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Taylors Falls will proceed on Springs Inn site cleanup at city expense and plans to assess the bill back to the landowner.  The city council agreed Monday this week the private effort at abating the leftovers from the fire last February has been exhausted.  Council member Tim Grote noted “the bulk of the work has been done” but there are tasks remaining for site restoration. 

City attorney Fritz Knaak said, “...we don’t expect any more action,” on the owner’s side.  He added that in a district court hearing held after the end-of-August deadline for cleanup, (Press story August 7) the judge clearly has authorized the city to charge back the project,  as the owner has been notified and given the opportunity to address the problems.

Mayor Brandon Weiberg predicts that by the September 22 regular city council meeting there will be a slate of contractors to select from to hire to finish the work.  The city staff have identified three companies already.

Council received a summary from the city agent for Stein Insurance.  The city can expect rates to be levelling-off for next year budgeting, they were advised.  The council also asked about. increasing the deductible in an effort to lower premium costs and will hear back in time for budgeting finalization.  The good news for this year was the budget was set at $55,000 for the premium and it came in $47,000.  The agent said the city and the League of Minnesota Cities which administers the overall program are “doing a good job” containing costs and refining policy language.

The council needs to act on a preliminary budget by late September, with a maximum adopted and the final levy is approved in December for property tax.

In other business:  Khrissie Linrooth was approved to move the outdoor market from Heritage Park to the Community Center (old depot) for winter operations. She plans on a once per month market day, from October to about May.

The market vendors will be covered who have already paid into the participation fee for the summer dates,  and new vendors will be assessed just $5, as council agreed to a reduction in the user surcharge. 

Action on the boat ramp/river access projects at Lions Park was on the agenda but was tabled.  Council members were told the Dept. of Natural Resources is still finalizing how much funding the state has dedicated to the work and what the local share could end up being.

Council learned from Diane Nelson, a volunteer organizer for a “Big Idea” grant application seeking $12,000 from the Chisago Lakes Community Foundation— that the group is almost prepared to submit the forms.

The goal is to develop a “pocket park” or “gathering space’ including hardscape and a replica wannigan feature, at the area near the walkway, that leads under the interstate bridge

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