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By Jon Tatting
editor.countynews@ecm-inc.com
The people have spoken on what they want from their new community center. And of 107 recently surveyed, an indoor pool is clearly at the top of the list.
Before the Cambridge City Council on July 20, Community Development Director Dave Carlberg revealed results from a public survey offered at the July 11 open house of the Armed Forces Reserve and Community Center.
The center—a joint project between the National Guard, Army Reserve and the city of Cambridge—features public facilities including a spacious assembly hall (for banquets and sporting events), kitchen, fitness room and locker rooms. The city is hoping a relationship with the YMCA will lead to even more opportunities.
In light of the survey, 89 respondents (mostly ages 31-54 and 55-plus, from either Cambridge or Isanti County) said they will use the existing AFRC, while 82 said their level of interest increases with YMCA involvement.
Would you support a pool? One hundred answered in the affirmative, and 87 supported an indoor setting. Other popular responses indicated interest in leisure (slides/children’s play area) and a therapy-oriented area with warm water.
In addition, general comments included:
“No easy access for seniors and handicapped parking. Lot should have two accesses.”
“We are in desperate need of family activities—an ice arena is way overdue.”
“An outdoor pool would be a great addition to the community.”
“I would like to use the fitness center (on) evenings after 5 p.m. and Saturdays.”
“Meeting areas for community organizations, youth activities (at-risk teens as well).”
“I would support a wrestling room.”
“Would not support indoor ice as we have one in Isanti and so does East Bethel, Princeton and Mora.”
“Indoor archery range would be nice for winter.”
“Beautiful building in hopes of future use for my son/grandson and family.”
MetroPlains receives loan extension
The council approved housing developer MetroPlains’ request for an additional two-year loan extension—involving a $200,000 payment to the city—on the commercial lot in the Heritage Greens development.
The action will assist MetroPlains in restructuring a loan for the project with Stearns Bank.
Ground initially broke a few years ago for Legacy Homes, which are now fully occupied. Normandy Townhomes are scheduled for construction this December. The development, overall, can be viewed from South Dellwood Street between the county government center and hospital.
“This restructuring has been successful in terms of our ability to maintain the livability of the neighborhood, continuing a moderate amount of sales of homes, and obtain the award of funds to build the next phase of rental townhomes,” said Rob McCready, co-president of MetroPlains, LLC, in a letter to the city.
“Due to the current market and the amount of foreclosed homes on the market, the pace of sales has been slow. Prices have been reduced on our homes to compete within this environment.
“We anticipate the market correcting in 2010 or 2011, which allows for a new timetable of home sales to be established. Until then, we are selling existing built homes, while exploring ways to build new homes that can compete within the market.”
Rail station news
The council allocated $2,500 in matching funds for an Initiative Foundation grant application to conduct a passenger rail station study in conjunction with the East Central Regional Development Commission.
Plans for Northern Lights Express, a high speed passenger train running from Duluth to Minneapolis, is scheduled to stop in Sandstone, Hinckley/Casino and Cambridge.
Five to six depot sites in Cambridge have been identified and are being considered for recommendation by the local Passenger Rail Depot Location Task Force.
Budget changes
The council agreed to amend the 2009 General Fund budget, reflecting a total net decrease of $39,569 in revenues and operating expenditures, respectively.
Of note, the license and permits revenue source decreased $61,634 because building permit revenues are lower than expected. In light of general fund spending, city departments experienced a reduction in health insurance due to lower than expected renewal rates.
In other action, the council...
• agreed to adopt the 2010 preliminary levy on Monday, Aug. 17 during the regular council meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. at city hall. Also in compliance with state statutes, council members agreed to change their Monday, Dec. 7 meeting start time to 6 p.m. and adopt the final levy that evening.
• toured the area’s new WorkForce Center, which opened July 1 from its new location at Cambridge City Center mall. Economic Development Director Stan Gustafson noted the center assists about 100 or more job seekers a day.
• authorized spending $2,100 of park dedication funds to upgrade electrical panels for security and parking lot lights at Sandquist Park.
• granted a third extension for a Cambridge couple to find another home for at least two of their six dogs, since the city’s dog ordinance only allows four dogs per household. The council, accepting public comment on the matter, agreed to revisit the issue at its Aug. 3 meeting.
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