Scott Kochendorfer

The meeting covered several agenda adjustments, including an omission and an addition related to the Hubachek Wilderness Research Center correspondence. The Mayor offered congratulations to the Ely Boys Nordic Ski Team and addressed recent negative press concerning the Trailhead building, emphasizing transparency. Key discussions involved supporting the Dark Sky Festival Proclamation, which was approved. The Tourism Bureau presented an update on 2025 marketing successes despite anticipating a significant budget reduction for 2026. Committee reports included approving a letter of support for improving the TH1/TH169/CR77 intersection, recommending approval for a listing agreement with Keller Williams (pending attorney review), prioritizing water system improvements for funding, approving an amendment to the City Hall Improvements contract with TKDA, and authorizing the installation of MNDOT signs and designating a Chamber sign location. Departmental reports covered the upcoming closure of the skating rink, the police department's approval for a new Dodge Ram squad purchase, and discussions regarding a potential merger with Babbitt. The council approved claims for payment, accepted the 2026 Legal Printing Bid from the Ely Echo, and approved appointments to various committee seats. New business included approving a payment agreement for demolition, approving resolutions for raffle permit applications by the American Legion Post 248 and Ely Events Group, approving the 2026 City of Ely Fee Schedule, approving an Outdoor Recreation Grant Program resolution for school field concessions, approving an In-Kind Service Request for the WolfTrack Classic Sled Dog Race, and approving the Grant Agreement with the Ely Area Lodging Tax Board and an Employment Agreement with Law Enforcement Labor Services, subject to final revisions.

Key discussions for the Ely City Council meeting included approving the consent agenda, receiving reports from various committees such as Planning and Zoning and the Ely Utilities Commission (EUC). The EUC recommended moving forward with purchasing a Burndy Crimper, approving attendance for Clerk Langwoski at a workshop, and approving a quote for sewer televising, cleaning, and smoke testing. The City Attorney's office presented the first readings for three ordinances concerning Zoning Map Amendment, Conditional Uses (including Animal Rescue/Dog/Cat Boarding), and Business Park Covenants, scheduling a public hearing for April 2026. Other items included addressing 2026 Legislative Action Items, correspondence regarding the Burntside Watermain Replacement Project, approving claims for payment, discussing the Ad Hoc Regional Trailhead Display Committee, approving a Keller Williams Listing Agreement, and accepting the resignation of a member from the Park and Recreation Committee. Finally, a resolution was presented and approved concerning the Wastewater Treatment Facility Plan.

This document outlines proposed amendments to the City of Ely's Facility Plan for the Wastewater Treatment Facility and its collection system. The primary objectives are to mitigate inflow and infiltration, address aging infrastructure, and consider treatment alternatives. Key recommendations include compressed gas mixing for improved reliability and lower O&M, and a volute press and dewatering complex for continuous dewatering and greater flexibility in solids processing. The plan also details upgrades to existing aging components, low-cost improvements, and a summary of the UI project with associated cost implications.

Key discussions during the meeting included reports from the Planning and Zoning Administrator regarding permits and violation letters, and an update from Councilor Roose concerning City Council actions. Councilor Roose reported on the rezoning approval for 15 and 25 N 3rd Ave W, and presented a suggested procedure for selecting at-large members for the City of Ely Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee. The Commission subsequently voted to recommend this application process to the City Council. New business involved accepting the resignation of board member Jim Burke and reviewing two applicants for vacant positions on the Planning and Zoning Commission. Furthermore, the Commission considered and passed a motion to potentially cancel the December meeting unless specific applications requiring a hearing are submitted. Old business items related to the IUP Process Update, Permissible Uses List, and Fence Ordinance showed no new discussion, while the KJ's Hardware Parking matter was resolved and moved out of old business.

The public hearing considered a Rezoning request for 900 E Miners Dr from Public (P1) Zoning to Commercial (C1) Zoning. The Planning and Zoning Administrator explained that the property was previously zoned Industrial, then changed to Public, possibly due to its connection to the rec center. Since the land has been re-surveyed and subdivided, this connection is no longer necessary, and the neighboring property is zoned C1. Key findings of fact supported the rezoning, noting that Commercial zoning allows a wider range of uses and aligns with the Comprehensive Plan goals to encourage redevelopment and support business growth, as the current Public zoning is too restrictive. The proposal allows for increased building coverage options. The motion to recommend approval of the rezoning carried.