Stillwater is one step closer to making a new National Guard Armory and fire station a reality.
During Tuesday's City Council meeting, Stillwater leaders agreed to hold a workshop next week to discuss the possible purchase of land for a new multi-million dollar complex that would be home to the Minnesota Army National Guard's 1st Brigade Combat Team, which is currently stationed in Bloomington.
The site would also potentially be home to a more centrally located fire station for the city. A new fire hall would improve response times for the fire department to Stillwater's outlying areas. (The existing station is located at City Hall.)
The workshop - which will be an open meeting - will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 5 at City Hall and will be open to the public. Stillwater City Administrator Larry Hansen said city staffers have identified a specific parcel of land for the project and now await a decision from council on the project.
"We're looking at a parcel that's owned by a bank at a foreclosure," Hansen said at Tuesday's meeting, held early because of next week's Night to Unite. "We were looking at about half a dozen pieces of land and this is one that we've targeted. It's a big decision and it's come up quick, but it's something that multiple councils have worked on for about 15 years. We'll find out if it's a priority or not."
An agreement would send 53 full-time members of the 1st Brigade Combat Team and over 400 Soldiers would train in Stillwater on the weekends. The Brigade is a branch of the 34th Infantry Division, or Red Bull unit, and was housed in Stillwater until members of the Brigade were called to active duty in Iraq in 2005 and 2006.
City leaders have said any potential site would have to be 12-14 acres. Funding the project would cost the owner of a $300,000 home in the city about $25 per year.
Hansen said he couldn't disclose the exact location of the land, but did say it touches Myrtle Street and is on the outskirts of the city limits.
In other business, the council...
¥ accepted a new city parks maintenance and turf-management plan.
Assistant Public Works Superintendent Tim Moore outlined several areas where the city could cut back on mowing, thereby saving time and taxpayer dollars. Various out-lots, trails and right of ways were discussed as possibly being cut back, including plots at Northland Park and a strip next to West Orleans Street and Washington Avenue near the St. Croix Valley Recreation Center.
"We mow a total of 69 acres in the city and there are some areas where we could cut back," Moore said. "That would free up time and resources that could be better used. There are some areas that we mow that don't get much traffic at all."
Councilman Mike Polehna applauded the plan and said he has not received any complaints about the city's parks.
¥ agreed to allow American Legion Post No. 48, located on Third Street in downtown Stillwater, to have live music on its deck on Sunday evenings.
The approval of the special-event permit runs through Aug. 15, under the condition that the legion attempts to find an adequate sound barrier. The issue will be revisited by the council at a later date.
By Bryan Horwath - Stillwater Gazette
Published: Wednesday, July 28, 2010 1:51 PM CDT
