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The city council discussed putting a parking lot near the northeast end of Miners Lake on Tuesday.
The council took up the recommendation from the planning and zoning commission to proceed with the Miners Lake East parking area project and to have a portable restroom.
The project is proposed as an unpaved parking lot that could hold roughly 15 vehicles on the east end of Pioneer Road and have lake access to Miners Lake.
The council said the parking lot would mostly be used by ice fishermen during the winter to access Miners Lake.
Many people street park near the location of the proposed parking to access the lake, which is one of the reasons the parking lot was proposed.
“We have four or five temporary bathrooms around town so it would just be a matter of shuffling one of them over there,” said Langowski.
Council member Adam Bisbee had heard there were a few concerns regarding noise from residents near the proposed parking lot.
“We’re leaving a tree buffer around it,” said Langowski. “We’ll work with (Police Chief) Chad (Houde) and if we do see any issues with noise or other issues, we will respond where necessary.”
There are also some concerns about crime, light pollution, and trash, to which Langowski responded.
“We’ll likely be putting a light there and also a trash can for those that walk their dog for a place to dispose of, that sort of thing,” said Langowski.
The light will be put over the parking lot to deter criminals, as studies show crime drops when there are lights around.
The portable bathroom near the parking lot will be cleaned and maintained throughout the year.
In other news the council:
• Approved the recommendation from the Tree Board to display the Tree City USA flag somewhere in City Hall.
• Approved the recommendation from the Tree Board to provide financial support for travel expenses of not more than $270 to send Claudia McBride to the Shade Tree Short Course in the Twin Cities.
• Approved the recommendation from the Telecommunications Advisory Board (TAB) to authorize additional filming to be authorized at the proposed rate of $25 per hour for events and meetings authorized by TAB on a monthly basis.
• Approved a recommendation to offer the position of Water/ Wastewater Operator to Destin Anderson.
• Approved a payment for $7,500 to the Senior Center.
• Approved the recommendation from EUC to purchase 48 load management relays for $9,984.
• Approved a raffle permit for the Ely Area Senior Citizens.
• Approved requests from Ely Events Group for the 4th of July parade, two Rock the Park events and Ely All Class Reunion activities.
• The next council meeting will take place on March 19, at 5:30 pm.
