March 2020

League of Women Voters Duluth ● 32 East First Street, Duluth, MN 55802 ●

Our Mission The League of Women Voters,

a nonpartisan political organization, encourages the

informed and active participation of citizens in

government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences

public policy through education and advocacy.

Calendar 2 President’s Letter 2 Silent Auction 2 Why I am a Member 3 LWV Duluth Book Club 3 Meet ‘n’ Greet 3 Voter Services 4 One Word: Plastics 4 Bag Ordinance 4 LWV Duluth in the 30s 5-6 Humphrey Fellowship 6 Opportunities to be involved 7 Legislative Roundtable 8 Women of Influence 8 Citizens in Action 9 Observers’ Reports 10-11

Officers

Co-President Christina Woods Co-President Candy Winkler Secretary Gwen Thorson Treasurers Nancy Palmer Nancy Aldridge

Editor Julie Seidelmann

Equali-TEA Saturday, March 28

Duluth Woman’s Club, 2400 East Superior St. Two seatings: 10:00 - 11:30am and 1:00- 2:30pm

Tickets: $30.00 Registration and payment deadline: March 23

Our program will be a reader's theater that celebrates the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which guarantees

and protects the constitutional right to vote for women.

There are two options to register and two options to pay. Options to register: 1. Register online at www.lwvduluth.org or 2. Email/call/text Theresa O’Gara at tntogara@gmail.com

(218) 343-7489. Please include your seating choice, names of attendees sitting with you

Options to pay: 1. Pay with pay pal at lwvduluth.org or

2. Send your check to: Theresa O’Gara; 2531 East 5th Street; Duluth 55812.

Your registration is not complete until payment is received.

One Word: Plastics! Wednesday, March 18

Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. Third St. Doors open at 6:30, Panel begins at 7 p.m.

Tabling and displays available 6:30 - 7 p.m.

See page 4 for more information

The Voters Services Committee will host an organizational meeting.

Monday, March 16th

5:00 -7:00 pm Building For Women:

Gathering Room (large training space)

This is an organizational meeting for the 2020 election season, census and redistricting. If you cannot attend on March 16th, but would like to receive

email updates about the Voter Services Committee, please email Mary Faulner at faulkner.marykatherine@gmail.com.

You will be added to the email list.

Calendar

March

3-9 Natural Resources Committee Meeting 3-11 New Member Meet ‘n’ Greet 3-16 Voter Service Meeting 3-18 One Word: Plastics 3-19 LWV Duluth Book Club 3-21 Cross Cultural Committee Meeting 3-25 Membership Committee Meeting 3-28 Equali-TEA May

5-7 Annual Meeting and Silent Auction

Page 2 Duluth Voter March 2020

President’s Letter

Over my years of membership with the League of Women Voters, I have come to appreciate the non-partisan posi-tions and work towards a fair political landscape. I encourage each or you to visit https://www.lwvmn.org/our-positions and download the PDF available. This document summarizes LWV positions on the national level and the specific work LWVMN has sculpted from the national position to address issues in our state. The three main topics include Representative Government, Natural Resources, and Social Policy. LWVMN has identified specific areas of work such as, election law and procedures, regulation of campaign practices, energy efficiency in transportation, wa-ter preservation, reduce waste, sustainable and safe agricultural practices, equality in employment-real estate-education and more, balanced and diverse revenue stream for education, comprehensive and coordinated system of programs for mental health and more, supports the incorporation of immigrants into our communities, and restrictions of sale-possession and use of firearms. Please visit the LWVMN page to learn more about how your concerns within our local community fit into the LWV Duluth work. And, engage your local league on issues that fit into the LWV positions. The women and men of the LWV of Duluth are influential and hope to make positive change in our community while empowering each other to lift our voices towards the future. To contact the LWV Duluth, visit https://www.lwvduluth.org and find the contact form under "About us". We look forward to hearing from you.

Christina Woods, LWV Duluth Co-President

LWV Duluth Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Statement

League of Women Voters of Duluth realizes that creative and innovative policies and practices are forged out of diverse points of view. We believe diverse perspectives are necessary for responsible and representative decision making. Let us pause to acknowledge our commitment to welcome and facili-tate diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We strive to include people from a mix of abilities and back-grounds in all of our activities.

Board Minutes The League of Women Voters of Duluth

Board of Directors meets regularly to do the business of the League. The minutes are now

posted on our website to provide our members with more specific information about

the work of its organization. Please visit our website to read the minutes:

https://www.lwvduluth.org/board-meeting-minutes.html

Social Hour and Silent Auction; Dinner; Annual Business Meeting

Speaker: Terresa Moses She is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Department of Art & Design. She also serves as the Director of Diver-sity & Inclusion for AIGA Minnesota.

Look for registration information in the April Voter, online at

SAVE THE DATE LWV Duluth Annual Meeting

Thursday, May 7 Northland Country Club

See page 3 for information about the silent auction.

March 2020 Duluth Voter Page 3

Thursday, March 19 5:30 pm

Valentini’s Restaurant Downstairs

Book: “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson

2020 One Book Northland Title

A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us

and a call to fix our broken system of justice.

Discussion leader: Gay Trachsel FYI: Gay Trachsel 728-5478

LWV Duluth “The Sisters” Book Club

Why I am a Member By Jeannette McDonald

I joined the LWV to afford me opportunities to become a better informed, more involved and active citizen. In the past, I had attended various LWV activities such as candidate forums, get-out-the-vote events and a variety of other information sessions. Though I was not a member of the League, I valued the work the League was doing. Then a

long time friend, Myrna Mathesen , invited me to an event, I don’t remember which one, as her guest. I then realized the importance of being counted and involved as a member, and I formally joined.

Our local and broader communities are becoming so divisive. Though information is flowing freely, we seem to be gathering information and forming viewpoints from more restrictive resources. This concerns me greatly. The League’s mission is to bring people together, to inform and be receptive to a variety of viewpoints in a non-

threatening, welcoming environment. The LWV Duluth Diversity, Equality and Inclusive Statement pretty much sums up why I joined.

Welcome New LWV Duluth Members!

Diana Oestreich Sarah Priest

Wednesday, March 11 5:00 - 6:15 pm

Gather for wine and appetizers Building for Women

32 E. First St. (lower level) Potential and new members are invited to attend a Meet and Greet. This is an opportunity for potential/new members to meet and get acquainted with other LWV Duluth members and find out how you can get the most out of a LWV membership in the coming year.

To RSVP call Theresa O'Gara (218) 343-7489 email at tntogara@gmail.com

In Memorium: Helen Hanten, 92 A contribution to the League of Women Voters of Duluth has been received from LWV Duluth The Sisters' Book Club in memory of Helen. She was a former Biol-ogy professor at UMD. Helen retired from UMD in 1992, but continued to attend and teach at elder hostels and the University for Seniors, focusing on her passion,

Ecology. She was a member of the League of Women Voters, AAUW, University for Seniors, several book clubs, and bridge at The Pines.

Annual Meeting Silent Auction

It is not too early to start thinking about how you can donate our Annual Silent Auction fundraiser! The Auction is one of our biggest sources of funding and is held each year at our Annual Meeting in May. Ideas? 1. How about "re-gifting" that brand new gadget that's been sitting in your cabinet a couple of years? 2. Can you ask your place of employment for a gift card? 3. Share your skills by offering a certificate for work to be done! 4. Get together with some pals and make a themed gift basket. 5. Do you like to bake? We all like to eat!! 6. Do you know someone who can provide tickets to a local event?

Stay tuned for more info later....

Meet ‘n’ Greet for Potential and

New Members

Page 4 Duluth Voter March 2020

Multi-Issue Outreach Will Define 2020 for Voter Services

We are going to need a bigger table this year. We have been talking about 2020 being a big year for voter registration and candidate forums with local, state, and federal positions on the ballot. However, other important issues that coincide with the beginning of the decade have brought us a trifecta of voting related issues. This year along with our candidate forums and voter registration tabling we will be providing information about the 2020 Census and upcoming Legislative Redistricting. So as you can see we will be needing lots of volunteers and participation from our members as well as building capacity by inviting the partnership and involvement from our community and faith-based organizations.

By now you should have received an invitation to our Voter Services Committee organizational meeting on March 16th , and we hope you will make every effort to attend. We have sent this invitation to all of our LWV members in an effort to update our Committee membership roster and include those who have not participated in the past. If you want to be a part of our Committee in any capacity, please respond to the Doodle that you will have received.

The following positions are on the ballot this year:

Submitted by Ellen Wiss

Local – County Commissioners: 2nd District (currently held by Patrick Boyle)

3rd District (currently held by Beth Olson) 5th District (currently held by Keith Musolf)

State – MN House Representatives: 3B District (currently held by Mary Murphy)

7A District (currently held by Jennifer Schultz) 7B District (currently held by Liz Olson)

State – MN Senate Representatives: 3rd District (currently held by Tom Bakk)

7th District (currently held by Erik Simonson) Federal – House of Representatives:

8th District (currently held by Pete Stauber) Federal – Senate

Seat currently held by Tina Smith

LWV Duluth Natural Resources Committee Bag Ordinance

The LWV Duluth Natural Resources Committee is going to submit a question and answer about the Bag Ordinance for each month.

This is the question for March: Q: When retailers in the City of Duluth begin charging five cents for single use plastic bags on April 1st, where will the money collected through those fees go? A: The money raised by the fees will remain with the retailers, who may use the funds to cover the cost of bags pro-vided to customers and other expenses associated with implementing the fee program.

One Word: Plastics! Wednesday, March 18

Lincoln Park Middle School, 3215 W. Third St. Doors open at 6:30, Panel begins at 7 p.m.

Tabling and displays available 6:30 - 7 p.m.

When Dustin Hoffman’s character received that advice in the movie The Graduate, plastic seemed like the miracle product of the future. Now it is a major form of pollution around the world – found in oceans, lakes and rivers, on beaches and even in the stomachs of fish, birds, and other animals. The City of Duluth has taken a step towards re-ducing plastic waste with the passage of an ordinance that will require retailers to charge a 5 cent fee for each single-use plastic bag. The ordinance goes into effect April 1st.

Join the League of Women Voters of Duluth and the W.J. McCabe Chapter of the Izaak Walton League for a meeting

on the important issue of plastics. We’ll hear from a panel of speakers about the problem of plastic pollution; why recycling alone isn’t the solution; what to expect when the bag ordinance goes into effect, and what actions you can take to reduce your reliance on plastic of all types. We’ll also be giving away free reusable bags and collecting your

extra reusable bags and plastic bags for re-use.

Speakers: Jamie Harvie, Bag It, Duluth spokesperson; Dan Hartel, Hartel’s Disposal and Recycling; Dr. Melissa Maurer-Jones, University of Minnesota-Duluth; Mindy Granley, City of Duluth (invited)

March 2020 Duluth Voter Page 5

Amelia Earhart, Carrie Chapman Catt and the LWV of Duluth in the 1930s

Archival information at the UMD Library revealed the League of Women Voters of Duluth was very active in the 1930s and had notable interactions with national dignitaries. In the 1930s, an annual quota of $400 was paid to the State, and an average of $200 was budgeted for Duluth operations. Annual membership dues paid for about half of the yearly expenses. To raise the remainder, fundraisers such as bridge parties, teas, picnics and mem-ber contributions were employed. In 1935, a unique endeavor was used to help pay the bills. That year, Mrs. E.C. Congdon proposed having Amelia Earhart give a lecture in Duluth. It is hard to discern if the Earhart lecture at the Duluth Armory was intended to be a fundrais-er, but the profits from the lecture were used to help balance that year’s budget. After the 19th Amendment was ratified, Carrie Chapman Catt, founder of the LWV, turned her attention to lasting peace. In the 1920s and 30s, Catt led the National Committee on the Cause and Cure of War (NCCCW). In the 1920s, the LWV of Duluth had established a local chapter of the NCCCW. Each year, representatives from the LWV of Duluth and other local women’s organiza-tions participated in “Marathon Round Tables” by studying information provided by the NCCCW. Annually, notable presenters reported on the NCCCW’s national conferences at Duluth Peace Teas. Notes from the 1931 Peace Tea indicated greetings from Catt were received; over 350 people attended the Tea; and action subsequent to the tea included sending a telegram to President Hoover commending him on his Sino-Japanese policy. In 1936, the LWV of Duluth decided to end official ties with the NCCCW and join the newly formed Duluth Peace Council. Enthusiasm for the NCCCW waned nationally as WWII approached, but later was resurrected under different titles. In 1933, Miss Belle Sherwin, a member of FDR’s advisory board for the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 (NIRA), was the National President of the LWV. She asked local LWV chapters to cooperate with the National Recovery Administration (NRA), an implementing agency of the NIRA (and component of the first New Deal). The purpose of the NRA was to have government, business, and labor work together to end the effects of the Great Depression. The Duluth Chapter of the LWV took Sherwin’s ask to heart. That very year, Duluth LWV members had prominent roles within the local division of the NRA. Just before the two-year sunset of the NRA, the Supreme Court found it unconstitutional; however, many of the policies such as minimum wage, abolishment of child labor and support of collective bargaining were included in the second New Deal.

A Sample of LWV Duluth Activities in the 1930s

• initiated meetings with local organizations to encourage their members to back measures the LWV was promoting

o At the call of the National LWV president, a presentation supporting the Social Security Act was

held at the Glass Block Tea Rooms where local representatives from 12 organizations attended. o A Speakers Bureau was active to educate local organizations about policies backed by the LWV.

• observed city council, county commission and school board meetings

• held classes on how the county government worked

• manned downtown booths prior to elections “where women (or anyone)” could obtain a sample ballot and learn the procedure of voting; one year 800 people visited the downtown headquarters in a week

• interviewed the State of Minnesota' senators and representatives and Minnesota's U.S. 8th congressional district representative prior to their opening congressional sessions

• communicated routinely with elected officials/public leaders (via petitions, letters, phone calls, tele-grams and dialogues) regarding matters of importance to the LWV

o 5,000 cards petitioning the political parties to pledge to abolish the spoils system and utilize the

merit system (civil service) in federal, state and local governments were distributed o letters to State legislators were sent supporting a minimum wage

Continued on page 6

Page 6 Duluth Voter March 2020

Amelia Earhart, Carrie Chapman Catt and the LWV of Duluth in the 1930s - (Continued)

o signatures for the disarmament petition were obtained

o letters to the President and congressmen were sent to urge them to adhere to the World Court

o when a dialogue with a 2nd district commissioner was less than satisfactory, archival notes re-

vealed “the commissioner was reminded, educated voters were interested and informed what the county board is doing and are holding the commissioners responsible for honest efficient administra-tion in county affairs.”

• Worked with local newspapers and radio stations to make the LWV and their interests visible to the public; during one typical year, over 45 notifications, 25 articles and 20 photographs were published and weekly programs for 5 months were broadcasted on WEBC radio

A Sampling of the Subjects studied and Topics Presented in the 1930s

Submitted by Theresa O’Gara and Linda Vukson

The 1925 Geneva Convention The Gold Reserve Act

Unemployment insurance Immigration

Austro-German custom trade pact The World Court

International Labor Convention Tennessee Valley Authority

Duluth adult education classes The merit system of pay (civil service)

War and peace of the major nations espe-cially China, Japan and Russia in relation to the U.S. World Debt

Duluth Teacher Retirement Fund lecture by Miss Laura McArthur, Principal of West Junior High School

Hygiene in Rural Communities Public school administration departments

University of Minnesota Humphrey International Fellowship Program Six members of the 2019-2020 University of Minnesota Humphrey International Fellowship Program - from Kosovo, Libya, Zimbabwe, Suriname, Indonesia, and India - visited Duluth on Friday, January 31 to learn how our medium-sized community addresses: They discussed these issues with representatives from Men as Peacemakers, PAVSA, Olive Branch, Safe Haven, AICHO, and League of Women Voters of Duluth. The entire 2019-2020 Humphrey Fellows delegation will come to Duluth in April to further explore the social services offered here. Submitted by Liz Taylor and the International Relations Committee

--Housing for Women and Children. --Social Services for Indigenous Groups.

--Social Services in a medium-size community. --Encouraging Women in Public Life and Politics.

Keep informed about LWV News and upcoming LWV Duluth events! LWV Duluth

www.lwvduluth.org

LWVMN www.lwvmn.org

LWVUS

www.lwv.org LWV Duluth

E-News Emails

March 2020 Duluth Voter Page 7

Committee Contact Next Meeting Date

Voter Service: Registration & New Citizens

Ellen Wiss mewiss62@gmail.com Candy Winkler: candywinkler49@gmail.com

Monday, March 16th 5-7pm Building For Women:

Voter Service: Forums

Mary Faulkner: faulkner.marykatherine@gmail.com Pat Castellano Castellanop4@gmail.com

As needed

International Relations Liz Taylor 393-0703 (cell)

Contact Liz to talk about involvement

Membership Theresa O’Gara 724-4821 (home) Barb Johnson 218-879-1890

Meeting: Wednesday, March 25 11:00am, Bluestone Flats

Citizens in Action, Rosie Loeffler-Kemp 341-2014 Ellen Wiss 612-310-9797

Contact Rosie if you want to get involved.

Natural Resources Sally Munger 728-0711 (home) Gay Trachsel 728-5478 (home)

Monthly meeting; Monday, March 9, 5:00 - 6:30pm Building for Women Board Room

Newsletter Mailing Sally Munger 218-728-0711 Gail Schoenfelder 218-310-8678

Generally last Wednesday of the month @ place TBD. Call Sally for information

Observer Corps Mary Jane Peterson mjpete62@charter.net

Depends on Board or Commission

Cross Cultural Judy Bailey 218-481-7195 Gail Schoenfelder 218-310-8678

Monthly meeting, Saturday, March 21, 10 am - 12 noon, Building for Women, lower level

Book Club Gay Trachsel 728-5478 (home)

Thursday, March 19, 5:30 pm Valentini’s Lower Level Book: Just Mercy Author Bryan Stevenson Discussion Leader: Gay Trachsel

Plant & Book Sale, Saturday June 13 Gail Schoenfelder Gail4duluth@gmail.com 310-8678 (cell)

Email Gail with intent to donate plants or books and/or to volunteer day of the sale

Communications Julie Seidelmann 348-1209 (cell) Gwen Thorson 624-4756 (home)

As needed

Equali-TEA Saturday, March 28

See front page for more information

Gail Nouska 218-206-4682 Newska519@hotmail.com Jean Farmakes 218-724-4186 jfarmake@yahoo.com

Contact Jean or Gail

Opportunities to Make a Difference Become Involved in a LWV Duluth Committee

LWV Duluth Committee on Health

Board members of LWV Duluth are wondering if there are members interested in forming an exploratory group to consider adding a Committee on Health to our organization. Five members would be ideal.

If you would like propose yourself, please email Jane Hovland janehovland@mac.com

Page 8 Duluth Voter March 2020

Legislative Roundtable 2020

On Sunday, February 2, about 35 folks came to hear Senator Erik Simonson, and Representatives Mary Murphy, Jennifer Schultz and Liz Olson talk about the upcoming Legislative Session. In addition to their personal issue priorities and bonding priorities other topics that were discussed included Restoration of Felon Voting Rights, Gun Violence preven-tion, climate change, safety of elections, a possible Constitu-tional Amendment regarding education issues, emergency insulin availability, census funding and the possible PolyMet copper/nickel mine. There were also several questions taken from the audience. LWV Duluth members Nancy Aldridge, Nancy Palmer, Susie Darley-Hill and Linda Vukson took notes on the Legislators’ answers to the various questions. Those answers are currently being compiled. Watch upcoming Voters for details. 2020 Co-Chairs of the Roundtable, Jane Gilley and Sally Munger, are looking for people who wish to help with next year’s Roundtable. Please contact either Jane or Sally to indicate your willingness to help.

Submitted by Sally Munger

WOMEN OF INFLUENCE 2020 The “Women of Influence 2020” event was held on February 13 at the Depot. Diana Oestreich, a former Iraq War Army combat medic and sexual assault nurse examiner, was the featured speaker. The title of her presentation was “Waging Peace: One Soldier’s Story of Putting Love First.” She spoke compassionately about her life journey from soldier to peacemaker and her work with Preemptive Love Coalition, a relief organization based in Iraq.

Thank you to the many people who attended, to the committee members (Theresa O’Gara, Cindy Blomberg, Susie Darley-Hill, Linda Vukson, Val Kennedy, and Peg Mold) and to all the other volunteers who helped to make “Women of Influence 2020” a success. We also want to extend a “thank you” to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) for co-sponsoring this event

Sandy Grandmaison and Gwen Thorson, Co-chairpersons

Diana Oestreich, Zabelle Stodola from AAUW, Christina Woods, Sandy Grandmaison

Sandy Grandmaison, Diana Oestreich, Gwen Thorson

March 2020 Duluth Voter Page 9

22nd Annual Citizens in Action Workshop – January 25, 2020: “Stand Up & Be Counted”

22nd Annual Citizens in Action workshop was held on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at First United Methodist Church (Coppertop) in Duluth. “Stand Up & Be Counted” was this year’s theme. Our Opening Speakers: Why the 2020 Census Matters: Andrew J. Virden, Director of Census Operations & Engagement, MN Department of Admin-istration and Sarah Priest, Partnership Specialist, Chicago Regional Census Center, U.S. Census Center Why the 2020 Election Matters: Michael Wall, Voter Outreach Specialist, Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State They each provided excellent background information on the importance of the census, the Presidential Nominating Primary Election in Minnesota, census and voter outreach opportunities for citizens to get involved. It was inspiring to learn more about their own background and commitment to getting citizens more involved. For more information: Census: www.2020census.gov, www.2020census.gov/job. Minnesota elections: mnvotes.org or elections.dept@state.mn.us Also, Carmel Petersson, Duluth Assistant City Clerk spoke about the need for more local Election judges. Contact: cpetersson@duluthmn.gov. Participants gained much information about LWV Duluth and our 30 co-sponsoring organizations, met area gov-ernment leaders, and had the opportunity to network. The goal of this workshop each year is to educate citizens about the process of government and how to effect positive change. 16 government leaders attended: MN State Senator Erik Simonson, MN State Representative Mary Murphy, Duluth School Board: Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, David Kirby, Kelly Durick Eder, Alanna Oswald, Paul Sanholm; ISD 709 Duluth Public School Superintendent Bill Gronseth, Asst. Superintendent Jeff Horton; Duluth City Councilors: Aric Forsman, Barb Russ, Gary Anderson, Joel Sipress, and Zack Filipovich; St. Louis County Commissioner Patrick Boyle, County Auditor Nancy Nilsen. We also read a letter from US Senator Amy Klobuchar, MN State Representatives Liz Olson and Jennifer Schultz. All area government leaders were invited to attend. We appreciate your time and commitment you give to listening to citizens and your service to our community. The goal of our coffee and conversation is to begin to build relationships. Please support the following businesses that donated to help keep our costs down: Duluth Coffee Company, Duluth Grill, Positively 3rd St. Bakery, Olive Garden, Panera Bread, Whole Foods Community Co-Op, and Duluth Public Schools Culinary Program “Food For Thought” restaurant. We are so thankful for LWV member Ellen Wiss and her amazing LWV kitchen crew that helped keep us in cof-fee and provide the delicious spread of food throughout the day. Once again, this event energized and motivated peo-ple to become more active and engaged in our community. We encourage all to get involved with our co-sponsoring organizations. For more information about CIA and our co-sponsoring organizations: www.lwvduluth.org Special thanks to our 30 co-sponsoring organizations and our 2020 LWV CIA Planning Committee: Stacey DeRoche, Rachel Loeffler-Kemp, Ellen Wiss, Candy Winkler, Katie Humphrey, Dyanna Grondahl.

Look forward to our 23nd Annual Citizens in Action on Saturday January 30, 2021!

Submitted by Rosie Loeffler-Kemp– 2020 LWV CIA Planning Committee Chair

Michael Wall, Stacey De Roche, Sarah Priest, Andrew J. Virden, Katie Humphrey, Candy Winkler, Ellen

Wiss, Rosie Loeffler-Kemp, Dyanna Grondahl

Elected Officials

Page 10 Duluth Voter March 2020

LWV Duluth Observers’ Reports

Duluth Indigenous Commission: January 27, 2020 Public Comment: Janet Kennedy, City Councilor, Pam Kramer, LISC Director, and Elena Foshay, City of Duluth Work Force presented information on a grant to focus on disparities. They are seeking two people who have experienced disparities to serve on a task force for 5 hours a week at a rate of $50/hour. The task force will develop an action plan to reduce disparities. Commissioners were encouraged to refer applicants for these positions. The Indigenous Commission’s 2019 report to the City Council Committee of the Whole is being prepared. The 2020 work plan draft was approved. The commissioners voted to continue Babette Sandman as chair and Carol DeVerney as vice chair. Sobriety Feasts every second Wednesday of the month continue and are well attended. Two applications to serve on the commission have been received. The applicants will be invited to the next meeting. A draft copy of the by-laws was distributed for discussion at the next meeting. Next meeting: Feb. 24, 2020

Submitted by Gail Schoenfelder

Duluth Public Library Board Meeting: January 28, 2020, At the main branch: repairs have been completed on the elevator and new public restrooms on the lower level are now open. This month the Rural Aids Action Network (RAAN) began a regular presence in the Partnership Center at the main branch. RAAN staff are present at the same time as St. Louis County Public Health and Human Services staff. RAAN is offering free Narcan distribution and one-on-one training in its administration. A new art display can be viewed in the Computer Center. It’s a sampling of work from visual arts students at Choice Unlimited, a nonprofit that supports adults with disabilities and people experiencing other barriers to employment and community inclusion. Every Child Ready Duluth is progressing. The library is in the process of hiring a library technician to join the librarian already at work on this program. In addition, an application will be made for an Americorps/Vista position to complete the goal of three staff members for ECRD. Framework and development for the program is in progress with the help of a hired consultant. Community outreach and coalition building is underway. The library’s 2020 goals were reviewed with the Board.

Submitted by Debbi Rasmussen

Duluth Seaway Port Authority Board Meeting: January 29, 2020 The Board of Commissioners met to discuss and report on financial statements, committee reports and action items. All action items were approved. Discussions included trade development, water levels, facility management and media exposure. Wind turbines are still being stored in the port, but they expect them to be gone by the end of February. Cruise Duluth is still working on firming up details such as border protection. Grain trade was directly affected by a decreased crop partially due to weather conditions. High water levels continue to create both opportunity and challenges. Challenges include but are not limited to navigation and safety. All of the Great Lakes have higher water levels than last year at this time. There continues to be discus-sion on when the shipping season should open. The media department continues to keep the public informed on issues. The Human Trafficking Task Force is ongoing. Overall, the Port Authority reports a good maritime performance and they are ex-pecting a busy upcoming shipping season. For more details visit www.duluthport.com Submitted by Joni Plante Natural Resources Commission: February 5th, 2020

All 9 members of Duluth’s NRC, including new member Tiffany Sprague, attended the regular monthly meeting in City Hall Room 330 from 6:00 to 7:45 PM. Four city staff persons and four audience members were present. Audience member Louise Levy encouraged NRC participation in the MN Chapter of the International Society of Arborculture’s annual meeting, to be held in Duluth October 8-9. Member Beth Kleinke will resign, leaving a vacancy which may be filled from past applicants. Duluth’s NR Coordinator Diane Desotelle presented a draft of a comprehensive Natural Resources Management Plan. Commissioners submitted comments, including the suggested addition of a section on staff and funding requirements for implementation of priorities, which will determine how much can be accomplished. Diane expects this plan to require 12-18 months’ work for completion.| Revisions of the DNAP (Duluth Natural Areas Plan) Ordinance will govern specific plans currently under development and approval for Hartley and the St. Louis River, as well as future Natural Area plans. The latter have been approved by NRC and are making their way through the Planning Commission and City Council. Access the plans at https://duluthmn.gov/parks/natural-resources/dnap/. (Continued on page 11)

March 2020 Duluth Voter Page 11

LWV Duluth Observers’ Reports (Continued from page 10)

Natural Resources Commission: February 5th, 2020 (Continued) City Forester Clark Christianson discussed a proposed tree inventory, an upcoming tree planting initiative, updating of the 2003 Magney-Snively Plan, Emerald Ash Borer management, and invasive species control. Director of City Administration Jim Filby Williams’ report focused on land transfers and acquisition. Current negotiations with the county related to $4.8 million tax forfeit land will address parcels with recreational value, ecological value, and sustainable development. Two Golf Course parcels will be developed according to preliminary plans and developers expected to be selected in March. NRC members proposed that NRC should have a role in city land sales, some of which could be significant to their mission. All agreed that such a procedure might be included in the developing NR Management Plan. The audience was invited to comment at the end of the meeting; LWV’s Myrna Matheson suggested the use of microphones so that the public could more easily hear the proceedings. Submitted by Barb Akre and Myrna Matheson

Duluth City Council: February 10, 2020 The Pastoret Terrace Building is closer to demolition. The resolution passed. However, Councilors Sipress and Filipovich expressed their disappointment due to the need for affordable housing and the loss of an historic building. A resolution was introduced by Councilors Medved and Forsman establishing the 2020 Duluth Business and Entrepreneur-ship Appreciation Award. Each councilor will have an opportunity to highlight a business that demonstrates positive results for their employees and the community. It should not be construed as an opportunity to promote a business. Resolution passed 6-2. Three speakers expressed concerns about climate globalization. Climate crisis will affect every aspect of life in Duluth. Two speakers stressed the need for affordable housing, especially since Essentia has had an impact with their buildings project. Councilor Filipovich will meet with constituents before council meetings. Check his website and sign up. Submitted by Jackie Johnson and Mary Jane Peterson

Parks and Recreation Commission: February 12, 2020 The meeting was primarily devoted to presenting updates to the members of the Commission with but one item requiring action, that of an easement dedication to amend the Brighton Beach mini-master plan already approved by the City Council. Mike Reuter, COGGS, led off with an informational report on “Snow Dog Grooming at Hartley.” No, a “snow dog” is not a dog that loves snow, but rather it is a $3800 machine weighing 350 lbs. and designed exclusively for grooming ski trails. The necessary funds for the purchases were donated by users of the trails; first at Hartley, and most recently at Lester. There are several advantages to using snowdogs rather than snowmobiles dragging weighted sleds: snowdogs can groom tighter curves, they offer better compacting, and they are much easier to use than snowmobiles. The latter advantage is underscored by the fact that most of volunteers doing the grooming do not have snowmobile skills. The snowdogs groom a 32” wide strip. Last season the volunteers logged over 2700 hours grooming city ski trails. COGGS plans to move beyond grooming trails, and hopes to create an all-weather loop at several parks, potentially first at Central Park below Enger. Another of COGGS goals, a skills park has just been approved by the City and preliminary work has begun for it at Keene Creek. Public meetings will be announced soon. Next Matt Andrews, Trails Coordinator, presented an informational update on “Signs and Wayfinding.” The Final Design Plan that was approved in March 2017 was a basic design package and did not provide sufficient detail to move into production. Fabrication and Installation Technical Specifications were created in June 2019, and in November the first signs started to appear. The Department has made substantial progress and has issued a 2020 Signage Implementation Plan for 19 Project Locations (11 Wayfinding and 8 at Park Entrances). The wayfinding signs include aids for mapping with GPS. Detailed data on remote trails will be available only to rescue personnel and includes data on accessibility for emergency vehicles. The next item of business was a request for action on a Brighton Beach Trail Easement Dedication. This was necessary because the mini-masterplan previously approved by Council needs to be modified in the area of northernmost “Out lot” A, where the stone fireplace and small stone structure are presently located. This change accommodates the most recent wave ac-tion analysis. The motion passed with but one opposed. The matter will now go back to Council. Finally, Matt Andrews offered an update (for future action) on the Upper Chester Bowl Trails, highlighting plans for 2020. The goals are to improve the quality of existing trails, rehabilitate trails posing erosion concerns, consolidate and improve public entry points, formalize some previously unsanctioned trails (user “pathways”), obliterate and re-vegetate unnecessary trail segments, and improve the connectivity of the trail system with an additional pedestrian bridge. When completed there will be three different types of signs at Chester Bowl: those at park entrances, trail markers, and those with maps at entrance point trails. The next meeting of the Commission is on Wednesday, March 11.

Submitted by Thomas Burns, Lane Palmer, Ronald Regal

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