Yes, that's Mhm. their scope on what might or might not be what you know obviously public input's going to steer this thing >> majorly.
>> Yes. >> Either to be done or not to be done. We've already done >> we've already had public input twice on this. So that's what I'm concerned about. Um, >> so are you thinking like we already have
enough input or >> Well, I mean I'm just trying >> to ask for all kinds of input, but I mean you already kind of tested the water in 2018, I think. >> Okay. >> And last year >> a little >> regarding survey.
>> Survey. >> Yeah. >> What were the pitfalls in 2018? Why did it uh stop? Um, I guess I would say like we never were able. Well, I mean, when we took
our master plan from 2018 to Greater Minnesota, they sent it back with a bunch of feedback saying we're falling short in these areas like maintenance and operation, joint powers agreement, all these things that needed to be done before they would be willing to sign on
with kind of like the regional designation. Um >> so I think that's what you know again we just need to clarify with kind of you know more of a stringent process to kind of flesh out
who's going to be responsible what do we want to do you know and then again I think from some of our public engagement recently you know we have seen kind of some concern about the level of development how much do we want to have
there in terms of like RV park, how many trails do we want to have? You know, who's going to be responsible for maintaining them? How much can they maintain? Those are all things that we just need to clarify. So, >> and and so that's part of what you first
said is what leads us to pages. Well, once again, this is what's in our packet, but 16 and 17 with the three columns, right? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. that that would get your plan up to SNOP for the regional parks to apply
for regional parks designation. >> Yes. Right. That's kind of the intent is to I mean, you know, HKGI demonstrated, you know, with the rec park that they have the ability to do this, you know, and so I think the county board saw that
they saw that we need to have, you know, this joint agreement in place. um you know, and with the familiarity they have with the area, the famil familiarity they have with greater Minnesota, um we're hoping that we can kind of bridge
the gap between, you know, the two government entities and work towards something that we can all agree on. Mhm. >> And too, if you look in the work plan, it kind of highlights chronologically
kind of what the general idea would be. However, that is still open to tweaking if we need to add or remove components of that process.
um with kind of the general outline of, you know, how long it might take. Um obviously they have the dates when we sent out to them in August for a a proposal, you know, those dates were relative to that time frame, but
>> Okay. >> Mitch, how much money was set aside by the county for this and how much have you guys spent already? Um, so at the beginning of 2025, the county board built into the budget $30,000.
Um, so that was kind of the motivating factor and us kind of wanting to get this process going. Um, through this whole process, which took, you know, I started that in August, we
didn't have a decision until December. um they highlighted that they did not want to use the general fund. They wanted to use a fund which is from Pilt money specific for recreation related
development. And so we haven't spent any money to answer your question and the idea being that to avoid spending taxpayer dollars on this project, we would be using payment in lie of tax
money specific to recreation. So that fund, I mean, according to Brady, is pretty liquid. I mean, I think we would have more than enough, you know, to cover at least a portion
of the contract. >> I agree. It does seem like a a logical use of that pill. Um, but if Graham were to contribute, we don't have built. Correct.
>> In the past, and not in the recent past, but in the past, Mike has said that the city has had that as sort of a a marker point of some dollars for this. Um, so that was already something in
consideration and has not been removed knowing that this was not entirely, you know, dead in the water. >> And I'm sorry, did you say how much it was? Do we know how much is >> the prior conversation? >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> All right. Um, >> well, I would say that, you know, I mean, HKGI did did a bangup job for for us, right? So, that's that's obvious. They did a good job. They they hit our targets. They hit our goals. You know, one of my concerns, you know,
with this, and I think I stated in the last time Mitch was here, was um, you know, it's it's it's really easy to put trails in, there's all kinds of money, right? But to maintain them and to get volunteers and rely on that same group
of volunteers over and over and it just doesn't happen well. I mean, we've got this county is littered with examples of poorly maintained trails and all with great intentions of putting them in, but
we don't do good on the back end. >> So, conversation super helpful. Money is even more helpful, but and also I, you know, I we're still new to this legacy fund idea, right? We got our first award
for the for the bath house. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> And I mean, are we are we just creating our own competition for those dollars locally? We have other ambitions for the rec park. >> We are not the only entity in Cook
County that benefits from legacy dollars. Lots of our nonprofits do because that's also arts. >> Okay. >> So, no, it's not a compet. It's not like some things where you're in competition. No. Um, and of course they are well replenished
thanks to their source. >> Yes, >> sadly as far as I'm concerned, but anyways, >> not big on gambling, but um so yeah, and I did note that in your text and I highlighted it that um because I I've
heard that from community members as well. It's great we get it started, but then what and that's an very legitimate point. Y >> that you have that sentence in there for construction, maintenance, operations, and programming
>> which are all very important. And I've was this fall to some biking parks over um by Aken and of course those are state ones I believe but they're very well done and they have ticketing and and
right there on site >> and you can get seasons passes too >> for your bike trails. I thought yeah there's ways to to get them >> yeah ways ways to do that. So, um,
I look at this as, you know, this is our backyard. And for as much as everyone looks at the lake every single day, the other thing they look at is this hillside. And the most feedback I've ever get is that, you know, people don't want to see lights up there. They don't want to see big
buildings. I instantly heard it when a beautiful house got put up there. Um and I I think we recognize that as you know part of part of icon, you know, the iconic part of our community and things
will change. We almost had some change a few years ago >> and a few years before that too. >> Yeah. And um I think it's important to be part of the change and help make it happen uh as well and have that voice. So this is to me is a chance to to have
a voice and that's why I asked you specifically are we just you know doing a few tweaking to this last plan or can people really come and you know bring ideas and a fresh look and if they can then I feel pretty good about that and
>> so much has changed. Not so much, but you know 2018 is a while ago. So >> yeah. >> Um >> yeah, >> you know, we had a pandemic in between. So you know, >> well and I, you know, I I I look and even a broader part of change of what
families like to do and this has been such a great thing for families. It's a lifetime sport. It's not super intrusive and it's just got tons of growing interest that I don't see changing. We're just adding mountain biking events
here and that have been very popular. And it's not like that's the only thing, but if that's part of what this provides and it local people and families, we just got the new uh kids bike, mountain bike club >> in place. >> That's great.
>> One of my neighbors just started that and apparently it's doing very well. So, um, you know, we had a beloved ski hill there and now maybe we can. That's my take on it. Yeah. And it's outdoors and it's healthy is what we're
looking at. So, I would rather be at the table than not. So, not literally. I mean, not >> No, we understand. >> Yeah. >> You're not committing. >> Yeah. Personally, I just
>> Yeah, I' I'd agree with that. like to be involved in uh in this in this plan. It's yeah definitely partly our >> land anyway >> and and that's sorry for that I always forget what I'm going to say. So one
thing I thought especially Craig you would be interested in because I know this is sort of like a proposal still >> but when you mention membership of two city council members and one member of the Grand Park board and in that case a
lot of times that's you already so do we would we need >> that? Well, when in on the proposal for what the steering committee would look like, >> it suggests two council members and a
member of the park board. Well, in this case, that's you already. >> So, we're covering one of those bases unless you want unless you want another city council member on it. >> Yeah, that's what I just wondered. Does that >> Well, how does that is that enough or do we want to you know, I don't know.
Thought that was an interesting point. I don't know if we need any more. I mean, it, you know, obviously if we're going to put together an agreement or put more interest at this level. I'm not
sure. I think Mike would be a person as a city council, we probably need to discuss what we're going to contribute if we're going to contribute dollars to this right up front right now. You know what I'm saying? So, and then what does that mean then moving
ahead and how does that affect how is it going to be um you know are we rolling the wreck park? I mean there's personnel we got to look
at. I mean developing and building this and doing things up there is one thing but then maintaining it and t taking it into the next 20 25 30 40 years is another thing. I mean that's something we all we all talk about that all the time. We always can get money to build a trail to do a snowmobile trail or to do
this or to do that but then pretty soon maintenance comes along and we don't see too many grants or monies available for maintaining the things that get built. Um, and that's something that it would be
nice to get done at a state level to maintain some of the things that they give money out to, you know, unless it's just a given that, hey, we give you this money now, you guys take care of it. And that's, you know, it boils down to there's no such
thing as free money is what I look at it. I mean, some point in time you got to throw some more money into it and maintain the recreational areas, but we also see a lot of use of the things that we have up here um
by outside visitors. And so sometimes maybe we can lean on the fact that maybe we would benefit from getting some extra money to maintain these things that we put in our county whether it's topy
loosen road or grand portage you know. >> Yeah. >> So I mean that's a whole another topic but it's something that I see in the future that we definitely could use to help out some of these organizations that are trying
to maintain the stuff that they have. Yeah, >> because of use and sometimes overuse. >> Has the county or your group talked about that yet or are you trying to flush that out in part of this? >> Is that part of this planning? >> Yeah, I mean there's definitely been a
lot of discussion about it. It is in our comprehensive trails plan to develop a parks and recreation department or parks and trails department, whatever you want to call it. um that's kind of subject to the winds of change and I don't know
what that's going to be like. Um but to address the question too a little bit more, greater Minnesota is cognizant of these diver deferred maintenance issues that a lot of their parks that they have
funded initially have kind of started to fall into disrepair. and I I do serve on the parks and trails legacy advisory commission which is kind of the it's the parks arm of the legacy dollars. It's their advisory board. And so they're
they are I would say taking on kind of a different approach in in putting more dollars towards deferred maintenance. Um I think you can see that even in um the the bike trails with the Spiria
Cycling Association the last year they have actually they I think they received something like $120,000 to do the the bike park up at the community center as well as repair trails at Pin Cushion and at Britain
Peak. So there there is some change happening in in how they approach that. But um but you're absolutely right. I think it's important in this process to identify a plan that we're not going to outkick our coverage because we don't
want to be left with, you know, all of these issues and we want to have a plan moving forward for how it's going to work for, you know, Grammar and Cook County. >> Yeah. So do you consider a feebased
system user at you know in the moment? >> Um >> has that even been >> I I think it's possible. Uh um there are you know part of going around and going to these meetings with the parks and trails legacy advisory commission. You
get to see how different townships and counties are utilizing the legacy fund. And some of them do have, you know, fees that cover staff time, programming, you know, inviting schools to come and participate in various things on a fee
basis. And so certainly that could be something we discuss, especially if we talk about a campground. I don't know if it's in the cards, but um you know, that's there's opportunity for revenue to support some of these things. I mean, I don't think it's revenue to generate a
large amount of profit, but you know, something that can cover costs. >> Yeah. I realize, you know, you go up to pin cushion and you don't pay, right? You just go ski, >> right? >> You have to have a state, >> right? They are part of the group. Yeah.
Ski, but bikes don't require anything, >> right? >> Yeah. And and you're probably more familiar than I with those bike trails I was on over in Aken, but you know they that was a state deal. So they literally had that sitting right there in the
parking lot and people were paying or like my friend I was with has a season's pass. And I thought, yeah, why aren't we asking users on something like this to it's not like it's tons of money, but why not? you're getting a really well-maintained trail and
>> well even if it's an opportunity for donations or something like that we have discussed you know like signage and membership or something like that so that could help to offset some of those things but it's all speculative at this point
>> but it's it's a concept to consider I mean >> and it's awareness as Craig was saying that we need the money to keep >> definely these things up and running. >> Okay. >> Did you have anything, Bill?
>> Well, I think it's a really good overall idea. I I'm like you. I tend to enjoy the hillside as it is. I also recreate up there. fat bike, mountain bike,
skate skis, and out of bounds fat skis when the snow permits. So, if we can find a way to pull it off, I think it's a good idea. >> All right. Well, the two asks tonight are to help
cost help with carrying half of the cost of the 51 rough approximately 51,000 of this project initial project piece and then um commit to our involvement on this
steering committee. though the details of that it's a you know how it's structured might vary a little bit but that's a suggested >> layout of that. Um are we ready to um
vote on these two items or is this something you need more time with? >> I would think we can I don't know. Would you I would like a little more discussion about this between the board. I mean, if Mike When's Mike coming back
next meeting? >> Yeah. I mean, is there something you think he knows that we need to know about or >> Well, um, if you're going to go down that road, then you got to look at the money you're spending and the more money you're probably going to be spending. And that's the decision that we kind of
need to discuss and talk about because when we set our 2026 goals here, this wasn't even on our 2026 goals. And and the one thing to remember is
they are setting up this is not an ask in prior time or concern for the park department here to have employees or Dave involved. That's not the ask and it's not going to be the ask. So budgeting wise that way is not
where we're going with this. The only ask right now is to participate in this planning process and the future ask is definitely not >> to take our own staff on this. >> Yeah. >> And I think we're all that has been one
thing we have spoken about um as well and I don't know if that's kind of what you were have thinking you know it's kind of what you're wondering about Craig but um we know that Well, I think obviously if we're going
to utilize some of the city land that's there, we need to be in the planning process. But are you ready to commit dollars to that tonight? I mean, that's the question I'm asking. >> That the 50% I would be, which is all
the ask for. It's it's not an you know like we're going >> I understand that. I'm just I just know that the county has PIL money for this. We don't have that kind of money for this. So I'm a little confused why
>> why don't we use county money that's can be used for this type of thing. >> Well, they are and they got allocated 30,000. So, they're asking us to split the other. And Mike has told me previously
that this is an item they've had sitting there. He's not unaware and has known about the possibility of this for quite a while. >> So, we have that in already set aside. >> It's what he's told me in the past. He's
>> okay. >> And it's less than the amount from before. But I mean that's why I'm asking cuz if you want more time to think about this or another meeting to discuss it then we can set this aside.
Well, I think you know where where I'm comfortable at at least from tonight's perspective is you know agreeing that like yeah we should we should have further conversation about and and about
this project overall. I think that HKGI is going to is the right partner to to have that done. Mhm. >> Um I do worry about this the slippery slope of going down the road and spending a little bit here and then the next ask is like well you already did
this well let's let's just go what's another 100 grand right so like there there is that I've been witnessed to that we all have right so city taxpayers are also county taxpayers right so
if the county wants to wants to to navigate the finances on this and then get this thing. I think we should be on the board, the steering committee because of the proximity it is to Grand Marray and it does affect us. But as far as the finances go on on this initial,
my vote would be we opt out of that. >> I'll let Kim finish writing for a second. Maybe you can't answer this and that's okay. But is this one of the deals where um we see a split of what we we are
asked to contribute within the city that Brady differentiates this or so Brady would know what county departments are also supported by all county residents
including city residents. Some departments like the library, the county portion is county residents, the city portion is city residents, but that's not the case for all departments. um
without talking to Brady I don't know the answers >> but that's a good that answered the question is it may or may not be part of what what so we >> my understanding is it's not right that it's payment in lie of taxing which is either going to be state or federal
money >> but later on when you're talking about you know when it comes >> we don't know >> yeah we don't know but we would know if it was something that was differentiated or not if there were incre increased costs in the sense
>> there's ways to sort that right >> yeah to kind of figure out how that works that's all I wondered so um I'll ask one just double check one more time if you would then like to wait for more conversation on this or do you want
to go ahead and uh vote on this now. >> Are you going to try to bite it off in one one single like this is the is this is the ask in its entirety money and steering committee involvement. That's what you're proposing a vote on.
>> Um yeah, I guess so. I mean the proposal the proposed it's hard to >> I just want to clarify that. Yeah. >> Yeah. This is like whatever. So >> sure. >> I mean if you're saying yes to being on the board and you're kind of saying yes
to the project. So um which is the number one ask which actually makes it number one and then there's two that follow. I don't know. Or as Craig said he maybe wanted to think more. So I just want to find that out. Yeah, I definitely want to be involved
for sure. Um, and I I feel like we do need to move this along to get more information to participate to find out where the money is going to come from. So, we're not saying yes to the whole thing. We're saying yes to like let's find out from
HKGI who we trust get more information and we know that we want to see this to be maintained like we don't want to just build something and then have it fall apart. So that has to be part of our further conversation. But I feel like in this moment,
you know, and if and I'm willing to to wait a minute to get more um dollars or more explanation of where the dollars are coming from. Um but if as was indicated, there is money
set aside for this already, then I'm like, well, yeah, we set aside money for this. this feels like an appropriate use of that of those funds that we've already set aside. So, let's let's do it. That would be my two cents. >> Yeah. >> But if we if we haven't, then that's
another conversation. >> Sure. I mean, I'm just looking at like just when it was the general fund being used and they had they the county has said, "Look, we're going to set aside this money. We're going to run out of the general fund." That's county taxpayer dollars. Okay. Where I could
see, okay, well, the city wants to match what the county is matching. Yeah, it's a little bit of double dip. Fine, but we're going to get it down the road. This is not that case. This is a case where there's a pool of money sitting in the county's coffers that is from the
federal or state level, not the county taxpayer, but yet we're going to ask the city taxpayers to kick in $26,000. >> Any comments or thoughts, Mitch? Hate to leave you not in the Um,
>> no. I guess not. I mean, it's okay. >> Was that Pilt the amount of the PILT money? Wasn't that >> conveyed at that last meeting we had? >> How much was in there? >> Yep. I'm remembering a number whether wrong or not. >> I I can't directly recall, but I I know
it was in excess of 100K. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Oh, the total amount >> Yeah. >> of of Pelt money was 110. Okay. Well, don't quote that. I said in excess of 100,000. Yeah. Is kind of what I recall from what Brady said.
>> Okay. >> Well, Gary Gamble had said something. >> Yeah, I could definitely get the figure for you and and uh just talk to Brady and get it to you. >> Well, okay. And then KGI is going to
want some kind of joint powers. >> Don't they want before they move ahead with this? >> Well, I >> don't they don't they kind of want some kind of joint powers? >> We we need to come up with the joint powers before like before we can get to the final application process for greater Minnesota, >> right?
>> Cook County and and Grand Marray need to get on the same page with the joint powers. >> Right. Okay. I think in talking with Gabby, she seems capable of facilitating some of that. Um, but I think in order to get there, we have to have kind of a
cadre of people at the table to, you know, to steer it. Yeah. >> Okay. >> But like you say to get this plan moving along it that will be the end of it, but not in the initial just >> right >> to in the immediate we don't that was
the thing. >> Right. And two, I just wanted you guys to recognize, I mean, in coming here tonight, I drafted up that memo and started at 50%. We don't, you know, it's it's just a suggested number. I'm not in
any way expecting anything from any of you. So, I don't want that to be conveyed in that at all. It's just being that we're here, we agreed to this in the past. like you know in talking with you Tracy about what Mike had said there this had been telegraphed that there was going to be some collaboration if we got
to this phase. >> Um so I'm just coming here respecting that is is all it's about. >> Okay. Well, I'm going to make the suggestion then that um we can all I think confirm
that we s we support this project at at what we're asking at this stage and um that there's still some questions about the dollars. So, we will put that aside for our next meeting. Is that some
good way to proceed? But I would like to is be able to say we're on board with what we've seen in front of us for for hiring the consultants and being at the table
and helping to see where this goes. Does that sound >> Yeah. And then we're just working on the finance piece. But yeah, >> and that sounds right. That works for me. gives everyone a chance to >> think about that part of it a little bit more
>> and then we can keep this as um old and unfinished business for our next meeting. How's that? >> Good. >> Would you like me here for that then? >> We'll get back. >> Okay, sounds good. >> Thank Thanks. Thanks. >> Yeah, absolutely.
>> We'll have our people talk about and put this together. >> Absolutely. Appreciate you guys. I think we'll get back to Mitch and I also think that you know at some point in time if we need to maybe you know a letter or to the county board just kind of if we have concerns about
you know like the issues you brought up with money I mean you know it's a taxpayers and grammar they're paying double and then uh if you have money available for stuff like this then why not use that money for that instead of asking for other kinds of money if you don't really
need it. That's my question that I would have. Not that I want to be part of it financially or not, but I'm just saying, you know, we don't represent the people that, >> you know, pay taxes, I guess. But, you
know, >> well, that was an interesting clarification that I was unaware of before. So, I think that's another follow-up item is is that particular department, as Kim was saying, the library is a split thing. is the parks which is sort of a newer piece. How
would that how would that be treated for a tax issues? So we can get that clarified too. >> All right. Does that help Mitch? >> Absolutely. Um so am I hearing um there will be a vote regarding the steering
committee piece next month too or how >> you know what? >> Well, we can support that right now through vote if that's what you want. Well, I'm >> It was mostly the structure part. I was just asking, do we need three people or like Craig is on there and as a city
council person, then one more council person? >> Oh, you're two or three people. >> Two county commissioners. Do you think you're going to have two county commissioners? I mean, is that >> I mean, Dave Mills and Gary both they come to the meeting, so there's two there. Yeah. >> Right.
But and this is again this is all something I'm writing as a bunch of suggestions. It doesn't need to have that structure. It's more just here's a starting point we can haggle over. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I think we could we are committed to being part of the committee. I think
right that true. >> Yeah. And then we can work out the details. Do you guys have one of your meetings before the next city council meeting? >> Um no. Our next meeting is scheduled for March 24th. We had >> Okay. I didn't know this. >> We would have had one yesterday but it
got cancelled. >> Yeah. Right. >> Oh, >> we postponed it due to weather because we were supposed to be in Grand Port. So >> Oh, okay. I thought maybe if you were meeting you guys could, you know, talk about it a little bit then, but before then. All right. Well, I think we're off
to a good positive start or Ren. >> Sounds good. >> I can take that. I appreciate Yeah, I appreciate you guys having me tonight. >> Yes. Thank you very much. Thanks for putting that together for us. >> Um
Oh boy. Oh boy. All right. So, that brings us to um my little addon. Um, I just wanted to bring up something that's been sitting here and I I think I brought it up before and not like I want
to talk about decisions or whatever, but I just want awareness and see what if you guys have some thoughts now. And what really started it was the other year with our um last art commissioned
conversation that ended up being passed from the park board to this the council and some conversations with park board members. And I went to a park board meeting for this very reason trying to
understand why that ended up in our laps knowing how the park board individually. So I wanted to find out what was I missing what what didn't I understand if they didn't understand their power to
you know have a vote or you know to make a say or just what it was. And then um other boards and commissions come to my attention that they don't meet on a regular basis. Um there isn't um always
the structure or maybe um you know like you have said Ben there's lots of really good topics for planning and zoning and yet a lot of times well has there been a meeting and there probably could have been if there isn't when you don't have an item up in front of you to look at.
So, I have and I wanted to get back now on Dave's agenda because I did meet with the park board one time and get back one more time and Dave and I talked about it. You know, they have a really highly functioning board that is operating a business and they make, you know, annual
important decisions all the time and they're high functioning. And I look at our PUC, they've got a lot of important decisions to make, too. And I'm not always sure they're in the know on everything all the time we're meeting. And we are short people, too. And I'd
like to see how do we entice people? And I get worried. Have we lost people because they're not regular meetings? Like why am I here? What what does this commission do? You know, I'm offering my time. I I don't know the answer to that, but I'm wondering. So, that's what I
kind of wanted to just bring up for room, you know, for thought and see if anyone else had um concerns or questions or whatever. How we how can we be more effective? >> You mean in like getting people in and having those meetings
>> or consistency of how we run those? I mean, the library board is a very high, it's my understanding, is a very high functioning board. It's shared with the county. >> You can imagine with library. >> Yeah. And that's an important piece too. And so I just wonder, do we need some
consistency? And now we have a new tree board seems to be doing well >> um that Shane leads. But I don't know. >> I think it certainly was noted uh last year that that was an important uh focal point moving forward. Planning
and zoning uh is it seems to be uh have taken hold. there there is a floating uh agenda and theme that we're we're going to work on. If there isn't new business, there's always old business and so there's always something to to talk
about. Um without Patrick, I'm not sure exactly what that looks like. And and >> right, >> uh Administrator Roth was was clear that he's got to figure out how he how he's going to >> take that over again and and apply that that effort.
>> Um >> it's going to be good. So, I always had a question about about the the PUC um in general. Uh the other boards make recommendations and then any anything that happens, those recommendations come
to the city council where they're voted and approved. PUC doesn't operate that way. They set a rate. They just set a rate and it gets reported to us. If there's an issue, they go and solve the issue. They fix the issue. They spend the money and it never comes to the city council. M
>> and I always wondered why that was the case. >> Okay, good, good question. >> Does that does that seem true? >> Well, it functions a little differently than the rest of the
>> city entities. doesn't need to come to the city council is what I understand >> which seems odd to me but you know >> okay so there's a question we need an
answer to which there probably is a very logical one but >> some clarity >> you know >> okay >> I mean certain things could obviously come to the city council all the time would keep everybody more in the know what's going and what's going on, you know,
I mean, we make decisions, they're done, it's fine, and then like a memo or I mean, we have our reports that we do, but maybe something in writing could come forth that is a little more legitimate than,
you know, recapping a meeting, you know, >> even just consistent expectations for boards, right? This is the this is the function, right? It serves as advisory and There's an elected body that handles the >> the rest of it. >> Here you go.
>> What >> we've advised >> what what the city council expects from the boards. >> Yeah. Library is maybe a little bit different maybe because it's both county and city on the board, but that it's a city. Again, it's just there's
inconsistencies in the consistencies. Well, this the city does run the library and the county basically pops in money. >> Yeah. >> And it is a city employee that they're
all city employees, but a city employee directs the library, right? But your board is is split, which is advisory. So, >> right. I think it >> yeah it's a little bit it's tilted more toward the city than than uh you know
>> well like yeah we're administrating it more and they're just putting in the money. >> So >> okay >> but you're right they're all a little different that way. >> Yeah, >> you know not because that's wrong but >> budget maybe they don't they don't
necessarily need to come to the city council for >> for approve like Yeah. Oh, library does >> do they for >> Yeah, they come purchasing. Okay. >> Yeah, both. They go to both. >> Okay. >> They come for the budget. I know. But then once the budget's established, can
they just live within the means and that's okay. Right. >> Right. Just like hope >> all the other >> Well, another topic you want to bring it up would be the liquor store. I mean, we never talk about the liquor store on a quarterly basis or a monthly
basis. We only talk about it at the end of the year >> and that's what we ask for going forward. >> And there's no board. >> Yeah. >> Whether there has to be or not, I'm I don't know. I don't want to complicate the functionality of the liquor store or make it, you know, I'm saying >> that said,
>> but I think I think the city council should be in the know of, >> you know, how sales are going or whatever's going on since it is a brand new facility that just opened up. And I think we all had expectations that maybe things should, you know,
>> yeah, there have been a number of issues. I mean, not bad issues, but just issues in general. So, >> and it could be a sounding board also for, >> right, >> the manager to be in contact with us and >> maybe he's got issues he wants to talk to us about. I mean, I don't know. I'm
just >> Well, we did request that last year that we wanted regular reporting about sales and and how that was but you know get kind of watch that over time. We all know about seasonality, but in general, and we also reinforced again, which Mike
had mentioned, I don't remember where, but to get back on a marketing plan and get that website built and all the things that we asked for because we need to to promote this big investment. >> And we have over time, I think, commonly
asked Chris to come >> and speak to us. So, I think we could reinforce that again. >> Yeah. And maybe to your point, Craig, maybe we could see, and not to complicate what's happening there, but maybe see what other municipalities are doing, municipal liquor stores are
doing, like do they and other places like have a board or something like that. Be curious to know how other places are doing it rather than inventing the wheel. Let's just see what other places do. >> Yeah, >> I'm sure they're paying close attention in two harbors. >> Oh, yeah.
They certainly are. Yeah. >> I mean, like with the park board example, when I sit down with the park board, every month Dave's got an update comparing to last season, month by month by month by month. Obviously, this is
the slow time of year, but we're talking about reservations and bookings and those kinds of things and whether they're behind red or, >> you know, that kind of thing. I'm not I don't know what I want to expect from the liquor store operator, but I mean
it's kind of a I think it'd be kind of a good thing to know. >> Kim, how often do you see any sales figures reporting from the liquor store in your capacity? >> So, we we have the monthly reports that
come out are telling you what revenues >> were made at the liquor store. Mhm. >> Um we could look at um doing a deep dive in how we did from last year or the year before. And right
now things are wonky because we moved out of the building and now moved back in. >> Right. >> Um the inventory I would say is almost $200,000 more than previously. So
that's some of that loss that you might see, >> right? >> The other part is that now they have a bond payment to pay for their part of the building. So we can't be taking 200 grand from them when they're paying 156,000 in a bond payment.
So I think that we'll see some turnaround in the coming year for that. And as far as all of the boards, all of the bills are approved at this board. When you see the list of payments, that is every department in the city that
you're seeing. >> Yeah. >> And I think all what we're kind of asking is just sales in general. I mean realizing of course like you're saying there's new expenses for the liquor store, but just in general, how are we doing? Are we selling? Are we selling
more? Yeah, >> I think we are selling more, but we're also buying more. >> Yeah. >> So, >> inventory. You got to get that inventory uh turned over or paid for initially and then get it turning over and it might
take a few months to do that. You're not going to do it this time of year, but >> No. So, is are you asking for Chris to come quarterly and just talk about the liquor store operations? I I I think in the past what we've asked
for is his opportunity to let us know how things are going. It's not that I say, "Chris, give me a report." What I'm mostly doing is asking him to giving him an opportunity to let us know >> thing how things are going, concerns he has, things are going well.
>> Yeah. Is that something you want quarterly we could put in? >> Do you have any >> That seems appropriate. >> Yeah. That doesn't seem that doesn't seem like a lot. >> No, I mean I think monthly is too much and um >> Oh, yeah. quarterly seems like a good
check in. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Because I I think communication again is key just so we're aware like oh we had no idea this thing was happening that was you know an issue for you or is something we can do to help this be
better whatever. >> And I that's how I view it or something really great you want to let us know that's better because of having this new liquor store. I y >> um I just noticed all his fun little giveaways and things he has now when I
read the e newsletter. >> Suppose we can't put our name in on that, huh? >> Is that Is that true? >> What? >> We can't put our name. >> I don't know. I'm kidding. I mean, >> okay. >> Probably not. Oh, you got your name in there? >> Maybe. >> Oh, okay. Well, then
>> all right. Uh okay. Anything else? Looks like with your tree board, you think it goes well or Shane's kind of running that ship. Okay, >> he's pretty good. >> Mhm. >> But yeah, I I agree that
we feel more informed and more connected if we hear directly from the the one that's in charge of these departments. You know, Dave does a great job every time he comes here letting us know how things are going, what's new,
and I think if everybody did the same, that'd be nice. >> Good point. So, yeah. And and that's like his once a year budget thing. And the golf course has been good to hear from, too. >> Yeah. >> Um, so,
>> okay. Well, food for thought. Keep all these things in the back of your mind, but I would kind of I'll kind of keep plotting along a little bit about summer boards and commissions. And like you're saying, go out and look and see how other cities do things. That's always my first thing
that I do. Um, but just see if we've got some consistency about how we're doing things. Like Craig, you'd said, you know, maybe a written thing back from some of your meetings for people to digest. you always have really good notes when you come back from the park board and you know are pretty detailed
about what you present to us but you know maybe that would be helpful too. So we can talk about it some more but thanks um for everyone's thoughts on that and um with that we are done and
can move to council reports. Don't put on your coat yet. >> Why not? >> Cuz you're first. >> I got nothing. I have a meeting tomorrow. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll go over here. Craig. >> No, we had a meeting. Uh we would have
had a meeting yesterday at Parsons and Tails, but it was canceled because of the snow. >> And I don't think they were ready for the meeting. We were going to drive out to Grand Portage and have that meeting. So, like you said, it's the 24th of next month will be that meeting. >> Okay. >> And park board will be next week, I
guess. Yeah, next week. >> Okay. had a lot of ice damage. You've been down the marina. >> Yeah, I saw the pictures in the newsletter. >> All the ice from the harbor went into the marina. >> Yeah, it looked nasty. >> Anyway, a little bit of damage to the
docks, but we got two bubblers, three bubblers. Two, three going right now. But anyway, the ice is like crazy down there. >> Yeah, >> it's on top of the brake wall like six feet. >> I know. I went down there right away. It was crazy. >> Completely. >> Yeah. >> Mhm.
First time I think that's ever happened. >> That's what Dave said in his update. It was like 20 years at the helm and it's the first time you seen it. >> Well, the East Bay was sure loaded up with >> I was blowing it snow or nobody.
>> That's the problem. >> No. Anyway, I'll have something for next. >> Okay. >> Uh I just had No. Um see what did uh we had HR
committee um we spent the majority of time we were we were short uh administrator wasn't there so we spent the majority of the time um really talking um about Patrick uh
and what the next steps are for for that and gathering feedback from everybody um and uh coming up with a plan on who and what and how to hire >> and not literally talking about Patrick Patrick's position.
>> The position, right? Sorry. >> Just helping you out there. >> Um >> yeah, we were really throwing him under the bus. >> Yeah. >> So, um >> uh yeah, other than that North House next or Yeah. next week. And yeah,
that's all. >> Okay. Yes. We just asked for a pause on that posting so we could um because Mike's gone. He was sick and then he's gone. So just to kind of give, you know, kind of a chance to go through a few things and
um with that and then he can get back on back on track for that. Um we were supposed to Did you have anything else? >> I had to start yapping. Never mind. Sorry. Hi. >> Arrowhead Animal Rescue canled due to the storm. So
>> meeting there, but they did send an email to Mike and I and they're looking for updates on their project. So that'd be something that Michael will work with them on. >> We're a little weather dependent on updates, right? I mean,
>> it's from looking outside, it's not spring enough yet. >> So, okay. Um, anything else? >> That is all I have. >> All right. Um, we were to have um for our Boulder Park
project an open house next Tuesday, but for a couple reasons, including lack of publicity, we are postponing that until a future date. And we also have a few things still to get from Stantech. So,
we'll do that have that open house. Um, trying to remember my own notes here. Uh, oh, the EDA met with the county at their meeting on Tuesday and they did approve that loan to get cover the
short-term costs. You know, the off season right now has thrown the golf course a bit at miss before this closing comes through. You know, if it was operating with money coming in, they'd be okay, but >> to get through closing. So, they've asked for some money and they worked
through several options, some of which would not have been allowed. So, now they've got they don't have to be concerned. They should be able to get through closing and and especially if closing can come sooner because there's a 90-day window right of refusal. And if
that doesn't take 90 days, that will shorten this process considerably. So, we'll just see how that goes. Um uh then you mentioned the HR committee. Um
so we have some ongoing um communications with Graham Portage based on some water testing with um water that we uh run through our wastewater treatment plant um coming from settling ponds in
Tachinite Harbor. We have a meeting request out with them, but we haven't heard back yet. Um, I sent a separate note. I see another one came from the city the other day, so hopefully we'll hear some next steps and we can um have
a real conversation about that and get moving along. Um, I did check in today with um Jeff Bran just to get some updates on some of our housing projects. So he and he did actually meet with Mike
last week and gave him those updates, but unfortunately Mike was unavailable and now on vacation, so he didn't get those to me, but Jeff did today. So they have recently met with Alex Dval and they went over the financing packages
and um Jeff thinks it's looking pretty favorable for that project because it's been kind of dead air. So we'll kind of see where that goes. the clock expires on that grant money from the state in 2027. So that kind of gives you a window
of time on that. Um and then Norah Scogan is um stalled at this point just because of weather. So when the spring comes that should be able to get back up and running. And then um of course there
was um a little communication with Joel St. John because he didn't make it to last meeting hoping to be this meeting and now it's looking of course um later into March. And then just one quick aside um
which I should read it before but just throwing it out here. I went to the lunchon that Wise had yesterday and they had Anna Hamilton as their speaker for the lunchon. So, of course, it all focused on Hamilton Habitat and housing
and um it was an opportunity for her to talk about how our different decisions came through and I had caught when we were approving that development agreement over by Homestead and my kids said, "Oh, she can do much more on the lot. She could build more because of
sizes." So, one of the comments she made was, "I don't want to do that. I want people to have yards and space. I know I could do that, but I don't. I didn't ask her that. I mean, she was, you know, talking with people about it. And then listening to the crowd, and it's a pretty packed group in there. Um, that
was a common theme. You know, we want to we want people to have yards and space and, you know, we're not talking five acre lots and things you get, you know, bump into out in the metro, but um I just I noted um that. And then her
commitment also, you know, I can only do two a year and I'm not going to be at this forever. And her hope is that she can get someone to kind of step in and continue to keep the nonprofit moving along um that way. Um so that was just
one thing that kind of caught my eye through a lot of questions about how it works, where she get the money and the building material, you know, the whole thing. And um yeah, so and then I just want to thank the planning and zoning. I
sat and read through your draft plan. I don't know what did you want us as a council to talk about it in the near future or >> the ideas. Okay. >> Time and Okay. Yeah, I highlighted it. >> Here's what we've been working on.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. I thought uh really nice outline. So, thanks a lot for >> for doing that. Um, as you know, percolating in my head is I'd really love some zoning things change. I you if we really want to promote housing in
homes in this community, I could see some things I'd love to kind of work with um to to kind of help with that. There's no perfect answers, but um I see more problems than and and I also get
concerned. We have some very soon probably to be, you know, could be up for sale, could be developed lots in our commercial downtown area. And we have no setbacks. We have height unlimited. There's lots
of things we don't really address in those >> where >> well like 35 feet and we've already heard that how much the community didn't appreciate the last >> high building. Um so I think height. That's not the maximum height either.
>> Right. So, >> line of the Yeah. >> Yeah. And um Yeah. So, I I think that there that's something I'd like to make sure we start really thinking about. And, you know, I learned about another there there are
areas to me which are truly, you know, they're just neighborhoods and yet we have in them sitting there potential for short stays. And so every time one comes on the market, we see something get eaten away at. And you know, I don't think we can build out of it. The best
we can do is I think as a council is to try to preserve some of the neighborhoods and homes we have. So anyways, I really appreciate you guys doing that and help us move that forward.
Um, oh, and reach out to people and planning and zoning members. So, if you know anyone who can talk to you personally. >> Yeah, we're short two now. >> Yeah. And I got a couple suggestions the other day. So, people
>> short one for quite a while. Do you see? >> We need another person on it. There's only two of us on there. >> Chuck and me. >> Yeah. >> All right. Thank you everyone. Thank
you, Gavin. Appreciate you being here tonight. >> Yeah, of course. Thanks, everyone. Have a good night.