ELY- The Ely City Council approved the first reading of a new cannabinoid products ordinance at its Aug. 1 meeting. The proposed ordinance forbids the use of cannabis and cannabinoid products in Ely’s public places. The city council will vote on whether to approve the ordinance at its next meeting.
On Tuesday, Aug. 1, it became legal in Minnesota for those 21 or older to possess and grow small amounts of cannabis for personal recreational use. Low-potency edibles made with THC from industrial hemp were legalized last year. All legal cannabis and cannabinoid products are now subject to a 10-percent tax since July 1.
“With the new cannabis law taking effect on Tuesday,” city attorney Kelly Klun remarked, “many of Minnesota’s cities are passing similar ordinances to this one.”
The new ordinance, once passed, will prohibit the use of all cannabis and cannabinoid products on public property and in public places. According to the state of Minnesota, public places “are entities that provide goods, services, or facilities to the public such as a gas station, retail store, or coffee shop.” 
In other action, the council approved a trial of a bio-solids press at the city’s wastewater treatment facility, most likely to be conducted in September or October. According to Ely Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski, the press could greatly reduce the volume of solid waste at the wastewater facility. “Other towns on the Range, including Gilbert and Mt. Iron, are also looking into using a bio-solids press … if things work out, it might be possible to go in cooperatively on a press with other local communities,” said Langowski.
The council approved $12,000 to fund the trial of the bio-solids equipment.
Other business
In other Aug. 1 action, the council:
• Voted to make the Ely Area Ambulance Joint Powers Board (EAAJPB) meeting on Aug. 7 a special city council meeting so council members can attend if they choose without violating Minnesota’s open meeting law. The EAAJPB meeting will be at 4 p.m. on Monday, at the Winton Community Center.
• Approved the recommendation from city’s Budget Committee to adopt the 2024 budget calendar, which governs the schedule for assembling the city’s budget for next year.
• Approved the recommendation from the Budget Committee to approve the TKDA Professional Services Agreement for $60,100 for the Fire Apparatus Building.
• Approved the recommendation from the Budget Committee to provide funding of up to $48,616 in 2024 for the Ely ambulance service if Fall Lake and Morse Townships commit to matching the city of Ely contribution in that amount. The city contribution will be no less than $34,300, which is equal to the current year’s funding level. If Ely and the two townships each contributed $34,300, the total between the two townships and Ely would be $102,900. If all three contribute $48,616, the total amount would be $145,848. The difference of the two amounts is $42,948, which would cover the funds no longer donated by the Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital to the EAAJPB for the Ely Ambulance Service.
• Approved the recommendation from EUC to approve the Salvation Army Heat Share Program.
• Accepted the resignation of Ely Police Officer Ryan Mahoney and approved advertising an open patrolman position to replace him.
• Approved a temporary liquor license for the Dorothy Molter Museum for the 5k Glow Run and Ely Marathon on Sept. 22-23 at Whiteside Park.