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Ely council members passed the second reading of an ordinance Tuesday, but only after fielding criticism and some misunderstanding about what was on the table.
The council cleared a provision that waves a requirement that an engineer survey the stability of land in the Shoreland Overlay District around Miners Lake.
The new wording puts the onus on prospective buyers to seek an engineer to determine if the land is safe to build on at the 75 foot or greater setback.
“What this does is it notifies the public that if they are to purchase property within that shoreline zone and they are beyond the setback and if they have concerns, it is their responsibility to contact a geotechnical engineer to have that work done,” said clerk-treasurer Harold Langowski.
Langowski said that in his history with the city, “never once has it been required that geotechnical work be done,” citing earlier developments including the Trezona Hills housing project.
Langowski, who is an engineer, added “there’s no review that can provide assurance for everything that may be a concern.”
Council members, however, heard from two citizens who voiced concerns.
Frederica Musgrave, an unsuccessful candidate in last month’s council election and frequent attendee at city council and committee meetings, blasted city officials for a lack of information about the ordinance.
“We’re not informed,” said Musgrave. “This bothers me.”
Musgrave pressed council members for a map and other information.
A second speaker, Carol Orban, questioned whether the change was linked with plans to construct an RV park and campground near the lake.
“We don’t know if the project has changed or if it’s the same project that was proposed earlier and caused an uproar,” said Orban.
Langowski responded “this has nothing to do with any projects that have been proposed.”
Orban later told the council “I would just like to say if and when the campground idea comes forward, that the citizens have full disclosure of what it’s going to look like.”
That prompted a response from mayor Heidi Omerza to curtail debate.
“We’re not talking about that right now,” said Omerza.
The mayor added that the only matter for discussion at the hearing was the proposed ordinance.
In other business, the council:
• Heard that police officer Courtney Olson successfully completed a one-year probation period and that numerous applications have come in for an officer position.
• Approved the renewal of tobacco licenses, pending completion of needed paperwork and payment of fees.
• Sent a proposed dumpster ordinance to the city’s sanitation committee for review.
• Listened as Omerza read a proclamation recognizing the upcoming Dark Sky Festival, which will be held in Ely next month.
• Approved a memorandum of understanding with AFSCME Local 1490 regarding a grievance filed relative to the posting and recent hiring of Troy Oelke as public works foreman.
As a result, the council approved a one-time payment of $4,500 to Ed Marsolek, paid to deferred compensation and in acknowledgment, Marsolek shall not be entitled based on seniority language, to the foreman position.
