Construction Update
Summer is definitely here as the amount of road construction reaches its peak. In Windom the 2009 Street Project is progressing on schedule with work currently being done on the south end of 4th Avenue between the Perkins Creek Bridge and 16th Street. In addition, work is underway on Langley and 3rd Avenue. This week a section of the new 4th Avenue from Tanglewood Apartments to Highway 71 was re-opened for public use.
On July 7 the MN DOT started their project on State Highway 60 between Windom and Butterfield. The Highway 60 detour runs on 16th Street and Lakeview through Windom. This detour goes by the Windom Recreation Area and residential areas so please be aware of the new stop signs and pedestrians.
The $1.5 million runway reconstruction and maintenance project at the Windom Airport will start on July 13. As such, the Windom Airport will be closed from July 13 to approximately September 18.
2010 Budget
On June 17 the Governor announced the State's unallotments of Local Government Aid (LGA) to balance the State's budget and address their $4.6 billion deficit. For Windom this means a loss of about $94,000 in 2009 LGA and about $219,000 in 2010 LGA. The City's administrative staff and Department Heads have just started to draft the 2010 budgets. The City Council will likely begin our discussions in mid-late August. Due to the cuts in State aid and the need to keep local tax rates within the levy limits there will be difficult decisions regarding the provision of municipal services. The City Council appreciates public input and encourages your attendance at the upcoming budget meetings.
Federal Grants Update
The City of Windom has submitted competitive grant applications for four public safety projects. These include COPS funding to help support the Police Department, Assistance to Firefighter's funding for a county-wide communications system, Assistance to Firefighter's funding for a new rescue truck (to replace the existing 20-year old unit) and Assistance to Firefighter's funding to help construct an expanded Fire Hall. All of these federal grant opportunities are through the 2009 Federal Stimulus bill passed by Congress and signed by the President in February 2009. Should the City of Windom receive monies for any of these projects it will help strengthen the emergency services within the community and benefit the local taxpayers by minimizing the amount of local dollars needed to accomplish these important projects.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
Congratulations on Riverfest 2009
Thank you to the Windom Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfest Co-chairs and all of the Riverfest volunteers and participants. I greatly appreciate all of the work that goes into the planning, organization and operation of all of the Riverfest events.
Local Government Aid (LGA) - 2009 and 2010 Unallotments
On June 16th the Governor announced the anticipated cuts to LGA. Windom will lose $94,753 for 2009 and $218,631 in 2010. The City Council had proactively planned and budgeted for the 2009 cut; however, this also resulted in the loss or reduction of some city services. The 2010 budget will be much more difficult as the level of LGA cuts increase. The City continues to seek suggestions from citizens about ways to save the City money via SaveWindomMoney@windom-mn.com. As the City Council starts the 2010 budgeting process there will be additional opportunities for the public to participate in these discussions.
June 16 City Council Re-cap
In addition to two temporary street closures for community events there were three licence applications approved and a variance application for 968 6th Street.
The City's 2008 Audit was presented by Dennis Rick, LTD. The highlights of the audit included the recommendation from the auditor that the City continue to take a strong financial position in maintaining the General Fund balances as this helps to protect the City against unforseen or emergency expenditures and allows the City retain a good credit rating, which results in lower interest costs. The 2008 unallotment of LGA cost the City of Windom $110,120 or about 5% of its General Fund balance. The City's Enterprise Funds (Liquor, Water, Sewer, Electric and Telecom) were in good financial condition and profitable, with the exception of Telecom. Telecom showed a loss for 2008 of about $233,000; however, this was a significant improvement over 2007. Mr. Rick said that overall the City's finances have been improving over the past couple of years and he congratulated the City Council, Department Heads and Administration for their efforts.
Windom Airport Improvement Project
On June 16th the City Council approved the Authorization needed for the federal entitlement funds that are a companion piece to the federal stimulus funding we received for the runway project. The project is scheduled to start on July 13. Overall, nearly $1.6 million in federal funds are being leveraged by about $20,000 in City funds.
2009 Street Project Update
The weather this last week has slowed down the work on this project. They crews are still on schedule and paving will continue next week on 4th Avenue from Abby Park to the Perkin's Creek Bridge. During the next two weeks work on Langley Street will continue with underground utilities and road construction.
Thank you to the Windom Chamber of Commerce, the Riverfest Co-chairs and all of the Riverfest volunteers and participants. I greatly appreciate all of the work that goes into the planning, organization and operation of all of the Riverfest events.
Local Government Aid (LGA) - 2009 and 2010 Unallotments
On June 16th the Governor announced the anticipated cuts to LGA. Windom will lose $94,753 for 2009 and $218,631 in 2010. The City Council had proactively planned and budgeted for the 2009 cut; however, this also resulted in the loss or reduction of some city services. The 2010 budget will be much more difficult as the level of LGA cuts increase. The City continues to seek suggestions from citizens about ways to save the City money via SaveWindomMoney@windom-mn.com. As the City Council starts the 2010 budgeting process there will be additional opportunities for the public to participate in these discussions.
June 16 City Council Re-cap
In addition to two temporary street closures for community events there were three licence applications approved and a variance application for 968 6th Street.
The City's 2008 Audit was presented by Dennis Rick, LTD. The highlights of the audit included the recommendation from the auditor that the City continue to take a strong financial position in maintaining the General Fund balances as this helps to protect the City against unforseen or emergency expenditures and allows the City retain a good credit rating, which results in lower interest costs. The 2008 unallotment of LGA cost the City of Windom $110,120 or about 5% of its General Fund balance. The City's Enterprise Funds (Liquor, Water, Sewer, Electric and Telecom) were in good financial condition and profitable, with the exception of Telecom. Telecom showed a loss for 2008 of about $233,000; however, this was a significant improvement over 2007. Mr. Rick said that overall the City's finances have been improving over the past couple of years and he congratulated the City Council, Department Heads and Administration for their efforts.
Windom Airport Improvement Project
On June 16th the City Council approved the Authorization needed for the federal entitlement funds that are a companion piece to the federal stimulus funding we received for the runway project. The project is scheduled to start on July 13. Overall, nearly $1.6 million in federal funds are being leveraged by about $20,000 in City funds.
2009 Street Project Update
The weather this last week has slowed down the work on this project. They crews are still on schedule and paving will continue next week on 4th Avenue from Abby Park to the Perkin's Creek Bridge. During the next two weeks work on Langley Street will continue with underground utilities and road construction.
Friday, June 5, 2009
June 2 City Council Re-cap
Mike Haugen, Water\Wastewater Superintendent, addressed the City Council regarding the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the municipal water system. A copy of this report was distributed to all customers in this last month's utility bill. The City's system passed the State testing; however, the level of copper was slightly elevated over the State's threshold. As such, re-testing will occur. Mike also informed the City Council and citizens that the City is not imposing a watering restriction at this time, but should it be necessary one may be implemented later this summer.
Al Baloun, Recreation Director, reported that City Recreation Programs will be starting on June 10th and he encouraged the public to be aware of children and bicycles.
The City Council also approved moving forward with the airport reconstruction project that is funded by federal entitlement funds and federal stimulus funds. The City Council selected a concrete surface based on considerations for lower future maintenance costs.
2009 Street Project Update
Curb and gutter have been completed north of the Perkins Creek bridge to Hwy 71. Paving of the street surface also started this week. During the pouring and curing of the surface the road will be closed for about one week. Overall, the project continues to move along well and on schedule.
Windom Pool Opening - June 10th
The Windom pool is scheduled to open on June 10th. Work this year included the installation of new drain covers that were mandated by the State and Federal government for all public pools. Daily admissions are payable at the Windom Pool and swim passes are available at City Hall.
Local Government Aid (LGA) and the State Budget Deficit
The news out of St. Paul continues to be bad for Minnesota cities. With a large $4.6 billion deficit the Governor will soon be making cuts to State spending. One of the areas that is likely to see a large cut is Local Government Aid. These funds are intended to provide aid to cities in the provision of services to its citizens and help insure adequate, comparable services in all cities. Windom should be receiving about $1.3 million in LGA, which is about 50% of our General Fund budget. Due to the anticipated cuts this aid could fall by $144,000 to $301,000 in 2009-2010. A cut of this size will significantly impact the City services and it will be important for the public to participate in the upcoming 2010 budget meetings to share their ideas.
Riverfest
Riverfest is next weekend. This is an opportunity to show off our community and celebrate together. I encourage everyone to participate in the festivities and enjoy the parade and other entertainment.
Have a great weekend.
Mike Haugen, Water\Wastewater Superintendent, addressed the City Council regarding the annual Consumer Confidence Report for the municipal water system. A copy of this report was distributed to all customers in this last month's utility bill. The City's system passed the State testing; however, the level of copper was slightly elevated over the State's threshold. As such, re-testing will occur. Mike also informed the City Council and citizens that the City is not imposing a watering restriction at this time, but should it be necessary one may be implemented later this summer.
Al Baloun, Recreation Director, reported that City Recreation Programs will be starting on June 10th and he encouraged the public to be aware of children and bicycles.
The City Council also approved moving forward with the airport reconstruction project that is funded by federal entitlement funds and federal stimulus funds. The City Council selected a concrete surface based on considerations for lower future maintenance costs.
2009 Street Project Update
Curb and gutter have been completed north of the Perkins Creek bridge to Hwy 71. Paving of the street surface also started this week. During the pouring and curing of the surface the road will be closed for about one week. Overall, the project continues to move along well and on schedule.
Windom Pool Opening - June 10th
The Windom pool is scheduled to open on June 10th. Work this year included the installation of new drain covers that were mandated by the State and Federal government for all public pools. Daily admissions are payable at the Windom Pool and swim passes are available at City Hall.
Local Government Aid (LGA) and the State Budget Deficit
The news out of St. Paul continues to be bad for Minnesota cities. With a large $4.6 billion deficit the Governor will soon be making cuts to State spending. One of the areas that is likely to see a large cut is Local Government Aid. These funds are intended to provide aid to cities in the provision of services to its citizens and help insure adequate, comparable services in all cities. Windom should be receiving about $1.3 million in LGA, which is about 50% of our General Fund budget. Due to the anticipated cuts this aid could fall by $144,000 to $301,000 in 2009-2010. A cut of this size will significantly impact the City services and it will be important for the public to participate in the upcoming 2010 budget meetings to share their ideas.
Riverfest
Riverfest is next weekend. This is an opportunity to show off our community and celebrate together. I encourage everyone to participate in the festivities and enjoy the parade and other entertainment.
Have a great weekend.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
News from the May 11th and May 19th City Council Meetings
The City Council and the County Assessor conducted the annual Board of Review meeting on May 11th to discuss real estate valuations used for determining property taxes on residential, industrial and commercial property. Eight citizens appeared to discuss valuations on twelve parcels. The City Council approved one valuation adjustment, which was for the Good Samaritan facility due to a mis-classification of approximately 1.5 acres of land. This information will now go to the Cottonwood County Board on June 16th.
On May 19th the City Council had nine licenses and permits to consider for approval in connection with Riverfest and other events. The City Council also approved a 3-year labor agreement with the City's largest union. The new agreement for 2009-2011 calls for a 1% cost-of-living adjustment in each year. A new part-time position for Telecommunications marketing and administration was also approved.
State Funding for Cities
As you know by now the legislature and Governor were unable to agree to a budget that would address the State's $4.6 billion deficit. The Governor has indicated that he will cut the State budget through an "unallotment" process, which essentially allows him to cut any State program by any amount he sees fit. One of the programs targeted for a substantial reduction is Local Government Aid (LGA). The LGA program was designed to keep a basic level of services operating in all cities by sharing the wealth between large and small cities and keeping property taxes down in communities with smaller tax bases. Windom is to get $1.334 million in LGA in 2009. This amount represents about 50% of our General Fund that is used to pay for public services. Public Safety (Police, Fire and Emergency Management) is the largest part of the General Fund budget and accounts for about 40% of our General Fund expenditures. I encourage you to contact our legislators (Senator Vickerman and Representative Rod Hamilton)and the Governor's office and ask them to limit cuts to LGA. We realize in this difficult economic time we must all sacrifice, but LGA was cut at the end of 2008 to balance the State budget and will take a disproportionate cut in 2009 and 2010 if the Governor stands by his budget proposals.
Airport - Federal Stimulus Project Update
Bids for the reconstruction of the runway and other general maintenance work were received on May 20th. These bids will be reviewed by the Airport Commission on May 21st and a recommendation on the project will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration at their June 2nd meeting. The Windom Airport has $1.196 million in federal stimulus funding to pay for the runway reconstruction project. One of the key provisions to these monies is that no local matching dollars are required. Matching funds of 5% or about $4,000, however, are required for the other general maintenance work. Overall, this is an excellent project for the City of Windom.
2009 Street Project Status
As noted in today's Citizen the street project is moving along on schedule. We expect curb and gutter work to start later this week and paving could start around June 3rd on the section of 4th Avenue from Highway 71 to the new Perkin's Creek bridge. Pavement is being removed on Langley and underground work will soon start on this segment of the project.
Memorial Day Holiday
Just a reminder that the City offices will be closed on May 25th.
The City Council and the County Assessor conducted the annual Board of Review meeting on May 11th to discuss real estate valuations used for determining property taxes on residential, industrial and commercial property. Eight citizens appeared to discuss valuations on twelve parcels. The City Council approved one valuation adjustment, which was for the Good Samaritan facility due to a mis-classification of approximately 1.5 acres of land. This information will now go to the Cottonwood County Board on June 16th.
On May 19th the City Council had nine licenses and permits to consider for approval in connection with Riverfest and other events. The City Council also approved a 3-year labor agreement with the City's largest union. The new agreement for 2009-2011 calls for a 1% cost-of-living adjustment in each year. A new part-time position for Telecommunications marketing and administration was also approved.
State Funding for Cities
As you know by now the legislature and Governor were unable to agree to a budget that would address the State's $4.6 billion deficit. The Governor has indicated that he will cut the State budget through an "unallotment" process, which essentially allows him to cut any State program by any amount he sees fit. One of the programs targeted for a substantial reduction is Local Government Aid (LGA). The LGA program was designed to keep a basic level of services operating in all cities by sharing the wealth between large and small cities and keeping property taxes down in communities with smaller tax bases. Windom is to get $1.334 million in LGA in 2009. This amount represents about 50% of our General Fund that is used to pay for public services. Public Safety (Police, Fire and Emergency Management) is the largest part of the General Fund budget and accounts for about 40% of our General Fund expenditures. I encourage you to contact our legislators (Senator Vickerman and Representative Rod Hamilton)and the Governor's office and ask them to limit cuts to LGA. We realize in this difficult economic time we must all sacrifice, but LGA was cut at the end of 2008 to balance the State budget and will take a disproportionate cut in 2009 and 2010 if the Governor stands by his budget proposals.
Airport - Federal Stimulus Project Update
Bids for the reconstruction of the runway and other general maintenance work were received on May 20th. These bids will be reviewed by the Airport Commission on May 21st and a recommendation on the project will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration at their June 2nd meeting. The Windom Airport has $1.196 million in federal stimulus funding to pay for the runway reconstruction project. One of the key provisions to these monies is that no local matching dollars are required. Matching funds of 5% or about $4,000, however, are required for the other general maintenance work. Overall, this is an excellent project for the City of Windom.
2009 Street Project Status
As noted in today's Citizen the street project is moving along on schedule. We expect curb and gutter work to start later this week and paving could start around June 3rd on the section of 4th Avenue from Highway 71 to the new Perkin's Creek bridge. Pavement is being removed on Langley and underground work will soon start on this segment of the project.
Memorial Day Holiday
Just a reminder that the City offices will be closed on May 25th.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Spring is Here and Yard Work Begins
The City's compost site has been opened. Permits for the compost site may be purchased at City Hall for $15+ tax for residential customers. The compost site is open on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grass clippings and leaves are accepted (unbagged); however, tree branches and brush are not accepted.
May 5th City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider several financial items at this meeting. The most significant is the proposed sale of $1.5 million in bonds to finance the 2009 Street Project. A representative of Ehlers & Associates will be present to guide the Council though this item. Other items that could have financial implications include the proposed submission of two federal grants for a county-wide communications system and a new rescue unit for the Windom Fire Department. Both of these federal grants would require a 5% match if they are awarded to Windom. By applying for the grants the City of Windom would be able to upgrade our fire rescue equipment and meet impending State mandates for communications equipment. The City Council will be deciding whether or not to apply for the funds and commitment to the local match which is estimated to be a total of $23,000 for both projects.
Other City Council items include a revision to the Park & Recreation Commission reducing the number of members from 7 to 5 and a reminder that the annual Board of Review meeting (to discuss the valuations of property) is set for May 11th at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Spring Clean-Up Review
Thank you to everyone for your efforts to keep Windom clean. We had another successful event and I want to especially thank Cottonwood County for their assistance in discounting the landfill fees. If you have items that have tags and were not picked up please call the City office at 831-6129 and our staff will help you get these items collected.
The City's compost site has been opened. Permits for the compost site may be purchased at City Hall for $15+ tax for residential customers. The compost site is open on Tuesdays from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Grass clippings and leaves are accepted (unbagged); however, tree branches and brush are not accepted.
May 5th City Council Meeting
The City Council will consider several financial items at this meeting. The most significant is the proposed sale of $1.5 million in bonds to finance the 2009 Street Project. A representative of Ehlers & Associates will be present to guide the Council though this item. Other items that could have financial implications include the proposed submission of two federal grants for a county-wide communications system and a new rescue unit for the Windom Fire Department. Both of these federal grants would require a 5% match if they are awarded to Windom. By applying for the grants the City of Windom would be able to upgrade our fire rescue equipment and meet impending State mandates for communications equipment. The City Council will be deciding whether or not to apply for the funds and commitment to the local match which is estimated to be a total of $23,000 for both projects.
Other City Council items include a revision to the Park & Recreation Commission reducing the number of members from 7 to 5 and a reminder that the annual Board of Review meeting (to discuss the valuations of property) is set for May 11th at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber.
Spring Clean-Up Review
Thank you to everyone for your efforts to keep Windom clean. We had another successful event and I want to especially thank Cottonwood County for their assistance in discounting the landfill fees. If you have items that have tags and were not picked up please call the City office at 831-6129 and our staff will help you get these items collected.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
City Council Update -- April 21st Meeting
The City Council reviewed and approved the plans and specifications for the reconstruction of the airport runway, seal-coating the 2006 pavement and other miscellaneous improvements. The engineer's estimate is $1,489,843 including professional fees and contingency. Bids on this project are expected on May 20th. Both the Airport Commission and City Council are planning on meeting on May 21st to review the bids and award the project. Construction is expected to start around July 6, 2009.
Membership on the Park & Recreation Commission was discussed and recommended for a reduction from 7 to 5 members. The first reading of an ordinance to make this change was passed. Final passage is scheduled for May 5th.
In July 2009 the MN DOT will be starting a highway project between Butterfield and Windom. This project will require MN DOT to detour traffic for about two months through Windom on 16th Street and Lakeview Avenue. Please take care when driving these streets and watch out for children and other pedestrians.
A discussion on building permit fees was held with Jim Kartes, Building Inspector. An idea had been raised to lower building permit fees as a way to help stimulate building and remodeling. The City currently uses the 1994 State fee schedule and if changes were made to the fee schedule the State would likely require Windom to start charging permit fees for plumbing and HVAC projects and adopt the States 2003 fee schedule, both of these things would increase costs to homeowners, contractors and builders. The City Council voted to keep the current building permit fee schedule.
On April 29th the Utility Commission will host a presentation on wind energy at its upcoming meeting at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall, Council Chamber. Council members and the public are welcome to attend. A Special City Council meeting will be posted as a majority of City Council members indicated they planned on attending.
Earlier in the year the City Council had discussed holding a public meeting in May 2009 to receive input on the 2010 budget and community priorities. The State legislature is scheduled to adjourn on May 18th; however, without a budget bill close to being passed by the House, Senate and signed by the Governor it is likely that the legislative session will last beyond the May 18 adjournment date. Due to this situation the status of Local Government Aid (LGA) payments to the City will be unknown. The Council decided to wait until its May 19th meeting before setting a date for a public input meeting on the 2010 budget. The City's e-mail address (mailto:savewindommoney@windom-mn.com) to solicit comments is still active. Copies of the budget summary and line-by-line 2009 budget is on the web site, so please e-mail us with your comments.
Spring Clean-up will be this weekend (April 25th) for those with regular garbage pick-up on Thursdays and May 2nd for those with a regular garbage pick-up on Fridays. Please take advantage of this opportunity to toss out old, unused and junk items. Outdoor storage of items often leads to complaints by citizens to the Police Department and City Building Department. Following the Spring Clean-up weekends the City will be more actively enforcing the existing nuisance ordinances.
Have a great weekend and enjoy the nice Spring weather.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Happy Easter
April 7th City Council Update
The agenda for the City Council was full of action items for this meeting. The City Council took the following actions:
- Approved Access and Easement Agreement with Consolidated Ready Mix
- Approved a required Workplace Accident & Injury Reduction (AWAIR) Program
- Approved a Dance Permit for the Firefighter's Dance on April 18th at the Community Ctr.
- Approved the City's annual insurance renewal with the League of Minnesota Cities
- Rejected Seal-coat bids -- item referred back to the Street Committee
- Approved a Pre-Sale Bonding Resolution for $1,510,000 for the 2009 Street Project
- Authorized the execution of a grant agreement with the FAA for the runway recon project
- Authorized the application for federal COPS grant funding for the Police Department
- Accepted three donations to the City of Windom
- Approved the Disposition of Surplus Equipment
Spring Clean-up
Windom's Spring Clean-up will be held on April 25th and May 2nd. If your normal garbage collection day is Thursday your Spring Clean-up collection will be April 25th. If your normal garbage collection day is Friday your Spring Clean-up collection will be May 2nd. Please note that all items must be curbside by 6:00 a.m. the day of collection. The following link will take you to a page with additional information about Spring Clean-up and recycling options -- http://www.windom-mn.com/community/documents/Windom%20Spring%20Cleaning.pdfThe City Council encourages everyone to take advantage of Spring Clean-up to spruce up our community.
2009 Street Project - Update
The general contractor for the project is anticipating starting the week of April 27th or May 4th depending upon the weather. In the next couple of weeks City crews, engineers and utility providers will be in the project area to stake and mark services.
Congressman Walz Visits Windom
On April 8th Congressman Walz and his staff visited Windom to discuss the potential of federal funding for the development of the North Windom Industrial Park and to help us promote the expansion of broadband in SW Minnesota. The Congressman met with Windom City Council members Jean Fast, Bob Messer and myself, city staff and numerous representatives of surrounding communities that are seeking to access federal stimulus funding to provide for the expansion of ultra-high speed broadband.
