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Cannon Falls council hears staffing, library and trail updates; Chamber director to occupy City Hall space
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Summary
City staff announced Carrie Lorenzen is the new Chamber director and discussed offering the Chamber a City Hall office; the library board warned of a possible ~10% county funding cut (about $12,000–$15,000), and the Cannon Valley Trail agreement and bridge needs were described as near completion and under review.
Cannon Falls — At its March 3 meeting the Cannon Falls City Council received several administrative updates from staff and local boards, including news about a new chamber director, possible county library funding cuts, and work on the Cannon Valley Trail joint-powers agreement.
City staff member John told the council, “Carrie Lorenzen is the new chamber director.” He said Lorenzen and a Chamber representative visited City Hall and staff are discussing offering the Chamber use of the office space currently used for elections at no rent, with the city seeking only to recover direct costs such as utilities and internet if needed. Staff said any move would be timed to avoid conflicts with election days and would likely not occur until April.
A library board representative warned that Goodhue County commissioners are considering roughly a 10% reduction in county financial support for libraries for fiscal year 2027; the board estimated that could represent a decrease in the range of about $12,000 to $15,000. The library representative also announced that employee Cindy Molineaux plans to retire on March 23 and that an open house will be held March 23 from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
Staff also reported recruitment is underway for a payroll technician position (applications close March 11) and that the community steering committee for the comprehensive plan will meet the next morning at 6:30 p.m. to begin guiding focus areas. The administration said the Cannon Valley Trail bylaw and agreement review is nearing completion; most immediate capital expenses are expected to be grant-funded, the county and the City of Red Wing will carry larger shares of the percentage-based funding, and Cannon Falls will retain a smaller share. The trail board is marking its 40th anniversary and is working on a phase-two grant and a commemorative book; members discussed inspections and potential replacement of aging bridges, including considering concrete culverts for some crossings.
The Chief reminded residents that winter parking restrictions remain in effect through March and that residents should move vehicles during snow events to prevent ruts and frozen roadways. The Chair also reminded the council and public that there is an opening on the planning and zoning commission (and a cable commission vacancy) and encouraged interested residents to apply at City Hall.
None of these updates generated a recorded formal vote; they were provided for council information and potential future action.
