Melissa Hill

The City Council Fall Tour 2020 included discussions and updates on various construction sites and projects. Key topics included the Bauer Belt property, the Old West Main project, the Ped Bridge project, and Levee Park. Discussions covered the process for a request for proposal, market demand analysis, and reuse ideas for the Bauer Belt property. Updates were provided on plans for the Ped Bridge, the deadline for a decision on a property purchase agreement, and the design progress for Old West Main. The impact of flooding on the Levee Park project, budget considerations, and ADA accessibility were also discussed.

The meeting focused on improving inequitable systems, identifying and improving government policies and practices that negatively affect residents, especially residents of color. The discussion included the city's mission to become a more sustainable, healthy, accessible, resilient, and equitable community. The team discussed the importance of understanding systems and policies, not individual people, to eliminate systemic racism. The advisory team's role is to understand policies and systems, make recommendations, inform the public and community members, and work with the council and city staff to move towards equitable systems. The discussion also included the police department's function and how different communities experience those systems.

The meeting included recognition of outgoing council members and remarks from re-elected and newly elected council members. The newly elected mayor discussed downtown revitalization, reducing unemployment, and bringing economic growth to Red Wing. The council elected a new president, vice president, and president pro tem. Resolutions were adopted for the rules of order, designation of the official newspaper, and designation of city depositories.

The council is considering a motion to approve a new solid waste building design and staff updates. A fire on June 7th, 2017, destroyed the 1981 incinerator building, affecting the tip floor, locker area, and mechanical systems. The proposal includes adding 20 feet to the front of the building and creating a below-grade loadout area. The League of Minnesota Cities has provided three options: fair market value for the damaged building, replacement of the existing building to code, or building an enhanced version with the city paying the difference. The total cost for the project is estimated at 10.5 million, funded through various sources. Staff recommends approving the new building design, bidding for a new pole building, and a new MuRF roof replacement package.

The Red Wing Homeless Committee discussed the support for the homeless, including the funds needed. The committee also discussed the challenges of finding a permanent shelter and the possibility of using tiny houses as shelters. They also talked about the shortage of affordable housing and the need to supplement the income of the homeless to help them get through the month.