ELY – The proposed recreational trailhead building envisioned for the west entrance to the city of Ely could also house the Ely Chamber of Commerce offices and serve as the city’s official visitors center.

A number of recreational trails are either in place or slated for construction in the near future, which will provide connections across the region. The Mesabi Trail is a 132-mile paved bicycle trail running from Grand Rapids to Ely. The Prospectors Loop is an off-road vehicle trail designed to link several communities and at least two state parks in a 130-mile loop in northern Minnesota. The Taconite Trail is a 165-mile designated snowmobile trail that has been open since 1986.

City officials are working with supporters of the trails to build a trailhead building and parking area at the west entrance to the city, near the existing county recycling facility. The chamber of commerce is looking to move their offices to the other end of town to take advantage of the increased year-round tourism traffic.

City council members considered the vision of the facility committee last week as well as an architectural rendering depicting the new facility sitting atop ledge rock in front of the city water tower.

“The entrance to the city would look a lot better than it does now,” said Mayor Chuck Novak.

No specific building plan design is currently under consideration. All groups would work together to establish a floor plan. According to meeting minutes from earlier this fall, the mayor would work to have the chamber as a rent-free occupant as long as they provide trail information. Year-round staffing would be required.

The facility committee is concerned with the initial parking lot plans and felt a larger parking area would accommodate more trucks and trailers. The building design would hopefully capture a north woods feel and included landscaping that would highlight the area geology and native plants.

Novak said he questioned the availability of future state bonding for the project. “We’ll have to see how the transition goes down in the capitol with Governor-elect Walz, the DNR, Department of Revenue, and everyone else.”

Several outstanding questions remain about the design and intended uses of the facility. Those questions include:

Who would take care of the building exterior, grounds and parking lots?

Who would pay the property taxes?

Would there be a dump station and drinking water access?

Would restrooms be accessible 24 hours a day?

 Who is responsible for exterior and interior signage and maps?

Would the chamber of commerce be responsible for available information?

The council also discussed adding a representative of the chamber of commerce to the facility committee to join members Steve Piragis, Cindy Beans, Chris Eilrich, Rob Talkington and Nick Wognum.

Other business

In other business, the council:.

Approved the recommendation from the telecommunications advisory board to renew the contract for two years with Todd Crego to run the local access television station.

Directed the city attorney to draft an ordinance for the sale of land at 1227 E Harvey to Patrick Erchul.

 Considered the sale of a land parcel to the Ely Veterinary Clinic at 318 E Miners Dr.

Agreed to a rental agreement with a city employee for use of a piece of surplus equipment.

Approved the Fourth of July fireworks contract with Premier Pyrotechnics for $15,000.