This writer attended virtually and, due to technical difficulties, was not able to do so until the speaker was introduced. Prior to that I am told three student guests from Hillcrest, chaperoned by Wally C., were introduced and that their names were Ava Renner, Tearzyn Livingval and Sean Decook. A picture of them, courtesy of Ken H., appears below. I am told there were also many brags including Deb M. promoting our club hosting an exchange student next year.
Our program was Mayor Ben Schierer, introduced by Hal L. It was pointed out he is a former member of our club, having been asked to join by Lois J. in 2005; Ben recalled that soon thereafter he was asked to give his classification talk, his first presentation to a Rotary club. Now he estimates he has spoken to different Rotary clubs at least a dozen times. Ben recapped what happened in the City in 2023, and because of audio difficulties only some of what he referenced can be summarized here. He started out with the groundbreaking for the splash pad, which Ben indicated our club was instrumental in accomplishing, and then referenced preparations for the construction of the pool, with trees starting to be removed as part of site preparation. The City took ownership of the Bigwood Event Center and its goal is to get it operating in the black. Bonding for a test project on Lake Alice was received from the State and it is hoped that will be successful and be expanded. The Fergus Falls airport was annexed and a lead pipe survey was completed, with 41 homes identified as being served by lead pipe. Ben also referenced the City Library and I believe I heard him say over 194,000 items were checked out by patrons in 2023. In 2023, 64 commercial building permits and 10 new home construction permits were issued. City finances are in the good hands of Bill Sonmor and in great shape. Ben also noted that a communications division was added as a city department in 2022.
Looking forward, Ben pointed out several upcoming projects including adding pickleball courts at one city park. He also said that the City will continue on a plan developed in 2017 to reorient toward the river, noting Phase I was the farmer's market, Phase II is the splash pad, and that we also have seen the demolition of the dairy and the conversion of the elevator to a hotel. Ben also said there is a lot of interest in the former Checkers site, which is privately owned, and that a developer has signed a letter of intent to purchase and is looking at obtaining MHFA financing to construct workforce housing.
