Saturday, February 16, 2013

01/21/2013 Steering Committee Minutes

01/21/2013 Steering Committee
Attending: Mike Odden, Ruth Odden, Joe Christiansen, Ernie Schmit, Craig Dewar

Next Meeting: 02/18/2013 @ 6:30 – 8:00

General discussion:
  • Review submitted grant and budget for new year

Committee
Discussion
Follow Up
Historical Society
This month:
·      Welna building:
o   Tin for ceiling has been purchased
o   Lions helping to install
o   Bob Warzecha will provide lift for installation
o   Electrical to be updated in spring
·      Holiday Home Tour 12/1-12/2
o   About 150 visitors on home tour
o   Advertising seemed to expand the visitor base
o   Held at homes of Mike & Ruth Odden, Ron & Irene Schmidt (large taxidermy collection), Skudlareks (near Opole?) and Fogelberg on CR 154
o   Elmer’s Barber Shop
o   Display of nativity scenes to be set up at Community Country Church, where refreshments will be served
o   Church also holding a silent auction
o   Santa breakfast in city hall on 12/1
In process:
·      Welna restoration (next phase of restoration is choice of floor, interior, heat & a/c or plumbing):
o   Work on ceiling and roof insulation first priority
o   Planning to donate/discard all the clocks in storage there
o   Bids in process for tin for interior ceiling of Welna building – will use new tin
o   Should have adequate funds for project
Completed:
·      Had float in parade
·      T shirts fund raisers sold out
·      Boxcar mural at trailhead is completed and paid for
·      “Moonshiner” hole found in town is on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEIaIlqZ_os
o   Buried brick enclosure with arched ceiling and chimney hole
·       
Garden Club
This month:
·      Winter display set up by garden
·      Christmas tree lighting on 11/30; hot cider & cocoa, cookies
o   Approved up to $200 to pay for flyers to promote garden club’s tree lighting (churches, schools)
o   About 60 people attended lighting ceremony
o   Future suggestion: Bike parade with lights (similar to Holidazzle)?
·      Garden Club teaching a container garden class in May
o   Class is $10 per person, $4 to club
o   Donating perennials to students
·      Will have a free booth at school with other vendors (plant sale at school?)
o   Will attempt to recruit additional members
In process:
·      Expanding sprinkler system, installation scheduled for week of 8/20, bid is for $1500
·      12 current members: 7-8 planting (others have health issues)
·      Planning a fall display for gardens
Completed:
·      Held fund raiser dinner during Holdingford Daze
o   Raised approximately $3300
o   City has committed $1000 in annual budgets to Garden Club
·      Spring cleaning done, assisted by FFA who also re-set concrete blocks in pond
·      Pond opened and fish placed
·      Selling perennial bulbs at Blooming Shack as a fundraiser
·      New presidents: Barb Konsor and Ruth Odden
·      Sprinkler expansion cancelled – felt it was not needed
·      In process of closing/cleaning pond
·      A few fish were given away at the community picnic
·      Hired school kids to help with weeding of gardens
·       
·       
Economic Development
This month:
·      16 plaques along bridge to be stainless steel background with laser engraving by Rob Berscheid to turn steel black
o   Plaques donated by St Cloud Refrigeration who cut and drilled needed holes (use as matching donation)
·      Mother of Mercy (memory clinic, assisted/independent living)
o   About 75 people attended presentation on Mother of Mercy
o   TIF to be discussed at city council meeting
o   2 feasibility studies support building
o   No news on River Birch assisted living
·      Road construction: delaying installation of fire rings, affected number of campers
o   Fire rings to be installed at campground a few inches above ground
·      Junior Olympics volleyball tournament proposed, by Kyle Ackerman from Extra Time
·      8-9 attendees for Planning Commission
·      MN13 restaurant is doing good, has wi-fi, radio ad in Princeton
·      Corner Pizza doing good, adding video games
·      QR codes put up along trail head by Albany man
·      Discussion: A couple of banners missing/not up, city to not attach Christmas decorations to banners
·      Discussion of walk/bike tour of local historical points in town
·      Tables will be stored in shelter over winter
·      Planning Commission
o   $10,000 study by Jana King proposed – some concerned that wasteful
o   Feeling is focus should be on what to do to support current businesses; what businesses town can support (type and amount), suggestions for programs on how to attract
o   Decided to request feasibility study by SCSU students
o   Goals: want to know what town can support – types of businesses and volume
o   Members may start attending HCP meetings
·      Stearns County requiring campground have site plan pre-approved and requires $235 fee
·      FYI: Lake Wobegon site has article on sculpture
In process:
·      Planning Commission: meeting the first Wednesday of each month
o   Hoping to channel ideas into a working plan, develop to keep current business and recruit new
o   Searching for consultants to lead
o   Review local buildings; how to increase foot traffic; reduce vacancies; catering to different business types (employers versus retail shops)
·      Planning to purchase signage recognizing Initiative Foundation projects
·      Advertisement of trail in magazines
·      Bike Trail
o   QR code to be posted at trail head is in process
·      Head of LWTA (Cliff Bergerding?) requested $200 donation from Commercial Club
o   Phones or wireless PC can read code to open LWTrails.com website
o   Wi-fi hot spot at liquor store, can one be set up at trail head?
o   LWTA will ask cities for $200 contribution to assist in set up
o   LakeWobegonTrails.com has virtual tour of bike trail
o   Bridge to bridge ride could employ QR codes/four square technology
·      Campground: cement pads installed for patio area, electric available at all sites
o   Plan for bathroom upgrades estimated at $80,000
o   Lions Club looking into legacy grant for showers
o   Lake Wobegon Trail Association wants to include information in trail literature, may be willing to assist with grants for bathroom upgrades
o   Need post and collection box for campsites
o   New cement fire rings on order for campground at each parking spot and one in tent area
·      Wood pile to be stocked by volunteers as fund raiser for Historical Society
o   Electric at parking spots on end of line, insufficient power at campsites (Xcel issue)
·      Bike trail
o   Melrose, Freeport setting up yellow bike program
·      A couple of bikes missing from Melrose
o   Jordy’s Cafe setting up bike rental in Bowlus
Completed:
·      Caramel Roll ride occurred 06/09/2012
·      Corner Pizza has new owner as of 10/01/2012
·      TK restaurant reopened
·      Joe attended grocery store conference, details in notes from 9/17
·      Joe attended Blandin Foundation presentation on broadband, details in notes from 9/17
·      70th anniversary of WWII soldier shrine held around Labor Day
·      Joe watering recent tree plantings along trail
·       

Steering Committee
This month:
·      Discussed potential projects and uses for grant (scheduled completion date of 6/2013)
o   Electrical updates to Welna building
o   Skateboard park
o   Build a totally separate building to house shower at campground (upgrading existing building to meet state requirements would cost a minimum of $80,000)
o   Updated brochure of Holdingford
o   Art project (mural on Legion)
·      Crowdsource as potential fundraiser site for Historical Society or Art projects
In process:
·       
Completed:
·      Community picnic on 8/26/2012
o   550 meals
o   Road construction may have had negative impact on attendance
o   Total expenses for picnic: $6579.81
o   $75 worth of ice donated by Holdingford Gas & Grocery
o   Horse & wagon rides were free, donated by “?”
o   Surreys were available for use at no charge from Helping Hands
·      Discussed unusual contests at other small town celebrations including; corn eating, sander races (on a track), husband calling
·      “Caramel Apple” new ride on trail in October, starting in Melrose and heading westward
·       

Art Project
This month:
·      Check when funds for grant arrived – use as matching funds for this year?
·      Lionesses made $50 donation after presentation on HIP from Michelle
In process:
·      Legion post is favorable to a mural on wall by bank parking lot
·       
·      Central MN Arts Board has approved 2nd grant worth a total of $10,531.00
·      Holdingford Mill Art Project
o   Fence sculpture installed, bench to be added soon
o   Initial $5,000 up front fee has been paid to Keith Raivo
o   Polar supplied most of the materials needed for the project
Completed:
·      Sculpture project Plaques and bench installed on sculpture
o   All grants for art project have arrived, and grant has been closed out
·       

Grant status
This month:
·      1/21/2013: Approved $235 to pay Stearns County for registration fee for campground
·      1/21/2013: Approved up to $400 for professional redesign of city’s web site
·      1/21/2013: Approved up to $500 for ads in publications (can copy explorer ad from spring 2012)
Completed:
·      10/15: Approved up to $200 to pay for flyers to promote garden club’s tree lighting (churches, schools)
·      9/17: Approved $500 to help pay for Community Picnic (match of $6079.81 by Lions, $75 HGG for ice)
·      9/17: Approved up to $2500 to pay towards market study
·      Craig to check with Dan Frank on conflict with match to $10,000 grant from IF for economic development study (it is NOT eligible)
·      11/19: Approved up to $400 for an ad to promote the holiday home tour
o    
·      8/20: Approved $100 to pay for 4 registrants to grocery store conference held by Initiative Foundation







Monday, January 28, 2013

11/19/2012 Steering Committee

11/19/2012 Steering Committee
Attending: Mike Odden, Joe Christiansen, Ernie Schmit, Craig Dewar, Michelle Kiley

Next Meeting: 012/21/2013 @ 6:30 – 8:00

General discussion:
  • Review submitted grant and budget for new yea

Committee
Discussion
Follow Up
Historical Society
This month:
·      Holiday Home Tour 12/1-12/2
o   Commitments from Mike & Ruth Odden, Ron & Irene Schmidt (large taxidermy collection), Skudlareks (near Opole?) and Fogelberg on CR 154
o   Elmer’s Barber Shop
o   Display of nativity scenes to be set up at Community Country Church, where refreshments will be served
o   Church also holding a silent auction
o   Santa breakfast in city hall on 12/1
In process:
·      Welna restoration (next phase of restoration is choice of floor, interior, heat & a/c or plumbing):
o   Work on ceiling and roof insulation first priority
o   Planning to donate/discard all the clocks in storage there
o   Bids in process for tin for interior ceiling of Welna building – will use new tin
o   Should have adequate funds for project
Completed:
·      Had float in parade
·      T shirts fund raisers sold out
·      Boxcar mural at trailhead is completed and paid for
·      “Moonshiner” hole found in town is on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEIaIlqZ_os
o   Buried brick enclosure with arched ceiling and chimney hole
·       
Garden Club
This month:
·      Winter display set up by garden
·      Christmas tree lighting on 11/30; hot cider & cocoa, cokkies
o   Approved up to $200 to pay for flyers to promote garden club’s tree lighting (churches, schools)
In process:
·      Expanding sprinkler system, installation scheduled for week of 8/20, bid is for $1500
·      12 current members: 7-8 planting (others have health issues)
·      Planning a fall display for gardens
Completed:
·      Held fund raiser dinner during Holdingford Daze
o   Raised approximately $3300
o   City has committed $1000 in annual budgets to Garden Club
·      Spring cleaning done, assisted by FFA who also re-set concrete blocks in pond
·      Pond opened and fish placed
·      Selling perennial bulbs at Blooming Shack as a fundraiser
·      New presidents: Barb Konsor and Ruth Odden
·      Sprinkler expansion cancelled – felt it was not needed
·      In process of closing/cleaning pond
·      A few fish were given away at the community picnic
·      Hired school kids to help with weeding of gardens
·       
·       
Economic Development
This month:
·      16 plaques along bridge to be stainless steel background with laser engraving by Rob Berscheid to turn steel black
·      Mother of Mercy (memory clinic, assisted/independent living)
o   TIF to be discussed at city council meeting
o   2 feasibility studies support building
o   No news on River Birch assisted living
·      Road construction: delaying installation of fire rings, affected number of campers
o   Fire rings to be installed at campground a few inches above ground
·      Waiting on proposal from Java King???
·      Junior Olympics volleyball tournament proposed, by Kyle Ackerman from Extra Time
·      8-9 attendees for Planning Commission
·      MN13 restaurant is doing good, has wi-fi, radio ad in Princeton
·      Corner Pizza doing good, adding video games
·      QR codes put up along trail head by Albany man
·      Discussion: A couple of banners missing/not up, city to not attach Christmas decorations to banners
·      Discussion of walk/bike tour of local historical points in town
·      Tables will be stored in shelter over winter
·      Planning Commission
o   $10,000 study proposed – some concerned that wasteful
o   Feeling is focus should be on what to do to support current businesses; what businesses town can support (type and amount), suggestions for programs on how to attract
In process:
·      Planning Commission: meeting the first Wednesday of each month
o   Hoping to channel ideas into a working plan, develop to keep current business and recruit new
o   Searching for consultants to lead
o   Review local buildings; how to increase foot traffic; reduce vacancies; catering to different business types (employers versus retail shops)
·      Planning to purchase signage recognizing Initiative Foundation projects
·      Advertisement of trail in magazines
·      Bike Trail
o   QR code to be posted at trail head is in process
·      Head of LWTA (Cliff Bergerding?) requested $200 donation from Commercial Club
o   Phones or wireless PC can read code to open LWTrails.com website
o   Wi-fi hot spot at liquor store, can one be set up at trail head?
o   LWTA will ask cities for $200 contribution to assist in set up
o   LakeWobegonTrails.com has virtual tour of bike trail
o   Bridge to bridge ride could employ QR codes/four square technology
·      Campground: cement pads installed for patio area, electric available at all sites
o   Plan for bathroom upgrades estimated at $80,000
o   Lions Club looking into legacy grant for showers
o   Lake Wobegon Trail Association wants to include information in trail literature, may be willing to assist with grants for bathroom upgrades
o   Need post and collection box for campsites
o   New cement fire rings on order for campground at each parking spot and one in tent area
·      Wood pile to be stocked by volunteers as fund raiser for Historical Society
o   Electric at parking spots on end of line, insufficient power at campsites (Xcel issue)
·      Bike trail
o   Melrose, Freeport setting up yellow bike program
·      A couple of bikes missing from Melrose
o   Jordy’s Cafe setting up bike rental in Bowlus
Completed:
·      Caramel Roll ride occurred 06/09/2012
·      Corner Pizza has new owner as of 10/01/2012
·      TK restaurant reopened
·      Joe attended grocery store conference, details in notes from 9/17
·      Joe attended Blandin Foundation presentation on broadband, details in notes from 9/17
·      70th anniversary of WWII soldier shrine held around Labor Day
·      Joe watering recent tree plantings along trail
·       

Steering Committee
This month:
·      Crowdsource as potential fundraiser site for Historical Society or Art projects
In process:
·       
Completed:
·      Community picnic on 8/26/2012
o   550 meals
o   Road construction may have had negative impact on attendance
o   Total expenses for picnic: $6579.81
o   $75 worth of ice donated by Holdingford Gas & Grocery
o   Horse & wagon rides were free, donated by “?”
o   Surreys were available for use at no charge from Helping Hands
·      Discussed unusual contests at other small town celebrations including; corn eating, sander races (on a track), husband calling
·      “Caramel Apple” new ride on trail in October, starting in Melrose and heading westward
·       

Art Project
This month:
·      Check when funds for grant arrived – use as matching funds for this year?
·      Lionesses made $50 donation after presentation on HIP from Michelle
In process:
·      Legion post is favorable to a mural on wall by bank parking lot
·       
·      Central MN Arts Board has approved 2nd grant worth a total of $10,531.00
·      Holdingford Mill Art Project
o   Fence sculpture installed, bench to be added soon
o   Initial $5,000 up front fee has been paid to Keith Raivo
o   Polar supplied most of the materials needed for the project
Completed:
·      Sculpture project Plaques and bench installed on sculpture
o   All grants for art project have arrived, and grant has been closed out
·       

Grant status
This month:
·      11/19: Approved up to $400 for an ad to promote the holiday home tour
Completed:
·      10/15: Approved up to $200 to pay for flyers to promote garden club’s tree lighting (churches, schools)
·      9/17: Approved $500 to help pay for Community Picnic (match of $6079.81 by Lions, $75 HGG for ice)
·      9/17: Approved up to $2500 to pay towards market study
o   Craig to check with Dan Frank on conflict with match to $10,000 grant from IF for economic development study
·      8/20: Approved $100 to pay for 4 registrants to grocery store conference held by Initiative Foundation