Center City Council backs Chisago County's Swedish Immigrant Trail push in 3-2 vote

The Center City Council approved Resolution #2024-07-02 on July 2, 2024, authorizing a letter of support and permission to explore property options that would enable Chisago County to complete the Swedish Immigrant Trail between Shafer and Center City. The motion, made by Mayor Jill Behnke and seconded by Council Member Ryan Pease, passed 3-2; Council Members Garrett Boulineau, Pease and Behnke voted yes, while Mark Wolcott and Lloyd Vetter voted no.

Chisago County representative Kurt Schnieder presented the trail proposal and asked the council to endorse the county's plan and the county's intention to apply for a Legacy grant on or before Aug. 1, 2024. Schnieder sought city cooperation to explore acquiring properties needed to close gaps in the trail. City Attorney Ted Alliegro recommended wording changes to the draft resolution before the council voted. Council discussion recorded both pros and cons from members and noted members of the public voiced support for the county's effort.

Why it matters: the Swedish Immigrant Trail is intended to create a continuous recreational corridor linking municipal segments; a Legacy grant would provide state funding that could cover acquisition and trail-construction costs the county cannot undertake alone. Approval of the resolution does not by itself transfer property or obligate the city to sell land; the action records the city's support for the county's application and further exploration of options.

Supporters at the meeting said the trail would boost recreation and connectivity between Shafer and Center City; opponents raised concerns during debate (the minutes note objections from Council Members Wolcott and Vetter but do not record their exact text). The minutes do not list specific properties or acquisition terms; those details remain to be negotiated if the county secures the grant.

Next steps: Chisago County intends to file the Legacy grant application by Aug. 1, 2024. The city's approval enables county staff to continue exploring property options and to count the municipality among partners in the grant application. Any future transfers of property or binding commitments would require separate council approvals and recorded actions.