The council’s inaugural meeting in the new city hall was a momentous occasion, filled with reflections on the building’s significance and the history of its development. The new facility was praised for its design and functionality, highlighting its importance for future city governance. The council acknowledged the contributions of those who had worked to bring the project to fruition. Acknowledgments were made to former council members and mayors, with a toast honoring the previous building that had housed multiple community services, including the fire department and police department, and had operated as a liquor store for many years. The mood was festive, with snacks provided, and council members shared stories of the old building, emphasizing the liquor store’s role as a profitable community asset.

In addition to celebrating the new city hall, the council addressed the Heights Development Agreement, a step in local infrastructure planning. The agreement was necessary due to public space improvements as part of the Heights’ development, including essential infrastructure like stormwater management systems. The council reviewed a brief memo outlining the agreement, which was designed to clearly define maintenance responsibilities between the city and the developer. The developer representative discussed the anticipated construction schedule, with a groundbreaking ceremony planned for late May, contingent upon state approvals for apartment developments. This agreement’s approval marked a notable move towards facilitating the next steps in the development process.

Following the development discussions, the council received the annual report from North House Folk School. Representatives from the school expressed gratitude for the city’s continued support and highlighted the school’s growth since 1997. The report detailed various programs and activities, including a successful community open house event and the installation of two new solar arrays, which will position North House as the largest producer of solar energy in Grand Marais. A council member raised a concern about parking during winter months, and the North House representatives assured that they inform guests about parking restrictions through multiple channels.

The meeting also included a presentation on dark sky initiatives, which aim to promote community engagement with local events like art fairs and festivals. Specific activities related to the Dark Sky Festival were discussed, with proposals for a statewide star party and a dark sky-friendly business certification initiative. The initiative seeks to encourage local businesses to comply with outdoor lighting standards, fostering a dark sky-friendly environment. The presenter noted positive interactions with new city developments adhering to dark sky principles, signaling progress in this area.

The council further addressed an update from the park board, which reported an increase in reservations and a trend of longer stays. Discussions included potential improvements to park facilities and the establishment of a public art policy with an application process for art installations on city and park land. This new procedure aims to streamline the approval process for public art projects. Additionally, the council was informed about a library board discussion on potential safety camera installations, with the board exploring more affordable alternatives due to budget constraints.

An update on the East Bay project was also presented, highlighting concerns about federal funding from the Army Corps of Engineers despite secured coastal grants.