by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleaders.com
Two busloads of Sartell Chamber of Commerce members viewed updates on community developments during a tour led by city and school officials on July 10.
On the way to the new high school site, riders saw the major construction work underway on Pinecone Road and navigated the detours on the north side of the city.
At the school site, Superintendent Jeff Schwiebert pointed out the location of athletic fields surrounding the school and told chamber members the district hoped to offer building tours starting in the fall. Schwiebert highlighted landscaping plans that call for collecting all rainwater on the site and reusing it.
On the way to the new community center, Community Development Director Anita Archambeau told riders the latest estimate for the city’s population has increased to 18,200 people.
So far this year, the city has issued 29 building permits, exceeding last year at this time.
Archambeau said when the baseball season ends, Champion Field will be reconstructed to improve the field and also upgrade dugouts and bleachers.
Plans are being developed for the new public safety facility on Pinecone Road north of Sixth Street S. with construction on the 14-acre site expected in 2019. Future use of the current police building, which is shared with Le Sauk Township, has not been decided.
Plans for the community center grounds include adding a stage near Lake Francis.
Sartell-St. Stephen School District Superintendent Jeff Schwiebert points out details of the new high school and grounds during a bus tour for Sartell Chamber of Commerce members on July 10.
