---

It looks like the extension of Lindstrom city sewer lines out into township areas along Glader Blvd. and Lakelawn is going to happen afterall. After months of negotiating with Chisago Lake Township supervisors and property owners Lindstrom City Council has an agreement close to being finalized.

All that remains is a contract allowing the city to lay pipeline infrastructure in township rights-of-way.

Last week the Lindstrom City Council voted unanimously to adopt all the conditions for the project; including how long township parcels have before they must connect to the municipal sewer system and some 10 additional clauses. The low bid is being held until the finalization of details. The bid was about $211, 000.

A public hearing on the Small Cities Development Grant was held allowing council to proceed to "final application" for the monies. Chris Eng, Chisago County HRA/EDA Executive Director walked everybody through the hearing. Eng said the application deadline is Jan. 14.

The Small Cities program offers loans which are forgiven after a certain period of time if parcels remain in the same ownership. There's enough money in the expected grant to aid in various rehabilitation projects for five commercial and five qualifying rental sites in Lindstrom.

Another grant pool of money was approved for Lindstrom to pursue.

Sherry Stirling and Ian Dudley, of the Historical Society and Parks Board, presented the application, which next is going to the County Board for authorization.

Ultimately the money being sought comes out of a Federal Highway regional pool, earmarked specifically for "enhancements" work, and wouldn't be available until 2013.

The historical society and parks board are looking to incorporate small green spaces into the Lindstrom Highway 8 rebuild featuring sculptures honoring important figures in Lindstrom's past. The works are estimated at $175,000 and if the enhancements money is received, only about 20 percent would have to be raised locally, Stirling explained.

Council approved unanimously. The County Board will see this application in the near future.

The manager for the on-sale municipal bar resigned and City Administrator John Olinger asked the city council to plan on discussing the personnel structure at the muni at an upcoming meeting. For now the assistant manager will be available to run the operations.

Fire Dept. donation

Kevin Kirvida's donation of a classic pickup truck, which could be used to raise funds for the fire department through a raffle, or sold outright, was gratefully accepted by council.

The vehicle is a restored 1960 Ford F-150.

Fire Chief Scott Sellman said this was an "awesome gesture." The truck is being stored. Watch for details about the fundraiser in later papers.

Two Lakes Area Police Officers received recognition for resuscitating a 47-year-old male, whose life was saved. The man suffered cardiac arrest at an address on Elm Street in early November. Officers Mike Delmont, Katie Larson and Tim Tougas were dispatched and through their combined efforts, the man's pulse was restored; he was transported and is recovering.

Deputy Chief Bill Schlumbohm thanked council for supporting equipping the squad cars with the necessary AEDs and apparatus and training the officers.

In council reports, parks liaison Council member Joe Wishy shared how well the city parks board members are working together and also taking initiative on separate projects to enhance the parks department.

There's a new skating rink in Pleasant Hill park, south of Hwy. 8 at the North Lakes Trail/#20 light. Due to a planned expansion of the Fairview Cemetery, the city had eliminated a rink, lights and a warming house in another location.

---