Council votes to stay in joint garage project

At least for now, the city of Ely is part of a $7 million plan to put public works operations of four entities - St. Louis County, Ely, Lake County and Morse Township - under one roof.City council members voted 5-2 Tuesday, with Butch Pecha and Mike Hillman opposed, to commit $112,000 in city funding for the design portion of the joint public works garage project.It will be several months before the council makes a final commitment to the project - which would include almost $2.8 million in city expenditures over a 15-year period - but Tuesday’s vote was pivotal, according to project supporters.St. Louis County, which will coordinate the project, borrow money for construction and occupy most of the space in the new facility, was almost certain to scrap the proposal if Ely opted out.Supporters such as county commissioner Mike Forsman of Ely had a few anxious moments two weeks ago, when a majority of Ely City Council members expressed reservations about city involvement.But council members agreed to move forward Tuesday with little discussion, other than a plea for support from former mayor Ed Steklasa.Steklasa, making his first appearance at City Hall since he left the council five years ago, said the project offered many possibilities for the city.“This is a tremendous opportunity for you people,” said Steklasa.In addition to putting Ely’s public works operation in a brand-new facility, those behind the plan say the city stands to benefit in several other ways.The city would have both the land where its current garage sits, as well as the land where the county garage is located, available to sell for development.Ely would have nearly 30,000 square feet of space in the 69,000 square foot facility, set to be located behind the Dorothy Molter Museum on an existing gravel pit.Supporters also say the project will result in a better looking entrance to Ely, provide long-term cost savings and bring construction dollars to the community.But there remains some skepticism on the council for moving forward.Council member Jerome Debeltz qualified his vote last week, saying he wouldn’t support going ahead with construction unless the city can land grant funding to pay for at least part of its share.Council member and county employee Butch Pecha has expressed similar concerns, and complained that the project would result in higher property taxes or utility bills.According to a report issued to the council by architect John Gerzina, the existing city garage is deteriorating, with poor ratings given for accessibility, health and safety, energy efficiency and technology.The report found that the building was inefficient and undersized and that the city should begin to budget more money to deal with the facility.For the first time, the county has included an Ely project in its bonding bill. Both Forsman and county public works director Dave Skelton urged city officials to take advantage.