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The long discussed plans for improving crosswalks at Linden and Elm streets –  facilitating pedestrian movements around downtown Lindstrom – are being finalized.  Layouts were reviewed by the city council last week. Next step is to show the projects to affected businesses alongside the highway where the projects are.  Parking on the highway is being impacted in a couple spots.

City Administrator Dan Undem suggested a work session scheduled for informal council discussions be made into a special meeting March 4, then there could be action taken more quickly to get good bids.

The city engineer noted that the Minnesota Department of Transportation is “receptive” to what’s been developed, which has not been the case for previous crosswalk concepts.

Council member Brian Norelis commented that especially on the west end (at Linden) “...people are crossing there now.”  As singular a safety issue, he said the city has got to have something to enhance the already existing public practice.

Mayor Judy Chartrand observed that there may be proposals coming for the long-empty Dinnerbel parcel and she wondered if the city ought to wait and see if these conflict with the crosswalk goals.  Council however, supported at least moving forward with public education of potentially impacted business operations.

Lindstrom is also doing a major renovation and upgrade of the sewer system along and near Park Street. (Notices have been sent.) The council approved a construction management firm to oversee the work, as presented by the city engineer and heard the projects will commence as soon as April and could take 17 weeks.

The city presented a contract to a new public works director to succeed Matt Fraley, who accepted employment at North Branch.  

The new director is a foreman with the City of Apple Valley, and plans to relocate locally.  Payton Hill was approved 5-0 and is slated to begin March 16.

Council member David Waldoch asked about the interview and hiring process and thought city council should have had more involvement.  City Administrator Undem said typically directors of departments report to him and interact with the city administrative team so council was not brought in.  On a question of a six month probation condition versus a 12-month timeframe (which is in other contracts) Undem explained the director is not a union member and not subject to that provision.

Council then discussed developing a “personnel committee” which was on the agenda coincidentally. 

The vote to re-establish a personnel committee ended up being unanimous after lengthy debate.  

Years ago Lindstrom had complaints and conflicts when elected members did not fully understand their role in employee relations.  Turmoil resulted in the workplace.  The personnel committee was disbanded.

The new structure and council appointees will be fully addressed in the next meeting and staff was directed to begin the committee formation.

Mayor Chartrand observed the city really needs some updated policies.  Personnel advances like Family Medical & Leave Act need to be worked into staff guidelines.

~ Council also approved purchase of a John Deere Gator TX for about $12,000.  A previously earmarked purchase for an asphalt “hot box” is being delayed.  Lindstrom will also accept $27,000 on a trade-in, to purchase a $43,000 Bobcat “Toolcat” from Tristate Bobcat.

~ There was an update on the solar arrays planned for two government buildings, using a State grant.

Lindstrom won the public buildings solar grant of approximately $167,000 to assist in placing solar arrays on the fire hall and liquor store.  Renewable Energy Partners reportedly will do the installation but Undem advised the city to delay for a bit, while financial implications have time to firm-up.  The budget includes $60,000 to $70,000 in federal tax credits for the solar equipment which may be or may not be reliable.  Undem asked for some extra time to get more information.  

Lindstrom has funds to cash flow the installations until the federal credits participation is finalized, he explained, but the contracts also can wait and the array placement could still be performed in 2026 under terms of the grant.

~ Council also dedicated a moment to honor former city official and active community member Sig Stene, who recently passed away.

~ A proclamation was adopted to officially accept the gift from Sweden of a bronze bust of Vilhelm Moberg. The city has received confirmation the item will arrive soon.   (Story Jan. 29.)

~ Mayor Chartrand plans to present the city’s hopes for bike trail cooperation to the County Park Board.  She said other cities along the Swedish Immigrant Regional Trail route have benefitted from county aid and she will, “...start the conversation” on county support for the trail through Lindstrom.

~ And, there was no discussion on the concept of re-modeling the city hall and community center for a new police headquarters.  Undem said Chisago City and local officials are “still digesting” what is proposed by the Lakes Area Police Commission.

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