ELY- The Ely Police Department received a large share of attention from the Ely City Council at its most recent meeting on Tuesday. The council and Police Chief Chad Houde discussed the vandalism over the weekend in Whiteside Park and the city’s Rec Center.
“I am appalled by what I’ve seen … pigs who defecated on trash can lids down at the Rec Center,” stated city council member Al Forsman, commenting that it costs the city’s public works department time and money to clean up after these incidents.
Ely Clerk-Treasurer Harold Langowski added that it’s not just kids who cause vandalism problems, noting the adult-caused vandalism last year in Whiteside Park. Houde urged anyone who spots any vandalism activity to call 911.
The city council also approved the funding to outfit Ely’s new patrol vehicle at a total cost of $31,908. The purchase of the new squad vehicle was approved at the previous city council meeting on May 7.
At the recommendation of the budget committee, the council directed the city staff to develop a plan and cost analysis to implement body and squad car cameras for the police department. “I’m in favor of getting both (body and squad car cameras) but it is going to be a big chunk of money … so we should pick one or the other,” said Houde.
Houde said body cams would be the better choice for the rural policing that Ely does and advised that the city should plan to acquire the body cams first. He said the city will need to develop a formal plan regulating body cam use for the police department and hold a public hearing. He noted that a regulatory requirement for body cams was only a matter of time, stating, “There isn’t a mandate yet but it will be coming in the future.”
In other business, the city council:
• Heard a presentation by Barbara Jones of the Ely Climate Group about inserting sustainability and energy efficiency goals into Ely comprehensive planning documents. Jones gave examples of what Ely might want to consider using Grand Marias and the “Morris Model” from Morris, Minn. The Ely Climate Group’s recent endeavors with the Morris Model and energy-efficient buildings and vehicles will be the subject of an upcoming article in the Timberjay.
• Approved $168,697 for the purchase of parts for the city’s new dump truck from Crysteel Truck Equipment.
• At the recommendation of the budget committee, directed the city staff to work with the staffs of the softball and youth baseball leagues on the expectations and agreement for use and maintenance of the city’s baseball and softball fields.
• Approved $2,565 for the purchase of a mailbox cluster for the single-family lots on Sibley Drive.
• Approved the purchase of new street barricades from Locators and Supplies for $3,386.
• Approved a public hearing on June 18 at 5 p.m. to hear comments on the water intake and Burntside water main replacement project. The city has been working on assembling the funding for this project since the spring of 2023.
• Approved the submission of an investigation grant to the Department of Employment and Economic Development for the redevelopment of the old railroad depot property. The state informed the city and developer in April that it wanted more borings done on the property to characterize possible soil contamination.
• Approved the mortgage satisfaction for Madalynne Reese and Kathleen Quigley recorded as Document No. 1058697.0 on July 12 for the $10,026 residential rehab loan for 1139 E. Washington St. to install a moisture barrier in the basement.
• Approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 377, adding to the Ely City Code, Chapter 20, Section 20.1.30 to amend the city’s zoning map. The city council also scheduled a public hearing on Ordinance 377 for June 4 at 5:15 p.m.
• Approved claims for payment from the city and Ely Utilities Commission for May 21 totaling $239,427.
• Approved Resolution 2024-023 authorizing the Ely Blue Line Club to apply for a raffle permit.
• Approved a temporary liquor license for the Ely Fire Relief Association for June 2, July 6, and July 26-28 in Whiteside Park.
• Approved a listing contract with Keller Williams Classic Realty NW for East Spaulding to list “First Addition, Lot 6, Block 4” for sale. The one-year contract will take effect on May 31.