I am happy that our city sidewalk have never been cleaner. There have been a number or questions on Rochester sidewalk snow removal policies. I have kids that may walk in a couple of years to school, seniors in my neighborhoods, and I represent at least 2 legally blind men how need sidewalks for mobility. I will protect their safety even if it is unpopular.
Here are a few questions and if you send me more I will answer them here:
Q: Why do you want to stick it to us?
I don’t want to stick it to you. I want property owners to be responsible and clear sidewalks. Zero fines is my desired outcome. Read the rest of this entry »
Riverside Concerts to receive funding from the Performing Arts Fund
ROCHESTER, MN – Riverside Concerts has been selected to receive funding from Arts Midwest’s Performing Arts Fund, funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts, with additional contributions from the Minnesota State Arts Board, General Mills Foundation, and Land O’Lakes Foundation. Read the rest of this entry »
One of the key issues that I raised and ran on in my 2008 campaign for city council was the need for an independent ethics commission. The pressure that citizens put on for this led to the implementation shortly after my election. I am grateful that we have this organization, and it is filled with people that are NOT appointed by city hall.
Complaint 1 – pertaining to the handling of a conflict of interest – Dismissed 4-1 with Ray Schmitz dissenting based on the timing of some events (I think).
Complaint 2 – pertaining to more serious unethical behavior – Dismissed 5-0, and pretty emphatically at that. Read the rest of this entry »
“I hope that my concerns prove unfounded and [Legends Bar] will be a successful well run business. I want everyone to understand that the city council just approved a liquor license to an individual related to pending felony assault charges and a history of criminal convictions including DWI, leaving the scene of an accident, and driving without insurance. The approval came despite not satisfying police requests for information. The police have raised additional questions about contradictory information submitted by the applicant. I remained concerned by this.”
Last night I joined Mayo personnel in touring the downtown with the company that has been harassing the crows. This was the last night that they will be working for a while in Rochester. Read the rest of this entry »
You can customize how you get alerts and what you get. Now I will know when we have an earthquake in Rochester. (Nah, that’s silly we don’t do fracking yet…)
Here is the press release announcing our 2012 rain garden grants:
Now Accepting Realize Raingardens Rochester Grant Applications
In 2009, the City of Rochester launched Realize Raingardens Rochester - a cost-share grant program promoting the installation of residential raingardens in Rochester. A task force of interested citizens and the City’s Public Works staff developed this program. Selected sites are used to demonstrate how raingardens slow, treat, and infiltrate storm water, while adding beauty to neighborhoods and creating habitat for songbirds and butterflies. Read the rest of this entry »
I figured I would mention this early because this is going to be a really awful year if you are a driver in the SW. I would encourage you to get you walking shoes out or that bike tuned up. Here is a rundown of the road projects scheduled for this summer. Access will be maintained, but expect some busy streets.
2nd Street SW full reconstruction between 6th Ave SW through 11th Ave SW – All Summer
2nd Street NW & 8th Ave NW new sewer line and reconstruction between Civic Center Drive and just past 12th Ave NW – All Summer
1st Street SW (probably from 6th or 7th Avenue to 11th Avenue) – Being studied, but an overlay would be a couple of weeks, reconstruction All Summer
4th Street SW, 1st Ave SW, 6th Street SW major sewer project and full reconstruction (4th and 6th won’t be closed simultaneously). – All Summer+
Yup, its going to be ugly, but these projects are overdue and should serve the area for the next 100 years.
