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Park board hires archaeologist to complete SHPO review required to unlock $1 million legacy grant
Summary
The Grand Marais Park Board voted 4–0 to hire archaeologist Susan Mulholland to perform a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) Phase 1A review and any follow‑up field testing needed to meet a pre‑contract checklist item and secure roughly $1 million in legacy grant funding; members discussed cost alternatives and timing.
The Grand Marais Park Board voted unanimously to hire archaeologist Susan Mulholland to complete a State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review the city must finish before a legacy grant contract can be finalized.
Staff told the board the SHPO review is one of five items on a state pre‑contract checklist and that completing it is necessary to access the legacy funding; once all checklist items are finished the contract for the legacy funding “the million dollars” is expected to be available as soon as July 1. The board approved the hire by voice vote, recorded as 4–0.
Board discussion documented two price points for the needed work. Staff said Ron Shrummers, who has been working on related harbor history projects, had provided an estimate of $16,647 for the scope. Staff then described a competing proposal from Susan Mulholland (described as familiar with the park), and reported Mulholland’s proposal as a not‑to‑exceed $8,924 figure at the board meeting. The board asked for two prices because the cost represents a significant line item in the overall capital spending plan.
The approved scope begins with a Phase 1A literature review — a records‑level assessment of prior finds and documented sites — that the presenter said will be submitted to state reviewers; the state has 30 calendar days to respond. If the literature review indicates potential in‑ground artifacts where disturbance is planned, staff said Mulholland would perform a Phase 1 field assessment (on‑site excavation testing) likely in July. Staff said the intent is to complete the archaeological work this summer so it does not delay the city’s contract.
Board members raised whether the city’s work duplicated other nearby legacy or university projects; staff replied the projects are separate in scope and funding. The board authorized the Mulholland contract and directed staff to sign the agreement and proceed with the Phase 1A submission.
What’s next: staff will finalize the contract with Mulholland, submit required permits to the state to enable on‑site testing if needed, and track the SHPO review timeline so the legacy funding contract can be executed.
