesses help keep Grammaray economically alive. My service provide
something that is currently limited to limited or unavailable locally. Supporting local entrepreneurs entrepreneurs means keeping money within the community. As one community member
stated, every dollar spent here supports our neighbors. There is also a very important practical point that has been raised. A single client visit to my home is not different than a homeowner having a guest. We do not regulate when
residents may receive visitors. So placing strict limitations on my business hours when the impact is identical raises a question of proportionality. I also want to emphasize my full commitment to compliance and safety. My
studio will meet all Minnesota State Board of Cosmetology requirements, including sanitation and disinfection protocols, professional licensing, inspections, and liability insurance. This is not an informal or unregulated
activity. It is a listen, oh my gosh, my licensed accountable and professional service. Now I would like to address the topic of business hours which I understand is a central concern. I fully respect the
need to preserve the peace and character of uh residential neighborhoods. At the same time limiting my hours to narrowly will directly impact my ability to operate s sustainably especially for working clients who rely
on evening availability. However, I am not here to be unre unreasonable. I am here to collaborate and requesting flexibility in scheduling while remaining respectful of the community. A reasonable and balanced
approach even suggested by community members will be to avoid late night hours such a no operation between 10 to 6:00 a.m. 10 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. This provides a clear boundary while still allowing me to serve clients
responsibly. At its core, this is about balance and fairness. Balancing number one, the rights of a resident to responsibly operate a small business and number two with the goal of maintaining neighborhood integrity and ensuring that decisions are applied
consistently and proportionally. I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for a fair opportunity. The same opportunity that has been extended to other to operate a low impact responsible business from my home.
Grammar is known for supporting small businesses, families and individuals working to build something meaningful. I am one of those individuals. I am building something not just for myself but for my family and for this
community. I respectfully ask for your approval with reasonable, balanced conditions so I can contribute, grow, and be part of what makes this community strong. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and commitment for this community.
>> You I'm going to let you have that back and thanks for uh providing that as well. But all right, anyone else here for open form? Okay. And um I will say because this is
your project when we talk about it, there's you know there's opportunity for you to participate, right? Just so you know that if there's something when we when we get to that part. Yep. >> All right. And with that then I will um
we will close open forum and move on to the consent agenda. And with that, because we have a a little some other information today, I would
also like to just um it's been s Mike suggested that we plug in under old business the third street um information that you all had. So if if that's we'll make an amendment for
that and then we would go on to the ordinance that's on there. So do that first. That's okay. Um, and we went through Joel and I would also like to make sure that everyone has a chance under that consent agenda if if you wanted any
conversation about that grant for the GIS mapping or any questions, you know, to do that before otherwise it's just sitting under the that. So, if anyone would like to make a motion to approve the consent
agenda as amended, well, our agenda as amended and the consent agenda. >> I'll make that motion. >> All right. A second for that. >> I'll second it. >> Lot of options tonight. Um, all right.
Any further questions or comments about any of of mostly at this point about that um resilience grant that we've been awarded that helps with the GIS mapping and some also work around wastewater rate. >> I'm happy to talk more about it during
my report. If you'd prefer to wait until then to approve it, you could pull it off the consent agenda >> or are you >> or if you just want to approve it and then hear about it later. It's a good thing. We've talked about a couple times that that we were granted this. Um, but I just wanted to make sure everyone was
good or >> Okay. >> All right. And with that, um, looking for approval for our amended agenda and consent agenda. >> I'll make that motion. >> Okay. Well,
>> I think I already did that. Let's just vote. >> I approve it. We're >> okay. >> Vote. >> I >> I >> I >> I All right, we're good to go on that. And then you can we can spend some time with that a little bit later if we need to. All right. Very good. And with that,
we'll move on to new business, which is planning commission report resolution 2026 02 Mendes home occupation CUP. That's page 32. Um, we don't have Michael Gary this
evening to take care of that. Um, >> I'm happy to report on the meeting. >> I was going to say, you like to >> go over that. >> The planning commission held a public hearing last Wednesday to consider this application. We did receive some public comment at
that meeting. I think you heard from one of the two people that was at the meeting again tonight. the other person that was at the meeting last week was in favor of the request. You can see the issues that were discussed. Uh these are, I would say, pretty typical things that come up
during conditional use permits for homebased businesses. We do them every once in a while and uh it's pretty common that we hear about parking and hours of operation and other things like that. Um I don't think I need to go into any details about the request itself
unless you'd like me to. Okay. Uh I just do want to comment on the the conditions quickly since those are going to be uh at question. >> The >> I do have one quick question. >> Okay. >> In the first summary, so I guess that's
the second paragraph, the public hearing thing. >> I just caught this. I missed it. The the last sentence. >> I'll let you get there first. >> The condition of the property or the location of the property? >> No. the under public hearing the very
last sentence. >> Okay. Um yes, that was part of the conversation. So, this was information that >> was provided at the hearing by the applicant um that they only have capacity for one client at a time and their estimate was that they're going to have about three per day.
>> So, that's an estimate. Okay, that's the other one. All right. Thank you. There was some um conversation at the meeting by the board about how to handle this particularly
because there was mixed feedback both for and against. Um the commission did in the end recommend approval for this. So you're seeing a recommend to approve uh with the following findings which uh I won't read but if anybody wants to
look at them they're in the packet or available to to review. Uh it was a two to one vote to recommend approval. And the three conditions that were included as a part of that were one off- streetet parking space dedicated to clients,
hours of operation 9 to three, and only one client is permitted at a time. Um, I think that the parking was thoroughly discussed at the meeting and it was for sure something that's
come up at other conditional use permits that we require off streetet parking for a homebased business and for other types of businesses. Uh, the hours of operation though, my recollection is that that 3pm time was something that the applicant
may uh made a comment about during the hearing. So, I don't know if that was something that you meant to suggest or not, but that's my understanding where the source of that number came from. It wasn't something that the commission invented on their own.
>> And then one client at a time is something that the applicant suggested was their intention anyway. And so, it made sense to include that. >> Uh, did any of you have questions? either of you or comments yet.
>> So, parking there is off streetet parking available plus >> Yeah, >> they added one off street, one off street. No, no, they didn't add any on street parking. >> The parking on the street is public right now. It's allowed on both sides of
the street. Uh in addition on their property they have ample space for off streetet parking >> and they'll be dedicating one of those spaces to clients. >> Okay. >> Do you have any questions? >> No. All right.
>> So the resolution says 3 p.m. as closing time. Was that something that the owner suggested or is this something that the planning commission suggested? This 9 to3 the the 3pm for sure was
included by the planning commission as a condition but to my recollection it was originally mentioned by the applicant and I don't think there was any other reason for including it other than that. I have a couple questions if you wouldn't mind. Sure.
>> Um, ironically, the first thing I I was on I was a little out of town, so I caught up this week. And um, the first thing that caught my eye was exactly that, that if I looked and I wanted if I was a person that wanted your services, I'd probably
be working all day. >> Yeah. >> So, I wondered if that was really very realistic. And then my second wonder, which I don't know if I saw this outlined, is that's time of day, but is there anything about days of the week in this? I'm not seeing that.
>> There's none in there. >> Okay. Um on that and this is really beside the point and you don't really have to answer this, but you know, when you're starting a business, >> you need a lot of help and coaching and thinking things through. And I just
wondered, do you have some business some of our business resources helping you work through on some of this and it's you don't have to answer that. Uh, no. >> Um, because that would have been one of the first things I would have said is, you know, going to three o'clock
probably. >> No, it's not. I just said that because if I put to account like um three clients, each of them will take me 3 hours and for example, I start at 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. I'll probably be done by 3, five. If I do three right away, you
know, like one and then the other go and leaves and then I get the other one. Um um honestly is it is really hard especially having twins and my wife works a lot so I have to rely also on her days off for me to be able to
schedule people because I'm not going to leave my child alone and daycare is really expensive. So I would love to have a way that I'm more available for you know the people that wants to book for me. It doesn't mean that I have
longer if I have longer uh operating hours, I will be there working all day. I just want to be available for them. If they okay, they don't they cannot do it at 8:00 a.m. They cannot do it at, you know, at noon, they cannot at 3, but
maybe they can at 600 after work or at 5, you know, I want to be able to say like, "Yes, I can make an appointment for you." >> Okay. Thank you. Um, all right. >> There's Sorry to uh interrupt, but
>> also the same day of the hearing, I wanted to hear the real, you know, what people think about this, especially around I mean on the Second Avenue West. And I took the work with my wife
Kerandandy to walk uh starting from the public library library. We walk literally home by home knocking doors and asking them and showing them with a flyer what is our
business about. I forgot to bring that but I had I collected multiple signatures that they do agree they do want this here and they they need it. >> All right. >> Yeah. I will say 80% of the people were
agreeing and the other one they were sleeping at the moment so or not at home. So >> all right thank you. Um, >> yeah. >> Have you thought about
signage? >> I >> and what we'd have to, you know, what's applicable in a residential area to advertise a business. Um, that may be an issue or may not be
an issue for you. >> Yeah. Um, in my case, I I I mean, if I have the option to not put any anything that will make people know that I have that business there because I wanted to keep it as private as possible
and I don't want people knocking on my door, you know, >> if it's possible to not do anything, I will not do it. If it's required, I will do something dis disc I don't know how to say that word. Discreet.
>> It's okay. I get it. You were clear. >> A lot of your clients will be booked through internet or whatever. Give them the address. They can find it. >> Yeah. >> We have We probably have ordinances against signage. >> The signage that's allowed in the
residential zone is pretty limited. >> Yes. >> But there's no requirement for you to have a sign if you don't. >> Good. >> No, I'm not saying it's a requirement. I'm just saying some of you might want to put a sign out there only to find out that >> it might be a little hard to do. Yeah. Okay. >> I wanted to give private like as private
as possible. >> Okay. >> Any comments or >> the only question I have is >> hours of operation. you you know obviously you want to change that. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. So then we'd have to consider what >> you know >> I I will be first to say that like I said I looked at that and went oh that's not going to work. >> Yeah. It's not >> it's not practical. At least that was my my viewpoint. >> Yeah. Um, and uh, if no one's told you
you have had neighbors doing tax prep, selling insurance, all sorts of things in your neighborhood, uh, homebased businesses are not unusual here. Uh, especially ones that don't require, you know, a whole c we do not
care to have in residential areas a large group of people coming for a business all at one time. >> Yeah. Um but there's lots of small quiet businesses going on. >> Yeah. >> Um as well. So if if if
this were to go, I would suggest that a different time piece. Now, I don't know if there's any concern about seven days a week or whatever that way because it didn't apparently come into conversation. And I don't know if any of you have any
thoughts about that, but that those would be the only two things I'd want to make sure for me personally that we were clear about. Um there's no mention of that. So, >> I can't add that. >> Are you you plan are you a seven day a
week? um as you know I want to be available you know as summer winter here is kind of like sometimes it's slow sometimes is you know it always change >> not everyone I mean let's say for summer is really busy there's people that
probably is going to have one day a week that who knows what day is going to be and then winter again it's different it gets slower people have more time to spend doing their thing so it's I I just
try I'm right now seven days but it doesn't mean that I will work the seven days >> the flexibility >> yeah I just want to be flexible for them >> right >> uh well it's that's two items so um does
seven days a week seem okay to I mean is there any reason to not make it that all right um and then hours of operation I did hear a suggestion of of rather
than when as when not. So the you know there's a certain stop point and there's a certain start point. Mhm. >> I might my first suggestion to that would be 900 p.m. to 7 a.m. But I don't know.
>> We have a lively crowd here. >> You're talking which is 7 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. >> Flip that like a not not operational from 900 p.m. Yeah. Okay. >> Which I did hear that in conversation earlier, but it was different. They gave
different times. >> So that was that was just my thought. I don't know if it matters much, but anyways, unless it Yeah, say it backwards. But I would definitely want to get these hours
and days, you know, adjusted for this um to make it more reasonable. Anyways, something different. I I agree with the 7 a.m.
>> There's no way I'm gonna wake up at 6:00 am. Um, but the 10 p.m. it doesn't mean I that I'm going to take a client at 10 p.m. You know, >> that would mean you would have to be done by 10 a.m. >> will have to be done by then. So,
>> can I suggest 7 to 10 just in case? just because I heard people requesting that. >> Uh just in case. I don't know. >> It's Yeah. I mean, my job is quiet, literally.
>> So, so you mean 1000 p.m. till 7:00 a.m. >> to 7:00 a.m.? >> No. >> 7 a.m. to 1000 p.m. is Everybody else wants to talk about it the other way. >> Yeah, I know. Well, they they said it that way, so I thought I'd operation is
7 a.m. to 10. So, you don't want to do 10? Yeah. Okay. Well, 7 >> 7 a.m. instead of 900 a.m. >> Okay. >> Oops. Well, I Whatever. >> We were close enough. We were sort of confused, but I think we're okay.
>> Yeah. 7 Yeah. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. will be >> All right. Uh, would anyone like to make a motion for this with those changes? That's the only change we're making is a
time thing. >> As far as I know, >> unless you have something else, >> one client at a time. >> Parking remains. >> Okay. >> I already order a sign and everything just in case.
>> But on my let's say like um designated parking for a client that's going to be for a client only. on the driveway. So, >> I would like to because we it was not mentioned I though would like to add the fact that we so that no one wonders
later that we specifically said seven days a week. I just like to put that in there so there's no confusion at some point in the future >> um on that. So, with that said, anyone like to make a motion on this? >> I'll make a motion that we
Add item four, which would address the number of days per week at seven. And that we change the hours of operation to 7
a.m. to 10 p.m. Unless we have discussion about if there's a discussion with the hours of operation because I haven't heard from exactly what you guys are saying, but
I think this is fine. If somebody wants to talk about the if it 10's too late, you want to make it nine. I understand, you know, >> I'm good. I >> So, when you get a client, how long does it take? >> Oh, like three hours. >> How many fingers they have? If they have 10 fingers, it takes longer.
>> It It take me It It take me three hours only for hands. >> Okay. only for the basic stuff. >> Okay. So, >> so it can go one client, it can take me six hours easily >> depending of what they want. So, that's why I say it doesn't mean that I'm going
to have three, four clients a day. >> It just depends on what they want. >> Yeah. And this isn't like a restaurant when you walk in at 9:55 and hope somebody still wants to serve you a decent meal. So, you will actually be done at 10, right? I mean, just make
sure there's no confusion there. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you. Um, would anyone like to make a second on that? >> You can make a second. >> Thank you. I'm going to make a second on this. >> Okay. And that motion is to approve this resolution with those changes you described.
>> Yes, with the changes described. >> Okay. >> All right. Any further discussion? All right. Um all uh in support of resolution 20262 as amended.
>> I >> I thank you so much. >> Thank you. Oh my gosh. And good luck. >> Thank you. >> Mhm. Where do we get
>> Oh, >> I totally screwed that up, didn't I? >> Totally. >> No, I thought you were very clear. >> Just different than everybody else. >> No, we were supposed to do Third Street first. >> No, not not before the crew. Oh, I'm
sorry. I was looking in the wrong line on my list. >> Probably need about a 30 second break now anyway. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Good night. Nice to meet you. >> Now we just have to get Rich Busy and go help him up the street.
>> We need to get Rich Busy to come up and help him up the street. Get that yard cleaned up. >> I can't hear you. >> Yeah, I tell you. >> Get rich going. >> Get rich. my neighbor. >> Come join us, John.
>> Yes. Sorry, John. If for a second I almost thought I screwed up and went out of order. You know, our new order and then No, we're okay. >> So, >> you're going to stand. >> Do you want stretch out >> stand though? So, we get you on a mic here. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. Okay.
>> I can sit a little. >> No, I get that. If you sit down, you might not get back up, right? All right. And you're going to pull up the materials, Mike. >> Was that it? Like you did first. Okay.
>> This is emailed out to everybody. So, it'll be a lot easier for you to look at looked at it >> in your email if you want to get into the details of it. What we have is a section from the plans for the third street project that identifies spatially
which improvements are being funded by the developer, which improvements are being funded by the city. Oh, look, he's got paper for you. That's perfect. >> Oh, thank you. >> Which I think is a really helpful way to understand what's going on. For those that are watching at home,
they can see this on the screen. So to remind folks, this is the improvement of Third Street between 6th Avenue West and 8th Avenue West by the installation of water and sewer maintenance between 6th and 7th Avenue
West and the widening, straightening, and adding curb to half of the road for the remainder of it. And although the maps are very informative, the more important thing to share is the
results of the bid. Now you said that the curb cuts for the private land, other people's private land can be adjusted as the project moves along. >> Oh, yeah. >> Because I haven't been able to contact.
Um, >> I've been in touch with Dawkins with the plans. >> How long ago did you talk to Steve? >> Uh, well, I heard from today. >> Oh, you did? Okay. >> That That's where that's at is >> Okay. >> That >> I was just >> Someone will need to be there to field
verify. >> Yeah. I think there's we still owe him some scheduling details about when that's going to have to happen, >> right? >> Uh but he's seen the plans. He suggested some changes to where the uh driveways should be and those were made by the
engineers before the bids were >> were let. So >> the results of the bids um KTM is the low bidder. We did receive four
>> for a total cost of is 231,947 their number. Is that what I'm seeing on your spreadsheet? >> Their total bid for the whole project was 428,900. >> 428900. Yeah. I'm sorry. I'm looking at
our price only. >> That's Yes. So 428,900 >> total cost >> and 231,947 of that are costs that the city would be responsible for. That includes I'll say approximately $25,000
for private utility connections to the south side of the street that we'll only do if that property owner wants us to. So now they've seen the the prices. they understand that uh they've got some time
before they need to get back to us and say whether they're going to do those improvements or not. And so that's where they're at. And if they did decide not to, we won't make the improvements and we won't have to pay for them. So, it's just over $200,000 in the rest of the improvements that the city's going to
make in terms of a little bit of additional utilities to take Peter's improvements and bring them all the way to 7th Avenue and then to do the road widening, straightening, adding curb on the south side. >> Um, I had to pull this up because I
can't see that. >> Let me see if I can zoom in a lot more. >> Well, that's okay. Is the yellow what you were saying is the the private >> Yeah. >> changes. >> Okay. Yeah. >> And those are um the easily identifiable
parts for the private service lines. >> So we'll just take that top one for instance. The 9,600 is approximately 115 linear feet of inch and a quarter low pressure sanitary service.8 pay $84.16
a foot. That's for the complete installation of that and the work that goes um above it as well, but it doesn't pay for mobilization or removals or some of the other things that are not that
are aggregated at the top of the list rather than split out by each line item. And so we would take a small portion of those costs and add them to this. And so this is maybe closer to 22 when you add those numbers up and I say about 25 is what the price would be then for the
service lines >> to do the work on the south side. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So then we can take that out and know what our costs are. That's all. You'd mentioned that earlier, but I just wanted to >> Yep. Make sure I was looking at the right thing. Thank you. >> And and these came in potentially lower
than >> somewhat. This is Yeah. if we're at even if we're at 210 um and with some additional expenses that um I don't believe we're going to run into, but you never know when you're doing a construction project that we we
said 240 in the notice to for improvements. So, we've got a little bit of room here uh inside of what we were planning on spending on the improvements, which is good news. And I believe that's true of the developers costs as well.
So, we were excited to see four biders and multiple competitive prices. Yeah, that's important to have multiple feel good about it. >> So, we've got 30 days from last Friday
to accept award the bid or or not award the bid. Um, since this came together so quickly and if you'd prefer to spend a little more time with it before moving forward, we'll come back, put this on the agenda in two weeks, give you a chance to
review the materials and come up with any questions you might have. Uh, if you don't have any and you're ready to move forward right now, you you could certainly do that as well. >> Thoughts? Would you like to take action this evening or would you like >> Well, I just got a couple questions on
your clear and grubbing within the construction. >> You're looking at the plans, >> huh? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I'm looking about the the center of the project. Why does that
dotted line all of a sudden rotate and go south, make a big loop, and go back up? Is that taking care of that little hill that's in there? You know what I'm saying? >> Which um >> I think it would be clear and grow trees within construction limits. It seems to
be a lot further away from the road than other >> It's probably because the ground falls off more. So we got to catch back up to the ground. So it means we got to come out further. >> We got to come out more because there's some drops in there and there's also >> a hill in there actually. >> Yeah.
>> And that one's spoken. I was just concerned about that. I mean, I Steve would probably be more concerned about that because it's >> Oh, that I'm You're talking about right below where it says Third Street that >> Yeah, >> that's um the service >> utility service.
>> The utility service goes through there. If you go to the next page, you'll see Oh, I see it. So both of those to his property where there's a finger sticking down. That's services coming in.
>> Oh, that's where the proposed service would go. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> All right. >> We got a clear >> and that's where that's where it would dead end then. >> Yeah. Yep. Yeah. It'll be a curb stop right on his line or right on the property line. >> Okay. So if he's going to hook in, that's where it'd be. Yeah. And you've
talked to Steve about that location. >> He's seen this map. >> Okay. All right. That was my question. >> Okay. >> Questions, Bill? >> Well, I would think we should wait until Ben and Mike can be part of the
conversation. >> Okay. >> Yeah, they might have some questions maybe. >> All right. Because we can do that within a reasonable time. It's not a problem. We still have time. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> Just wanted you to see it when it's still hot off the presses. >> Yep. >> Yep. That's fine then. Let's do that.
Long as we meet all of our timelines, you know, on this. So, that will mean um the decision will the decision time will be our next meeting this month. >> Yep. Two weeks from today. >> Okay.
All right. And then May is when we start the new meeting schedule. >> Yeah, we'll talk about that, too. >> All right. Just double checking. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I don't Yeah, that's fine. As long
as we're keeping everything on schedule because they should be here and we don't know why they're not here. So, >> Well, Michael did have a previous appointment. >> Oh, okay. So, you did know. Yeah, I just it slipped my mind because uh >> the planning commission was top of mind
and he was at that meeting. >> Got it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right then. Um this is great. Thanks for the paper. >> Yeah. >> I don't normally say that, but this does help see something a little bit better. So, >> yeah. Thanks for the
>> maps. Yeah. >> So, this is good. All right. Well, then we'll plan on making sure that we're all here and we'll look at this with decision making hats at the next meeting then. I'm glad all that stuff came in as soon
as it did for everyone to look at. All right. So, with that, we'll move on to administrator report. >> Now, we have to do the ordinance. >> Oh, she's sorry. >> That's okay. >> All right. Yeah, let's go back to that
ordinance one Craig just asked about. >> Yep. So, this will change your regular meeting days from the second and last to the first and third Wednesday of each month. It'll take effect upon passage and publication.
Uh in this case, uh we'll publish it. It won't be published before the third Wednesday of April. And so we'll schedule a special meeting for the 22nd. You've already scheduled that which is the fourth Wednesday of April. There's five Wednesdays in April. And so you're
this schedule will start in May. So the first meeting in May is I could just find my calendar. Somebody else has a handy calendar. I hope May So that's May 6th.
>> May 6th. >> Yes. And then May 20th will be the next meeting in May >> because we're doing first and third. >> First and third. First and third. Okay. >> So we've got uh invitations sent out. I'm not sure if I've got all of them sent out yet, but we will have the
calendar invitations sent out to everybody for the new schedule for those meetings. >> Okay. All right. So this is the second reading of this ordinance 20263 to change
the dates of the regular scheduled meetings of the council and they will be on the first Wednesday and the third Wednesday of each month going forward starting in May. Uh, would anyone like to make a motion
for this? >> I'll make a motion. >> All right. Second. >> I will. >> Okay. Um, all in favor of ordinance 2026-03. >> I >> I >> I All right. Thank you, Mike.
>> Great. Thank you. >> Okay. Now, >> right. So, why did we change the schedule? Um, thank you for changing the schedule. Today is also the monthly meeting day for Southern Minnesota Municipal Power Association. Shane and I attended their monthly business meeting
this morning. Uh most people were in Wells. We were here in the office, which is nice. Uh was it would have been a tough one to get from Wells back here in time. In the wintertime in particular, it's dicey if there's any weather. So,
this frees us up to attend meetings when in person when it's uh when we're able to without having to concern ourselves with getting in the way of council business. So, it's a great change. Some items on the agenda today were a discussion about some potential rate
changes for economic development purposes and a lot of work on what they're calling the steel energy station. That's Steel County and it's a new uh gas turbine power plant that SPA
is looking to develop uh which is an important part of our transition away from the coal fired Shero plant that will be closing in 2030. And then also the annual audit was reviewed by the auditors and we looked
at that information. They they run a good organization. They've got quality staff. they uh give a lot of detail when they're giving presentations. It's very helpful for us to be able to participate in that uh and
also to to learn about what we can do better at our meetings. So, I appreciate that. Coming up next week, everybody's aware, I'm sure Tracy's going to hand something out for you later, but just so you are recalling, we've got two meetings in the
evening in this very room. The first of which is an open house on Monday the 13th where we will have some details about the work that we've been doing with Stantech on the harbor side of Boulder Park, the
erosion control uh concepts that they've come up with. Uh I won't go into the details of what those are or the history of that project, but just know that if you're curious, we'll have some information for you. We'd love to see you come to that meeting. >> I got that. I got this.
>> Okay. >> And then Thursday, uh, we have the Minnesota Shipo folks coming to do an open house with us about their archaeological project. It seems like it's been a while since we've heard about this in the community. Uh, but
this is kind of an exciting step for me that they're holding thisformational session. We're hoping that members of the community hear about it and if they have anything uh interesting to come and share. This is really a session for the
archaeologists, the folks that are working on this project to learn more about the community to help them understand where they should be looking, what what they can uh hone in on, where to spend their time and do their work. So, if you've got something interesting to bring, uh there's going to be some
experts here that would love to look at it with you and and try to learn more about it. Maybe we could all learn something together. Be a lot of fun, even if it's a Thursday. >> Yeah, both of these open houses are important. Um, of course, the Boulder
Park project is just a beginning stepping stone. We start to look about the Coast Guard and the parking lot and that in that bigger project, but it helps us identify some issues, think of some possibilities, and of course, we also include soil and water. I mean as
soon as this comes up then we get people like soil and water identifying more issues and things we need to think about and um also we can get some initial you know reflections and reactions from the community by doing this just to because all these things are slow
processes and we're learning as we go and the shipo piece is super exciting as Mike just said and we've already got with Alyssa's help we're really doing a great job of you know getting out to everyone and all our media and the community at large and I'm already
getting emails back because people are super excited about this either tell their stories whatever and this really as Mike said informs these archa part of what the archaeologists are going to use to inform when they come back this summer where they're going to start
really looking for for information. They have some modeling they do too, computer modeling that they're putting together. And they they were here last year, but it's a twohour piece, but it's the only reason it's two hours is to give the public time to come and present to them.
They don't have, you know, they said maybe half an hour, 40 minutes of time. The rest they really want the community come and talk to them. So, we're working on all that. And yeah, >> couple more items. On Monday, I participated in a work group that was
put together by the county highway department that's uh part of an effort called safe streets for all. It's a mindot effort uh related to if you remember the toward zero deaths campaigns. It's it's an analysis of
county roads and uh serious accidents that have occurred and try to figure out if there are areas that need to be improved and what those improvements might look like. This is our first meeting of this group. Um lots more to
come on that. Appreciate the county asking us to be involved and hopefully we can help with that effort. Last week, uh, we met with, uh, myself, Lenny, and Matt from the city, and then
two members of the highway department met with Joel St. John's construction, uh, leads to start talking about the logistics of their project. Is it going to be a two-year construction uh, timeline is what
they're talking about. So, it's pretty complicated stuff and a lot of moving parts. This again was just a very preliminary meeting. So, we don't have a lot of details that we can share with folks yet, but our hope is that by the
time uh we're done with this conversation, there'll be a nice detailed construction schedule that uh any impacts they're going to have on public spaces in the neighborhood that they'll be ready to come and ask you for permission to do that. uh there there
will definitely be a need to uh impact for sure the sidewalks and parking lanes that are adjacent to their construction site and uh potentially more than that for some periods of time. So stay tuned.
We'll be working with them uh trying to make sure that they get uh opportunity to do a good quality project and get all the access that they need but also try to ensure that as much thought is put into uh minimizing impacts on the
neighborhood as possible and hopefully we'll get a chance to include the neighborhood in that conversation in the near future. be definitely to make sure that the business community is well into this and that the council is all along the time as this gets developed because
the comments and questions will come to the council first. People have concerns, they'll be checking with us right away. Yeah. And if we're not informed on status, we'll either misspeak or whatever. But the downtown business
group needs to have full awareness as it moves along. Yeah. So, you've heard their intention is to break ground in June. I think that there are still some pieces they need to get in place before they know for sure that's going to happen, but we'll we'll work with them.
That means that information about the schedule and the activities are going to occur should be coming pretty quickly. Can you just give a little bullet point of the next, you know, we've been through a few different developments now
the last couple years, but can you just give us a quick little bullet point of the steps that will need to be taken until they're ready, you know, before groundbreaking >> can even start? This one is in some ways quite a bit simpler than some of the other developments that you've been
involved in because they're not making any public improvements at the same time. So if uh for instance to close the sidewalk or the street, they'll need to come and get a permit from you to do that. Uh so that's on the list of things
they'll have to do. Uh but just to get permission to move forward, they'll need to acquire a land use permit, which is an administrative step at this point. uh as long as their building meets our zoning requirements, then they there's no more need for public meetings or coming to the council to talk about it.
So, I'll certainly keep you informed about that process. Uh they haven't made their application for a land use permit yet. Are there any questions that we need to address as far as um things buried in the ground on that
site that may be the city may have to move or alter or change prior to y any digging or anything like that? >> Well, things that uh we know are in the way of the proposed building. For instance, we have electric services
serving two other properties on the west side of the block. >> Yeah. that are crossing that private piece of property right now. Okay. >> Uh that'll need to be relocated. We also have some transformers and other gear that we're using to serve those
customers that's on the space where the building is proposed to be located. Uh and there's transformer on the other side in the parking area where that's going to be improved as well. So there's actually quite a bit of relocations >> with the setback requirements downtown
which are what 2 ft. >> No setback requirements. >> Okay. So then do we have places to put those things? There's an alley of course but >> no the the alley won't serve to get to
the buildings. Um I I'd be happy to show uh we don't have any drawings of this right now because we don't have >> we need to be prepared for that because um for us to go ahead and do all that work prior to like June 1st.
>> And we don't have to do all that work prior to June 1st, although we'd be happy to try. Um >> well, they're going to have to start digging footings and that kind of stuff. So, >> I don't know how much that will be um in the way right away. >> But before we do that, we want to make sure we're not doing it
unnecessarily. We want to make sure that everything is going to move ahead. >> Exactly. So, we've been having this conversation with them for actually I'd say a number of years now. >> Yeah. >> Certainly before the city hall project started, for instance. >> And so, we do have some pre-planning
about where we intended to put all the equipment, how we're going to serve all the the existing businesses that are there. >> Um, >> we're not going to move anything without the final plans for the building so that we can answer that question like you're saying and know exactly where things need to go. We're only going to move it
once and then uh we're also going to require some money from the developer to pay for those relocations. >> Okay. >> And so that once we get a land use permit application, then we'll be able to finalize those plans, the give them
the relocation estimate, get a cost payment up front, and then we'll do our work, which is to get our stuff out of their way. um the the land use permit um we won't approve it until we know that all those
utility issues are dealt with. We won't approve it until we have a plan from them about the public spaces that they intend to use that's been approved by the city council. But beyond that, there isn't really any other issues um on the land use permit side. We've seen the
idea of what the building's going to look like and and they know what the zoning requirements are and so I'm anticipating that it'll take some review but that uh everything in there will be approvable and we'll be able to move forward on that. >> Yeah. >> So, next thing you're going to see at
the city council meeting is a application for use of the street and sidewalk and not sure when that's going to come in front of you. Yeah, I guess I would be concerned about the street and concerned about how a
two-year project impacts neighboring businesses. >> Yeah, >> that's a pretty important question. >> It is. >> How it's going to be where you're going to house certain materials and certain things. >> Yeah. And they have I mean they have
enough space I think because they have the parking lot here that they don't need to encroach on public spaces to okay for lay down yard. >> They do intend to build a crane and so where that's going to go is still of an issue. >> Um but like I said we know for sure
they'll be impacting the sidewalk and parking lanes. And really that's exactly what we did here for this building too. So, if you remember what happened here where we set up jersey barriers at the parking lane and everything behind that was construction area, it'll be very similar. >> Well, it was nice here because we had
extra space behind us. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I'm not sure how much extra space >> is >> on that site is none. >> On that site, there's none. >> Yeah. >> But yeah, >> but they have this lotion we're going to have to have. >> So, when we get a land use permit
application, like I said, I'll share that with you. That won't be anything that needs to come to a city council meeting, but I'll be happy to share it so that you'll be able to see what they're applying for and be able to answer any questions that you might get from that. Uh that's exciting. And boy, um for an
April, there's sure an awful lot of stuff going on right now. Uh which is why uh we haven't been able to get back to animal advocates yet with the information that they're hoping to hear. That is something that I hope to do in the next couple of weeks. So, I'm not
sure what their next meeting scheduled is, but I'll plan on attending if possible. Um, and give them everything that we've got. Uh, we've have a few contractors that are out right now um that we've asked for prices on getting
the foundations set for us so that we can get the buildings permanently set. And once that's done, then we'll be able to hand it off to the animal advocates for the interior improvements. That's it for me.
>> Wow. All right. Thank you. Uh, Bill, >> I have nothing. >> Holy smokes. Okay. >> Safe routes cancelled. >> Yeah, I saw that. >> I haven't heard anything from
Arrowhead Animal Rescue out of step. >> Yeah. >> Again. >> So, you guys will be in step. >> Oh, yeah. that that is their burning question and that is >> Mhm. >> what they want to know. >> So you guys will have that coming up. All right. Craig.
>> Yep. At a parkboard meeting yesterday, actually. Um, as far as a golf report goes, we were hoping to get our hands on some used carts from a course that Paul knew
about, but they ended up selling them all to their members. So, we didn't get a chance to get the used ones, but we are moving ahead with purchasing because we did budget or we did with the um,
what am I trying to think? ma not maintenance but capital improvement. We do have money for uh three new carts which I think will be a nice addition to the to the course. I mean everybody likes you know we need to
circle in some new carts cuz we do have some old ones up there and it'll be a plus investment in the golf course for usage. So that's what's happening with the golf carts. Um, the other item on the list,
we did talk about the Superior Cycling Association that was looking at placing the pump track in the wreck park. They have withdrawn the request to do that and they're going to keep it in the area that they currently have been using
um knowing that, you know, it's going to have to be taken down and stored. that that was the I guess the the result of that topic. Um
we did talk about the Arrowhead AED that wanted to locate in Harbor Park. Um, I think that it was communicated to us that um the private business
location near the harbor or beach near the harbor or the beach would be suggested. Not not necessar not necessarily having to be on a a pedestal, but maybe applied to a building um which would make it an
outside um availability at any time instead of having them like we have around town now that are all inside indoor more accessible. That was a >> topic we talked about. The marina docks
looked uh were looked at by our insurance company due to that big storm we had below the ice in the marina. We did do we did have some destruction to some poles. They're going to be pulled out to see how many are bent and which ones we need to replace.
But um so we haven't got a final cost on that, but we do have a $20,000 deductible on our insurance. And we may obviously reach that simply because we have to get a big crane in
here to pull those poles and in out because nobody locally has a big enough crane to reach that far out. We did talk to a couple local guys. They can't do it. Um,
let's see. >> Is that kind of like when Portage had to bring that crane in for their new marina? >> They probably did. I don't know. >> They They did. They brought it up on water. I'm assuming because they couldn't get it through the tunnels and they literally brought it up here on the
beach, reloaded it, drove it. >> Yeah. On a barge. On a barge. Yeah. This would be a truck. >> We'll do it from land. Yeah. >> Yeah. supposed to be a land crane. It's the same crane that puts the horse in the water, right? >> I don't know if we know which crane it's going to be yet.
>> Well, what I'm thinking is they got to put that boat that boat's not in the water now, is it? >> No, it's it's sitting on the >> Maybe might be an opportunity to work with when that happened. Unless we need it sooner. I don't know. But I just thought, who knows if they're going to
use it for that, you know, might be an option to check out. Um, what was the other item? The other item, um, Sound Garden in the Harbor Park. James James Efest is his name. He's an artist
who created Sound Garden in Harvard Park. He visited and shared his latest project, which is kind of really cool. It's a virtual format um that there's speakers set up in the park and
you'll have a QR code you can scan. put your ear buds in and there'll be a little narration or talk about a topic. That would be might be a topic about
I don't know what you know anything that has to do with the harbor or the park and also music things like that. So as you move around Harbor Park you can download these things and listen to them which is kind of a neat concept.
Um that was on the item. The other uh permits we approved is the Harbor Boat Walk by the North House that they did last year.
um the wooden boat festival summer solos and we approved a permit for the Cook County Pride March in um June 13th. And the other item was and this is coming up
and Mike already mentioned it was open house on April 13th to discuss new strategies for erosion control in our harbor. So, that's something that if you want to go to that meeting, that would be kind of a neat thing to
it's actually it's going to be right here, right here in this room. >> And they're going to have >> um different ways, maybe three different ways of how it could look and how it correlates with Bulge Park,
>> right? >> So, >> yeah, >> that might be a good thing to come and look at >> for the public also. >> Yeah, >> very much so. for the public. >> April 13th at 5:00 p.m. >> for that. >> Great.
>> That's everything I have. >> Okay. Um Mike, uh yet yesterday, the day is getting away from me. What was that Monday that we met the
ARDC is beginning their um I suppose three to fiveyear plan on their priorities where they should be focusing and how they can help our northeast region and our communities. So this was their um planning session here for Cook
County. They'll also be having a separate one for Graham Portage. But um we were invited in to help them set priorities and first they they had stats and and demographics and whatnot around
our community. They wanted us to help identify some of the more pressing issues and things we would want to be focused on. And it was a very interesting conversation. I think we probably went a little a miss of what they had hoped for. We got a little bit
more in the weeds, but that's all good, too. We had a a nice mix of of people with gave us a little bit different elements of interest to that. Housing of course rose to number one, but it was identified that, you know, we are we
have we are making steps. You we have an HA now. We've we've put in some apartments. We've got some other concepts coming, maybe some assisted living, whatever. So, the thought was, well, maybe we we haven't solved it, but we've got a plan. So then the other thing that came up when we talked about
issues was economic diversity and the need to do that with within our community. So we started to kind of talk a little bit about that as a focus um that would be helpful for them around that. Um but it's really to help shape
their three to five year plan of how they help our our our communities here in the northeast region. So what did you think Mike? >> I thought they had a tiger by the tail in that room. That's what I thought. >> They invited a lot of people that had some ideas.
>> Yep, they did. So, it was interesting. >> And it worked out great. >> Yeah, I think I think it went well. And then today, Mike and I were down at North House Folk School because they're examining their sustainability
um and what that means for them as an organization and how that integrates with our larger community. And that was also a very interesting conversation. Um, and what I took away from that
personally was that it's a shame that CCIP went away and it has it's been absorbed of course by higher ed and it's not like it's not totally happening, but all the different things people talked about, I felt like we needed once again one central group that could kind of
make all those parts move forward. And it was also, as it turns out, we talked about what efforts have different organizations like the county and whatever um done in this. And it was nice to be able to say that the efforts like we have a plan. We have Shane in
place to do a lot of that. you know, this erosion piece we're talking about the um our Boulder Park O open house next week is clearly that our work on East Bay um and other pieces we've done our
our um urban tree plan, urban forest plan are all items we and others we've done as well. Um, so I don't know where that lands for North House, but that was my biggest takeaway that um, there's still a lot of interest in things that
we could do in our larger community. Um, and I walked away thinking no one really knew who would take next steps and what would really be North House's role. There were a lot of good suggestions. You had some really good ones, Mike. And so I don't know what were your thoughts.
appreciate that North House wants to have that conversation with uh partners in the community. I hope that they feel like it was worthwhile and that they got some good information out of it. I'm interested to see where they go with it. >> Yeah. Don't really know. Um so yeah,
that takes care of that and you guys both we covered our open houses so we're good to go. And thank you everyone. This doesn't turn out to be Yeah. a busy meeting. Lot of stuff to do. So, um,
we got one more April 22nd, right? >> Yep. Two weeks from today. >> Right back in here. >> Gavin, thank you. >> Thanks everyone. >> Yep. Good night. >> Good night. >> April 22nd. Okay.
There's a meaning. >> Yeah. Google also don't rely on that