Grand Marais City Council Approves Cannabis Ordinance With Reduced Buffer Zones

Overview: The Grand Marais City Council has approved a controversial Cannabis Ordinance, which includes a reduction in buffer zones around schools and other establishments, amid concerns about neighborhood impacts and retail location implications. This decision, alongside updates on the new city hall construction and budget adjustments, formed the crux of discussions at the recent council meeting.

Grand Marais Library Board Plans to Resume Annual Director Evaluations After Four-Year Hiatus

Overview: The Grand Marais Library Board meeting primarily focused on the decision to resume annual evaluations of the Library Director, a practice that has been on hold since 2019. Additionally, the board discussed essential maintenance updates, financial collaborations with other libraries, and set the 2025 calendar for board meetings and holiday closures.

Cook County Housing Redevelopment Authority Approves Section 8 Program Amid Leadership Transition

Overview: The Cook County Housing Redevelopment Authority (HRA) approved a new Section 8 rent subsidy program and discussed the transition of its executive director, Jason Hale, who announced his resignation.

Cook County Board Grapples with Transfer Station Redesign and Employee Pay Grid Challenges

Overview: The Cook County Board of Commissioners meeting was dominated by discussions on the redesign of waste management facilities and the complexities of employee pay structures. Northshore Waste representatives provided updates on plans to redesign transfer stations. Meanwhile, financial advisors presented fee structures to support a new solid waste facility, and the board deliberated over adjustments to the county’s pay grid to enhance recruitment and retention of talent.

Cook County Health Board Expands Cash Assistance Access Amidst Rising Economic Challenges

Overview: The Cook County Public Health Board meeting on November 19, 2024, delivered substantial updates on expanding access to cash assistance programs, addressing economic disparities, and implementing legislative changes. The board discussed the implementation of legislative changes signed in 2023, which require counties and tribal nations to accept cash assistance applications via phone and video conferencing, solidifying practices adopted during the pandemic. These changes aim to improve the accessibility of critical benefits for residents in need.