Ely advances storage container rules

ELY- The Ely City Council moved proposed rules for shipping containers another step forward Tuesday, approving a first reading that would spell out where the containers can be placed and allow their temporary use during construction.
The unanimous vote was among a lengthy series of mostly routine approvals at a meeting that generated little discussion.
The proposed ordinance would explicitly identify shipping containers as accessory structures, alongside detached garages, sheds, and saunas. Placing a container would require a zoning permit, compliance with applicable setbacks and size limits, and an existing primary building on the property. Containers would have to be maintained free of rust and graffiti and could not be used as living quarters.
An exception would allow a temporary container on a lot during construction of its primary building, provided an active building permit has been issued. Councilors chose an administrative zoning permit for that use rather than requiring an interim use permit.
The temporary permit would be valid for one year. A container would have to be removed within 30 days after the zoning permit expires or the building permit expires or is revoked, unless a primary building has been established and the container meets the requirements for an accessory structure.
Council member Al Forsman noted that the construction requirement differed from the council’s previous discussion, but said he fully supported the language presented.
The ordinance still requires further action before taking effect.
Zoning actions
The council voted 6-1 to begin the process of rezoning property at 202 W. Camp St. from residential to commercial, with Adam Bisbee opposed.
Council member Emily Roose said the change made sense given commercial zoning around the property. Bisbee pointed to opposition from the adjoining homeowner at 210 W. Camp St. and questioned changing the lot’s residential designation.
Materials accompanying the recommendation describe the property as having long been used for commercial parking. The owner is seeking commercial zoning to accommodate storage and potential business expansion.
Councilors also unanimously directed the city attorney to begin the ordinance process for proposed fence rule changes.
Roose said repeated requests for exceptions to fence height limits had prompted the proposal. Those requests had been approved, and changing the ordinance would reduce the need for property owners to seek variances.
The proposed revisions would increase the general fence height limit from six to seven feet and the limit along streets and avenues from four to six feet.
Calendar parking
Police Chief Chad Houde reminded residents that calendar parking restrictions are in effect and said officers would soon move from warnings to tickets.
Houde said he personally placed roughly 80 to 90 warnings on vehicles while working Halloween night. Although snow had not yet arrived, he said street crews were still sweeping leaves, another reason to keep the designated sides clear.
Calendar parking runs from Nov. 1 through May 31. On odd-numbered dates, vehicles should be parked on the side with odd-numbered addresses, the north side of streets or west side of avenues. On even-numbered dates, vehicles belong on the side with even-numbered addresses, the south side of streets or east side of avenues.
Drivers may switch to the side designated for the following day after 6 p.m., with the change completed before midnight.
Houde said residents sometimes question why they cannot move back in front of their homes after a morning trip. He said officers use common sense, but crews need room to continue plowing or sweeping during the day.
Disaster loans
Monica Myles, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration, said in-person disaster loan assistance ended Tuesday, but businesses affected by this summer’s wildfires can still apply online through July 22, 2027, at sba.gov/disaster.
Mayor Heidi Omerza indicated that information would also be available on the city’s website.
Other business
In other business, the council:
• Authorized seeking bids for Hidden Valley mountain bike trail construction, with bids due Dec. 8.
• Approved purchasing a dump truck from Pritchard Commercial for $80,000, plus tax and license, on behalf of the Prospector ATV Club. The purchase is funded through IRRR and the Federal Recreational Trail Program.
• Approved an amended $33,000 purchase offer from Contented Critters for a city-owned lot in the Ely Business Park.
• Approved a $17,500 commercial renovation loan to E. Sheridan Properties, LLC, for replacement flooring at the Ely Folk School, and a $10,000 residential rehabilitation loan to Jason and Jill Homer for basement foundation removal and backfilling at 31 E. Pattison St.
• Approved an on-sale and Sunday liquor license for Ely Putt and Pub at 1635 E. Harvey St., pending required paperwork, fees, and insurance, and authorized an Ely Igloo Snowmobile Club charitable gambling application for the establishment.
• Authorized a Knights of Columbus Council 3238 bingo application.
• Approved $6,531 for wastewater treatment facility HVAC repairs and $20,645 for four electrical transformers.
• Approved two dual-fuel heating installations and $3,171.82 in energy rebates. Forsman abstained from both votes because he was among those benefiting.
• Nominated Angela Campbell for another two-year term on the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools board.
• Approved removing Officer Troy Bissonette’s probationary status following completion of his first year.
• Approved property assessments for delinquent utility accounts and blight violations.
• Scheduled the truth in taxation meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1.