IRRR funding projects, election of EDA officers, and Cedar Grove Business Park discussed at November EDA meeting

Kalli Hawkins | November 26, 2022

The Economic Development Authority (EDA) had a full agenda during the Nov. 15. meeting

The board approved a grant application to IRRR Infrastructure Development Program for $500,000 for the North Shore Waste project.

North Shore Waste is seeking funding to begin infrastructure development and groundwork for a new transfer station facility. The new facility will allow both customers and packer trucks to unload inside the transfer station, creating efficiencies in operations and transportation costs. The total estimated cost of the project ranges between $5-7 million.

“It’s a community-wide project,” said Beth Drost, Executive Director of the EDA. She added, “It is a good project to support, and there is wide support from the EDA board of commissioners.”

The board also approved a grant application to IRRR Infrastructure Development Program for $500,000 for the Creechville-Area Housing Development.

The Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) is seeking funding to begin infrastructure and construction of a 51-unit mixed-income multifamily apartment building in Grand Marais. The tentative name of the anticipated housing development is Sawtooth Flats.

Cedar Grove Business Park

During the meeting, the EDA discussed an update on Cedar Grove Business Park. The Nov. 17 meeting was originally scheduled for public comment regarding the sale of Lot 8 Block 4 to A Superior Storage LLC. However, due to a typographical error in the Cook County News Herald advertisement, the board approved the public comment period to be rescheduled to Dec. 2 at 4 pm.

In addition, at the Dec. 2 public meeting, the EDA will hold a public comment period for the transfer of a lot to the city of Grand Marais for the use of the new animal shelter.

There are a few final steps to take before the Arrowhead Animal Shelter can begin groundwork at the site.

“After the public hearing, the EDA will sign the resolution to approve the transfer, and we’ll take it to the title company,” Drost said.

Chamber of Commerce

In other EDA news, the Chamber of Commerce formally requested $6000 in support from the EDA during the meeting. The Chamber of Commerce and the EDA have a long history of working together to promote economic prosperity in Cook County.

“They used to trade in kind, office space, and business services in order to cover the deficits and contribute to the Chamber,” Drost said.

Before the recent separation of office space, both entities shared an in-kind relationship for rent and legislative representation. The Chamber of Commerce hired Judy Erickson, Conservation Strategies, to represent and advocate for Cook County at the Minnesota legislature.

Former EDA Executive Director Mary Somnis said the EDA agreed to cover the cost of rental expenses for the Chamber of Commerce in exchange for representation in the Minnesota legislature. Now that the EDA and the Chamber of Commerce have separated office space, the Chamber is requesting $6000 annually to continue legislature representation.

Superior National Golf Course

During the meeting, the EDA received an end-of-season marketing report from Mary Somnis and John Kohlase.

The presentation covered a comprehensive look at 2022 marketing strategies and offered recommendations for tailoring marketing tactics to focus on Minnesota and the Twin Cities region in 2023.

In addition, Heath Ekstrom, head golf professional, gave an end-of-season report on Superior National Golf Course.

Ekstrom said the golf course finished the season with 13,608 rounds. Under the 14,000 desired goal. He said the golf course experienced numerous challenges that contributed to fewer rounds.

In addition to staffing shortages this summer, the golf course experienced various supply chain issues for necessary equipment. The wet spring also contributed to a reduction of rounds.

Heath also outlined numerous recommendations for capital improvements in the near future.

In other EDA news, some changes are occurring on the EDA board in the coming months. Scott Harrison, the treasurer, will not be running for re-election. Anton Moody, the city representative, is also not running for re-election.

“As of the end of December, we’ll be needing to add two people to our board,” said Drost. “One will be chosen from the city councilors, and one will be chosen from applicants at the county.”

The EDA will hold an election of officers in January.

Interested applicants can apply on the county website. The next EDA meeting is on Dec. 20 in the commissioner’s board room.

WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Drost following the Nov. 15 EDA meeting. Audio from the interview is below.