City decides not to delay tree cutting for MnDOT project

The Grand Marais City Council met on Wednesday, October 30 and perhaps one of the most awaited topics on the agenda was the city’s report on its “follow-up” with the Minnesota Department of Transportation regarding the fate of nine elm trees in the MnDOT right-of-way in the city.

For many months, citizens have made appeals to the city of Grand Marais to protect the elm trees that are slated for removal in advance of the 2020/2021 Highway 61 reconstruction project. At a very well-attended October 9 city council meeting, some citizens asked that if the trees could not be saved, could their removal be delayed?

The trees are currently slated to be cut down some time in early November – just days away.  

At that October 9 meeting, city councilors acknowledged that a delay might be possible, but at a cost to the city. However, they agreed to ask the question of MnDOT. At the October 30 meeting, City Administrator Mike Roth shared MnDOT’s reply. Roth said the extra expense to the city would be an additional expense of approximately $4,600.

After some discussion of the project, Acting Mayor Anton Moody asked if there was a motion to direct MnDOT to postpone cutting down the elm trees. None of the councilors introduced a motion, which means the upcoming tree clearing will proceed. The cutting will include most of the elm trees between Voyageur Brewing Company and Buck’s Hardware. Two elm trees, which the city and MnDOT hope to preserve, will remain.

The tree discussion closed and the council moved on to another aspect of the Highway 61 project, the removal of contaminated soils underground between the Cobblestone building and Harbor Inn, which means a temporary shutdown of Highway 61.

Councilor Craig Schulte asked for confirmation of the timeline and expressed concern about the highway being closed for the work from June through July, the busiest time for local businesses. Schulte said not enough thought had gone into the schedule and how it would impact businesses along Highway 61.

Reasons for that timing were discussed, including the impact of weather on construction projects, and Councilor Tim Kennedy said he thought there had been give and take on the project phases. Councilor Kelly Swearingen said she believed the MnDOT contractor would start earlier, if the weather allowed.

Administrator Roth asked if the council wanted to reach out to MnDOT once again. Councilor Schulte said yes, the city needs to stay involved and push for earlier completion.