Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Votes topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Crookston council approves rezoning, property donation and a package of loans; multiple resolutions pass
Summary
At its Oct. 14 meeting the Crookston City Council passed resolutions to rezone Red River Valley Shows property tied to a federal asbestos grant, accept a donated Tri Valley building (asbestos abatement to be completed), authorize two Small Cities rehabilitation loans, approve an employment contract correction, accept an MnDOT active‑transportation letter of intent and grant a commercial garbage‑hauler license.
The Crookston City Council on Oct. 14 approved a series of resolutions that included a rezoning to enable redevelopment, acceptance of a donated building contingent on asbestos abatement, several rehabilitation loans and administrative contract corrections.
The council voted to rezone parcels associated with the Red River Valley Shows from “rural commercial” to “commercial 3.” City staff said a federal asbestos abatement grant has been awarded and that the city must own the property by Nov. 14 to qualify. Staff stated the rezoning prepares the property for demolition and redevelopment and that office space is planned under the C‑3 zoning. The motion carried.
Councilors also approved a resolution to accept the Tri Valley building as a donation. Staff said Tri Valley offered the building for a $50,000 fee intended to cover an asbestos inspection and abatement; staff warned costs may exceed the fee and said Tri Valley agreed to cover additional abatement expense. The resolution authorizes city staff and the mayor to sign acquisition documents so the city may take possession after abatement.
The council approved two Small Cities Development Program rehabilitation loans intended to spend down locally held funds so the city remains eligible for a new program grant. One loan was for Building Vision Crookston LLC (doing business as Opticare) to replace a roof; the other was for Real Good Bath and Body LLC to stabilize a south exterior wall, including regrouting and brick repair. Staff said the loans come from local funds generated by interest on prior IRP funds and that projects had been recommended by the EDA and reviewed by appropriate committees.
A resolution clarifying language in the employment contract for Jeff Schubert was approved; staff said contractual language conflicted on vacation accrual and that the change implements an 80‑hour preload and accrual at 10 hours per month consistent with the original offer. The council also approved a letter of intent for an MnDOT Active Transportation Program grant to add pathways around the city; staff said the grant is a zero‑match opportunity. Finally, the council approved a commercial garbage‑hauling license for Countrywide Sanitation and Waste Management after Regional Sanitation exited the local market; the license covers commercial customers under the city’s ordinance.
All resolutions were moved and seconded on the record and the mayor (presiding) called roll during each vote; staff announced each motion “carries” following affirmative roll calls. The council adjourned after receiving reports from staff and previewing the Oct. 14 agenda (cannabis discussion and financial presentation).
