Community Center project could go on hold soon

Cook County Commissioners are concerned that the City of Grand Marais does not have a place at the community center project table. It’s not because of a lack of interest, but because of a legal matter. Commissioner Bruce Martinson…

“With the county board, there’s a concern about lack of city financial participation in the project, understanding that they would be financial partners in the community center, but of course, the Burbach issue came up. They feel that they might be sued if they participate. The county still wants to work it out some way.”

Burbach Aquatics was contracted by the city to determine the cost of making improvements to the Recreation Park pool. The contract, however binds them to a time period which would allow only Burbach to serve as pool architect for any aquatic project involving the city. Martinson said, bearing that in mind, the county board took action at their July 26 meeting.

“We did pass a motion to proceed with what the steering group is working on now – site selection. They’re doing soil borings. So we thought it prudent to finish that, but when that’s completed – the site selection -- is putting the whole project on hold until the whole Burbach issue is resolved.”

How long “on hold” would be is currently unknown. The city’s contract with Burbach states the obligation ends five years after the city informs them they no longer have interest in renovating or building a new pool. So far, that notification has not been made.