by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
Amy Braig-Lindstrom has agreed to continue as a Sartell City Council liaison for the Sartell Senior Connection, the city’s senior-citizen group.
Last year, Braig-Lindstrom attended the Connection’s monthly meetings so she could hear their concerns and answer their questions – often regarding plans for a possible senior center in Sartell. Such a center is expected to become part of a community-resources center, expected to be built starting this year, although plans are not yet final as to where it will be constructed and exactly what amenities it will house.
Currently, the Connection members meet and hold a host of activities in the District Service Building of the Sartell-St. Stephen School District. That space, however, will likely be needed for school space in the future.
The Connection members requested a liaison from the council continue into this year, someone who could also serve as a recorder-secretary at the monthly Connection meetings.
At the Jan. 27 council meeting, the council disagreed with a city liaison person acting as a secretary at Connection meetings. Council members Braig-Lindstrom and Steve Hennes, as well as Sartell Administrator Mary Degiovanni, all said the coming year is a crucial one for seniors’ concerns about a center and, thus, direct contact with a city representative would be a good thing. Degiovanni offered to be the liaison, but after further discussion Braig-Lindstrom said she would be happy to continue going to Connection meetings and that she would also take notes there. Mayor Joe Perske agreed to fill in for Braig-Lindstrom if and when she cannot make it to a Connection meeting.