Andy Baumann and Deb Scott, of the Two Harbors HRA, spoke with the Two Harbors City Council on Monday night about the proposed joint powers agreement that will guide the working relationship between the City HRA and the Lake County HRA. City HRA board members have had concerns about the drafting of the agreement because they have only been peripherally involved in discussions about the content of the agreement. This is important because the joint powers agreement specifies the scope of each board’s role and authority in working to provide needed housing within the city of Two Harbors. While both the county and city HRAs support the same overarching mission, there are some differences in their approach, due to the fact that the city HRA’s focus will be more on affordable and workforce housing. The county HRA shares that focus but also has a broader focus throughout the county that includes economic development and will include development of market rate housing stocks. The city of Two Harbors needs all of these housing options and having all the stakeholders involved in the drafting of the policies that govern their working relationship will enhance transparency, understanding and will clarify their collaborative efforts moving forward. Lake County HRA Director, Matthew Johnson was also on hand and spoke about the challenge of navigating the history and politics around issues related to the need for housing. “The joint powers agreement represents establishing a foundation for trust moving forward,” he stated. “We’re very excited about this opportunity. We want to operate within the city of Two Harbors and I believe that the joint powers agreement gets us on the same page and moving in the right direction.”
The Council declared a first reading of documents pertaining to amendments to zoning matters related to short term rentals (Section 4.42), land use regulations (City Code Chapter 11), subdivision regulations (City Code Chapter 12) and an ordinance pertaining to signs. This reading was preceded by a brief public hearing to allow residents to ask questions and give input.
James Conger, from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), presented the city council with a statement of support for Guard and Reserve members who live and work in Two Harbors. This signifies the city’s enrollment as an employer and supporter of our area’s citizen soldiers. The certificate that Conger presented encourages employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Such support is critical in helping maintain the strength and readiness of the nations guard and reserve units and the city’s endorsement recognizes and honors the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Act of 1972.
Castle Danger Brewery is hosting “Pints for the Cause” on March 28 to benefit the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA). Food, live music featuring Hanna Rey and plenty of beer will be on tap. Interested folks are encouraged to check out the GGTA’s Facebook page for information on the beer-naming contest. Participants can submit their beer name for a chance to win a VIP table at the upcoming beer release party!
The Two Harbors Public Library has entered into an agreement with the Great Lakes Aquarium that will provide opportunities for free admission to the Aquarium. Contact Library staff for further information.
The next Two Harbors City Council meeting is scheduled for April 14th at 5:30 PM.
