Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area ReporterAfter long anticipation, Wyoming City Council passed a resolution Monday conveying to Chisago County three city lots south of the municipal parking lot as the site for Wyoming East Central Branch Library.
There was a stroll through the documents to clarify some points of the agreement. The resolution also approved the development agreement.
City Attorney Tom Miller recommended the sole contingency to the resolution be Chisago Countyís approval of the documents.
Among the items addressed in the agreement are the operation and maintenance of the facility. Although in general terms, the cost share of each participant is identified. Members of the joint powers agreement will share broad obligations.
Chisago County will maintain the structure of the building, be responsible for staffing, and ensure reasonable operating hours. Terms may vary between cities, but will be equitable.
North Branch and Lindstrom will also enter into a joint powers agreement with the county.
Reaction varies
Sheree Vincent, chair of the Wyoming Area Library Society was on hand for the vote. As always, she was enthusiastic and eager that the process continue.
CM Martin English, long in favor of the library, believes the site is too small and ìnot the place for the library at all.î For English one issue is accessibility only from Forest Blvd. The decision about the site had been made by the time English became a council member.
Mayor Vern Haag and Vincent reviewed the various locations considered, as well as how and why they had been eliminated. The prize site would have been land adjacent to the Sunrise Prairie Trail. Other plans were underway for the area and then part of the site was sold before the city could bid for it.
Vincent acknowledged the final site is ìnot a perfect spot, but the community needs a library.î She assured council that in working with KKE, architects for the building, that the most cost efficient measures will be taken in planning and construction.
Vincent announced that ground breaking will begin as soon as possible after bids are received.
2nd scooter meeting
Council announced a second meeting to discuss proposals for regulating the operation of motorized scooters in the city. The meeting is set 7 p.m., Thursday, April 29 at city hall. The first meeting April 15 determined that while noise is a major concern, the primary issue is establishing safety guidelines. All interested residents are invited to participate.
Open house
So residents can meet the new Police Chief Anthony Pangal and City Administrator Jill Teetzel, the city is hosting an Open House 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 13 at the community center.
Members of the EDA, park board, planning commission, and council will be present. Residents are invited to meet city staffers and volunteers, enjoy a snack and see displays of ongoing projects.
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