In this edition of the ROCORI Update, the three city administrators
discuss some unique items that are going on in their respective towns.
ROCKVILLE Rena
Weber tells us about a new tactic that the Rockville City Council is
employing to help cut down city spending. The City Council Packets are
now online and you can view those packets @ www.rockvillecity.org. This
was done in an effort to cut down on delivery spending (specifically
gasoline) as well as move the city in a more “virtual” direction where
as in the future, all city documents will be online.
COLD SPRING Larry
Lahr gives us an update on the Hometown Pride Days festival which is
coming up at the end of this month. For more detailed information, look
for the yellow flyers that feature times and locations for all of the
events. Also, stay tuned to DigElog ROCORI as we will bring you more
information as the 25th of July gets closer.
RICHMOND Lastly, Dan
Coughlin gives us an update about the waste water treatment plant in
Richmond. There has been substantial work to help reduce the amount of
cost and pollution at the treatment center, and we are pleased to say
that the project has been a success. Thanks to all who were and who are
continued to be involved with that effort. As always, stay tuned to
DigElog ROCORI for all of your city update needs.
***********************THIS STORY IS SPONSORED BY...***************************
This story is the second in a series of community updates that will be
provided by each of the three city halls in the “Land of ROCORI.” In
this story the mayor of Rockville Brian Herberg gives us an update
about what’s going on in Rockville. On this Saturday, there is a
fundraiser at the Granite Edge Café from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Mayor Herberg
also updates us about a bill that is currently in legislature. Lastly,
there is a meeting being held on April 30, to discuss the Rockville
detachment issue and for updates on that evolving story, stay tuned to
DigElog ROCORI.
Cold
Spring City Administrator Larry Lahr informs us about action the city
takes involving nuisance violations. It is important for Cold Spring
citizens to take care of any non-functional automobiles, old
appliances, debris, or any other items that aren’t supposed to be out
in their lawn. If you have any questions about your lawn or another
lawn in your area, please feel free to call Larry Lahr at the city
hall.
Lastly, Dan Coughlin updates ROCORI citizens about the
Richmond cleanup. He details what can and can’t be brought to the
cleanup, which takes place this Saturday. Also, he reminds us of the
work that is being put in to replace one of the wells at the water
treatment center. If there are any issues that arise from the work
being done at the well, Dan, or another member for Richmond city hall
will be updating you on DigElog ROCORI. Stay tuned next week for all of
your ROCORI area news.
This story is sponsored by The First National Bank
in Cold Spring and Rockville, Minnesota. Your friendly full service
bank that offers "Free" Online Banking and "Free" Photo Debit Cards.
ROCKVILLE * COLD SPRING * RICHMOND This story is the first in a series of community updates that will be provided by each of the three city halls in the "Land of ROCORI". In this story Rockville City Administrator Rena Weber talks about the recent bonding bill signed by the Governor that included $372 thousand for
the ROCORI trail project. The project will expand the trail from
Richmond through Cold Spring to Rockville, connecting with the Glacial
Lakes Trail, the Beaver Island Trail, and the Lake Wobegon Trail. Once
completed the total trail length will be 12.2 miles.
Cold Spring City Administrator Larry Lahr talks about some of the plowing damage left on boulevards following this past weeks snow storm clean up. He also gives a quick glimpse into the future as to the key topics that will be affecting the area over the next few months and beyond.
Finally, representing the city of Richmond, Dan Coughlin talks about everything from new water meters to some major street work in the city this summer. Coughlin supports the weekly update as a great way to keep the citizens of Richmond up to date in a timely manner.
This story is sponsored by The First National Bank
in Cold Spring and Rockville, Minnesota. Your friendly full service
bank that offers "Free" Online Banking and "Free" Photo Debit Cards.
This story is about the ODD-EVEN Watering Bans that are now instituted in both the cities of Cold Spring and Rockville. Because of the dry conditions we have experienced all summer the cities of Cold Spring and Rockville are forced to take water conservation steps. To do this an odd numbered homes should water on the odd days of the month (ie: 301 1st St. would water on Aug 7, 9, 11, 13 etc) and even numbered homes should water on the even days of the month (ie: 302 1st St. would water on Aug 10, 12, 14, 16... etc.) There is no watering ban in Richmond.
In preparation for the upcoming Cold Spring Community Visioning Session, the 20/20 Vision Team has been recapping projects that emerged after the first visioning session in June 2004. This week, the Design Standards action team is highlighted.
The formation of the Design Standards team occurred as a result of the MN Design Team community visioning process in June 2004. Residents, who either attended the visioning session or were surveyed prior to the session, responded about the importance of design standards as an element they wished Cold Spring would adopt. In addition, many wished Cold Spring would retain a small-town feel with a pedestrian-friendly environment. In a nutshell, the traditional look of a downtown became an important goal for the team.
With this criteria, the design standards action team publicly solicited interested volunteers and proceeded ahead. John Frischmann chaired the group and his experience as an architect brought first-hand credibility. Team member Ann Harren also provided residential architectural experience, design insight, and landscape awareness. Team member and Stearns County historian, Steve Penick, brought a historical angle with insight into Cold Spring's past and how it could be incorporated into the design standards. The group met frequently and varied from five to nearly a dozen residents and business owners from the community, each bringing their experience to the table. Community business leaders were also invited to gain perspective on their concerns and to find common ground. It was a true community effort.
The City's leadership was present at nearly all meetings and brought the City's viewpoint. When it came time to formalize the group's recommendations, the City hired a professional consultant from Municipal Development Group to ensure the ordinance was practical by building on the experiences of other communities. The consultant worked with specifics such as zoning, common practices for MN cities, legal issues, possible public concerns, drafting the document, and other issues.
Even before this process began, City leaders were convinced the current zoning ordinance needed to be updated. So, the design standards team developed a series of zones (updating an outdated document that city staff stated was difficult to regulate due to its vagueness) and incorporated design standards for each. The downtown zone remained the most strict and outlying industrial zones were the most lenient. Design Standards included building materials, building height, landscaping, and architectural elements. The committee also attempted to form zones following existing business use and any new construction expected for these zones. As might be expected, some businesses did not fit into proposed new zones. While not a large number, it was hoped these businesses could be accommodated to continue their existing use while at the same time encouraging alternative locations within the city for new business coming into the community of that same type of use. Businesses not in conformity with the new standards would NOT be forced to make changes to their existing buildings until they do major remodeling or additions .
The design standards team attempted to balance business concerns such as remodeling structures, lighting, signage and good common sense. The standards attempted to be flexible and affordable, yet raising building quality. Enhancing/retaining property values was a major priority. An extraordinary amount of time was spent on this community initiative, especially when the 20/20 land use team, city planning commission, and city council became involved in developing the zoning/standards document.
After considerable time and review, a draft document went to the City Council for discussion at multiple public meetings. In consideration of feedback received during the public meetings, the draft document was revised and unanimously approved by the City planning commission and council in March of 2006. Next steps for the Design Standards team include the placement of welcome signs near entrances to the City.
Please don't miss the next opportunity to provide your input about the future of Cold Spring. Your participation in the upcoming community visioning on September 18 is essential. The event begins at 6:00 PM with a complimentary meal at the St. Boniface Parish Center. The visioning session immediately follows. No reservations are needed, other than contacting the Chamber office at 685-4186 if you need on-site childcare or transportation to the parish center. A Spanish translator will also be available and attendance door prizes will be awarded.
Your input is important and sincerely welcomed. Please mark the visioning session on your calendar - September 18 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the St. Boniface Parish Center - it will be time well spent.
Local Senator Michelle Fischbach visited the Cold Spring Area Chamber in June and provided an update on this year's legislative session. In this story Fischbach talks about how the Land of ROCORI came out in the areas of the bonding bill, education and trails... just to name a few.
In this story Dan Coughlin, City Administrator for Richmond brings us up to date as to the recent legislative session and how the new Richmond Sewage Treatment Plant came out in all of the funding bills passed.
There are also up to date scenes direct from the construction site showing how the project is coming along. A special feature includes the new Richmond signs recently erected on the east and west ends of town on highway 23.
Phil Jones, ROCORI Police Chief, was the guest speaker at the Cold Spring Area Chamber noon luncheon this past week. Phil spoke on a number of topics including the local drug problem.
In this story, Chief Jones gives a local example of how Meth can destroy the lives of people. The path is only too familiar where a person gets hooked and ends up in jail. Jones said that about 70% of Stearn's County inmates are there because of Methamphetamines.
On a positive note, Police Chief Jones affirmed that the situation in the "Land Of ROCORI" is better than most. We are probably more safe than most communities. But remember that Meth is everywhere.
********************************* This
story is sponsored by Assumption Campus in Cold Spring. Please join
them in celebrating the special blessing service and "Open House"
featuring the recent new addition made to Assumption Court. The event
begins at 2:00 pm on May 20th and will include guided tours of
Assumption Court until 4:00 pm that afternoon. Learn More About Assumption Home
In this story Police Chief Phil Jones tells about the positive things happening in the police department based on the newly established Cold Spring, Wakefield Township and Richmond cooperative.
Now there are built-in efficiencies that benefit all three communities and provide better police protection and services to everyone.
In this condensed video, Representative Larry Hosch talks about what he thinks should be done with the State's tax surplus monies. Hosch mentions the need for property tax relief.
In this 5 minute story Hosch also addresses the "Perdiem" issue as it relates to legislators getting their job done on time. Hosch calls it, "A hidden salary for elected officials".
Legislators get up to $66 dollars every day they are in session for incidental expenses they have while down at the State Capital. Representative Hosch is proposing to remove the "Perdiem" benefit to elected officials during special sessions.
Richmond city employees, local legislators and area citizens have been spending a lot of time down at the State Capital this past month. The State Bonding Bill will be before the legislature and Richmond is hoping to have financial support built into the bill to help offset the costs of its new waste water treatment plant now in construction.
In this story, Richmond City Administrator Dan Coughlin updates the latest situation down at the capital. Presently, the Richmond project is a part of the House of Representatives bill but has not been included as a part of the Senate bill.
Coughlin talks about tough questions being asked by state leaders as to why this issue had not been dealt with by the community sooner.
Four interviews were conducted with the Cold Spring City Administrator, two council members and the mayor. Hear their views on the accomplishments over the past year and get a feel for the focus in the coming year.
This 5 minute story includes interviews with Larry Lahr, Mike Kathman, Fran Ramler and Doug Schmitz. Each city government leader shares what they felt the best accomplishment of the past year involved.
Their comments range from the new industrial park to the cooperative effort between Richmond and Cold Spring in police protection.
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This story is sponsored by Granite Realty of Central Minnesota. They have
built a reputation for client satisfaction, and we are devoted to
making your move as easy as possible. You will have the added benefit
of working with an agent who understands your needs when buying,
selling, or relocating. Finding the right home is only the beginning.
We will assist you every step of the way to ensure smooth sailing.
The Cold Spring Friends Of The Library, lead by volunteer President Pat Grelson, have set some aggressive goals to help solve the present library space issues. Over the past 5 years the number of people using the library and the number of items handled have increased to the point of the facility bursting at the seams.
The Friends Of The Library have approached the city in a matching donation dollars agreement that is projected to raise at least $400,000 over the next 3 years. Since the campaign began this last December, $11,000 have already been committed to the project.
The Cold Spring Library is located in the Cold Spring City Hall and presently occupies a total of 1600 square feet. In 2004, the Cold Spring Library had the highest circulation of books per hour than any other library in their 30 plus cooperative. That includes the communities of St. Cloud, Monticello and Little Falls.
Volunteers have put in more hours than ever before during 2005 to help keep the books flowing to the adults and young people who make use of this valuable resouce in the "Land Of ROCORI".
This story was sponsored by a Cold Spring FRIEND OF THE LIBRARY business. Jerry's Liquor Lot, a part of the Cold Spring community for over 17 years, is proud to support the efforts of the Cold Spring Friends Of The Library. Jerry's Liquor Lot is your local source for Gluek Brewery Ice Cold Beer, your favorite wines and spirits for all occasions.
Are you a Senior still trying to figure out the new Medicare Drug Program? Are you a Son or Daughter of someone who needs help choosing the right drug program?
In this story you'll hear Minnesota Congressman Mark Kennedy talk about the new Medicare Prescription Drug program and how it can save Seniors hundreds and even thousands of dollars.
Find out how the local Council On Aging has specially training people who can help you use the internet to choose from dozens and dozens of drug plan options.
In fact, if you or someone who is assisting you, doesn't use the tools available at www.medicare.gov to research all of the drug and company options available, there's no way you'll know for sure you are choosing the best plan.
For a video tour of how to use www.medicare.gov to determine which program best meets your needs: Help With MEDICARE DRUG Program
Cold Spring will turn 150 years old on November 1, 2006. This can also be referred to as a sesquicentennial. The celebration(s) probably needs to be coordinated by a group of volunteers that are interested in making sure that the wheels are in motion.
The City will gladly offer a meeting place and accommodations for such a committee, and even some support staff. However, there is an urgent need to get a committee established soon, and get the planning underway.
If you (or someone you know) would be interested in serving on such a committee please be sure to let us know at City Hall, and we'll keep a list of people who have this shared interest. Secondly, please simply spread the word about this milestone, the committee, and the need for members.
For more information and to convey any interest you might have please contact:
Larry Lahr City Administrator LLahr@ColdSpring.GovOffice.com
Tomorrow voters in the land of Rocori will go to their respective polling places to cast their vote. Three independent referendum questions will be on the ballot.
#1 Technology $274,341/year
#2 Captial Outlay $378,852/year
#3 General Operating $317,112/year
See this 5 minute video to better understand what the school district hopes to address with this catch-up referendum. In the past 6 years the district has cut its budget by 2.8 million dollars in educational programming.
Also, six candidates are going after a
total of three positions available on the school board. Two weeks ago, DigElogROCORI conducted a 5 minute interview with each of the candidates.
They were each asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Litterest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
Be sure to mark your calendar to vote tomorrow in the Rocori School District Board Elections and Operating Referendum. Your voice only counts if you vote.
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 8, 2005 12:00 Noon - 8:00 PM
Polling Places: Richmond Elementary School Rockville City Hall Cold Spring City Hall
Recently the communities of Richmond and Cold Spring have entered into a temporary joint-powers agreement where the Cold Spring Police Department is providing police protection to the City of Richmond.
In this story, Richmond City Administrator Dan Coughlin and Cold Spring Chief of Police Phil Jones tell about how this agreement was established and the results experienced to date.
This week DigElogROCORI is featuring all six school board candidates
in individual five minute interviews. These six candidates are going after a
total of three positions available on the board that will be decided in
the Tuesday, November 8th election.
Each candidate was asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
Every day this week, one or two candidate's interviews will be
published, allowing for all six to be available by sometime Friday, October 28th.
This interview is with ROCORI School Board candidate Ken Hollerud.
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Litterest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
This week DigElogROCORI is featuring all six school board candidates
in individual five minute interviews. These six candidates are going after a
total of three positions available on the board that will be decided in
the Tuesday, November 8th election.
Each candidate was asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
Every day this week, one or two candidate's interviews will be
published, allowing for all six to be available by sometime Friday, October 28th.
This interview is with ROCORI School Board candidate Dennis Gregory.
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Literest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
This week DigElogROCORI is featuring all six school board candidates
in individual five minute interviews. These six candidates are going after a
total of three positions available on the board that will be decided in
the Tuesday, November 8th election.
Each candidate was asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
Every day this week, one or two candidate's interviews will be
published, allowing for all six to be available by sometime Friday, October 28th.
This interview was with ROCORI School Board candidate Lawrence Litterest Jr. .
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Literest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
This week DigElogROCORI is featuring all six school board candidates
in individual five minute interviews. These six candidates are going after a
total of three positions available on the board that will be decided in
the Tuesday, November 8th election.
Each candidate was asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
Every day this week, one or two candidate's interviews will be
published, allowing for all six to be available by sometime Friday, October 28th.
This interview was with ROCORI School Board candidate Lynn Schurman.
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Literest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
This week DigElogROCORI is featuring all six school board candidates
in individual five minute interviews. These six candidates are going after a
total of three positions available on the board that will be decided in
the Tuesday, November 8th election.
Each candidate was asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
Every day this week, one or two candidate's interviews will be
published, allowing for all six to be available by sometime Friday, October 28th.
This interview was with ROCORI School Board candidate Nadine Schnettler.
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Literest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
This week DigElogROCORI is featuring all six school board candidates in a five minute interview. These six candidates are going after a total of three positions available on the board that will be decided in the Tuesday, November 8th election.
Each candidate was asked the following three questions;
#1 Please introduce yourself... #2 Why are you running? #3 What is the most important issue facing the school district?
All six candidates had their individual choice as to how they would use their five minutes to address these three areas.
Every day this week, one or two candidate's interviews will be published, allowing for all six to be available by sometime Friday.
This first interview was with ROCORI School Board candidate Cliff Johnson.
The top six candidates were chosen in the September primary elections for the
ROCORI School Board. Those individuals include Dennis Gregory, Lynn
Schurman, Nadine Schnettler, Ken Hollerud, Lawence Literest Jr. and Cliff Johnson.
Dan Coughlin joined the Richmond city hall staff as City Administrator in April of 2005. He brings to Richmond and the Rocori area a background of diverse professional and volunteer experiences. Raised on a farm in Wisconsin, he is happy to be back to "the part of America where values are not a goal... but a reality".
CLICK ON PHOTO OR QUICKTIME TO SEE MOVIE... be patient... CAN TAKE 4 to 5 MINUTES TO DOWNLOAD (Broadband).
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 27th, 7:00 PM ROCORI High School Cafeteria
The Rocori Trail Committee will be holding an informational public
meeting on Thursday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Rocori High
School Cafeteria to discuss the trail project. The meeting will begin
with an overview presentation from the project engineer, Short Elliot
Hendrickson Inc.
Next, there will be a panel of representatives from
local agencies that have been involved in this project or similar
projects, who will be available to share their experiences or answer
specific questions related to their field of expertise.
The panelists
include representatives from the Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources, Stearns County Parks Department, National Parks Service, and
City Administrators from Richmond, Cold Spring and Rockville. These
experts will be available to answer questions and address concerns from
audience members. Finally, after the panel discussion, attendees will
have the chance to visit individual organization’s display tables for
more information and handouts. Refreshments will be available including
trail mix and beverages.
This story was sponsored by a Cold Spring FRIEND OF THE LIBRARY business. Jerry's Liquor Lot, a part of the Cold Spring community for over 17 years, is proud to support the efforts of the Cold Spring Friends Of The Library. Jerry's Liquor Lot is your local source for Gluek Brewery Ice Cold Beer, your favorite wines and spirits for all occasions. 
Be sure to mark your calendar to vote tomorrow in the Rocori School District Board Elections and Operating Referendum. Your voice only counts if you vote. 
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