Council to look at

capital improvements

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The New Ulm City Council will be asked to approve a capital improvement program for 2002 totaling $2,369,148 at its regular meeting tonight.

The program, which includes $199,800 for phase 1 of the bike trail project, would be financed for the most part by issuance of $1,794,408 in bonds. The council will meet with City Engineer Steven Koehler at 4:30 p.m in the library meeting room to discuss the proposal.

Also up for consideration is a resolution opposing Gov. Jesse's Ventura's proposed cuts in aid to cities, as calculated by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities.

As calculated by CGMC, the city stands to lose $767,693 in local government aid in 2002 as a result of the governor's proposed cuts. The city's 2003 LGA payment would be reduced by $397,210, according to CGMC.

The proposed resolution also calls upon legislators to fight the governor's proposal.

Other resolutions before the council would authorize the sale of a tax-forfeited building at 2 N. Minnesota St. and offer support for funding from the Southeastern Minnesota Initiative Fund for Mark Wood's and Roberta McCrea's bed-and-breakfast project at 304 S. German St.

Councilors also will be asked to approve a change order to the Recreational Trail Phase I Agreement for an additional $34,519 to cover required archeological and architectural history investigations by LHB Engineers and Architects.

In addition, the council will vote on the appointment of Tim Hoscheit of 1626 Southridge Road to the Board of Zoning Adjustment, four submissions from the Planning Commission and give first reading to an ordinance amending the City Code placing a public housing resident member on the Economic Development Authority board.