NEWS Fall 2023
By Craig Clark Administrator, City of Austin
As the leaves start to change, that means it’s budget approval time. This is the most-impactful process the Austin City Council concerns itself with during the year, and it originates in spring as city staff prepare items for council consideration while monitoring ongoing budgets.
for election judges; two new police officers; more police equipment and vehicles; a new, comprehensive plan with a downtown master plan; and repairs next year at the pool, Riverside Arena, City Hall and the bandshell.
We encourage you to apprise On Sept. 18, the council yourself of the budget voted to pre-certify the 2024 Clark information included in more tax levy at $8,752,000, which would involve a 5.66 percent increase. than 200 pages available on our website These added resources will be applied under “City Departments” and then toward staffing obligations; increases clicking “Finance Department” and for paid on-call firefighters; a pay bump “2024 Budget and Tax Levy.”
By Michael Rask Water Quality/GIS specialist, City of Austin
You can see the line-by-line expenditures for the City of Austin. See something you think is worthy of a review or removal? Find something lacking? Let us know. Your voice is important in the process. For the proposed 2024 tax levy increase, a median-valued home of $118,500 would pay $31 more per year with this increase and a total cost of $580. We hope you appreciate that an elected official’s goal is a responsible budget that provides the needs to deliver the services you have come to expect. The City will host our “Truth in Taxation” hearing at 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at council chambers. Council members then will do a final certification at their Dec. 18 meeting for the tax levy submitted to the county and State of Minnesota.
• Maximum loan is $6,000. •
@ci.austin.mn.us
NEWS
By Chief David McKichan Austin Police Department
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Fall-winter reminders from Austin Fire Dept.
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Hire licensed contractors
View drawings and learn about the whitewater proposal for the city’s downtown dam on the Cedar River State Water Trail at the website of the citizen group leading the idea:
After starting in spring 2023, work is wrapping up on the City of Austin’s major street reconstruction project of First Street Northwest from First Drive NW to Oakland Avenue West in the downtown area. This photo looks east on Fourth Avenue Northwest earlier this fall soon after the city reopened this high-traffic crossing over First Street.
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NEWS City of Austin Governmental Contacts
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Austin City Council regularly meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 5:30 p.m. Meeting agendas are available at City Hall and on the city’s website. Residents are encouraged to attend these meetings. Council meetings are aired live on Channel 180 (cable only) and rebroadcasted Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Meetings also are shown online on the city’s YouTube channel.
Minnesota Jack Sparrow at the Austin Public Library 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 For more details, go online: www.mnjacksparrow.com/mn-jack-sparrow.html
NEWS 2024 Revenue: $63,998,392 By Trish Harren Gjersvik Administrator, Mower County
2024 Expenses: $63,998,392
As Minnesota’s winter approaches each year, the public gets concerned about access to work, school and businesses. People driving in the winter will encounter equipment removing ice and snow. Amber or blue flashing lights generally are the first indication such equipment is being used on roadways. Our traveling public’s safety and convenience is of utmost concern to the Mower County Highway Department. Our goal is to have all county roads passable as soon as possible after winter storm events have ended. • •
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Use caution around snow-removal equipment to help avoid serious injury or death.
Snowplow safety awareness tips
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Give plow drivers room to work safely.
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Stay alert. Snowplows weigh 17 times more than your vehicle. Never drive into a snow cloud.
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Motorists also should remember to: Exercise caution, drive with care. • Keep in mind that the legal speed limit might not be possible, depending on roadway conditions.
ation. Any accidents or damages caused by piles placed in the roadway can become the liability of the property owner or offending party. Parked vehicles are not allowed in the right of way (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 160.2715). It is unlawful to deposit snow or ice from driveways Please “Like” the Mower County Public Works’ Faonto or across public roads. Piles of snow and ice can freeze into a solid mass creating a hazardous situ- cebook page for important updates.
NEWS County offers paperless tax, valuation statements By Scott Felten Auditor-Treasurer, Mower County
This is a convenient, secure method of getting your statements. When a new document is available, you will get an email notification. You then log into your account using your authorization code to access the document. For security reasons, PDF documents will never be emailed to you.
4-H empowers youth
We are working with print vendor The Master’s Touch, LLC to offer eNoticesOnline®. The insert will include instructions on how to set up an online account, which includes completing a registration form; providing an email address; and using an authorization code to access statements. Please read the details in your proposed tax mailing in November and, if interested, set up your online account.
By Pam Kellogg Public Health Division Manager, Mower County
program.
NEWS By Trish Harren Gjersvik Administrator, Mower County
On the last day of September — arguably one of this summer’s hottest and humid days — a group of volunteers planted 13 conifer trees and 34 deciduous trees in the town of Taopi. This tree planting effort — which included Taopi city council members — was part of the ongoing work to rebuild the Taopi community after the devastating April 12, 2022, tornado. Not only were houses damaged or destroyed but the city lost hundreds of mature trees. Mower County was able to design and build a gravel bed nursery, which is in its second year of growing trees. Each year, 80 trees are planted in the gravelbed nursery, and they have had a 98 percent survival rate. This is all thanks to a grant from the Blandin Foundation and collaboration with the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center, Mower Soil & Water Conservation District and the leadership of Master Gardener Don Smith. This project also has benefited from the generosity of local nurseries and landscaping companies along with a host of volunteers.
Camp Bliss, a nonprofit in Walker, Minn., has been successful with legislative pursuits for funding of Veteran Retreats and Getaways at its grounds in northern Minnesota. Camp Bliss will not charge a registration fee for veteran getaways at least for the next two years. Funding has been secured from the Minnesota Department of Veteran Affairs (MDVA). A veteran may attend two retreats Camp Fish Road, Walker, MN, 56484. per year at Camp Bliss. Funding also allows the camp to get reimbursement for spouses, children and active-duty campbliss.org/all-events service members. Camp Bliss is an incredible retreat and vacation destination nestled on 48 acres 2016 or via of stately pines between three scenic email: lorio@independentlifesyles.org lakes. The camp is located at 6150
Gravel beds maintain moisture levels that allow for the dense development of
Leaders from the Taopi community help plant 47 trees earlier this fall as part of efforts to rebuilt the community after the April 12, 2022, tornado that caused extensive damage.
fibrous root systems, which give them an advantage when planted. Once planted, these trees get established faster from their big root mass that helps them take in more nutrients and water. One goal of the county’s gravel bed nursery is to add to the county’s species diversity, which can reduce a community's vulnerability to insects and disease. The county’s gravel bed nursey is at the Mower County Fairgrounds. Special thanks to Don Smith for his volunteer efforts to manage the nursery and make sure each tree finds a home — even if he has to plant the tree himself.
Volunteers plant 80 trees to grow in Mower County’s gravel bed nursery in May 2022 — its first season — near the Mower County Historical Society at the fairgrounds in Austin. These trees were planted in fall 2022 throughout Austin as well as in Taopi.
pictures, and videos from around the d
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Waltham Township, Mower County
Make plans in Mower County to build your new home.
Residents and property developers can apply for the five-year tax abatement. This policy/program is effective through December 31, 2025. Several cities, townships and school districts in Mower County also are par-
ticipating by offering a tax abatement of their entity’s portion of taxes. For more information, an abatement application or a list of participating taxing authorities, go online at: www.co.mower.mn.us/158/ Administration Those interested also can contact Mower County Administration at 507-4379549 or via email at: deniseb@co.mower.mn.us
BUILD YOUR HOME TAX-FREE
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By Dr. Joey Page Superintendent, Austin Public Schools
With students back in our buildings, Austin Public Schools is buzzing with excitement for this school year.
At APS, we know our students learn, grow and get involved in many ways.
Implement our strategic plan. The superintendent will continue to facilitate the development of the district’s short-term and long-term goals and align available resources within the district’s budget. The superintendent and school board will inform the community with appropriate, regular communication on various school-district topics. • •
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Over the past two years, we have been working diligently to meet these lofty goals to help our students be successful. This year, the school board also approved goals to re-affirm our district’s commitment to our strategic plan:
Make classrooms safe, welcoming environments for learning. Implement the “Packer Profile” with the Class of 2027 (this year’s ninth-graders). Plan and implement the MTSS process across the district. Utilize our resources most effectively and efficiently to support student learning.
One of the best things about Austin is the community’s support for our students and schools. Our strategic plan is designed to help develop Austin Public Schools into a leader in education and give all our students the chance to be successful. Thank you for your interest in and support of our schools. Here’s to a fantastic year of achievement. Welcome back, Packers!
Austin High School students (left-right) Ellen Ekins, Namo Afanou, Nawras Zaki, Grace Anderson, Anastasia Alabin, Nadia Hummel and Meicy Liu show their certificates for earning academic excellence in the 2023 College Board National Recognition program.
By Andrew Adams APS Executive Director of Finance & Operations
NEWS By Katie Baskin
Education is a key foundation in Austin, shaping the future by empowering students with knowledge and skills.
As the world continues to evolve, so do the opportunities for those seeking to make a positive difference in students’ lives. Employment prospects in the field of education are vast and varied. Baskin Austin Public Schools has many opportunities for adults to engage in meaningful work to inspire, empower and accelerate learning: • Teaching is perhaps the most well- • known of all education careers. Teachers educate and motivate students in various content areas. Classroom positions vary from prekindergarten to high school. • Paraeducators work with students and teachers tailoring learning plans and providing necessary support to ensure students access content and • experiences successfully.
Austin High School science teacher Tisha Pischke helps students with lab work in September.
by conducting health screenings, administering medication and hanMaintenance and custodial staff dling medical emergencies. ensure each school’s infrastructure is safe, functional and suitable for If interested in employment with Auslearning and student participation. tin Public Schools, visit our Human Resources website for the current openings: www.austin.k12.mn.us/employment You can contact Human Resources (507-460-1902) with questions about applying or employment qualifications. School nurses are responsible for You also can follow Austin Public the health and well-being of students Schools’ Facebook page and website for
www.facebook.com/WescottSportsComplex
www.austin.k12.mn.us/district-offices/activities-office/packer-dome
events, activities and information. Austin Public Schools offers a diverse range of careers that allow individuals with varying skills and passion areas to thrive. There are opportunities for those drawn to working directly with students and those looking to support the school system in other ways. There is a place for you in Austin Public Schools to join a team of dedicated professionals committed to ensuring our students make a difference in the world.
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Get kids outside this fall, winter for their health •
As days continue to get colder and daylight shortens, it is important to stay active to maintain your health.
It is recommended you get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity at least five days per week for overall cardiovascular health. This could include activities, such as brisk walking, sledding, raking leaves, shoveling, crosscountry skiing or snowshoeing. Any activity that gets you outside and active is beneficial for your health. Here are tips to keep you warm and dry while doing outdoor-winter activities: • Layers create insulation. Start with a moisture-wicking fabric next to skin and then layer on fleece and waterresistant clothing. • Don’t forget gloves, hats and scarves to protect skin from the elements.
Waterproof boots with an added liner or waterproofing spray.
Know the signs of hypothermia: Lack of coordination Confusion Slurred speech Slowed reaction time Cold hands and feet Shivering Sleepiness For more, please contact the nurse at your child’s school on keeping your children healthy and ready to learn. Other resources are online at the school district’s Health Services website: www.austin.k12.mn.us/districtoffices/special-services/health-services • • • • • • •
Winter safety for students, staff
Austin High School students in October work with Kelly Bahl, a naturalist at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center in Austin, to collect seeds from native prairie plants.
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Mower Soil & Water Conservation District in August honored outstanding conservationists at the Mower County Fair’s opening night. For 2023, Gary & Michelle Angell are the recipients of Mower SWCD’s Outstanding Conservationist Award for their extensive efforts on their farm north of Elkton. The Angells raise corn, soybeans and hogs on a 1,500-acre farm. They have a dozen water-andsediment control basins and a dozen grassed waterways. The Angells also use variable-rate fertilizer and split application for their nitrogen program to minimize nutrient loss and increase productivity. Gary Angell also using ridge-till — a soil-health practice — to cut production costs while maintaining yields and soil health. Gus & Ann Maxfield this year are Mower SWCD’s Outstanding Wildlife Conservationists for numerous projects on their land near Lansing as well as on other lands to improve habitat for wildlife, among other benefits. They also are involved significantly in Pheasants Forever.