Live from City Hall
Tower Road
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 15, 2010
Designs are shaping up for the Tower Road project where it intersects with Lincoln Avenue. The intersection will be signalized. Islands will be installed to help control traffic in the turn lanes. The frontage road leading from the mall area, Godfathers Pizza, and J&K Sports will be closed with a ... Read more and add a comment
Arena plans
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 15, 2010
Three changes made to arena plans: 1) A second floor will be added above the lobby. 2) A walking track will be built on the floor level of the arena around the main rink. 3) Curling could be added in the satellite rink and would be painted as the hockey ... Read more and add a comment
Council hears concerns on bank issues
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 15, 2010
City Engineer Dan Edwards introduced new plans for the proposed U.S. Bank project in the 500 block of Lincoln Avenue. The major change was made to residential concerns about traffic turning into an alley and disrupting the neighborhood. New plans call for the drive-thru traffic to exit onto Oak Street ... Read more and add a comment
Strauch speaks...
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 15, 2010
City resident John Strauch raised two questions during public forum. First, he said it was inappropriate that the courts have halted the spending ordinance proceedings by means of a temporary restraining order. He said the people who brought the ordinance forward (Fergus Votes) followed all the right procedures by law. ... Read more and add a comment
And we're off...
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 15, 2010
All councilmembers accounted for with the exception of Jim Fish. Read more and add a comment
Ash a problem with incinerator abatement
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The city is currently in the process of demolishing the incinerator on the Regional Treatment Center grounds. But it's been determined that ash and refractory from the old site must be abated before equipment can be removed. The city has suspended demolition for 90 days and is in the process ... Read more and add a comment
State aid cuts opposed
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The council doesn't like Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed cuts in local government aid and have let their voices be heard. The council passed a resolution formally opposing the cuts. Local government aid represents 2.9 percent of the state budget but accounted for 16 percent of the state's budget cuts. The ... Read more and add a comment
Budget cuts
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The city has seen a proposed $675,000 cut in state funding. A plan was rolled out to cut $405,000 from the city budget and to make up the $269,000 shortfall from the city's fund balance. Among the proposed cuts was $25,000 for lifeguards at Pebble Lake Beach. That didn't sit ... Read more and add a comment
U.S. Bank
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
Alley traffic is an issue as residents in the 500 block of Lincoln Avenue discuss the U.S. Bank plans with the council. (See today's story at: http://www.fergusfallsjournal.com/news/2010/feb/28/us-bank-finds-home-west-lincoln/) Rick Garza, 521 W. Lincoln, said nobody has a problem with the bank coming in. "We just want them out of the alley," ... Read more and add a comment
Mail ballots or polls?
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The council is discussing holding the ordinance election via a mail campaign. Jim Fish offered a motion to hold a traditional election. Measure passed 6-1 with Randy Synstelien opposing. Synstelien referenced estimates that 75-90% would vote by mail. "It's my preference to get the most voters as possible," he said. ... Read more and add a comment
What's the question?
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The council just set the ballot question for the special election regarding the spending ordinance: Should the city code of The City of Fergus Falls be amended to include an ordinance of the city of Fergus Falls, Minnesota establishing a procedure to define, classify, approve, and authorize funding for major ... Read more and add a comment
Hats of to Campfire USA
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
Mayor Hal Leland read a proclamation honoring Campfire USA for 100 years in Fergus Falls. Read more and add a comment
Curling, anyone?
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
Dick Young appeared before the council to ask that curling rinks be considered for the proposed new community arena. The engineers working on the arena will be asked to study the feasibility of the request. Read more and add a comment
Mall support
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The city council gave its support to a mall redevelopment plan by approving a $150,000 loan to the mall ownership to accommodate Dunham's Sports, a proposed new tenant for the JCPenney wing. The council also approved a tax abatement program that will serve to secure a $400,000 loan from a ... Read more and add a comment
Bonding for capital improvements
Posted by Jeff Hage on March 1, 2010
The city council has preliminarily approved the issuing of $5.5 million in general obligation bonds to fund a future building project for a public safety building. The council has not initiated a police station project, but city staff is negotiating the purchase of a land parcel across from city hall ... Read more and add a comment
Closed meeting on property purchase
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
the city council just went into closed session to discuss a proposed property purchase agreement of a parcel at Junius Avenue and Washington Avenue that could potentially be used at a future date for a proposed new public safety building. The council will take no action in the meeting, no ... Read more and add a comment
Lobbyist to work for city on arena
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
The quest for state financing for a city-owned ice arena just cost the city some cold cash. The city council tonight amended a contract with a lobbyist it hired in November, 2008 to represent its interests in obtaining state financing during the upcoming Legislative session. The city hired Joel Carlson, ... Read more and add a comment
Security interest on laundromat released
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
The city council has released security interest in an economic development loan issued to Alice Karst in 2003 for repairs at her King Koin Laundromat. In June 2008 Karst deeded the property to First Security Bank of Sleepy Eye's Detroit Lakes branch to satisfy a $220,000 loan she had with ... Read more and add a comment
RTC progress
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Developers of the RTC project could close on two parcels by the end of March, according to Kent Mattson, attorney on RTC issues. Developers could close on Parcel A (the nurses cottage) and Parcel B (old school district/public health building). Demolition and abatement on some buildings on the main Kirkbridge ... Read more and add a comment
legacy, heritage grants
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
The city council approved submitting two legacy grants and and heritage preservation grant. Roger Germann, with the heritage preservation commission, would like to seek the grants to do an inventory of historic properties in the fourth ward. The city would meet the grant's matching requirement by accessing a $1,000 community ... Read more and add a comment
Strauch, Germann speech
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Roger Germann spoke in open forum and asked about the speaking rules for the upcoming public hearing on the arena project scheduled for Feb. 9. Germann said only city residents should be allowed to speak because city residents would foot the bill for any funding. Strauch talked about the arena, ... Read more and add a comment
US Bank and Kiefer area
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
This might be a first— during open forum tonight a city resident shared some thoughts regarding the potential U.S. Bank relocation, but didn't appear before the city council. Claudia Erlandson-Stavedahl, didn't want to speak before cameras on public access television so she gave her message to the city council in ... Read more and add a comment
Purchase agreement
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
City Attorney Rolf Nycklemoe said he expects to have a purchase agreement available for review by the city council at its next meeting, Monday, Feb. 15. Read more and add a comment
public hearing for law enforcement center
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
The city will host a public hearing March 1 to amend its capital improvement plan to allow for financing a potential new law enforcement center. The city council has directed city administrators to negotiate a purchase of a parcel of land at Junius and Washington for the setting of a ... Read more and add a comment
It's 5:30-- time for City Council meeting
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Councilmember Stumbo is in the house. Read more and add a comment
Arena
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
The community ice arena project was initiated in Oct. 2009. A schematic design of the proposed arena could be reviewed later this month. On Wednesday of this week some members of the council, along with Leland and City Administrator Mark Sievert, travelled to St. Paul to address a legislative bonding ... Read more and add a comment
Road safety
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Traffic lights have been installed at Highway 210 near Walmart. The city partnered with MNDOT and Walmart on the signalling project. Work has begun with MNDOT on a signaliztion project at Highway 210 and Pebble Lake Road, too. Plans are to signal Tower Road at Lincoln Ave. when the Tower ... Read more and add a comment
Projects
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Project highlights in 2009 included storage building for snow equipment at airport and a new demolition cell at the landfill. Library got a new roof valued at $150,000. Tower Bridge project moves forward. It will cost about $14 million before completed. Federal Stimulus Dollars funded replacement of Concord Street Bridge. ... Read more and add a comment
Streets
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
2.7 million in repairs to streets in 2009. Continue in 2010 as budget allows. City also worked on trails in 2009, including connecting city trails with Pebble Lake trail. Lake Alice area is getting road makeover. Water, sewer and storm sewer also getting attention. Read more and add a comment
Mayor speaks
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
City unalloted $320,000 in state funding in 2008. In 2009 city lost another $272,000. Leland projects city will lose $628,000 in 2010 budget. Building down from 2008. New residential housing down. New commercial building nearly doubled. Read more and add a comment
State of the City address (updated)
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Full house for Mayor Hal Leland's address. Alderman Greg Stumbo is absent. We're starting with some city-related organizations making short presentations. First up was the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. In 2009 the HRA was given over $500,000 that went directly to local landlords for those receiving subsidized housing. Next up ... Read more and add a comment
Blogging tonight...
Posted by Jeff Hage on February 1, 2010
Join us at 4:30 p.m. tonight for Mayor Hal Leland's State of the City address followed by the meeting of the City Council at 5:30 p.m. Read more and add a comment
Join us Feb. 1
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 21, 2010
Join us Feb. 1 when we blog from Mayor Hal Leland's state of the city address, the city council meeting and a public meeting regarding the ice arena design. Read more and add a comment
Meeting adjourned: 6:20 p.m.
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
There will be a closed meeting to discuss potential purchase of property for a proposed police station. Read more and add a comment
Golf course
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
A group of city officials met recently with golf course officials to discuss how to capitalize on the city asset.A open forum will be planned for the future where the history of the golf course, its development over the years and how to deal with its financial situations can be ... Read more and add a comment
Good news from norway
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
Mayor Hal Leland said a 40-person delegation from norway will visit Fergus Falls in jUne for Summerfest and a new sister city celebration. Read more and add a comment
Hopeful for arena
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
City Administrator Mark Sievert noted that the arena was not included in the governors bonding bill. He was told that there are some cities ahead of Fewrgus Falls for such bonding requests. But getting some funding is certainly possible. The city's presentations to state leaders we're well received, Sievert said. Read more and add a comment
Budget
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
City officials are eagerly awaiting the governor's plan for balancing the budget. To date the city has not targeted cuts in its budget, but is making plans to do such if necessary. The city is looking to two plans: One to trim $400,000 from the budget, another for $1 Million. ... Read more and add a comment
Late public comment
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
Resident tim Rindquist arrived late at the meeting wishing to address the council. Mayor Hal Leland allowed him to speak. Rindquist said snowmobile use is becoming an annoyance near his office at Fir Ave. and Tower road. The location is not on a list approved for snowmobile list . Police ... Read more and add a comment
Snowmobiles don't belong here...
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
Resident tim Rundquist arrived late at the meeting wishing to address the council. Mayor Hal Leland allowed him to speak. Rundquist said snowmobile use is becoming an annoyance near his office at Fir Ave. and Tower road. The location is not on a list approved for snowmobile list . Police ... Read more and add a comment
Consent items
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
The council approved seven items on the consent agenda. - Read more and add a comment
Synstelein, Jensen absent
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
Councilmember Randy Synstelien and Tim Jensen are not present. Read more and add a comment
monday, Jan. 19 council meeting...
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 19, 2010
We're set up and ready to roll... Five minutes until meeting opens. Read more and add a comment
Meeting adjourned
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
8:44 p.m. - meeting adjourned Read more and add a comment
Public hearing
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
The city council will host a public hearing on the proposed ordinance on February 9 at Legacy Hall at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. Read more and add a comment
Lack of trust
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Mayor Hal Leland made an observation. What we heard tonight was that we need to rebuild trust. We lost trust in the process. Now is the time to rebuild that trust or we risk not having a representative government or a process for moving forward. We have to accept the ... Read more and add a comment
a scary guy
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Darryl Synstellien said that until last Monday he thought Jay Cichosz was a scary guy. "you're a scary guy. I thought you were intimidating." But not anymore. Synstellien and Cichosz talked for 40 minutes last week. "I don't think that anymore," Synstellien said. Read more and add a comment
Intentions
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
For the second consecutive week Jay Cichosz challenged Darryl Synstellien. Can you look me straight in the eye and tell me this wasn't an attempt to stop the arena? Cichosz asked. "I want a clear, honest, answer." Synstellien went on record stating his goal was not to stop the arena ... Read more and add a comment
repealing ordinance if passed
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Greg Stumbo asked what if another committee of five were to seek to repeal the ordinance if passed. It could be repealed by the same process it was enacted, Nycklemoe suggested. Also, the council might be able to change the ordinance in the future if it were to approve it ... Read more and add a comment
Not a surprise
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Alderman Jay Cichosz wants to clear up a myth: Some people say in some way the arena vote was a surprise. This was no surprise, he said. I'm all for people partaking in the process but I don't want the myth propagated that this was a surprise. He said the ... Read more and add a comment
emotional process
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Daryll Synstellien says as the city moves closer to process of issuing bonds that the divide in the community grows greater, costs increase and anger and frustration grows deeper. The proposed ordinance would: calm dissention, allow other ideas to be heard and to allow the council and residents to come ... Read more and add a comment
bonding concern
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
The city does not have authority to issue bonds for an arena, according to a letter from a bond attorney consulted on the case. It would have to go to an election. However, if the city doesn't want to hold an election it can have the port authority issue bonds ... Read more and add a comment
not a referendum
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Nycklemoe says the ordinance doesn't call for a referendum. "Rather, it's a repealer," he said. Voters would be using ordinance as a repealing process, he said. Read more and add a comment
is it an obligation
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
City Attorney Rolf Nycklemoe said vagueness of committees proposed ordinance could be a concern and areas of municipal responsibility and obligation are open for interpretation. Take the ice arena for example- the city has provided an arena foe decades. Does that make the city obligated to continue? That's open to ... Read more and add a comment
ordinance uncessary
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Alderman Greg Stumbo says state statutes provide referendums and citizen involvement in bringing ordinances forward. He says proposed ordinance is not necessary. Read more and add a comment
A say in projects
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Daryll Synstelien of Fergus Votes said his committee wants every registered voter a healthy way to participate in the very narrow range of elective projects. Read more and add a comment
The agenda
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
1. Committee presentation 2. City attorney interpretation 3.Discussion 4. Set public hearing date 5.Set date for council action Read more and add a comment
Three here from the petitioning committee
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
Three members of the committee of five who brought the spending ordinance petition are here at City Hall for the meeting. Harold Stanislawski, representing the economic improvement commission is here as well. Read more and add a comment
we're about ready....
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 11, 2010
We're about five minutes from the kick-off of tonight's meeting of the Fergus Falls Committee of the Whole... Read more and add a comment
Join us again Monday
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 6, 2010
Join the Daily Journal Monday night, Jan. 11, at 7 p.m. as we blog live from the city's committee of the whole meeting as our alderman discuss the spending ordinance. Read more and add a comment
Adjourn
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
Meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m. Read more and add a comment
Acting Mayor
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
The council nominated and elected Randy Synstelien as acting mayor for 2010. Read more and add a comment
Library donation
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
The council just accepted a $2,000 donation from the Lundeen Foundation earmarked for the accelerated reading program at the Fergus Falls Library. Read more and add a comment
US Bank-Pamida Lot
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
Council made a motion to reject a purchase proposal from US Bank for the Pamida lot. See The Daily Journal for full details on the proposal from US Bank. Read more and add a comment
Labor negotiations
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
City is meeting with Teamsters, exchanging proposals. Six seesions planned through Feb. Police Sgts and officers: 2 sessions planned. Read more and add a comment
Arena $
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
Jim Fish reported signed sponsors for the arena project total $1.8 million. Unsigned donations total about $600,000, he said. Read more and add a comment
Taxi woes
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
City Cab has problems with its cabs- one has no insurance, two did not pass inspection. Owner Monte Nelson's licenses are up for renewal and expired Dec. 30. Council is giving Nelson to Feb. 1 to clear up issues. City Cab cannot operate until issues resolved and certficate of insurnace ... Read more and add a comment
$25,000 donation
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
The council accepted a $25,000 donation from the Roberts Family Foundation for the Community Ice arena. This is the third payment from the foundation earmarked for the arena. The first was for $40,000, the next $20,000, Finance director Bill Sonmor said. Read more and add a comment
Stumbo introduces petition
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
Councilman Greg Stumbo introduced the spending ordinance. A decision by the city council must be made in the next 60 days or it will go before the voters. The committee of the whole will meet next Monday at 7 p.m. to make plans for a required public hearing and clear ... Read more and add a comment
Petition - first reading
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
City Manager Mark Sievert presented the charter spending petition to the council. He certified the petition on Dec. 30. Mayor Leland is giving the first reading of the proposed ordinance. Read more and add a comment
All aldermen present
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
All aldermen are present. Alderman Randy Synsteien gave the invocation. Read more and add a comment
Years of Service Awards
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
The city of Fergus Falls presented length of service awards to 10-plus employees prior to the city council meeting. Check the Daily Journal for the full list of recipients and their lengths of service. Read more and add a comment
45 minutes and counting...
Posted by Jeff Hage on January 4, 2010
Join us at 5:30 p.m. for LIVE blog coverage of the Monday, Jan. 4 Fergus Falls city Council meeting. Read more and add a comment
