Small Town and Regional Vitality Investment Act on council agenda
Published 8:02 am Saturday, July 14, 2018
The Austin City Council will be voting on a resolution of support for the Small Town and Regional Vitality Investment Act of 2018 during its regular meeting on Monday.
The act, which was proposed by Congressman Tim Walz, is designed to secure some federal funding to help address the specific needs of rural communities, such as child care, infrastructure investment, housing opportunities and an increase in health care services.
The legislation is in part a response to the city’s contact with Walz’s office over the financial challenges and regulatory requirements for the wastewater infrastructure and housing concerns. Walz has requested that the council consider adopting a resolution for support of that act.
The council will also be voting on approving a memorandum of agreement with Hormel Foods for the mountain bike trail. The council approved a resolution for the trail easement agreement with Hormel Foods and the Southern Minnesota Bicycling Club on Dec. 18.
Austin Area Chamber Executive Director Sandy Forstner will be making a funding request of $5,000 to the council for the 2019 Governor’s Pheasant Opener during the council’s work session on Monday.
The city has applied to host the 2019 Governor’s Pheasant Opener and has received support from the Chamber, the VFW, the Mower County Soil and Water Conservation District, and other organizations for the event. The event would draw heavy media attention to the area, delivering upwards of $1 million in public exposure, according to Forstner.
The $5,000 would only be awarded should Austin’s application be approved.
The council will also hear an update on Vision 2020 from Interim Director Sandy Anderson and will discuss the Honorary Council Member Program recommended by the Austin Human Rights Commission.
The council’s next regular meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 16, in the Council Chambers, located in the basement of City Hall. The work session will be held immediately following the meeting in the conference room across the hall from the Council Chambers.
