ELY- The final Ely City Council meeting of 2023 began with some special recognition for Ely’s high school girls volleyball team.
Mayor Heidi Omerza read a proclamation from herself and the city council summarizing the team’s threefold efforts in making it to the state tournament two years in a row, winning the section championship, and coming home with this year’s Minnesota Class A Consolation Championship.
“I am so proud of you for working hard, digging deep, and making it—so the city would like to recognize you,” said Omerza, who presented the team with the key to the city along with individual certificates for each member of the team.
It proved a high point of an otherwise short and uneventful meeting.
In other business, the council:
• Heard from Ely Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski who reported that the city’s skating rink was still closed, remarking, “We’re trying to get the rink open if winter ever arrives.” He commented the weather has not cooperated in producing good ice yet, adding the outlook was “not encouraging” given that rain is forecast for Christmas Day.
Langowski said that when the rink opens, it will be posted to the city’s Facebook page and at ely.mn.us/reccenter.
• Voted to allow the Heritage Preservation Committee to contract with Moving Tree Media LLC to provide video and oral history services as part of the Ely Memorial High School centennial anniversary celebration. The cost of the contract will not exceed $8,500. The motion that passed also directed the City Attorney to assist in drafting the contract. The funding for the services of Moving Tree Media will come from the $10,000 state Legacy Grant.
• Approved a recommendation from Airport Commission to change its meeting time to 5 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month.
• Heard from Police Chief Chad Houde who reported that the city’s new police recruitment and retention plan received national attention, including being picked up by the Associated Press. The notable feature of the plan was the gifting of a canoe to each full-time member of the department.
• Mayor Omerza reported that several city committee seats were expiring in January 2024. Interested citizens wishing to serve on any of the city’s committees should consult the city’s website for which have open seats and how to apply.
• Approved the payment of city and Ely Utilities Commission claims for Dec. 19. For $1,116,715.
• Approved the payment of $7,590 to Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. for work on the Prospector ATV Trail.
• Directed the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to establish a Local Housing Trust Fund. This action will allow the city’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority to pursue more opportunities for grants and funding of city housing projects.
• Approved providing in-kind services for the WolfTrack Classic sled dog race to be held on Feb. 25, 2024.
• Approved an off-sale cannabinoid dealer license and a tobacco license for The Green Mining Company at 43 E. Camp S., pending proper paperwork, background check, insurance and fees.
• Approved the retirement notice from city employee Mike Popesh. Popesh’s last day with the City of Ely will be on Jan. 12. He has worked for the city for 43 years.
• Approved the services of Walker, Giroux & Hahne that they will provide to city through Dec. 31.
• Approved the city budget and levy for the 2024 fiscal year, which were presented at the Truth in Taxation meeting held on Dec. 5.
• Approved a residential rehabilitation Loan for James and Brittney Thorstenson at 122 E. Harvey St. for up to $10,000 for a new energy efficient propane furnace, pending proper paperwork, fees, and directed Attorney Klun to work with the applicant on the loan application.