Every business, including governments, has a responsibility to address customer concerns. We all strive to meet our goals. There is also the need to get the work done and make progress. Even on a personal level we work towards these attributes. These days standing still really means moving behind as the world doesn’t stop and others move ahead. I think that’s the way it is supposed to happen.
Doing this means change is upon us and it also means we move in the direction that positions us to meet our stated goals. The city undertook an effort to update our Comprehensive Plan. This process took a number of years. The finished product was adopted by the City Council in June of 2010. Within that plan are numerous stated goals. Accomplishing these takes time and a concretive effort from all parties involved in the process. It starts with the goal but quickly moves to the staff person who will carry these goals forward. As it continues to move forward it goes to the Planning Commission and may ultimately move to the City Council.
Aside from the Comprehensive Plan there are day to day responsibilities the city is responsible for. Certainly there are permit requests that need to be addressed. Some require thorough review of the situation and others are easy to accomplish. Some require review and approval from the Planning Commission and the City Council. There are also requests made for information of which may not result in the issuance of a permit. All of this takes time and those requesting service deserve to be dealt with on a timely basis.
The dynamics of a group are ever changing. Dealing with this means we need to address the change appropriately to meet our responsibilities and obligations. We also need to continue to strive towards the goals we have committed ourselves to. This is no different than a business trying to meet their goals in addressing customer service or expanding their business.
With the loss of a staff person the council was faced with the question of how we meet the needs of the city. The city discussed options with other units of government. The possibility of contracting with a neighboring city was explored to no avail. The question was addressed and we’re advertising for the hiring of a planner. We’re hopeful we find a suitable person to fill this position. We continue to look into our obligation to deal with septic tank inspections and approvals. At this point it is possible to work with another governmental body to address this need. Finding efficient and effective solutions is important.
Waiting to fail is not an option, taking care of business is important for any organization.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Breezy Point Channel
This last year the city looked at the possibility of acquiring tax forfeiture property along the channel and Breezy Point Drive. This had long been a goal of the city and was included in the Comprehensive Plan. After several discussions with Crow Wing County the city was able to work with them in making this acquisition.
The idea for the transaction was to acquire the property and build a fishing dock along it. Each spring we see fishermen crowding the banks to get in on the early bite. It was felt that a pier that runs along the channel would provide an attractive and functional amenity that could also be handicap assessable. The extent of improvements is yet to be determined but with any project you take it in steps and acquiring the land comes first.
The final obstacle has been cleared, that of DNR approval. They have agreed the city can acquire the property. So the next step is setting up the transaction with the county. They will prepare the deeds and record the instrument upon payment of the costs for the land. What has been agreed to, is a cost of $16,200 for lots 35-37 and 39-47 of the 22nd Addition to Breezy Point.
With the transfer of land the Park and Recreation Committee can start the process of planning to determine what the proposed project would involve. Once some decisions are made we’ll be looking at funding options towards the eventual project.
Progress is being made and I know we have a number of excited people concerning this project. Stay tuned for change but progress can sometimes be slow, especially when it comes to funding.
The idea for the transaction was to acquire the property and build a fishing dock along it. Each spring we see fishermen crowding the banks to get in on the early bite. It was felt that a pier that runs along the channel would provide an attractive and functional amenity that could also be handicap assessable. The extent of improvements is yet to be determined but with any project you take it in steps and acquiring the land comes first.
The final obstacle has been cleared, that of DNR approval. They have agreed the city can acquire the property. So the next step is setting up the transaction with the county. They will prepare the deeds and record the instrument upon payment of the costs for the land. What has been agreed to, is a cost of $16,200 for lots 35-37 and 39-47 of the 22nd Addition to Breezy Point.
With the transfer of land the Park and Recreation Committee can start the process of planning to determine what the proposed project would involve. Once some decisions are made we’ll be looking at funding options towards the eventual project.
Progress is being made and I know we have a number of excited people concerning this project. Stay tuned for change but progress can sometimes be slow, especially when it comes to funding.
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