ELY- The population of this small community at the end of the road continues to decrease despite a robust real estate market that continues to see just about everything selling. Meanwhile, city officials continue to grapple with increasing costs of doing business, such as replacing a work truck.
City council members discussed the latest census figures from the Minnesota State Demographic Center Tuesday night. As of April 1, 2021, the population of Ely was estimated at 3,209 people, down from 3,460 in the previous census, and the household estimate stands at 1,601.
Mayor Roger Skraba said, “Things seem to be steady here. Businesses are looking to grow. There’s community members moving around. We keep going the other way, but we seem to have sold all our houses.”
While the latest population figures are subject to review, council members did not have the appetite to challenge the latest census figures. The deadline is June 24.
“I think in Ely, people participated (in the 2020 census) pretty well,” said Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski. “It didn’t help that the (COVID-19) pandemic occurred at the same time. We worked with a great census group. I think they did a pretty good outreach getting their census workers and getting everything going. I do know that there were areas that were undercounted for various reasons. I don’t know if we are in that group, but 3,209 is the number they are looking to certify.”
Changes in vacancy rates, conversion of summer homes to year-round use, and changes in employment opportunities are the types of things, according to State Demographer Susan Brower, that her office would like to hear about when evaluating the population estimate.
Council member Paul Kess, added, “It is not an unexpected drop. To me, it is not worth the expense to challenge.”
Replacing a simple work truck for the Department of Public Works has left city officials with a short list of quotes and available choices for a new pickup truck, with the cost well over the budgeted amount.
Officials set aside $40,000 in anticipation of replacing the aging 2006, 3/4-ton four-wheel drive plow truck in the city fleet.
“It is rather rough condition,” Langowski said. “This vehicle plows all the sidewalks and does cleanup after snow removal. It has served us well, but it is time to upgrade.”
He added, “As many of you are aware, right now the market in looking for vehicles is very difficult.”
Four quotes, all from one area dealership, Ken Waschke Auto Plaza of Virginia, were received. “The lowest bid is a 2022 GMC one-ton regular cab that meets the majority of our specifications for the cost of $46,416. In the market today, that is probably the best we are going to see. I hope it is still available,” Langowski said.
The other bids included another GMC regular cab truck for $49,841, a GMC 3/4-ton double cab fand a RAM 3/4-ton regular cab truck, both of which were more expensive.
“Fleet pricing for 2023 models won’t be out until later this year and availability for those vehicles is unknown,” Langowski said. “I would guess you wouldn’t see those vehicles until next spring and we really need a new vehicle for this next winter. Other dealerships did not respond because they have no inventory and no hope of getting any inventory.”
The preferred items for the vehicle, including snow plow capability, trailer hitch and light hook-up and trailer brakes controller, will be added by the city workers as available. “This is just a very basic work truck,” he said.
The council unanimously approved the purchase.
In other business, Mayor Skraba suggested that Thursday, June 23 will proclaimed “Linda Fryer Day” in the city of Ely. A portion of Seventh Ave., from Sheridan to Harvey St., adjacent to Whiteside Park, will be renamed Linda Fryer Way in honor of the longtime Chamber of Commerce director who passed away earlier this year.
“I talked with the family, and we will have a dedication for the renamed street on that day, which will also be the date of a celebration of Fryer’s life,” Skraba said. The public is invited to the morning dedication event at the park.