Sleepy Eye

seeks to

set goals

for future

Citizens identify positives and

negatives, wishes

of community

By CHRIS VETTER

Journal Staff Writer

SLEEPY EYE -- Sleepy Eye is looking to grow. Its residents want to see the town flourish, by creating new opportunities and businesses, while expanding the amenities already available.

About 40 Sleepy Eye citizens met this weekend to examine what is already offered in town, and what expansion goals will be set for the future.

Jack Quinlivan, president of Blue Earth-based Quinlivan & Associates, sees a great future for Sleepy Eye. His economic development firm recently opened an office in Sleepy Eye, and will be open Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"We're here today to see what we have, and to see if we can make it better," Quinlivan told the crowd at the Brown County Rural Electric Association Auditorium.

Sleepy Eye has many positives, Quinlivan said, such as school options, high wages, and access to two highways.

"You are well ahead of other rural communities as far as wages," Quinlivan said. "The average wage here is $12.17. That's very good. You are a strong community, an active community."

The audience members broke into several small groups, creating lists on the positives and drawbacks in Sleepy Eye.

Wayne Novotny, Sleepy Eye city councilor, was pleased that so many area residents showed an interest in improving the community.

"I think this meeting is designed to give some community input to the (Economic Development Authority) for the next year," Novotny said. "It's always nice for the public to have some ownership in what the city is doing."

The discussion was meant to create both a one-year goal and a five-year plan, Quinlivan said.

Steve Windschitl, president of Sleepy Eye Economic Development, agreed that the community presence will give him more direction. He spoke highly of Quinlivan & Associates and how the company can help the town grow and develop.

""With an economic development firm on our side, we can carry these projects out," Windschitl said. "We can make it happen."

Sandy Borseth Zierke, Quinlivan vice president, said the firm usually focuses on agriculture-related growth in Blue Earth and Faribault County. However, the firm will concentrate on retail and industry in Sleepy Eye.

"The retail section of town is not as strong," she said of Sleepy Eye. "There is a lot of empty buildings, and that is a problem."

The audience appeared enthusiastic, and jumped into discussions about the town's schools, hospital, parking spaces, and park and recreation opportunities.

Mike Carr, a Sleepy Eye business owner, said he was not surprised to see a good turnout.

"Our community is very important to us," Carr said. "There are so many rural communities that are dying, and we don't want that to happen to us."

The group would like to another restaurant, bike trails, more use of Sleepy Eye Lake, more 2-3 bedroom homes for rent, more parking space, and a plan to strengthen the hospital.

Quinlivan & Associates has been in business for 30 years, predominantly working in Faribault County.

Zierke said at least one associate will be in town on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Zierke said she intends to walk around town, meeting people and getting to know the town better. People also are welcome to stop into their office in the city office building.