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Ely council signs onto Hwy 169 intersection request, approves Trailhead signage and small project amendments
Summary
The Ely City Council approved a letter supporting federal funds for the TH1/TH169/CR77 intersection, authorized MnDOT and Chamber signage at the Trailhead, approved a $22,700 TKDA amendment for City Hall improvements and prioritized water system projects for federal funding.
The Ely City Council on Feb. 17 approved several Projects Committee recommendations aimed at infrastructure, trailhead signage and municipal facility work.
The council voted to sign a support letter asking for federal funds to improve the TH1/TH169/CR77 intersection near the Y Store; committee members and staff cited a history of crashes in the area and noted the Bois Forte Band and the Highway 169 Taskforce had requested support. The motion to approve the letter carried 6-0-1, with Council Member Campbell absent.
Council also approved a professional services contract amendment with TKDA for City Hall improvements totaling an additional $22,700 and agreed to continue prioritizing water system improvements as candidates for Congressionally Directed Spending. Roose explained these items as continuations of work to secure funding and finish projects in progress; each motion carried 6-0-1.
On signage, council authorized installation of MnDOT signs at the Trailhead/Visitor Center and a recycling sign at a combined cost of $6,414, and approved the Chamber sign location at the Trailhead parking lot entrance on 4th Avenue West. Council members discussed whether the MnDOT sign should explicitly say "Chamber," and staff said the "visitor center" designation should suffice; the motion passed 6-0-1.
The council also agreed to include correspondence from the University of Minnesota Hubachek Wilderness Research Center & Cloquet Forestry Center regarding the Hubachek Table and Chairs in future agenda materials when the Ad Hoc Regional Trailhead Display Committee item returns to the agenda.
Why it matters: The measures collectively advance improvements to Ely’s trailhead visitor infrastructure, municipal facility upgrades, and water-project prioritization for federal funding. Costs recorded at the meeting included a $22,700 contract amendment and $6,414 for signage. Council discussion noted the importance of regional partners and coordinated advocacy for federal funding.
The Projects Committee recommendations were approved by roll or voice vote throughout the meeting; no item was tabled or rejected.
