Gresczyk may not assume city council seat

The Grand Marais City Council election has become a bit complicated. Earlier this week, WTIP learned there would be a vote recount in one race. Now, there is the possibility that Carl “Pete” Gresczyk will not take the council seat to which he was elected.
 
Gresczyk is concerned about a possible financial conflict of interest. His company, G&G Septic has a contract with the city of Grand Marais to haul sewage sludge to Duluth on a regular basis. He also has a contract with the city for rental of PortaPotties in the city.
 
WTIP reached out to Gresczyk, who declined an interview, but who said when he learned about the financial conflict issue, he decided to decline the council seat. However, he said City Administrator Mike Roth said something could possibly be worked out so he could still serve.
 
Administrator Roth said Gresczyk is eligible to take the seat, currently held by Jonathan Steckelberg, at any time. Roth said the special election was for the council seat formerly held by Tracy Benson, who resigned. According to Roth, Steckelberg’s appointment was until an election could be held to determine the permanent selection.
 
However, that may not happen. Roth acknowledged the financial conflicts of interest, but said, “As this can happen in small towns, there are legal remedies for the Council to take, but they do complicate any process we would use to pay him.”
 
Gresczyk said he is waiting for confirmation from the city’s attorney before accepting the seat. He said he wants to make sure that his business is not in jeopardy before taking the position.
 
Asked what the process is if Gresczyk decides not to join the council, Roth said, “We'll deal with that if it happens.”
 
The city council election already faces a vote recount in the race for the other council seat. Three citizens—Kelly Swearingen, Anton Moody and Craig Schulte—ran for the two open council seats. Swearingen received the majority of the votes, with Moody receiving 344 and Schulte, 343.
 
That recount will take place Thurday, Nov. 15 at the Cook County Courthouse, starting at 9 a.m.