Minutes of the Old Ski Hill Consensus Committee 11/27/2000
In attendance: Vicki Wenz, Kevin Bader, Cathi Williams, Amy Wilfahrt, Philis Anderson, Annie Debevec, Sue Abrahamsen, George Wilkes, Bill Hansen. Guests - Kay Costello, Brian Larsen.
Meeting convened at 4:30 PM at the Fireside Room at the Congregational Church in Grand Marais.
Consensus was reached on approval of the 11/13/00 minutes.
Consensus was reached on proposal #31: All buildings on the property should be designed and constructed in accordance with the ideal of sustainability which strives for high levels of resource and energy efficiency.
Consensus was reached on proposal #32: All buildings will be designed to aesthetically blend in with the natural environment.
Proposal for consensus #33: Because the tax revenue from the private development of the property may not offset the costs of increased public services created by that development, it is not clear that development would result in lower taxes for the residents of Cook County. Therefore, the objective of lowering taxes, or increasing the tax base, is not a legitimate consideration when deciding how to develop the property.
Consensus was reached on proposal #34: Non motorized, year 'round trails that flow into town, connect to the Fen Walk, the future interpretive center, the Superior Hiking Trail and possibly the Pincushion Trail System.
Consensus was reached on proposal #35: Cook County investigate partnership with the U. S. Forest Service for development of a fen walk (an interpretive trail/boardwalk through the unique wetland known as a fen).
Consensus was reached on proposal #36: An environmental assessment of any development project.
Consensus was reached on proposal #37: Create a forest management plan with goals of encouraging a mature growth forest, selective harvest, recreation, conservation, wildlife habitat, reforestation, and sustainable land management demonstrations. Pursue partnerships with agencies, educational institutions, and others.
Consensus was reached on proposal #38: Cook County may trade all or part of their land to the State of Minnesota or the U. S. Forest Service, specifying that future use be restricted to public recreational use.
Discussion on presenting the committee's settlement to the public and the decision makers. Bill will check on availability of the Arrowhead Center For the Arts Auditorium in early January.
Bill will prepare the final settlement document and circulate it to the committee by e-mail for revisions and corrections. If necessary, another committee will be held to finalize the settlement and narrative and strategise for its presentation.
The committee adjourned at 6:45 p. m.
Respectfully,
Bill Hansen