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Taylors Falls City Council, minus members Larry Julik Heine and Lee Samuelson, approved distribution Monday night this week of two $10,000 exterior fix-up loans;  to Marge Alden, for the Croix Property Management building on main street doing the roof and painting, and for adding outdoor patio space and making room for more diners inside at Tangled Up In Blue restaurant.  Owners of the property Jeff and Kathleen Halverson explained they have about $27,000 in improvements they hope to do, and site work on the outdoor space will get underway as soon as possible.  This was also awarded for $10,000.

The city has funding for projects for repairs and maintenance needs in downtown as an economic development program.  Borrowers have up to five years to repay the revolving loan program.  The maximum that can be loaned is $10,000.

The lift station building by Casey’s (below the bridge underpass area) is getting some TLC. The staff recommended a private repairs person, John Laier, and a quote for $5,850 to do repairs on the lift station siding and site vegetation clearing.

A minor subdivision creating two lots on an empty half-acre space at Walnut and Center Streets was approved 3-0. Applicant Marlene Johnson will build a home on one lot, she said, in order to downsize her living situation. No plans were discussed for the second lot.   She is paying a park dedication fee in lieu of a land donation, due to the minor impact on city infrastructure resulting from two small lots.

The council appointed John Denney to the vacant seat on the planning commission and Khristeen Linnerooth to the Economic Development Commission vacancy.  

Linnerooth reminded those at the council meeting about  the farmers market events at Heritage Park,  that she is part of organizing. The next one is August 18, followed by Sunday September 15.  The market is from 11 to 3.

Council member Tim Grote reported the city is $40,000 ahead of what was projected to be county property tax revenues, as of the July distribution, and the city received an unexpected state aid payment for small cities of $16,000.  He said this financial snapshot is looking good.

Lynn Longnecker also gave a summary of Wannigan Days and said it was a great example of everybody pitching in and the events all went well. He donated $100 to the city from a “jar” provided for spontaneous public contributions.

The city website was redesigned and there are still issues with inaccessible materials.  Council member Troy Aanonsen asked about meeting minutes which are several months behind.  He was advised the website is getting updated, but staff said  loading meeting minutes is cumbersome and software may need to be revised to handle the amount of data.  The videotape for the YouTube council sessions also requires hours to post.

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