by Dennis Dalman
news@thenewsleaders.com
The City of Sartell recently released an expanded list for goals its staff will work on to achieve or make progress on in 2014.
The goals are these:
Extend a local-option sales-tax with voter approval. Such a tax could pay or help pay for a number of city projects if the tax is extended beyond 2018, at which time the current extension of the tax will end.
Develop a “Comprehensive Pedestrian/Trail Plan.” The ultimate goal is to create more trails and to connect current and future trail systems.
Work with the St. Cloud-based Metro Transit Commission for improved and expanded bus service in Sartell.
Purchase land for “Town Square” and start working with developers on plans for a “downtown” Sartell – an area along Pinecone Road S. near the Coborn’s Super Store. The future downtown area has been dubbed “Town Square” by city staff.
Look into the possibility of creating a swimming beach in the huge pond in the northeast area of Pinecone Central Park.
Rename Pinecone Regional Park and make it more park-like by adding trees and other park amenities. Pinecone Regional Park is the land next to and near Sartell City Hall.
Find ways to re-engage people who would like to see a roller-blade skating park in Sartell. Two years ago, a skate-park committee of citizens was formed.
Transportation plans will be updated, including an updated capital/maintenance plan for city streets and a setting of road-repair priorities based on the city’s new Pavement Management System, which rates the condition of roadways on a numbered system.
Move forward with a sales-tax revenue plan to build a community-service center, which would possibly contain a branch library and senior-citizen center.
Finish up with land purchases and improvements to start Sauk River Regional Park in south Sartell.
Complete the dog-park project within Pinecone Central Park, a place where dogs and their owners can congregate.
Revisit the question of whether or not to reduce the number of garbage trucks on streets within Sartell. Currently, four refuse companies are licensed to have trucks pick up garbage within Sartell.
Promote a program of ongoing planting of more trees in the city.
Seek ways to connect interested residents to coalesce around a variety of issues and projects, such as a use for the historic “Round Barn” and exploration of the possibility of creating a swimming pool in the city.
