Council

accepts TV

franchise

application

Final vote

comes Aug. 1

By SARA SYVERSON

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- The New Ulm City Council on Tuesday accepted an application from New Ulm Telecom, Inc. for a cable television franchise.

The application will be considered for final approval at the council's Aug. 1 meeting.

Time Warner Cable now provides cable or New Ulm. New Ulm Telecom seeks to use its current communication system to provide businesses and homes with "video services."

In other action, the council accepted the resolution supporting a development plan for the St. Mary's School/convent property as recommended by the Economic Development Authority.

The project would create 26 apartments for a variety of income-based renters. The city committed $275,000 to the project. The funding includes some $200,000 in tax increment financing (TIF) and approximately $75,000 in a low-interest loan. Total estimated cost of the project is $3 million with a majority of the funding originating from private sources.

Other council action included:

* Approval of a development agreement with the Diocese of New Ulm relating to the Oak Bluffs First Addition .

* Authorization of a transfer of money from the Capital Improvement Sinking Fund for the first phase in replacing the library roof at an estimated cost of $18,700. City workers were also directed to get an estimate for the balance of the roof repairs. The library roof has experienced recurring leaking problems on the its northside.