Ely council approves equipment purchases, event permits and a trust‑board change; multiple items referred for further review

At its January 20 meeting the Ely City Council approved a set of operational and capital items and referred several projects for committee review.

Equipment and purchases: The council approved a purchase order to buy two graders from McCoy Construction for $144,000; staff said the machines were originally St. Louis County replacements, the city budgeted $250,000 for a grader and planned to list two older graders for sale in spring.

Agreements and services: The council unanimously approved the 2026 Contented Critters agreement as a secondary animal-services partner for cat-related calls in addition to the existing agreement with Ely Vet Clinic. Officer Courtney Olson also announced the Ely Police Department’s recognition as 'Rookie of the Year 2025' by the National Night Out committee and shared youth contest winners.

Events and permits: Park & Recreation recommendations to allow the WolfTrack Classic sled dog race to use the Trailhead area and to permit 'The Wolf' backpacking bike race to camp at Semer’s Park (July 10–11) were approved pending proper permits.

Claims and payments: Council approved City and Ely Utilities Commission claims for January 20 totaling $805,135.88, a final pay estimate #16 of $13,544.06 for the Ely Regional Trailhead Building, and a $5,637.50 payment to Ely Community Resources.

Projects and referrals: Council authorized JPJ Engineering to prepare plans and specifications for infrastructure tied to an apartment building project and approved moving rooftop solar grant agreements for the water treatment plant to Ely Utilities Commission review and then back to council; staff estimated roughly $11,000 in annual utility savings from the solar installation. The Airport Commission’s recommended maintenance-rate change (from $16 to $32 per hour) was referred to the budget and negotiation committees for review.

Trust governance: The council approved Resolution 2026‑003, modifying the composition of the Gardner Humanities Trust board, on a 6–1 vote with Councilor Lahtonen opposed.

Committee appointments: The council approved a long list of uncontested committee appointments across boards including Green Team, Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Library Board and others, and formed interview committees for contested Airport and Planning & Zoning seats.

Next steps: Several items (solar agreements, airport rate change, and property-sale valuation for 1600 E Sheridan St) require further committee or staff work before returning to council for formal action.