Thanks to everyone who turned out on Night to Unite and River City Days over the last week. Many of you met Deyahni Cooper (pictured here) and other Youth Commissioners in the City's Youth Commission tent at Bay Point Park. Summer may be winding down, but community spirit is up! |
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Times Are Tough; Help is Available |
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New regional programs are providing cost assistance for two critical needs: housing and water. Three Rivers Community Action will assist households on a first come-first served basis with emergency water payments through the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program. Contact [email protected] or call (507) 424-0729. For help to homebuyers, SEMMCHRA’s Workforce Housing Assistance Program offers assistance with down payment and closing cost deferred loans to eligible homebuyers in Goodhue County. SEMMCHRA also hosts homebuyer education classes and other financial wellness and pre-purchase counseling. |
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Building Bridges Through Artwork |
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A new mural is coming to town! The unassuming gray building at Bluff & Third Streets is owned by the City, and it's one of the first things people crossing the bridge into Red Wing see. This blank canvas will be the backdrop of a new mural honoring the Dakota people and culture. Representatives from the Prairie Island Indian Community, Goodhue County, and the City of Red Wing are collaborating on the project. The mural is planned for fall of 2022. You can read the staff report from the last City Council meeting, and watch City Beat for future developments.
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Rain, Rain, Come and Stay! |
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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide drought warning and labeled the Red Wing/Goodhue County region in a moderate drought. Because of these conditions, the DNR is asking cities to reduce their daily water usage. While Red Wing currently meets the reduction threshold, we’re still encouraging citizens to restrict watering lawns or gardens and all other non-essential indoor and outdoor water usage between the hours of 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. So maybe think twice about taking that extra-long shower next time and rally together to practice good conservation techniques to mitigate this drought’s effects. For tips on saving water and more drought information, check out the MNDNR’s website here.
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Help Honor Human Rights Leaders |
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Who do you know has stood up to protect and promote human rights in the greater Red Wing area? Take a few minutes to recognize their work by nominating them for the Amos Owen Award, an annual award named after the late Prairie Island Indian Community spiritual leader who worked to preserve Dakota language and culture. The Human Rights Commission presents this award annually to someone who dedicates their time to justice, equality, and holding up the lives of others. You’ll find the online nomination form here. The deadline is September 16 at 4 PM. Questions? Contact staff liaison Michelle Leise at 651-385-3618. |
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Toward a More Inclusive Red Wing |
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City Council accepted another set of recommendations from the Advisory Team on Government Policies & Practices. These focus on strengthening neighborhoods, lifting up diverse leaders, and improving engagement between government and the community. The recommendations include supporting an African American Festival, incorporating diversity into community events, building a Lift Up Leaders program for residents of diverse backgrounds, and expanding the City's involvement with the school's Flight Paths Program and Ignite’s Learn to Earn program. On Monday evening, City Council supported moving forward with these ideas. To read the full recommendations, click here.
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Council Approves Rental License Program
Program to start in January 1, 2022.
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City Council has unanimously approved the second and final reading to enact the new Rental License Program. The program, which starts January 1, 2022, will require health and safety inspections of all rental properties every three years. Landlords will pay $40 per year per unit. Properties on the east side of town will be inspected first in 2022, followed by the middle of town in 2023, and the west side of town in 2024. Read the report here and visit the web page for more details. Questions? Call Dan Rogness at 651-385-3697. |
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Pollinators (honeybees, bumblebees, butterflies, humming birds) perform one of nature’s most valuable actions, yet populations have suffered dramatic decreases in recent years. That’s why the Sustainability Commission is developing a new 1,500 square foot Pollinator Lawn Demonstration Plot at Featherstone Park. Pollinator Lawns are a mix of grasses and short flowering plants that require little upkeep and provide a natural habitat and nutrients to pollinators. Educational signage will be placed around the lawn to spread awareness about at-risk pollinators and how to plant your own lawn. With planting aimed to begin in mid-October, let’s celebrate this plan to help Red Wing’s ecosystem flourish! |
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For 20 years, Bob Enevold has entered the Public Works garage ready to get to work. Bob is one of our City mechanics, and works on a variety of heavy equipment and vehicles, from lawn mowers to police cars. As Bob explains, “It’s a job where you need to know a lot about everything.” Bob applied to the City looking for a job with good benefits and security, but he’s gained much more than insurance. “Sure, the benefits are a plus,” Bob reminds, “but if you don’t like your job, the benefits are worth nothing.” While some days are tiring and dirty, Bob enjoys his job and the good mix of folks he works with. Thank you, Bob, for keeping the motor of city government running! |
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City Council Utilities Workshop
City Council Chambers
Thursday, August 12 at 7:00 p.m.
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Red Wing Youth Commission Workshop
Community Development Building
Wednesday, August 18 at 6:00 p.m.
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Sheldon Theatre Board Meeting
City Council Chambers
Tuesday, August 17 at 5:15 p.m.
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City Council Meeting
City Council Chambers
Monday, August 23 at 6:00 p.m.
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