http://www.mankato-mn.gov/newsHome.aspxCurrent press releases and news stories from the City of Mankato5http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19622.aspxThe 100 block of Chestnut Street has been closed so a water main can be repaired.<p>The road is open to through traffic (one lane) and is expected to reopen later this afternoon.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,117,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=100%20block%20of%20Chestnut%20Street%20closed%20for%20water%20main%20repair'">contact</a> public works staff at 507-387-8520.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19622.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 27 Jan 2012 12:15:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19504.aspx<p>Get involved as a volunteer with the city of Mankato&rsquo;s Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Volunteers with CERT provide critical assistance needed in the case of a disaster such as a flood or tornado and assist during large city events. CERT members play a critical role in emergency situations because they are trained to assist others in their neighborhood and workplace when professional responders are not immediately available to help.</p> <p>Training includes 20 hours of classroom time and hands-on training at the public works center, 501 South Victory Drive. Once a person is trained, the time commitment is based on events as they arise. Two sessions will be held:</p> <p><strong>Weeknight option<br /> </strong>April 3, 10, 17, 24,&nbsp;and May 1: 6 p.m. to 10&nbsp;p.m.</p> <p><strong>Weekend option<br /> </strong>April&nbsp;27:&nbsp;6&nbsp;p.m. to 10 p.m.; April 28 and 29:&nbsp;8 a.m. to 4 p.m.</p> <p>To apply for the volunteer opportunity to serve on a Mankato Community Emergency Response Team, <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/volunteer_application_public-safety.pdf">complete</a> an application and <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,107,117,110,107,101,108,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=CERT%20volunteer%20opportunity'">email</a>, or send U.S. Postal mail to:&nbsp; City of Mankato, 501 South Victory Drive, Mankato, MN&nbsp;56002. Applications will be accepted through Friday, February 17. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.citizencorps.gov/cert/">Learn</a> more about CERT.</p><p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,107,117,110,107,101,108,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=CERT%20volunteer%20opportunity'">contact</a> Trudy Kunkel, deputy director of public safety at the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8792.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19504.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 24 Jan 2012 17:07:12 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19595.aspxA community-wide telephone and online survey will begin soon to address citizen satisfaction of services provided by the city of Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools. The survey is expected to be complete in March. Minnesota State University, Mankato applied sociology class members and staff are conducting the survey. Citizen survey information collected from multiple surveys dating back to 1989 will be used as comparative data.<p>Mankato Area Public Schools' portion of the survey will be expanded to include residents in North Mankato, Eagle Lake and Madison Lake.<br /> <br /> The telephone survey takes&nbsp;less than&nbsp;10 minutes to complete.&nbsp; Interviews will be conducted between 4:30 p.m.&nbsp;and 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.<br /> <br /> For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Citizen%20Satisfaction%20Survey'">contact </a>staff in the public information office for the city of Mankato and Mankato Area Public Schools at 507-387-8516.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19595.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 24 Jan 2012 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19594.aspx<p>Mankato Department of Public Safety firefighters take part in ongoing training to ensure they are ready to respond when an emergency call for service comes in. <br /> Firefighters recently put their training to action when they rescued a dog from the Minnesota River. The dog had been with its owner in Kiwanis Recreation Area when it broke through thin ice near the river&rsquo;s bank.</p> <p>Firefighters used dry suits and an inflatable boat to reach the dog safely and bring it to shore. The dog was not injured.</p> <p>&ldquo;It was evident that the training paid off,&rdquo; said Jeff Bengtson, deputy director. &ldquo;The rescue was quick and effective.&rdquo;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19594.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 24 Jan 2012 09:24:05 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19593.aspxOn January 17, the Mankato City Council met in a closed session to discuss the performance of City Manager Patrick Hentges. The council was pleased with his performance across a wide variety of issues and the work load that was asked of him to meet the strategic goals of the city.<p>The review covered eight areas, with Hentges meeting or exceeding the performance standards in all eight of the following: organizational management, fiscal/business management, program development and follow-through, relationship with the council, long-range planning, relationship with public and private sector organizations, interagency relations and professional/personal development.</p> <p>Council President Mike Laven said, &quot; In 2011, the council moved forward on a variety of initiatives and in 2012 City Manager Hentges will be expected to build on our success and continue to position our community for stable financial growth, private sector development while meeting the service demands of the citizens and our regional partners.&quot;<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19593.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 23 Jan 2012 20:10:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19570.aspxSaturday, David Allen Marxen, age 21, Madison Lake, was arrested for the theft of four tablet computers.<p>The computers had a value of $10,000 and were stolen from the Mankato Clinic, 1025 East Main, between January 6-9.&nbsp; All of the property was recovered.</p> <p>Charges are pending and Marxen is in the local jail.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19570.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 23 Jan 2012 09:10:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19562.aspxA citizen reported to the Mankato Department of Public Safety that a bloody knife was found in the driveway on the 100 block of Swiss Street.<p>No related calls for service were received the night before.Anyone with information regarding this or a possible disturbance in this area is asked to contact public safety staff at 507-387-8770.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19562.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 18 Jan 2012 13:25:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19550.aspxPublic Safety responded to a domestic call in a vehicle at 2:16 a.m. on Saturday, at First Avenue and Pine Street. Later, police were called about continuing threatening incidents by the suspect. It was determined the suspect was at his residence at 125 Mills Street. After several hours of negotiation, suspect Shane Darrel Heiden, 24 years old, was arrested at his residence without incident at 5 a.m. this morning and taken to the local hospital for evaluation. He was then booked into the local jail with requested charges of terroristic threats, domestic assault and criminal damage to property.<p>The Minnesota River Valley Tactical Response Team and South Central Drug Investigative Unit Tactical Team assisted with the response.<br /> <br /> The suspect was threatening to a girlfriend, her family and law enforcement officers.&nbsp; It was eventually determined he was alone at the arrest location during the incident that the crisis negotiator and law enforcement teams were able to eventually resolve.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19550.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsSun, 15 Jan 2012 13:50:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19546.aspxCommunity grant applications will be accepted until 4:30 p.m., on Friday, February 24. Grant applications include the following categories and their respective goal:<p>&bull; Community performing arts and music--enhance public performances in various genres of music and performing arts<br /> &bull; Community beautification and public art--to beautify and improve community and public spaces<br /> &bull; Community social services--provide social services that enhance quality of life and independence of service to recipients/clients<br /> &bull; Community events--provide opportunities of gathering for citizens that results in a positive economic impact<br /> <br /> <a href="<%=site_url%>Community-Grant-Program/Page.aspx">View</a> funding levels, eligibility requirements dates and other helpful information.</p> <p><a href="<%=site_url%>Community-Grant-Program/Page.aspx">Apply online</a>.&nbsp; For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,97,110,103,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Applications%20for%202012%20community%20grants'">contact</a> city of Mankato staff at 507-387-8609.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19546.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 12 Jan 2012 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19527.aspxFebruary Home Stretch workshops have been rescheduled to Thursdays, February 9 and 16 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. to better accomodate staffing needs. Meetings will be held in the Blue Earth River Room on the first floor of the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza.<p>If thinking about buying home, participate in <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Home-Stretch/Page.aspx">Home Stretch</a> workshops to learn about</p> <ul> <li>Homeownership--is it right for you?</li> <li>Understanding the home buying process</li> <li>Overcoming barriers to home ownership</li> <li>Shopping for a home</li> <li>Financing a home</li> <li>Qualifying for a mortgage</li> <li>The purchasing process</li> <li>Closing on a home</li> <li>Life as a successful homeowner</li> </ul> <p>The course fee is $20, payable to the city of Mankato the first night of class. Participants will receive a certificate upon course completion. Preregistration is requested because of limited space. March Home Stretch workshops will run as scheduled on the first and second Thursdays of the month (March 1 and March 8).</p> <p>To register, or for more information, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,100,104,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=February%20Home%20Stretch'">contact</a> housing staff at 507-387-8631.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19527.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 10 Jan 2012 08:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19518.aspxThe Mankato Department of Public Safety's "Keep the wreath bright, prevent a red light" campaign has ended with three red bulbs on the wreath outside of Fire Station #1, 300 Madison Avenue.<p>The campaign ran from Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve with the goal of keeping the the wreath lit with clear bulbs. Red bulbs represent fires and blue bulbs represent preventable injuries that are a result from a fire.</p> <p>The fires that took place were the result of combustible items too close to a toaster and a mattress fire caused by a cigarette. The third fire is still under investigation. Damages for these incidents are estimated at $203,000.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(80,83,70,50,57,57,51,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Keep%20the%20wreath%20bright%20campaign'">contact</a> the on-duty commander at 507-387-8704.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19518.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 05 Jan 2012 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/19512.aspx<p>This summer when Madison Avenue is scheduled for rehabilitation, one-lane traffic will allow continued access to businesses.&nbsp; <a href="<%=site_url%>ConstructionProjects/Project/18131.aspx">View</a> information about the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;What is&nbsp;&quot;your take&quot; about when is the best timing to begin and end the project, and any other sequencing ideas that would be useful during the project?</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=19512">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 04 Jan 2012 15:47:40 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19489.aspxLast night at 7:25 p.m., firefighters were dispatched to a call at 115 Echo Street--Mankato Towers, from an occupant about an activated carbon monoxide alarm. Firefighters tested for carbon monoxide and based upon the results evacuated the building. There were no injuries in the incident.<p>The source of the carbon monoxide was a faulty boiler which was turned off and the building ventilated and the air cleared.&nbsp; Although the building was temporarily without heat and hot water due to the boiler malfunction, tenants were cleared to return to the building.<br /> <br /> Carbon monoxide detectors on each floor&nbsp;in a home is an important safety tip that can save lives.&nbsp; For questions or more information about carbon monoxide detectors, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,98,101,110,103,115,116,111,110,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=carbon%20monoxide%20detectors'">contact</a> the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8577.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19489.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 30 Dec 2011 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19475.aspxTimothy Lamont Ayers, age 41, has been identified as a suspect in a robbery of a Kato Cab driver that took place around 3:30 a.m., on Thursday, December 8 on the 800 block of East Main Street.<p>Anyone with information pertaining to the suspect's whereabouts, is asked to contact police at 911 or 507-387-8780.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19475.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 20 Dec 2011 17:30:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19474.aspx<p><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">Mankato residents are being recruited to serve on the new Civic Center Advisory Committee. The Mankato City Council has made a decision to appoint a Civic Center Advisory Committee to provide advice and guidance to civic center management about operations, conventions meetings and events, pricing, customer service, event opportunities marketing, advertising and programming. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">Nine appointments are expected to be made to this temporary committee who reflect the community and services provided at the civic center including a representative from a major user of the facility, i.e. Minnesota State University, Mankato. Individuals are encouraged to apply to serve who are knowledgeable about marketing and advertising, people from the convention and visitor industry, representatives of the hotel and hospitality field and citizens with an interest in the civic center and who regularly attend events. Up to two members from the Mankato City Council will also serve. <br /> <br /> Responsibilities of the Civic Center Advisory Committee include meeting quarterly to review facility budget and financial information, scheduled program activity and to provide a general critique of events and programs held in the venue. The committee also reviews the annual proposed budget and provides input about pricing and capital improvements. <br /> <br /> The City Council wants the usage of the civic center to be reflective of community interests. <br /> <br /> <a href="<%=site_url%>CityCouncil/CommitteeApplication.aspx"><font color="#800080">Apply</font></a> to serve on Mankato&rsquo;s Civic Center Advisory Committee. <a href="<%=site_url%>CivicCenter/Department.aspx"><font color="#800080">View</font></a> more information about the civic center, or <a href="mailto:llc@city.mankato.mn.us?subject=Civic%20Center%20Advisory%20Committee">contact </a>staff in the City Manager&rsquo;s office at 507-387-8690.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19474.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 20 Dec 2011 13:37:22 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19427.aspxThis morning at 2:04 a.m., public safety-police were called to the report of an accident involving a pedestrian at Mulberry and North Second streets. A 22 year-old male was walking with a female companion, when he was struck by a vehicle who left the scene traveling west on Mulberry Street over the Veterans Memorial Bridge. The victim was transported to the local hospital and treated for non life-threatening injuries.<p>The vehicle was in the process of making a left turn from Second onto Mulberry when the accident occurred.&nbsp; The vehicle is described as a white or silver-colored car.<br /> <br /> Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8780.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19427.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsSun, 11 Dec 2011 13:10:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19411.aspxMankato Department of Public Safety-police responded to the following calls for service:<p>&bull; At 3:36 a.m. this morning, police responded to the report of a robbery of a Kato Cab driver in the 800 block of East Main Street. The driver reporter that an unknown male held a knife to his throat, demanded the cab driver's money and then left the area with an undetermined amount of cash.</p> <p>Description of suspect: light-skinned black male, age estimated to be late 30s, average build, bald head that is possibly shaved, faint mustache, wearing brown jacket and light brown Timberland boots.</p> <p>Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8780. <br /> &bull; Two arrests were made for the following incident: at 11 p.m. on Tuesday, police responded to a report of a drive-by shooting. The initial investigation indicated the incident occurred in the Mount Olivet Cemetery, 101 Monks Avenue. An initial threat led to a male suspect firing multiple gunshots in the direction of the victim's vehicle--which was struck several times. No one was injured in this incident. The suspect, who was known to to the victims, left the area in a vehicle. The unoccupied vehicle was located a short time later. Amanda Nicole Nolette, a 23 year-old Mankato resident, was later taken into custody without incident in regards to the threat. The investigation continued until the suspect was confirmed to be in a residence in the city on Wednesday afternoon. At 5 p.m. Wednesday, a search warrant was executed at 318 South Hudson Avenue. The suspect, and two other occupants (eventually released) of the residence, were taken into custody without incident by members of the Minnesota River Valley Tactical Team.<br /> Arrested at 5 p.m. on Wednesday at 318 South Hudson Avenue, Mankato--charges are being requested through the Blue Earth County Attorney's office:<br /> Jordan James Kenady Rollings, 18 year-old Mankato resident.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19411.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 08 Dec 2011 12:40:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19356.aspxMankato's latest City Update, "Every officer has a neighborhood," focuses on community governance in Mankato's neighborhoods.<p>By working together, city staff and residents solve challenges and find solutions to quality of life issues. <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Mankato-Updates/Video.aspx">View</a> the City Update online or on public access television channels 12 (Charter) and 10 (HickoryTech):</p> <ul> <li>Sundays at 1:30 a.m.</li> <li>Mondays at 7:50 p.m.</li> <li>Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m.</li> <li>Wednesdays at 1:20 p.m.</li> <li>Thursdays at 4:55 p.m.</li> <li>Fridays at 8:55 p.m.</li> <li>Saturdays at 8:20 a.m.</li> </ul> <p>Featured in this City Update is Todd A. Miller, director of the Mankato Department of Public Safety. For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=City%20Update'">contact</a> public information staff at 507-387-8692.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19356.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 29 Nov 2011 17:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19354.aspx<p>The city of Mankato continues the tradition of asking residents for their input because it is important and helpful when making decisions.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/your-take-about-Mankato-services">Complete </a>a brief online survey to give &quot;your take&quot; about city&nbsp;services.<br /> <br /> For more information about this city service survey, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=online%20city%20service%20survey'">contact</a> public information staff at 507-387-8516.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-19354.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:43:03 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19351.aspxThe Mankato Department of Public Safety arrested Christopher Michael Gabler, age 27, a resident of North Mankato, on November 23 on probable cause of possessing and distributing child pornography.<p>Gabler is suspected of distributing child pornography images to an undercover officer from the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, who determined the distribution of the images occured within the city of Mankato's jurisdiction.</p> <p>Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers executed a search warrant in May and seized multiple computers, which were examined by the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Examination reports were recently received and Gabler was determined to be the primary suspect. He is currently being held in the Blue Earth County jail.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19351.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 28 Nov 2011 17:20:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19278.aspxMore area motorists are buckling up according to Police Officer Adam Gray of the Mankato Department of Public Safety, who works with the local Click It or Ticket effort.<p>During the October 14-27 seat belt campaign, officers enforced the state&rsquo;s seat belt law which requires all passengers to be buckled-up or seated in the correct child restraint. The area law enforcement coalition issued 353 seat belt and four child restraint citations during the two-week effort. Many of the seat belt citations were written during nighttime hours, when seat belt use is at its lowest. The coalition includes State Patrol District 2200, Blue Earth and Nicollet counties' sheriff departments, Mankato Department of Public Safety, police departments of Eagle Lake, Good Thunder, Lake Crystal, Mapleton, North Mankato and St. Peter.</p> <p>&ldquo;Click It or Ticket seems to encourage motorists to make safe decisions,&rdquo; said Gray. &ldquo;The math is simple. The more people who buckle up, the fewer preventable tragedies.&quot;</p> <p>Seat belts must be worn correctly--low and snug across the hips and shoulder straps should never be tucked under an arm or behind the back.</p> <p>&ldquo;I still see people, especially young adults, putting the shoulder strap underneath their arm,&quot; said Officer Gray. &ldquo;This can be disastrous in a crash, causing just as many injuries as if a person was not wearing a seatbelt.&rdquo;</p> <p>The campaign included enforcement of Minnesota&rsquo;s strengthened child passenger safety law, starting when children have outgrown a forward-facing harnessed restraint (typically 40&ndash;60 pounds, depending on seat&rsquo;s weight limitations). Children should be in a booster seat until age eight or four feet nine inches tall--whichever comes first. It is recommended; however, to keep a child in a booster seat based on their height rather than age. Booster seats help adult seat belts fit children correctly.<br /> <br /> Click It or Ticket seat belt education and enforcement is a component of the state&rsquo;s Toward Zero Death (TZD) initiative. A primary vision of TZD is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota where motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior. TZD focuses on the application of four strategic areas to reduce crashes:<br /> &bull; education<br /> &bull; enforcement<br /> &bull; engineering<br /> &bull; emergency trauma response.<br /> <br /> For more information about Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(97,103,114,97,121,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Click%20It%20or%20Ticket%20seat%20belt%20enforcement'">contact</a> the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8701.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19278.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 15 Nov 2011 16:50:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19254.aspxMankato Department of Public Safety police officers responded to a number of thefts (limited to small amounts of cash) over the weekend in the West Mankato area including Woodland Avenue and Blue Earth, West Sixth and West Seventh streets. As a result, police officers have provided the following tips:<ol> <li><strong>Deter activity</strong>--Lock all doors and windows of vehicles, homes and garages. Bring valuable items inside and place them in a safe location out of sight from windows in your home. Turn on exterior lighting and alarms.</li> <li><strong>Call 911</strong>--if anyone or anything suspicious is seen or heard in your yard, home or nearby, call police at 911 immediately.</li> </ol> <p>In addition, parents and guardians are encouraged to know where their children are. Public safety police officers will be more stringently enforcing Mankato's daily 10:30 p.m. curfew, which&nbsp;is for&nbsp;youth ages 15 and younger.</p> <p>By working together, Mankato Department of Public Safety police officers and residents can help reduce crime, solve problems and improve the community's quality of life.</p> <p>Anyone with information relating to these incidents, or wish additional information contact the on-duty commander at 507-387-8780.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19254.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 14 Nov 2011 16:15:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19206.aspxAt 10:29 p.m. last night, public safety responded to a call on the 1500 block of Tullamore Street. Upon arrival, police found a 20 year-old male who had been stabbed during an altercation. The victim was treated at the local emergency room for non-life-threatening injuries.<p>It appeared the victim knew the person; however, the male suspect left in a white Chrysler Sebring and could not be positively identified.</p> <p>Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8780.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19206.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 01 Nov 2011 09:10:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19200.aspxRailroad track improvements will be made at the Fifth and Pine streets intersection beginning at 7 a.m., Wednesday, November 2.<p>The intersection is expected to reopen later in the afternoon. The track improvement will allow pedestrians to safely cross the intersection.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Closure%20at%20Fifth%20and%20Pine%20streets%20intersection'">contact</a> engineering staff at 507-387-8634.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19200.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 31 Oct 2011 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19196.aspxBeginning at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, November 1, First Avenue will be permanently closed to through traffic at the railroad crossing just north of Mills Street.<p>This closure is a part of <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Projects/CM.aspx">Mankato's railroad whistle free corridor mitgation plan</a>.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=First%20Avenue%20to%20close%20permanently%20Monday'">contact</a> engineering staff at 507-387-8634.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19196.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 28 Oct 2011 14:15:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19195.aspxMankato Department of Public Safety staff have responded to the following calls for service:<p><strong>Armed robbery <br /> </strong>At around 10:41 p.m., last night, a male suspect approached two 19-year-old females in a parking lot on the 1400 block of Monks Avenue, pointed a handgun at them and demanded their car keys. The victims complied, and the suspect fled the area in a 2005 Ford Taurus that belonged to one of the victims. Public safety police officers stopped the vehicle on Victory Drive (near Balcerzak Drive) and took the suspect into custody without incident. During a search of the vehicle, a replica handgun was found.</p> <p>Arrested was Christopher Edward Sungmin-Carter, 21, who has no permanent address. He is being held in the Blue Earth County jail on multiple charges including aggravated first degree robbery and theft of a motor vehicle.</p> <p>No one was injured in this incident.</p> <p><strong>Assault <br /> </strong>At around 10 p.m., last night, a male suspect stole a 23-year-old victim's purse while she was sitting in the bleachers at Minnesota State University, Mankato's Blakeslee Stadium. The suspect fled and then dropped the purse. The female's male companion, 26, chased the suspect and confronted him in a nearby parking lot. The suspect pulled out a dark semi-automatic handgun and held it at his side, causing the male to turn and leave the area. The purse and its contents were recovered.</p> <p>The suspect is described as a male in his early 20s with a lighter complexion. He is about five feet ten inches tall and has an average build. He was wearing a dark, medium-length coat over a Minnesota Vikings sweatshirt and a stocking cap.</p> <p>No one was injured in this incident. Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call 911.</p> <p><strong>Medical<br /> </strong>Police and fire staff responded to a medical call on the 200 block of Jaycee Court at around 7:51 a.m., yesterday. Three children ages two, five and seven were transported to the local hospital by ambulance because it was believed the children had ingested an unknown quantity of prescription medication they had accidentally found. All three children were medically cleared.</p> <p>As a result of this call, three adults were arrested and charges are being requested:</p> <p>Nicole Marie Strong, 25, of Mapleton and Nicole Marie Glenn, 30, of Mankato</p> <ul> <li>Fifth degree possession of a controlled substance</li> <li>Methamphetamine crimes involving children</li> <li>Neglect or endangerment of a child</li> </ul> <p>Corey Allen Collman, 20, of Mankato</p> <ul> <li>Fifth degree possession of a controlled substance</li> </ul> <p>Five children (between the ages of three months and seven years) who were in the home at the time have been placed in protective custody pending further investigation by Blue Earth County and law enforcement staff. The case remains under investigation.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19195.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 28 Oct 2011 13:40:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19180.aspxPublic Safety-police are looking for a white van or sport utility vehicle that was reported to be occupied by a black male driver and female passenger that approached kids around 3 p.m. in the areas of Copperfield Subdivision (October 14) and West Mankato (October 25) inquiring if they wanted a ride.<p>Anyone who may have seen a vehicle matching this description or have any other information is asked to contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 911 or 507-387-8780.</p> <p>Adults should remind children: <br /> &bull;&nbsp;Walk in a group because there's safety in numbers.<br /> &bull;&nbsp;If approached by a stranger, don't engage, get away quickly and tell a trusted adult.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/19180.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 26 Oct 2011 14:00:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/19171.aspx<p>Give &quot;your take&quot; about the city of <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Budget-Intro/Page.aspx">Mankato's 2012 proposed budget</a>, now&nbsp;available online.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=19171">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 25 Oct 2011 10:07:41 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/18872.aspx<p>What is &quot;your take&quot; about how to make Hiniker Pond a better place? <br /> <br /> Plan to attend a Hiniker Pond presentation at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, October 26, where Mankato city staff will review ideas and suggestions collected. The Hiniker Pond presentation will be held at the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza, Mankato, in the Minnesota River Room (first floor).<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=18872">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 04 Oct 2011 11:21:55 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18981.aspx<p>The Mankato City Council recently recognized winners in this year's 2012 annual photo contest:</p> <p>January--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/January-City-Center_Jenna-Hiniker-Mankato-MN.JPG">City Center</a> by Jenna Hiniker, Mankato<br /> February--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/February-Winter-storm-2_Randy-Wood-Mankato.JPG">Winter storm</a> by Randy Wood, Mankato<br /> March--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/March-Asending-stairs_Lucas-Hendrickson_Mankato.JPG">Ascending stairs in Sibley Park </a>by Lucas Hendrickson, Mankato<br /> April--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/April-Coffee-in-the-rain_Alyssa-Gratz_North-Mankato-MN-56003.jpg">Coffee in the rain</a> by Alyssa Gratz, North Mankato<br /> May--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/May-second-place-Wonderment-at-the-Intergovernmental-Center_Chris-Batson-Lake Crystal.jpg">Wonderment at the Intergovernmental Center</a> by Chris Batson, Lake Crystal<br /> June--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/June-Golf-at-the-Mankato-Golf-Club_Ann-Sorensen_Mankato.jpg">Golf at the Mankato Golf Club</a> by Ann Sorensen, Mankato<br /> July--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/July-Cover-A-walk-down-Parsons-Street_Julie-Thorleifson_Mankato.jpg">A walk down Parsons Street</a> by Julie Thorliefson, Mankato<br /> August--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/August-Vetter-Stone-Ampitheater-in-Riverfront-Park_Ted-Jacobson_Mankato.jpg">Vetter Stone Ampitheater by in Riverfront Park</a> Ted Jacobson, Mankato<br /> September--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/September-Wagon-Wheel-Cafe-in-the-city-Center_Todd-Donery_Minneapolis-MN.jpg">Wagon Wheel Caf&eacute; in the City Center</a> Todd Donery, Minneapolis<br /> October--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/October-Fall-at-Glenwood5_Michaella-Crnkovic-Mankato.jpg">Fall at Glenwood</a> by Michaella Crnkovic, Mankato<br /> November--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/November-Brrrrrrrrrrrr-on-Riverfront-Drive_Terri-DeGezelle_Mankato.jpg">Brrrrrrrrrrrr! on Riverfront Drive</a> by Terri DeGezelle, Mankato<br /> December--<a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/December-Cabin-in-the-snow-in-Sibley-Park_Sara-Palmer_Mankato-MN.jpg">Cabin in the snow in Sibley Park</a> by Sara Palmer, Mankato</p> <p>This year's cover winner is &quot;A walk down Parsons Street,&quot; by Julie Thorliefson of Mankato. Chris Batson of Lake Crystal won second place for &quot;Wonderment at the Intergovernmental Center.&quot;</p> <p>People&rsquo;s Choice winners were also selected. People's Choice was a citizen's suggestion. Winners are:</p><ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Standing-tall-at-Lions-Park_Jason-Verly_Mankato.jpg">Standing tall at Lion&rsquo;s Park</a>; <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Nesting-pair_Jason-Verly_Mankato.jpg">Nesting pair</a>; <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/A-new-day-a-new-start-at-Rosa-Parks-Elementary-School_Jason-Verly_Mankato.jpg">A new day, a new start at Rosa Parks Elementary School</a> and <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Last-days-of-summer_Jason-Verly_Mankato.jpg">Last days of summer</a> by Jason Verly, Mankato</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/St-Joseph-the-Catholic-worker-church_Terri-DeGezelle_Mankato.jpg">St. Joseph the Worker</a> by Terri DeGezelle, Mankato</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Judicial-storm_Calvin-Johnson_Mankato-MN.jpg">Judicial storm</a> by Calvin Johnson, Mankato</li> <li><a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Standby-bandstand-by-Robert-Norland.pdf">Stand-by bandstand</a>, <a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Sunset-River-by-Robert-Norland.pdf">Sunset river</a>, <a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Matt-J-Graif-building-Robert-Norland.pdf">Matt J. Graif building</a> by Robert Norland, Thousand Oaks, California</li> <li><a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Keeping-cool-on-a-hot-day_Jenna-Hiniker_Mankato.JPG">Keeping cool on a hot day</a> by Jenna Hiniker, Mankato</li> </ul> <p>More than 350 entries were submitted. Look for the calendar in the November 29 issue of Home Magazine. It will also be available online.Thank you to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankatoclinic.com/">Mankato Clinic</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.chsinc.com/portal/server.pt/community/chsinc_public/337">CHS</a> for partnering to sponsor the 2012 calendar. Without this sponsorship, printing of the calendar could not continue.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=City%20calendar%20contest'">contact</a> Mankato&rsquo;s public information staff at 507-387-8692.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18981.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 27 Sep 2011 11:30:56 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18975.aspx<p>Warren and Cherry streets are expected to change to two-way streets at 5 a.m., Saturday, September 24. Electronic signage has been placed within the vicinity of the project as a reminder of the conversion to take place at the end of the week. Signals are being tested to ensure everything is in working order and ready to go for the conversion.</p> <p>The Warren and Cherry streets conversion is a part of the <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>citycenter/">City Center Renaissance Plan</a>, which recommended changes to enhance neighborhood livability and economic vitality within the City Center. Learn more about the conversion <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>ConstructionProjects/Project/18240.aspx">online</a>.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Warren%20and%20Cherry%20streets%20conversion'">contact</a> engineering staff at 507-387-8634.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18975.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 23 Sep 2011 15:27:52 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18974.aspxThe Mankato Department of Public Safety received a $4,000 grant to enforce underage drinking laws. Overtime enforcement will help support public safety's ongoing efforts to reduce underage alcohol consumption.<p>Through enforcement and education, a goal is to decrease alcohol-related incidents within the city of Mankato.</p> <p>Extra enforcement lasts through October with additional staffing in areas where underage consumption typically occurs. Police officers will also be on the lookout for people who supply alcohol to underage persons and/or provide a gathering place to consume alcohol, which violates Mankato&rsquo;s social host ordinance.</p> <p>Funding for this effort was made possible by the Federal Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws grant through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18974.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 23 Sep 2011 11:30:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18883.aspxCitizen involvement is important and helpful to maintain and enhance quality of life. Mankato residents are being recruited to serve on Mankato's new Public Safety Advisory Committee. Establishing this committee will proactively involve citizens in public safety priorities and planning. Responsibilities include providing input with industry professionals and city staff about hiring and promoting public safety staff. Committee recommendations will be made to the City Council. Nine appointments are expected to be made before the end of the year.<p>The approved city ordinance specifies that the Public Safety Advisory Committee will reflect the demographics of the community specific to race and gender, consisting of five members from respective city wards (one from each ward), four members at-large (business community or organizations, non-profit social service provider, community-based organization, higher education administration, faculty or student, or medical/health care provider). A city councilor will also serve on the committee.<br /> <br /> The City Council will designate three members of the Public Safety Advisory Committee to serve as Mankato's Joint Civil Service Commission to fulfill statutory duties.<br /> <br /> The Mankato Department of Public Safety protects and serves the community by going beyond the traditional response to emergency calls.&nbsp; To create a safer community, public safety staff develop partnerships with citizens and neighborhoods to proactively work together to&nbsp;solve community-identified problems and recruit&nbsp;volunteers to work with all aspects of public safety's mission.<br /> <br /> <a href="<%=site_url%>CityCouncil/CommitteeApplication.aspx"><font color="#800080">Apply</font></a> to serve on Mankato's Public Safety Advisory Committee.&nbsp; More information is available <a href="<%=site_url%>upload/contents/254/2011-0912citycouncilreducedsize.pdf"><font color="#800080">online</font></a>, or <a href="mailto:llc@city.mankato.mn.us?subject=Public%20Safety%20Advisory%20Committee%20application">contact</a> staff in the City Manager's office at 507-387-8690.&nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18883.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 19 Sep 2011 11:40:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18864.aspx<p>The city of Mankato will flush water mains from Sunday,&nbsp;September 25&nbsp;through Friday, September 30. Flushing hours are scheduled from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily to ensure convenience for residents. Water mains are routinely flushed to clean the distribution system. Avoid or limit water usage during flushing operations, because although the water is safe to drink, it may stain. It is best to allow at least an hour after daily flushing operations for the water to clear. <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Maps/water-flushing.html">See</a> an interactive water flushing map, or <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/Water-flushing-September-2011.pdf">download</a> a printable map.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,117,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=September%20water%20main%20flushing'">contact</a> public works staff at 507-387-8661 (24-hour service.)<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18864.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 15 Sep 2011 23:49:32 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18794.aspx<p><strong>New online reservation system<br /> </strong>Now's a great time to reserve a camping site in Mankato's Land of Memories Park, off Highway 169. Making that reservation is easy. Use the city of Mankato's new <a target="_blank" href="http://www.maxsolutionsonline.com/cityofmankato/Customer/HomePage.aspx">online park reservation</a> feature to reserve a spot today. Other items that can be reserved are park shelters throughout the city, the Sibley Park&nbsp;gazebo,&nbsp;the CHS Pergola and the Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion, to name a few. Users can view facility schedules by month to see what's available in advance All that's needed is a registered account. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PublicWorks/Parks/Parks-and-amenties_revised_June_17_2010.pdf">See</a> a listing of Mankato's parks and amenities.</p> <p><strong>Garbage and recyclables pickup schedule through September 10<br /> </strong>Because of the Labor Day Holiday this week, the garbage and recyclable pickup schedule has changed through September 10:&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Monday's garbage and recyclables will be collected Tuesday, September 6</li> <li>Tuesday's garbage and recyclables will be&nbsp;collected Wednesday, September 7</li> <li>Wednesday's garbage and recyclables will be collected Thursday, September 8</li> <li>Thursday's garbage and recyclables will be&nbsp;collected Friday, September 9</li> <li>Friday's garbage and recyclables will be collected Saturday, September 10</li> </ul> <p>For more information about online park reservations or the holiday garbage and recyclables pickup schedule,&nbsp;<a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Online%20park%20reservations'">contact</a> city staff at 507-387-8600.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18794.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 07 Sep 2011 16:42:28 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18837.aspx<p>Now is a great time to present the youngest animals at Sibley Farm: Jack and Jill. These two new additions were recently born.</p> <p>&quot;The fact that the kids were born here gives the public a great opportunity to watch them grow to adulthood,&quot; said Mark Knoff, director of public works. &quot;This is something people wouldn't normally see.&quot;</p> <p>Sibley farm animals include alpacas, calves, goats, peacocks, horses, goats, pigs, lambs, chicks and ducklings. Koi fish are in the pond.</p> <p>Sibley farm is open from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Sibley%20Farm'">contact</a> public works staff at 507-387-8649.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18837.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 07 Sep 2011 16:12:41 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18828.aspxEmerald ash borer detection traps have been removed and the results are negative. Next spring, city employees will again work with staff from Minnesota's Department of Agriculture to place another 20 or so emerald ash borer detection traps.<p>The traps--sticky, purple triangular boxes--will be placed in new locations in various parks throughout Mankato to continue to monitor for the invasive pest. The traps are regularly checked throughout the summer when the beetles are active.</p> <p>In addition to taking a proactive approach on monitoring for the emerald ash borer, city staff have diversified trees when planting. There are also ways citizens can be proactive:<br /> &bull; When camping, only burn wood that is purchased from the campground. Bringing in wood can spread pests such as the emerald ash borer, orther tree pests and diseases.<br /> &bull; Use firewood with no bark because it is safer than firewood with bark.<br /> <br /> For questions or more information about contact public works staff at 507-387-8689.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18828.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 02 Sep 2011 16:40:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18806.aspxThe waiting list for the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program for the city of Mankato and Blue Earth County is closed.<p>Scheduled appointments will be honored. The waiting list for the public housing program remains open. Applications are available <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Housing-Choice-Voucher/Page.aspx">online</a>. Please call 507-387-8631 to schedule an appointment.</p> <p>For more information contact staff at 507-387-8600.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18806.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 24 Aug 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18780.aspxLearn more about the Mankato Department of Public Safety by watching two new City Updates:<p><strong>&quot;Public safety navigates for safety&quot;<br /> </strong>This City Update focuses on the &quot;green machine,&quot; a fuel-efficient and environmentally-friendly mini-vehicle. Rather than buying another full-sized vehicle, public safety purchased the &ldquo;green machine.&rdquo; It's small size enables it to reach areas that full-size squad cars cannot and helps increase visibility of Mankato's police officers, which helps them be more approachable.</p> <p>Learn more about the &quot;green machine&quot; by <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Mankato-Updates/Video.aspx">watching</a> City Update online, on Facebook or on public access channels 10 (HickoryTech) and 12 (Charter):</p> <ul> <li>Sundays at 8:06 a.m.</li> <li>Mondays at 1:31 p.m.</li> <li>Tuesdays at 9 p.m.</li> <li>Wednesdays at 6:40 p.m.</li> <li>Thursdays at 2:35 p.m.</li> <li>Fridays at 6:45 a.m.</li> <li>Saturdays at 11 a.m.</li> </ul> <p>Featured in this City Update are Todd A. Miller, director of public safety, and LeAnn Sieberg, part-time police officer.</p> <p><strong>&quot;Partnering to take responsibility for neighborhood safety&quot;<br /> </strong>This City Update shares ways citizens can make a difference through neighborhood gatherings, Neighborhood Watch, neighborhood associations and Night to Unite. These opportunities bring people together with city employees to identify and solve issues and preserve and enhance a community's livability.</p> <p>Learn more about these opportunities by <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Mankato-Updates/Video.aspx">watching</a> City Update online, on Facebook, or on public access channels 10 (HickoryTech) or 12 (Charter):</p> <ul> <li>Sundays at 5:28 p.m.</li> <li>Mondays at 9:35 a.m.</li> <li>Tuesdays at 10:55 a.m.</li> <li>Wednesdays at 3:35 p.m.</li> <li>Thursdays at 10:38 p.m.</li> <li>Fridays at 1:38 p.m.</li> <li>Saturdays at 7:10 p.m.</li> </ul> <p>Featured in this video is Todd A. Miller, director of public safety.</p> <p>For more information, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Two%20new%20City%20Updates%20about%20public%20safety'">contact</a> city of Mankato staff at 507-387-8692.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18780.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 15 Aug 2011 15:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/18779.aspx<p><a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Night-to-Unite/Page.aspx">Night to Unite</a> is Tuesday, August 30. Give &quot;your take&quot; about activities neighborhoods can do as part of Night to Unite.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=18779">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 15 Aug 2011 08:57:30 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18778.aspxA Mankato Department of Public Safety police officer saw an All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) commit several traffic violations in the Monks Avenue and Stadium Road area.<p>The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused and the officer pursued. During the pursuit, the driver drove through several fields and residential yards and deliberately struck four police vehicles.</p> <p>The pursuit ended when the driver of the ATV collided with a Blue Earth County Squad car. The ATV driver was taken to a local hospital where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries. He is currently being held in the Blue Earth County jail.</p> <p>Arrested: Timothy David Merseth, 34, Mankato</p> <p>The incident remains under investigation. If anyone has sustained damage to their property as a result of the pursuit, they are asked to contact the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8780.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18778.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsSun, 14 Aug 2011 12:35:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18766.aspxThe timeline for the Warren and Cherry streets' conversion has been rescheduled and completion is expected by the end of September.<p>Staff is working with Xcel Energy to relocate electrical poles.</p> <p>Warren and Cherry streets' conversion timeline:</p> <ul> <li>Currently signal footings are being installed along Cherry and Warren streets</li> <li>Next week's schedule for signal installations (weather permitting): <ul> <li>Warren Street and Riverfront Drive signal modifications</li> <li>Installations at: <br /> Warren and Front streets <br /> Warren and Second streets <br /> Warren and Broad streets <br /> Cherry and Front streets <br /> Cherry and Second streets <br /> Cherry and Broad streets <br /> Corner improvements are scheduled to begin one week prior to signal completion.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Warren%20and%20Cherry%20streets%20conversion'">contact</a> engineering staff at 507-387-8634.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18766.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 10 Aug 2011 17:00:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18764.aspx<p>Register for Traffic Skills 101, an effort of the Greater Mankato Bike &amp; Walk advocates, from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Saturday, August 13 at the Blue Earth County Library, 100 East Main Street. This course gives cyclists information on riding safely and legally in traffic and on the trail. The cost is $100. Scholarships of $50 are available. <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/Bicycle-education-opportunities.pdf">Learn</a> more about the event and how to register.&nbsp;</p> <p>The city of Mankato&rsquo;s ongoing relationship with the Greater Mankato Bike &amp; Walk advocates is a community partnership for livability that aligns with sustainability and helps contribute to a balanced transportation system.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18764.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 10 Aug 2011 07:52:39 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18758.aspxView Mankato's water treatment plant open house presentation online or on public access channels 12 (Charter) or 10 (HickoryTech):<ul> <li>Mondays at 9 a.m.</li> <li>Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.</li> <li>Fridays at 5:30 p.m.</li> <li>Saturdays at 8 p.m.</li> </ul> <p>Featured in this <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Mankato-Updates/Video.aspx">video</a> is City Manager Patrick Hentges, Mayor Eric Anderson, Councilperson Jack Considine and Director of Public Works Mark Knoff.</p> <p>Mankato&rsquo;s water is tested daily and meets and exceeds state and federal standards for high quality water. <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Water-Treatment/Page.aspx">Learn</a> more about Mankato's water treatment plant. <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Fast-facts-sheet-water-treatment-plantFINAL.pdf">See</a> fast facts. Mankato's 24-hour water service is 507-387-8661.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,117,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Water%20treatment%20plant%20open%20house%20presentation'">contact</a> public works staff at 507-387-8660.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18758.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 05 Aug 2011 16:05:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18738.aspx<p>Mankato&rsquo;s public safety fleet now includes the &ldquo;green machine,&rdquo; a mini-vehicle that is cost-effective, environmentally friendly and fuel efficient. Since many people use Mankato&rsquo;s trails, these small four-wheel drive vehicles can better help to ensure the public&rsquo;s safety. It's small size makes it more mobile than a full-size vehicle. It better&nbsp;fits on&nbsp;Mankato&rsquo;s trails and reaches&nbsp;areas squad cars cannot, helping police efficiently patrol hard to reach areas.</p> <p>Although small in size, the &ldquo;green machine&rdquo; is big on fuel economy. A tiny, but efficient three-cylinder fuel-injected gasoline engine averages between 42 and 50 miles per gallon. &ldquo;This is another tool that will help us out in the field,&rdquo; said Todd A. Miller, director of public safety. &ldquo;It increases the visibility of our police officers and helps make them more approachable.&rdquo;</p> <p>The &quot;green machine&quot; will be primarily operated by volunteer part-time officers and reserves. For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,109,105,108,108,101,114,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Green%20machine'">contact</a> Todd A. Miller, director of public safety, at 507-387-8793.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18738.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 01 Aug 2011 15:07:20 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18719.aspx<p>Mankato City Manager Patrick Hentges and&nbsp;representatives from China and&nbsp;Minnesota State University, Mankato announced that a contract&nbsp;is expected to&nbsp;be established between these organizations within the next 90 days.</p><p>This contract will begin cooperative efforts to developing a working group focused on recruiting students from China to study in MSU&rsquo;s aviation program and build upon other business and governmental opportunities.</p> <p>&ldquo;This partnership will have a strong impact on higher education, businesses and the city as the Mankato Regional Airport, a regional asset, expands,&rdquo; Hentges said. &ldquo;Partnerships like this benefit the local economy and provide an opportunity to learn from each other and share ideas, which is invaluable.&rdquo;</p> <p>Thanks to the half percent sales tax authorized by community voters, Mankato&rsquo;s Regional Airport has had several improvements over the past few years, including expanding the runway. The airport has been one of the city&rsquo;s best positioned assets for growth.</p> <p>This is the second trip the Chinese delegation has made to Mankato. Mankato officials have also made two trips two China has a part of these discussions. When the discussions began the focus was on the need for training Chinese helicopter pilots. Now, it has expanded into helping establish China&rsquo;s aviation policy, designed to help increase the number of pilots in the country. The Mankato Regional Airport is an excellent example of the type of airport the Chinese delegation hopes to grow.</p> <p>&ldquo;You&rsquo;re helping China write the history of general aviation,&rdquo; said Changdong Xu, chairman of the Western Returned Scholars Association and Entrepreneur Alliance.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18719.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 27 Jul 2011 21:54:09 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18597.aspx<p>It's a great time of the year to take&nbsp;photos of Mankato's spaces and places for Mankato's 2012 city calendar photo contest. Winning photos will be featured in Mankato's 2012 city calendar, Mankato's website and in city communication projects throughout the year. The top two winning photographs are enlarged, framed and placed on the walls of the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza. <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>PhotoContest/Page.aspx">Watch</a> a City Update to learn more about the contest. See contest guidelines:&nbsp;</p><ul> <li>Photographs are accepted year round and must be taken within Mankato city limits within the past two years.</li> <li>Entries of identifiable Mankato places and spaces are encouraged. Entries are limited to 15 submissions.</li> <li>Each person is eligible to win once.</li> <li>Digital photos (at least 300 dpi) are preferred, but actual print photographs are accepted.</li> <li>Entries are due by 4:30 p.m., Friday, August 26.</li> </ul> <p>Entry forms are available <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/PhotoContest_forWeb.pdf">online</a>. All entries must include: photo caption, location photo was taken, name, address, phone number, email address (if applicable) and a signature. <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=City%20calendar%20photo%20contest'">Email</a> or mail entries:</p> <p>City of Mankato--Public Information Office<br /> Intergovernmental Center<br /> 10 Civic Center Plaza<br /> Mankato, MN 56001</p> <p>The purpose of <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>upload/contents/327/Final_Calendar-2011.pdf">Mankato's calendar</a> is to inform citizens of public meeting dates and locations, contact information, 24-hour service numbers and key city service messages. Thank you to the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mankatoclinic.com/">Mankato Clinic</a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chsinc.com/">CHS Oilseed Processing</a> for partnering to sponsor the 2012 calendar. Without this sponsorship, printing of the calendar could not continue.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=City%20calendar%20photo%20contest'">contact</a> public information staff at 507-387-8692.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18597.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 18 Jul 2011 16:07:50 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18661.aspxFollowing are updates to project work on Riverfront Drive and the Warren and Cherry streets conversion:<p><strong>Riverfront Drive pipe relining<br /> </strong>Project work underway on Riverfront Drive focuses on the main sewer pipe that serves the areas south of Main Street. The pipe, originally installed in the 1970s, needs to be relined because it has deteriorated. Relining the pipe is a cost effective solution to maintaining sewer lines in a way that provides minimal disruption. The other alternative was to replace the pipe completely, which would result in digging the road and median, reconstructing the road and closing both traffic lanes. This option would take more time to complete and be more costly.</p> <p>Prior to relining the pipe, it was cleaned. This process took longer than anticipated because of the solids compacted in the pipe, making it difficult to clean. Cleaning is an important step because the tube used to reline the pipe needs to fit and any ripples or bumps can affect that fit.</p> <p>The project on Riverfront Drive is expected to be complete by the first week in August (weather permitting). There will be bypass pump work between Plum and Washington streets for up to six weeks with traffic disruption kept to a minimum. The left-hand turn lane southbound from Riverfront Drive to Plum Street will be closed with drivers unable to turn southbound on Riverfront Drive to Plum Street and westbound on Plum Street to Riverfront Drive. Detours and signage will be in place to help direct traffic. Project updates will be provided to the public if the expected timeline changes.</p> <p><strong>Warren and Cherry streets conversion<br /> </strong>This week, concrete cutting and signal modifications will take place at the Cherry and Riverfront intersection for the Warren and Cherry streets conversion. For safety purposes, lane closures will be intermittent along this intersection during this conversion, which is expected to occur toward the end of August. Signage will be placed on Cherry and Warren streets one week before the conversion to announce the official start date.</p> <p>Traffic areas impacted are the parking and turn lanes at the various intersections along Warren and Cherry streets. Fifth Street, Glenwood Avenue and Warren Street is expected to have single lane closures. Updates will be provided to the public as this project continues.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Project%20work%20on%20Riverfront%20Drive%20and%20Warren%20and%20Cherry%20streets'">contact</a> engineering staff at 507-387-8634.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18661.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 13 Jul 2011 14:30:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/18658.aspx<p>The city of Mankato has been allocated grant funding of about $12,500 to enhance public safety through the use of technology. Funds, which will be shared with Blue Earth County, will purchase quality mounting systems for laptop computers in squad cars for safety and ergonomic reasons. These systems secure computers, protects vehicle occupants and places the computer in a location that best reduces back and eye strain. The grant will purchase&nbsp;seven docking stations for squad cars. Others will be added as the budget allows.</p> <p>Give &ldquo;your take&rdquo; about other public safety enhancements that should be considered as grant funding allows. <br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=18658">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 12 Jul 2011 16:36:16 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18644.aspx<p>Public Safety detectives are looking for the person(s) who damaged the sculpture located at the intersection of Second and Main streets over the weekend. Suspect(s) broke the sculpture off towards the bottom leaving the flag and taking the upper part of the sculpture. The sculpture is valued at $4,000.<br /> <br /> Title: &ldquo;going home&rdquo;<br /> Artist: Sondra L. Jonson<br /> Sponsor: Dotson Iron Castings</p> <p>A reward of up to $2,200 ($1,200--sponsored by area businesses, $500--sponsored by city of North Mankato and $500--sponsored by city of Mankato) is being offered to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.<br /> <br /> Please <a href="mailto:psp3141@city.mankato.mn.us?subject=Damaged%20%22going%20home%22%20art%20sculpture">contact</a>&nbsp;the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8770 with any information.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18644.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 07 Jul 2011 17:41:09 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18643.aspxOn a recent list released by Forbes.com, Mankato ranked 25th in the nation as one of "The Best Small Places for Business and Careers."<p>In an <a href="http://www.forbes.com/2011/06/27/best-places-11-small_slide_26.html"><font color="#800080">online slide show</font></a>, cost of doing business, net migration, educational attainment and being a metropolitan statistical area were all cited as criteria used to earn the ranking.&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /> <br /> Median household income and home price, unemployment and job growth were also criteria listed within the ranking and information about <a href="http://www.forbes.com/places/mn/mankato/">Mankato</a>.&nbsp; Mankato was described as being home to several academic institutions and as being a popular destination for outoor recreational activities.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.forbes.com/best-places-for-business/"><font color="#800080">View</font></a> the complete Forbes story online which designates &quot;The Best Places for Business&quot; in&nbsp; America.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18643.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 07 Jul 2011 15:50:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18640.aspx<p>There will be no garbage and recycling pickup on Monday, July 4 because of the holiday. The garbage and recycling schedule for the week is:</p> <ul> <li>Monday's garbage and recyclables will be collected on Tuesday, July 5</li> <li>Tuesday's garbage and recyclables will be collected on Wednesday, July 6</li> <li>Wednesday's garbage and recyclables will be collected on Thursday, July 7</li> <li>Thursday's garbage and recyclables will be collected on Friday, July 8</li> <li>Friday's garbage and recyclables will be collected on Saturday, July 9&nbsp;</li> </ul><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18640.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 04 Jul 2011 23:03:24 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18639.aspxYesterday, at 2:18 p.m., Mankato Public Safety police responded to a report of a damaged sculpture located at the intersection Second and Main streets. The suspect broke the sculpture off towards the bottom leaving the flag and taking the upper part of the sculpture. The sculpture is valued at $4,000.<p>Title: &ldquo;going home&rdquo;<br /> Artist: Sondra L. Jonson<br /> Sponsor: Dotson Iron Castings<br /> <br /> A reward will be given to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible.<br /> <br /> Please call the Mankato Department of Public Safety at 507-387-8780 with any information.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18639.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 04 Jul 2011 10:00:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/18576.aspx<p>The city of Mankato is committed to green initiatives within its <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Strategic-Plan/Page.aspx">strategic plan</a> for sustainability. One project is <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>News/Feature-18503.aspx">experimental street lights</a>. What is &ldquo;your take&rdquo; about environmental-friendly projects the city of Mankato should be involved in?</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=18576">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 14 Jun 2011 09:07:07 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18519.aspxThe city of Mankato has two pending private development projects that will increase investment and the employment base within the City Center and the greater Mankato community.<p>The Northwestern Office Building Partnership is in final negotiations with the Mayo Clinic Health System in leasing 16,249 square feet in the Northwestern Office Building for an appointment call center, quality, public affairs, marketing and development functions that will house up to 100 employees.</p> <p>&ldquo;As we further develop as a regional medical center as part of Mayo Clinic, demand for patient care space on our main campus in Mankato is increasing,&rdquo; said Dr. Greg Kutcher, president and CEO of the Mayo Clinic Health System, Western Region. &ldquo;By relocating regional support functions to the City Center, we are not only ensuring the needs of our patients come first, we are also supporting the growth and vitality of this area. We look forward to a long-term presence in the City Center and appreciate thoughtful consideration of this request.&rdquo;</p> <p>The city of Mankato&rsquo;s Economic Development Authority (EDA) will review a City Center Renaissance revolving loan to the Northwest Building Partnership. The loan will be repaid with interest over 10 to 15 years.</p> <p>Strange Development LLC has proposed renovating the former Mankato Plumbing Building, 530 North Riverfront Drive, which currently serves as warehouse space. The project involves converting the entire building into office space and bringing the building up to current codes and market conditions. With proposed tenants and leases, the building will be 100 percent occupied and 10 additional full-time positions will be created. The city of Mankato&rsquo;s EDA will review a City Center Renaissance revolving loan of $172,720 to assist with the renovation. The loan will be repaid with interest over 15 years.</p> <p>The Mankato Economic Development Authority will review these projects at 6 p.m., Monday, June 13 in the Blue Earth River Room of the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza.</p> <p>The City Center Renaissance Revolving Loan program has been successful and effective in fully utilizing and redeveloping properties in the City Center. Since the Mankato EDA began the program in 2007, 10 projects have been undertaken. Loans have been approved for $1.48 million that has leveraged projects totaling more than $9 million and 299 jobs have been created or retained within the City Center. Loan program funds come from past state and federal grants and other loan repayments.</p> <p>For more information, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,104,101,110,116,103,101,115,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Two%20pending%20development%20projects%20slated%20for%20Mankato's%20City%20Center'">contact</a> City Manager Patrick Hentges at 507-387-8695.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18519.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 09 Jun 2011 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18503.aspx<p>The city of Mankato is taking part in an engineering initiative that's being tested to determine if it will be an infrastructure investment in the future. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.holophane.com/led/LEDgend/default.asp">Light-emitting diode</a> (LED) and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.getdeco.com/induction/product.php?cat=induction&amp;id=701">induction</a> lights are being used to determine the benefits of this emerging technologies, which may include reduced street light maintenance, extended light life span of up to 100,000 hours and achieved energy savings. These savings can range from a 20 percent to 56 percent reduction in power usage. Test lights have been put on the Val Imm Drive (between Warren Parkway and Ellis Avenue.)</p> <p>The city of Mankato received an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block grant, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These grants are provided to (cities with populations of at least 35,000 for projects that reduce total energy use, fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency.</p> <p>The city's pledge in&nbsp;its <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Strategic-Plan/Page.aspx">strategic plan</a> is a commitment to initiatives like this because they conserve energy and are sustainable.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=LED%20test%20pilot%20project'">contact</a> engineering staff at 507-387-8634.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-18503.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 08 Jun 2011 15:18:39 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18416.aspxThe Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Aeronautics and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have recognized the city of Mankato's regional airport with the FAA/Governor's award.<p>This award recognizes excellence in the areas of airport planning, airport development, airport maintenance and public relations.</p> <p>&quot;One of the city of Mankato's strategic goals is to continue to develop a viable transportation network,&quot; said Mark Knoff, director of public works. &quot;Mankato has invested a significant amount of effort into enhancing its <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Airport/Default.aspx">airport</a> to meet existing and future transportation demands.&quot;</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=FAA%2FGovernor's%20award'">contact</a> public works staff at 507-387-8630.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18416.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 11 May 2011 16:30:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/18388.aspx<p>Give us &ldquo;your take&rdquo; about whether <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>ConstructionProjects/Project/18240.aspx">Cherry and Warren streets</a> (between Riverfront Drive and Fifth Street) should be two-way streets (or continue to be one-way)?</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=18388">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 11 May 2011 10:06:44 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18318.aspxThe cities of Mankato and North Mankato have been designated honorable mention as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. These communities were selected because citizens can use their bicycles for transportation to shop, or go to school or work. Interconnected trails go to Faribault; south to Rapidan, where they connect to routes that go to Lake Crystal and beyond, providing recreational bicycle opportunities.<p>&quot;While we have only recently begun the official process of becoming a Bicycle Friendly Community, the fact that we have obtained honorable mention will certainly help to spur us to go for the gold,&quot; said Dr. Mark Dehen, Mayor of North Mankato.</p> <p>&quot;Congratulations to the effective efforts of the Greater Mankato Bike &amp; Walk Advocates in having Mankato and North Mankato recognized as Bicycle Friendly Community honorable mentions. Riding a bicycle is a fun and healthy way to enjoy the outdoors and I am happy to see Mankato and North Mankato working together,&quot; said Eric Anderson, Mayor of Mankato.</p> <p>The cities of Mankato and North Mankato's unified trail planning efforts reach 20 years into the future, and coincide with the regional planning efforts of MATAPS--Mankato Area Transportation and Planning Study (Minnesota Department of Transportation District 7, Region 9 Development Commission, cities of Mankato and North Mankato, counties of Blue, Nicollet and Le Sueur and Minnesota State University, Mankato).</p> <p>An important part of Mankato's strategic planning efforts is to achieve a balanced transportation system of vehicles, pedestrians, bikes, rail and air. Mankato recently added trail connections on Thompson Ravine Road and are planning trail connections for the reconstruction of Madison Avenue. North Mankato has trail additions planned that will enhance bicycling and connectivity in North Mankato.</p> <p>&ldquo;As we improve bike friendliness, we make our communities more sustainable and also enhance livability, making it a place people want to call home,&rdquo; said Tom Engstrom of the Greater Mankato Bike and Walk Advocates.</p> <p>Only 179 cities from across the nation were recognized with this distinction. Other honorable mention designees include: Apple Valley, Minn., Carson City, Nev. Chula Vista, Calif., Cottonwood, Ariz., Elmhurst, Ill., Fernandina Beach, Fla., Frederick, Md., Gahanna, Ohio, Huntsville, Ala., Onalaska, Wis., Peachtree City, Ga., Rosemount, Minn., Troy, Ohio, Tuscaloosa, Ala., Warrenville, Ill., Wilmington, Del., South Windsor, Conn. and Windsor, Calif.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/18318.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 05 May 2011 16:20:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/17720.aspx<p>Mankato's &quot;<a href="<%=site_url%>Hot-Spots/Video.aspx">Hot spots</a>&quot; is a two-minute video that features city of Mankato places and spaces, such as&nbsp;the&nbsp;gazebo or CHS&nbsp;Pergola in Sibley Park,&nbsp;the disc golf course and Floyd Roberts Jr. Pavilion at Land of Memories Park, the Elk's Nature Center and Rasmussen&nbsp;Woods, to name a few.&nbsp;Give &quot;your take&quot; on other city service areas that should be featured in a &quot;Hot spot.&quot;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=17720">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 26 Apr 2011 12:14:14 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/18117.aspx<p>The Mankato City Council is holding a work session on Monday, April 25 immediately following its 6 p.m. meeting to reflect on Mankato's snow and ice removal season. Give &quot;your take&quot; about how to enhance Mankato's <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Snow-Ice/Page.aspx">snow removal service</a>.&nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=18117">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 20 Apr 2011 09:05:40 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17948.aspx<script type="text/javascript"> var pString = '<embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="550" height="400" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/IT/WorkFiles/flood.swf" play="true" loop="true" menu="true"></embed>'; $(document).ready(function(){ $('a.pLink').click(movieLoad); $('a.pLink').fancybox( { 'speedIn': 300, 'speedOut': 300, 'overlayShow': true, 'hideOnContentClick': false, 'width': 550, 'height': 400, 'weight': 405, 'onClosed': function() { $('#kMovie').html(''); } }); }); function movieLoad(e) { $('#kMovie').html(pString); } </script> <p>Flood preparedness is ongoing and these are the latest updates, which are also available <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us/">online</a>. Currently, all of Mankato's <a href="<%=site_url%>Flood-Control/Page.aspx">pump stations</a> have been activated, except Mulberry Street (which gets turned on when river elevations are at 26 feet). Parks and areas closed until further notice are:</p> <ul> <li>Land of Memories Park</li> <li>Sibley Park ballfields</li> <li>The trail&nbsp;from Sibley Park to Riverfront Park</li> </ul> <p>Observation stations have been set up and marked with orange fencing. There are two stations in Sibley Park and one in Riverfront Park. There is a $100 fine for crossing areas marked with police tape since these areas are unsafe because there is pooling water, it's slippery and there are dangerous currents.</p> <p><a class="pLink" href="#kPlayer"><img alt="" src="<%=site_url%>images/site_icons/16/51.png" /> View the Minnesota river</a>. A new photo is added daily to the library of images.</p> <p>Although flood preparedness is a year-round effort for city of Mankato staff, items are being modified according to the city's plan as river&nbsp;levels change.&nbsp;City staff inspects the river walls and supporting pumping stations and monitors the river level on an as-needed basis. Once the river reaches high water levels, 24-hour dike walks are done to ensure continued safety for the public. City of Mankato staff continues to closely observe any areas where there is standing water. When property or safety issues cause concern, respective areas are closed. Citizens are asked to call 507-387-8660 (24-hour service) if they see standing water. City of Mankato staff continues to closely observe any areas where there is standing water. When property or safety issues cause concern, respective areas are closed. Citizens are asked to call 507-387-8660 (24-hour service) if they see standing water.</p> <p>Ongoing flood control activity in Mankato includes:</p> <ul> <li>Maintenance of existing facilities and equipment</li> <li>Inspection procedures</li> <li>Monitor river levels and trends</li> <li>Recognize hazards and risks</li> <li>Receive updates from National Weather Service about snow pack and flood level probabilities</li> <li>Review recommended methods of construction and other technical information related to flood control</li> <li>Coordinate activities with other governmental units--cities and other&nbsp;jursdictions and organizations&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>The <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ready.gov/floodawareness">Federal Emergency Management Agency </a>(FEMA) recommends homeowners be prepared for flooding, particularly those who live in low-lying areas near water.&nbsp; FEMA provides information about how every individual can take steps to better prepare themselves and their families:</p> <ul> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/index.html">Get a kit</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ready.gov/america/makeaplan/index.html">Make a plan</a></li> <li><a target="_blank" href="http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=mpx&amp;gage=mnkm5&amp;view=1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1">Be informed about your flood risk</a>.&nbsp; The highest level was in 1993 at just over 30 feet and the second highest was in 1965 at 29 feet.&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p>The city follows a list of activities, developed with officials from the United States Army Corps of Engineers, outlining what action will occur based upon the water level of the Minnesota River.&nbsp; <a href="<%=site_url%>Flood-Control/Page.aspx">Learn </a>more about flood control in Mankato.</p> <div id="kPlayer"> <div id="kMovie">&nbsp;</div> </div><p>It's important to adhere to closures for safety purposes because although the water looks calm, there is often pooling water and the current is strong.&nbsp; Sediment deposited by flood waters create very slippery surfaces (more so than ice).&nbsp; Because of this, walking in shallow water (even less than an inch) can be dangerous and life threatening.<br /> <br /> Mankato has more than 10,000 sandbags available. City staff monitors if sandbags need to be filled for closures and on availability of pre-filled sandbags.<br /> <br /> For more information about flood control activity in Mankato <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=flood%20preparedness'">contact </a>public works staff at 507-387-8649.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17948.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 22 Mar 2011 13:47:15 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17987.aspx<p>Data collected from the 2010 census shows that the city of Mankato's population has grown by 21.2 percent--from 32,427 to 39,309--since the last census taken in 2000.</p> <p>&quot;This increase reflects a healthy growth rate for the city of Mankato, which experienced more than $1 billion of construction activity during the past decade,&quot; said City Manager Patrick Hentges. &quot;This growth was anticipated and planned to occur in an orderly and sustainable fashion.&quot;</p><p>In the mid-90s, the city of Mankato strategically invested in infrastructure and service delivery models to meet the demands of future growth. With significant investments in drinking water production, waste water treatment, storm water management and transportation improvements, the city of Mankato is poised to meet opportunities for future growth in the coming decades.</p> <p>In addition, the city of Mankato undertook proactive master planning with other public partners, such as Blue Earth County and surrounding townships which facilitated the city's orderly growth. The population growth and construction activity continues to be balanced throughout all sectors of the community with expansion into growth corridors and reinvestment into existing land use sectors.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,104,101,110,116,103,101,115,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=U.S.%20Census%20Bureau'">contact</a> City Manager Patrick Hentges at 507-387-8695.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17987.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 17 Mar 2011 16:06:35 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/17984.aspx<p>Mankato's <a target="_blank" href="http://www.verizonwirelesscentermn.com/RiverfrontPark/">Riverfront Park</a> provides a unique location for outdoor entertainment and has hosted no-cost as well as ticketed events. The city is open to ideas and event suggestions. Give &quot;your take&quot; about what entertainment options would you like to see in Mankato's <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>upload/contents/483/RiverfrontParkFactSheet.pdf">Riverfront Park</a>.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=17984">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 17 Mar 2011 14:12:52 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17945.aspx<p>Shelly Bartlett remembers an incident where citizens were asked to help the Mankato Department of Public Safety look for a missing person.&nbsp; The experience helped her realize how she could give back to her community.&nbsp; She became a reserve officer, and eventually she took the next step to become a part-time police officer.<br /> <br /> One of her most positive experiences was providing security for a former president who came to Mankato.&nbsp; &quot;It gave us a chance to practice our skills,&quot; Bartlett said.&nbsp;&nbsp;She encourages others to get involved as a reserve part-time police officer because policing a city takes a community effort.&nbsp; &quot;It's a responsibility citizens can play an active role in that's rewarding, exciting and challenging.&quot;</p><p><a href="<%=site_url%>Police-Volunteers/Page.aspx">Learn </a>more about this opportunity.&nbsp; <a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/employment-app-vol-police-and-fire.pdf">Apply</a> online through Monday, March 21. For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,115,115,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=part-time%20and%20reserve%20police%20officers'">contact </a>public safety staff at 507-387-8790.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17945.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 01 Mar 2011 11:52:56 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17916.aspx<p>Help us help you by reporting potholes.&nbsp; It's easy and these options are available 24/7:</p> <ul> <li>Mankato's <a href="<%=site_url%>CustomerService/">online</a> customer service reporting</li> <li>507-345-0600, a place for citizens to leave information&nbsp;on needed street repairs</li> <li>Give Mankato &quot;<a href="<%=site_url%>YourTake/17884.aspx">your take</a>&quot; about needed street repairs on Mankato's website</li> <li>Twitter.com</li> <li>Facebook.com</li> </ul> <p>Since it's pothole season, the city has had their patching machine in use for the past couple weeks on a regular basis.&nbsp; It's difficult to ascertain the condition of every street in Mankato, so it's helpful when people contact the city to report street conditions of particular concern.&nbsp; Staff are mobilized to take care of problem areas in a timely manner.</p><p>To improve streets, several overlays are planned this year on major commercial routes within the city:</p> <ul> <li>Raintree Road</li> <li>Haefner Drive</li> <li>Adams Street</li> <li>Madison Avenue</li> </ul> <p>In 2012, a $4 million reconstruction of Madison Avenue is planned.</p> <p>Freeze-thaw cycles create pothole challenges.&nbsp; Many are under the impression that a road system could be designed at a reasonable price that wouldn't pothole; however, until we change the laws of physics our roads will continue to break up with the change in weather.<br /> <br /> For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=potholes'">contact</a> Mankato's public works staff at 507-387-8649.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17916.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 18 Feb 2011 08:31:15 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17894.aspx<p>Due to large amount of snow events this winter, Mankato&rsquo;s public works staff are focusing efforts on widening the streets.</p> <p>According to Mark Knoff, director of public works, staff uses a technique where packed snow is loosened by using three pieces of heavy equipment. With this method, there is less downtime and a more consistent result.</p> <p><strong>How it works:<br /> </strong>Snow is pulled away from the curb with a loader and then a grader scrapes it down. Afterwards, the snow is placed in rows and then blown into a truck.</p> <p>For questions or more information about Mankato&rsquo;s <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Snow-Ice/Page.aspx ">snow removal efforts</a>, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Snow%20removal%20efforts'">contact</a> public works staff at 507-387-8649, or on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.facebook.com">Facebook</a>.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17894.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 11 Feb 2011 10:21:12 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17746.aspx<p>The Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, <a href="http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/">The Blue Angels</a>, announced its show schedule for the 2012 season, and the city of Mankato was selected as one of 35 locations nationwide where the Blue Angels are scheduled to perform Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, 2012.</p> <p>In The Blue Angels <a href="http://www.blueangels.navy.mil/docs/pr_20110111.pdf">press release</a> &ldquo;Demonstration sites are selected in support of the Department of Defense objectives and in the interest of the armed services with safety as the primary consideration. Performances greatly assist in the recruiting and retention goals for the military services, enhance esprit de corps among uniformed men and women and demonstrate the professional skills and capabilities of the Naval services to the American public and U.S. allies.&rdquo;</p> <p>&quot;We were honored to be selected for this event and worked hard to meet the specific eligibility criteria required of the hundreds of applications that were submitted for the opportunity,&rdquo; said City Manager Patrick Hentges. &quot;The Blue Angels air show can potentially draw tens of thousands of people to Mankato and produce significant economic impact for our local businesses.&quot;</p><p>In addition to being an economic stimulator, the show gives residents a chance to take an active part in local government. &quot;Numerous city departments come together to plan, prepare and hold a major event like this,&quot; said Mark Knoff, Director of Public Works. &quot;Volunteers are an important part of this success.&quot;</p> <p>In partnership with other city departments and the airport commission, <a href="http://www.verizonwirelesscentermn.com/">Verizon Wireless Center</a> employees will work to make the air show a memorable event. &quot;The staff is experienced in hosting large-scale, outdoor events such as RibFest,&quot; said Burt Lyman, Executive Director of the Verizon Wireless Center. &quot;Although an air show far exceeds the magnitude of RibFest, Mankato city staff and the <a href="<%=site_url%>Airport/">Mankato Regional Airport</a> successfully managed two previous air shows, and most recently hosted a major military jet team in 2003.&quot;</p> <p>Mankato is very excited to be hosting The Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Demonstration Squadron on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, 2012.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17746.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 03 Feb 2011 09:34:42 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/17811.aspxCitizens are encouraged to take an active role in local government by applying to serve on one of the following city of Mankato citizen committees:<ul> <li>Charter Commission</li> <li>Appointments Committee</li> <li>Board of Review</li> <li>Environmental Committee</li> <li>Heritage Preservation Commission</li> <li>Joint Civil Service Commission</li> <li>Mass Transit User Group</li> <li>Multi-Modal Transportation Committee</li> <li>Planning Commission</li> </ul> <p><a href="<%=site_url%>CitizenCommittee.aspx">Learn</a> more about the <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>boards-committees/Page.aspx">committees</a>, and <a href="<%=site_url%>CityCouncil/CommitteeApplication.aspx">apply</a> online. Please submit applications by Friday, February 25. Those appointed will begin their term Friday, July 1. For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(108,108,99,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Citizen%20committees'">contact</a> staff at 507-387-8626.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/17811.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 25 Jan 2011 09:50:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17693.aspx<p><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">The city of Mankato was recognized during the national Rural Housing Conference for its work in helping to build Mankato as a sustainable community through its housing programs. Mankato&rsquo;s housing opportunities include programs for <a href="<%=site_url%>Affordable-Rental-Program/Page.aspx">affordable rental</a>, <a href="<%=site_url%>Family-Self-Sufficiency/Page.aspx">family sufficiency</a>, <a href="<%=site_url%>Home-Ownership-Programs/Page.aspx">home ownership</a> and <a href="<%=site_url%>Housing-Choice-Voucher/Page.aspx">choice vouchers</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11.5pt">&ldquo;Over the last decade, it&rsquo;s communities like Brattleboro, Vermont and Mankato, Minn. that have proven that with the right tools and the right partners, we can house anyone,&rdquo; said Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"><a href="http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/press/speeches_remarks_statements/2010/Speech_12022010%20" target="_blank">Read</a> the complete speech.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">For more information <a href="mailto:cdza@city.mankato.mn.us?subject=Mankato%20recognized%20for%20housing%20efforts">contact</a> Paul Vogel, community development director, at 507-387-8613.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17693.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:28:09 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17558.aspx<p>Did you know that the influence of parents and adults on a teenager is greater than that of a youth&rsquo;s peers? Experts teach us that young people rank parents, family members and caring adults among the top reasons for not using alcohol; in fact they rank them higher than friends and peer pressure. <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/Radio_ad.mp3">Listen</a> to public safety's message.</p><p><br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17558.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 17 Dec 2010 09:12:28 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/17578.aspxThe City Council evaluated the performance of City Manager Patrick Hentges on November 29 in closed session. Through the evaluation process, the City Council considered the city manager’s overall performance, as well as performance in eight specific performance areas. The City Council concluded that Hentges consistently met or exceeded the performance requirements in all eight areas during 2009. The performance areas in which the City Council evaluated Hentges are:<p>1) Organizational management<br /> 2) Fiscal/business management<br /> 3) Program development and follow-through<br /> 4) Relationship with the City Council<br /> 5) Long range planning<br /> 6) Relationship with public and private sector organizations<br /> 7) Interagency relations<br /> 8) Professional/personal development</p> <p>Consensus of the City Council was that Hentges&rsquo; performance was exceptional. He was praised for his overall leadership to the city of Mankato organization. Council members praised him for his strategic approach to planning and budgeting for a new and better service model in alignment with current fiscal challenges facing the city and state. The council concluded that the leadership exhibited by Hentges has positioned the city of Mankato organization and staff for the challenges of the future.</p> <p>Although his performance merits an increase, the City Council took action at tonight's meeting not to adjust Hentges&rsquo; wages based the economic conditions facing our community and the city of Mankato.</p> <p>Hentges' wages have not been adjusted in four of the last seven years despite performance evaluations identifying his performance as excellent. Hentges, in consideration of the economic circumstances chose to decline wage adjustments in 2009.&nbsp; He took a furlough (leave without pay) in lieu of a wage adjustment in 2010.</p> <p>A future council may consider an adjustment to Hentges&rsquo; salary when economic conditions are better.</p> <p>Hentges has served as Mankato's city manager since 1996.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/17578.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 13 Dec 2010 20:30:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17475.aspx<p>Be one of the first to know about snow emergencies in Mankato, <a href="<%=site_url%>snowalerts/">subscribe</a> to receive snow emergency alerts by text message. Additional ways to learn all the latest about snow emergencies in Mankato:</p> <ul> <li><a href="<%=site_url%>News/Email.aspx">Subscribe</a> to receive city news updates by email.</li> <li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/login.php">Subscribe</a> to receive notifications about Mankato's snow emergency messages on Facebook.</li> <li><a href="http://twitter.com/MktoSnowAlerts#">Subscribe</a> to Mankato's snow emergency messages on Twitter.</li> <li>Telephone Mankato's snow emergency line at 507-387-9001, 24-hour service.</li> </ul> <p>For more information about signing up for snow emergency alerts <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Snow%20emergency%20alerts'">contact</a> public information staff at 507-387-8692.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17475.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 06 Dec 2010 09:10:11 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17361.aspx<p>A city of Mankato goal is for city streets to be long lasting because this reduces budget costs and increases sustainability efforts.</p> <p>Pavement is designed to last about 20 years; however, Mankato has implemented maintenance efforts that are estimated to increase pavement life to about 40 years. In some cases, such as residential streets, maintenance can extend the pavement life to about 60 years. In order to achieve these goals, staff performs regular street preventative and corrective maintenance. Steps taken helps to increase the longevity of streets, which keeps them drivable and prevents the need for more expensive maintenance. This includes overlays, less expensive than reconstruction, which are needed about every 20 years. Also during that time period, streets will be seal coated several times, with the first being within five years and the remainder seal coats being done every seven years.&nbsp;</p><p>Preventative maintenance is cost effective and an efficient way to protect the pavement and the base layer beneath it by filling cracks, adding <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Streets-Overlay-Program/Page.aspx">overlays</a> and <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>Streets-Seal-Coat/Page.aspx">seal coating</a> the street. Corrective maintenance involves patching and sealing areas of a street until preventative efforts can be taken.</p> <p><a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/CIP/Streets/2010Streets.pdf">Learn</a> more about 2010 street projects and overlays. <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/2010--street-construction-map.pdf">See</a> a construction map and the <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/2010-sealcoat-program.pdf">streets</a> that were seal coated.</p> <p>For more information about capital improvement projects <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(101,97,99,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Keeping%20Mankato%20Streets%20drivable%20into%20the%20future'">contact</a> Michael McCarty, acting city engineer, at 507-387-8643.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17361.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 29 Oct 2010 21:32:49 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/17359.aspxMonths of planning by the Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership (SWMHP) and the city of Mankato have paid off with the recent announcement that Sibley Parkway Apartments has received funding from Minnesota Housing and other funders. The funding that goes toward the Sibley Parkway Apartments has helped add 54 workforce rental units (including one, two and three bedrooms) for households earning less than 60 percent of the area’s median income. In addition, six market rate units will be included. Current income limits for a single person is $28,500 and $40,680 for a household of four. Nearly 50 percent of Greater Mankato residents would qualify under these guidelines.<p>&ldquo;The Sibley Parkway Apartments provides additional opportunities for housing for Greater Mankato residents,&rdquo; said City Manager Patrick Hentges. &ldquo;The success of this initiative is attributed to the planning and infrastructure improvements reflected in the Sibley Parkway Redevelopment Project and the public/private collaboration between the landowner, Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership and the city.&quot;</p> <p>&ldquo;This project is the result of numerous partners coming forward to address a critical housing need. The support provided by the city of Mankato was critical to illustrating to funders the local importance of this project to revitalize the Sibley Parkway area in the City Center while addressing workforce housing needs,&rdquo; said Rick Goodemann, executive director with the SWMHP.</p> <p>A number of green and sustainable features will be incorporated into Sibley Parkway Apartments, which means less natural resources will be used and residents and owners will achieve long-term energy cost savings. Construction on this $10.3 million project is expected to begin by early fall of 2011.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,100,104,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Sibley%20Parkway%20Apartments'">contact</a> Mankato's housing staff at 507-387-8636.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/17359.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 29 Oct 2010 15:15:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/17300.aspx<p><a target="_blank" href="/upload/images/Budget2011.pdf">Preview </a>information about the city of Mankato's <a target="_blank" href="/upload/images/CityManager/City-of-Mankato-Preliminary-2011-Budget.pdf">2011 budget</a>.&nbsp; Give us &quot;your take&quot; about Mankato's 2011 budget.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=17300">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 19 Oct 2010 14:22:14 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17238.aspx<p>Mankato's 2011 city calendar <a href="/PhotoContest/2011/Winners.aspx">winners</a> were recognized at a recent City Council meeting. John Cross, a photographer at &quot;The Free Press,&quot; judged the more than 350 entries submitted. Mankato&rsquo;s calendar, a 41-year tradition, is a useful communication tool that features feature public meeting dates and locations, contact information, 24-hour service numbers and important key city service messages for residents. The photo contest encourages citizen involvement and showcases Mankato&rsquo;s quality of life, spaces and places. Look for the 2011 city calendar in the November 30 edition of Home Magazine. <a href="/PhotoContest/2011/Winners.aspx">See</a> this&nbsp;year's&nbsp;winners.</p><p>Ten &ldquo;People&rsquo;s Choice&rdquo; winners have been selected by the public. &quot;People's Choice&quot; was a suggestion from a Mankato citizen as an added value to Mankato's calendar photo contest. This year&rsquo;s People&rsquo;s Choice winners are:</p> <ul> <li><em>Autumn afternoon at Hiniker</em> by Lavonne Smasal, North Mankato</li> <li><em>Waiting for the train</em> by Jason Verly, Mankato</li> <li><em>College visit</em> by Matthew Gilbertson, Mankato</li> <li><em>Squirrel view</em> by Sarah Lewer, Mankato</li> <li><em>Courthouse in winter morning snow</em> by Jason Bennett, Mankato</li> <li><em>Evening view of Veterans Memorial Bridge</em> by Jason Verly, Mankato&nbsp;</li> <li><em>Summer wedding at Sibley Park</em> by Amie Johnson and Nikki Janni, Mankato</li> <li><em>Beauty in abundance</em> by Jason Malwitz, Mankato</li> <li><em>There's a storm brewing</em> by Theodore Jacobson, Mankato</li> <li><em>Flying Mankato's skies</em> by Blake Hermel, Mankato</li> </ul> <p>Thank you to the Wickersham Health Campus, including the Orthopaedic &amp; Fracture Clinic, Mankato Clinic and the Mankato Surgery Center for partnering to sponsor the 2011 calendar. Without this sponsorship, printing of the calendar could not continue.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115,32)+'?subject=Mankato's%20city%20calendar'">contact</a> Mankato&rsquo;s public information staff at or 507-387-8692.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-17238.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 12 Oct 2010 11:08:36 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-16802.aspx<p>The Mankato City Council has developed a strategic plan serves as a road map to take the city of Mankato through the next few years. The strategic plan details what the city of Mankato is committed to achieving within the organization and for the community. <br /> <br /> Mankato's strategic plan commitments include:</p><p><strong><a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Organizational-Development-snapshot.pdf">Organizational development</a></strong></p> <ul> <li>A healthy, stable financial foundation</li> <li>A customer-centered culture</li> <li>Active and engaged citizens</li> <li>An enhanced regional leadership</li> <li>Sustainable and efficient city facilities</li> <li>A healthy and livable community</li> </ul> <p><strong><a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Community-Development-snapshot.pdf">Community development</a></strong></p> <ul> <li>Preserving our neighborhoods</li> <li>A sustainable community</li> <li>A sustainable infrastructure</li> <li>A healthy and viable economy</li> <li>A positive community image</li> <li>Viable transportation network</li> <li>An enhanced regional leadership</li> </ul> <p>Action steps and key benchmarks in the <a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Organizational-Matrix-OD.pdf">Organizational Development Matrix</a> and <a href="<%=upload_url%>/PI/Community-Development-matrix-2010.pdf">Community Development Matrix</a> help to show what the city of Mankato has in place to keep its commitments and to reach its goals. <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/cm_StratPlan/Page.aspx">See</a> the strategic plan online at <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us">www.ci.mankato.mn.us</a>.</p> <p>For more information about Mankato&rsquo;s strategic plan, contact City Manager <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,104,101,110,116,103,101,115,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Strategic%20plan'">Patrick Hentges</a> at 507-387-8695.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-16802.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 30 Sep 2010 16:36:16 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/16804.aspxWal-Mart has confirmed that Mankato is the location of the next Midwest Distribution Center. While contingent on anticipated store build outs and existing facility capacity, Wal-Mart affirmed that construction is in the near term of their five-year plan. Mankato City Manager Patrick Hentges, Community Development Director Paul Vogel and Greater Mankato Growth, Inc. President & CEO Jonathan Zierdt received the news during a recent visit to Wal-Mart headquarters in Bentonville, Ark. where they updated Wal-Mart leadership on the progress the community has made in developing the infrastructure supporting and servicing the site for the distribution center.<p>&ldquo;This personal visit to their home office was a positive and productive way to build on the relationship between Wal-Mart and Mankato and to keep each other apprised on the project&rsquo;s progress,&rdquo; Hentges said. &ldquo;It is clear that the regional investment and local partnerships have provided the framework for the success of the project.&rdquo;</p> <p>As a part of their visit, Hentges, Vogel and Zierdt toured the Bentonville distribution center to see the operations firsthand. This tour helped to emphasize that work to ready Mankato for a distribution center have moved forward in a positive direction. &ldquo;The efforts we have taken to prepare the development area will serve Wal-Mart and supporting business opportunities as well,&rdquo; Vogel said.</p> <p>Greater Mankato is ready for the project and community interest is strong, according to Zierdt. &ldquo;We gained a clear sense from Wal-Mart that they are committed to the Mankato project and the forthcoming distribution center&rsquo;s role in their service to stores and customers,&rdquo; Zierdt said.</p> <p>The new facility will be located on the city&rsquo;s northeast side between County State Aid Highway 3 and U.S. Highway 14. Information regarding the construction and development of this Wal-Mart distribution center will be announced by Wal-Mart officials.</p> <p>According to city research, the new Wal-Mart distribution center will be one of the top five taxpayers in the community and will be the region&rsquo;s fifth largest employer. In addition to the 500-700 jobs directly associated with this new center, 550 jobs may be created in other industry sectors related to the project. Annual payroll associated with the distribution center is expected to exceed $21 million.</p> <p>For more information contact <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,104,101,110,116,103,101,115,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Wal-Mart%20distribution%20center'">Patrick Hentges</a>, Mankato city manager, at 507-387-8695, or <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,122,105,101,114,100,116,64,103,114,101,97,116,101,114,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,99,111,109)+'?subject=Wal-Mart%20distribution%20center'">Jonathan Zierdt</a>, president and CEO of Greater Mankato Growth, at 507-385-6645.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/16804.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 27 Aug 2010 19:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/16803.aspx<p>The Mankato City Council recently approved the city&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/cm_StratPlan/Page.aspx">strategic plan</a>, which will take the city through the next few years. Give us &ldquo;Your Take&rdquo; on this latest strategic plan. <br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=16803">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 26 Aug 2010 15:50:10 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/16675.aspxJohn Brady, mayor of Mankato, Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport and officials from North Star Aviation will travel to China from Saturday, August 21, through Monday, August 30, to meet with Chinese business, aviation, government and education ministry officials about providing flight training to Chinese aviation professionals.<p>The delegates were invited to visit China by Changdong Xu, a Chinese business leader who came to Mankato in May to urge Minnesota State Mankato to consider providing helicopter and fixed-wing flight training at Mankato Regional Airport for civilian pilots and students from China. Xu asked that the delegation visit Tianjin City and Zhangjiakou City to discuss the possible development of a bilateral education curriculum between Minnesota State Mankato, the state of Minnesota and the People&rsquo;s Republic of China.</p> <p>Brady is attending because of the positive long-term economic development impacts the partnership would bring to the city of Mankato, providing another beneficial use for the Mankato Regional Airport. Brady pointed out that the Chinese professionals and students who would come to Mankato to train would spend money at local businesses and would rent housing.</p> <p>&ldquo;The Mankato Regional Airport is a regional asset that helps to attract new business to the area,&rdquo; said Brady. &ldquo;Developing long-term partnerships such as these will benefit our local economy.&rdquo;</p> <p>The Minnesota State Mankato delegation, whose members also will visit two universities in China, will include President Richard Davenport and his wife, Mary; College of Education Interim Dean Jean Haar; and Aviation faculty member Tom Peterson.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/16675.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 19 Aug 2010 15:35:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-16655.aspx<p>Dr. H. Roger Smith presented the plaque he had donated to Mike and Dianna Bauman, owners of the Wine Caf&eacute;, 301 N. Riverfront Dr. The Wine Caf&eacute; is located in&nbsp;the historical Stahl House hotel and is listed on the National Register of Historic&nbsp;Places.</p> <p>This presentation&nbsp;aligned with the recent $7,000 grant the Minnesota Historical Society awarded to the&nbsp;city of Mankato. This grant supports a historic survey by the city's Heritage Preservation Commission of 12 city properties that may be designated for the local historic registry. This project is expected to begin October 1 and be completed around February 1.</p><p>The Mankato Heritage Preservation Commission makes recommendations to the Mankato City Council about promoting and preserving Mankato&rsquo;s historic neighborhoods, including designations of significant buildings and places that are locally significant to&nbsp;the city's&nbsp;heritage.</p> <p>Share ideas about what properties should be placed on Mankato's historic register by giving&nbsp;Mankato &ldquo;<a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=15368">Your Take</a>.&rdquo;</p> <p>For more information contact Mankato's community development <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,100,112,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Heritage%20Preservation%20Commission'">staff</a> at 507-387-8571.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-16655.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 13 Aug 2010 12:36:40 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15808.aspx<p>Influence the future of the Mankato area transportation system by attending the Mankato Area Transportation and Planning Study (<a href="http://www.mataps.com">MATAPS</a>) open house from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 27, at the Best Western Hotel, U.S. Highway 169 at Webster Avenue, North Mankato.&nbsp; Review and comment on recommendations for roads, transit and bicycling.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> Examine options for the future of the U.S. 14/U.S. 169 interchange.<br /> &nbsp;</p><p>MATAPS is a partnership of:</p> <ul> <li>Minnesota Department of Transportation-District 7</li> <li>Region 9 Development Commission</li> <li>City of Mankato</li> <li>City of North Mankato</li> <li>Blue Earth County</li> <li>Nicollet County</li> <li>Le Sueur County</li> <li>Minnesota State University, Mankato</li> </ul> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,109,112,105,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=MATAPS%20public%20meeting'">contact </a>Mankato's public information office at 507-387-8516.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15808.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 16 Jul 2010 11:33:20 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15434.aspx<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">Because the city of Mankato has been designated the 1st city in Minnesota and 28th in the nation to receive a&nbsp;national biosolids partnership certification, an <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/BiosolidInvite-WebRESIZE.pdf">event</a> is being held from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Monday, May 10 that includes a short presentation and public tours of its biosolids operation.&nbsp; The biosolids event will be held at Mankato's Wastewater Treatment Plant, 701 Pine Street.<br /> <br /> <span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'">National Biosolids Partnership Chair Richard Lanyon, Chicago, Ill., and Jorja DuFresne, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Biosolids Coordinator, St. Paul, Minn. will attend Mankato's event, along with local farmers Daryl and Cindy Guentzel who will speak about how Mankato's biosolids are in demand as a fertilizer because of their great results.<br /> </span><br /> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: &quot;Arial&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;">Mankato goes above and beyond with biosolids which have nutrient value beneficial to the environment.&nbsp; Biosolids are generated through Mankato's wastewater treatment efforts.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.biosolids.org/news.asp?id=2199"><font color="#800080">Read more</font></a> about Mankato's strengths and outcomes relating to biosolids.<br /> <br /> Mankato is a state leader in meeting wastewater quality standards because the treated wastewater the city discharges into the Minnesota River is nearly pollution-free.&nbsp; The city provides wastewater services to Mankato, Madison Lake, North Mankato, Eagle Lake, South Bend Township, Skyline and Lake Washington Sanitation District.<br /> <br /> The mission of the National Biosolids Partnership is to advance environmentally sound and accepted practices that will serve as a model for the wastewater profession.<br /> <br /> For more information about the May 10 biosolid event <a href="mailto:sschulz@city.mankato.mn.us?subject=Tour%20of%20Mankato's%20biosolid%20operation">contact </a>Mankato's public information office at 507-387-8516.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15434.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 07 May 2010 16:09:47 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/15368.aspx<p>Review <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Mankato%20FINAL%20Context%20Study%20mid-res.pdf">guidelines</a>.&nbsp; What is &quot;<a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=15368">your take</a>&quot; about what properties should be placed on Mankato's historic register?</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=15368">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 21 Apr 2010 15:29:31 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15237.aspx<p><strong>Help us&mdash;help you with trash and potholes<br /> </strong><em><strong>Trash</strong><br /> </em>Trash cans are never allowed on the street and are only allowed at the curb for one collection day each week&mdash;after 6 p.m. the night prior to collection and removed by 12 p.m. the day following collection. Leaving trash containers on the curb any longer is in violation of Mankato&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CityCode/cityCode.aspx?sectionNum=3.62">city code </a>and makes it difficult for snow and ice removal operators to do a thorough job. A trash can left on the curb too long may be removed and need to be reclaimed to reinstate garbage removal service.</p> <p>Mankato&rsquo;s city code benefits visual appearance in neighborhoods to help maintain quality of life within the community.</p> <p>If there&rsquo;s a special circumstance preventing removal within the allotted time period of one day, <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?'">contact</a> the Mankato city offices at 507-387-8630.</p> <p><em><strong>Potholes<br /> </strong></em>Report potholes&mdash;it&rsquo;s easy and there are several options:</p><p>Call 507-345-0600 - street maintenance request line, a place to leave information on needed street repairs 24/7 <br /> Mankato's <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/CustomerService/Default.aspx">online customer service </a>reporting <br /> <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101)+'?subject=potholes'">Email </a>public works staff <br /> Facebook <br /> With several freeze-thaw cycles this year, it's been particularly challenging with potholes. Many are under the impression that a road system could be designed at a reasonable price that wouldn't pothole; however, until we change the laws of physics our roads will continue to break up when it freezes and thaws. The rains we had this winter made matters worse.</p> <p>The city owns a patching machine and has been using it for the past several weeks on a regular basis. With the moisture we've experienced, it's much like trying to cover a wet wound with an adhesive bandage. During the winter months, a special patching mix is used until a more permanent solution is applied once warm weather stabilizes. Extreme weather also creates water main breaks and these also affect pothole conditions.</p> <p><em>&ldquo;Over the past two years the city has focused their preventative street maintenance on block patching, crack sealing and seal coating. These methods increase the streets longevity and mitigate potholes since they reduce water intrusion into the pavement&rsquo;s base structure,&rdquo; said Public Works Director Mark Knoff.</em></p> <p>It's difficult for us to ascertain the condition of every street in the city, so it's helpful when people contact staff to report street conditions of particular concern. We mobilize staff to take of problem areas in a timely manner.</p> <p><em><strong>Infrastructure and water main breaks</strong></em><br /> Mankato is experiencing an average amount of water main breaks in comparison to previous years. Specific numbers of water main breaks from January through March:<br /> &bull; 2010--20<br /> &bull; 2009--20<br /> &bull; 2008--20<br /> &bull; 2007--26<br /> &bull; 2006--17<br /> &bull; 2005--25</p> <p>Generally, weather related water main breaks are also affected by thaw-freeze conditions. Stay well-informed and <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/NewsEmail.aspx">subscribe</a> to city news, use Facebook or Twitter to receive information about water main breaks and other city service messages.<br /> <br /> <em>&ldquo;Maintenance on concrete streets is more difficult to perform and costs more than similar maintenance activities on a bituminous street,&rdquo; said City Engineer Jeff Johnson. &ldquo;Although less than 15 percent of Mankato&rsquo;s streets are concrete, they are the streets with the highest traffic&mdash;Riverfront Drive, Warren Street, Madison Avenue, Broad, 4th and 5th streets, to name a few.&nbsp; Concrete streets do have a longer lifespan until the first maintenance activity needs to occur. However, there&rsquo;s added expense and challenges when performing these street repairs due to the inherent properties, time and the specialized skills that&rsquo;s required to work with concrete.&quot;</em></p> <p>Rain, during the course of the winter, causes rapid deterioration. Warren, Mulberry, Broad are all scheduled for major structural overlays this year. The city continues to reconstruct about $6 million/year of older, low-volume residential roads in addition to our high volume roads. We continually monitor city water mains and infrastructure. Information gathered is used to develop our city street reconstruction plan, which includes utility replacement. Within the analysis of conditions, we do include the number of water main breaks on street sections and in some cases this advances a street improvement or replacement project. <br /> <br /> <em>&ldquo;Water main breaks are only one small component in determining when a street is reconstructed,&rdquo; said Mark Knoff, Director of Public Works. &ldquo;There is a fine balance between the cost of reconstruction and the cost to fix multiple breaks coupled with the inconvenience caused by the water main breaks.&rdquo;</em></p> <p>City Staff are developing an electronic mapping tool to display and communicate water main breaks and detours since water main breaks often create disruption in water use and cause traffic re-routes in their respective areas. Construction projects will also be included on this map.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,107,110,111,102,102,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?'">contact </a>Mankato's public works staff at 507-387-8649.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15237.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 11 Mar 2010 13:22:10 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15228.aspx<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" align="right" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Commercial-remodel-before.pdf"><img height="149" alt="" width="200" border="0" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Commercial-remodel-before_small.jpg" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><strong><span style="font-size: x-small">An example of how Community Development Block Grant funding has been used in the past to supplement restoration of&nbsp;this commercial property at 629 North Riverfront Drive.&nbsp; Before photo courtesy of Erin and Tammey Gatchell.</span></strong></em></td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Commercial-remodel.pdf"><img height="158" alt="" width="200" border="0" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Commercial-remodel_small.jpg" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><strong><em><span style="font-size: x-small">Restoration in progress at 629 North Riverfront Drive.</span></em></strong></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>The city of Mankato&rsquo;s inclusion in the designation as a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) comes with several benefits.&nbsp; An MSA is a core urban area with a population of 50,000 or more.&nbsp; MSA status gives the city direct access to guaranteed federal funding&mdash;$250,000 to $350,000 annually&mdash;to use for neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and community facility and service improvement projects. Funds are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development through the <a href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/entitlement/">Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program</a>.</p> <p>Previously, CDBG funding was available to Mankato through a competitive application process and the state of Minnesota had pre-determined projects grant money could be used to fund. The city of Mankato has used funds to rehabilitate owner-occupied, rental and commercial properties. &ldquo;We now have more flexibility to tailor programs and funding priorities to best meet the needs of our community,&rdquo; said Housing Coordinator Patti Ziegler.</p><p>In order to receive CDBG funding directly from HUD, the city is developing a five-year plan that addresses affordable housing needs and the expansion of economic development opportunities. Social service agencies, housing and homeless providers, economic development and local government groups have given input on what priority projects to include in the plan. At least 70 percent of CDBG funds will be designated for activities that benefit low to moderate income individuals.</p> <p>The following are examples of how CDBG funds may be used:</p> <ul> <li>Rehabilitation of residential and non-residential properties</li> <li>Construction of public facilities and improvements, such as water and sewer facilities, streets, neighborhood centers</li> <li>Acquisition of property</li> <li>Activities relating to energy conservation and renewable energy resources</li> <li>Assistance to for-profit businesses to carry out economic development and job creation/retention</li> </ul> <p>Citizens will have an opportunity to express ideas about the <a href="<%=upload_url%>/Consolidated-plan.pdf">proposed plan</a> through Monday, April 19. Once the Mankato City Council approves a plan, it will be submitted to HUD for review and approval.</p> <p>View the consolidated plan and submit comments by <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,122,105,101,103,108,101,114,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?'">email</a> or mail to:<br /> Attn: Patti Ziegler<br /> City of Mankato Community Development<br /> Intergovernmental Center<br /> 10 Civic Center Plaza<br /> Mankato, MN 56002</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,122,105,101,103,108,101,114,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?'">contact</a> Patti Ziegler, housing coordinator, at 507-387-8623.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15228.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 10 Mar 2010 10:22:34 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15205.aspx<p>One of the shortest census forms in history, the 2010 Census form asks 10 questions and takes about 10 minutes to complete. In March, more than 130 million households will receive this form. Census data affects how more than $400 billion in federal funding is distributed to tribal, state and local governments.</p> <p>Fast facts about the 2010 Census:</p><p><strong>It&rsquo;s important.</strong> Census data is used to reapportion seats in Congress and ensure proper district representation in state and local governments. Information from the census helps determine funding for new roads, transit, schools and community centers.</p> <p><strong>It&rsquo;s easy.</strong> The individual in whose name the housing unit is rented or owned should complete the form on behalf of every person living there, both relatives and non-relatives.</p> <p><strong>It&rsquo;s confidential.</strong> By law, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot share respondents&rsquo; answers with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.</p> <p>The most efficient way to respond to the 2010 Census is to complete the form as soon as it arrives and return it in the postage-paid return envelope by April 1. About $85 million is saved for every one percent increase in mail participation. Census workers will visit households that do not return forms to take the count in person. <a href="http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/">View</a> the mail participation rate in our community during the last Census in 2000.</p> <p>For more information <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(99,100,97,112,50,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=2010%20Census'">contact</a> city of Mankato staff at 507-387-8611.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15205.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 01 Mar 2010 08:57:47 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15139.aspx<p>At their recent meeting, City Manager Patrick Hentges made a <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/ServiceLevelChanges2010powerpointFINAL.pdf">presentation</a> to the Mankato City Council and&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/ServiceLevelChangesandDates2010.pdf">reviewed</a> 2010 service level changes and implementation dates.&nbsp; The city organization also made several budget reductions that streamline internal service delivery and build capacity.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/CityManager/2010-Proposed-Budget.pdf">Review</a> Mankato's budget.&nbsp; For more information about city service level changes <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(116,97,110,103,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Service%20level%20changes%20and%20implementation%20dates'">contact </a>Assistant City Manager Tanya Ange at 507-387-8609.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-15139.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 12 Feb 2010 11:02:51 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/15141.aspx<p>Give us &quot;your take&quot; about what information and features you would like to be available on Mankato's web pages?</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=15141">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:52:06 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/14992.aspx<p>Evaluating systems, the cost to do business compared to results, and reviewing internal processes periodically can improve service and create efficiencies to build capacity.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/feature.aspx">Learn </a>about proposed utility changes and give us your take.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14992">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsMon, 01 Feb 2010 10:11:29 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14991.aspx<p><strong>Plan to attend <br /> </strong>The Mankato City Council is evaluating the possibility of discontinuing the practice of utility shut-offs in exchange for late fees and that utility bills be in the property owner&rsquo;s name. A public input&nbsp;opportunity is being held at 7 p.m. on Monday, February 8, at the City Council meeting, in the Minnesota River room at the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza.</p><p><strong>Efficiencies being considered</strong><br /> &bull; Instead of utility shut-offs, which are time consuming and costly, a late fee of $5 for any unpaid balance is being considered, plus 1 percent of any unpaid utility bill balance. The goal of a late fee is not to generate revenue; rather it&rsquo;s to cover costs associated with processing late payments. Delinquent utility bill statements would be sent for three months. The third statement would inform the property owner about any outstanding balance and fees that would be assessed to their property. Reworking shut-offs is estimate to generate savings of more than $100,000.</p> <p>&bull; To minimize maintenance expenses, also being proposed is future utility bill statements would be in each respective property owner&rsquo;s name. Altering names on utility bills creates an expense that amounts to hundreds of hours of city staff time each year. This change will have an effect on less than 50 percent of existing rental properties.</p> <p>&bull; Most (around 85 percent) of Mankato&rsquo;s utility bill customers consistently pay on time although there&rsquo;s room for improvement. To encourage payment on time, the city is considering a monthly $2 incentive when electing to pay using electronic fund transfer transaction through the utility customer&rsquo;s bank. A $1 monthly incentive would be given to customers who elect to utilize the city&rsquo;s paperless billing for their monthly statement. Instead, customers would receive an email detailing their utility bill. Incentive costs would be offset by savings the city will realize from printing, postage and manual handling.</p> <p>Evaluating systems, the cost to do business compared to results, and reviewing internal processes periodically can improve service and create efficiencies to build capacity.</p> <p>For more information about proposed utility changes <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,115,99,111,116,116,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Utility%20operations'">contact</a> Finance Director Daniel Scott at 507-387-8670.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14991.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 26 Jan 2010 15:00:47 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/14623.aspx<p>Since resources are limited, the city strategically plans far in advance for <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/cm_CIP/Page.aspx">capital improvements</a>. The City Council is committed to preserving the city's infrastructure investment while recognizing the economic stimulus value. As we plan for our upcoming construction season and beyond, what's &quot;<a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14623">your take</a>&quot; about which street projects should be designated as a priority?<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14623">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 18 Dec 2009 15:01:09 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14614.aspx<p>It may seem as though construction season has just ended; however, the city of Mankato is preparing for street projects&mdash;part of the city&rsquo;s <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/cm_CIP/Page.aspx">capital improvement plan</a>&mdash;that are scheduled to begin in the spring. Mankato&rsquo;s Engineering Department oversees the planning and designing of new construction and reconstruction of Mankato&rsquo;s sanitary sewers, water mains, storm drainage systems, streets and sidewalks and other projects to support residents and businesses and enhance overall livability of the community.</p> <p><strong>Proposed street reconstruction projects planned to begin spring 2010 </strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/West-Second-and-Marcy-streets and Marcy-Streets.pdf">West Second Street and Marcy Street</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Oak-Knoll-Phase2.pdf">Oak Knoll&mdash;Phase 2</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Marsh-Street.pdf">Marsh Street</a>&nbsp;</li> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Rogers-Street.pdf">Rogers Street</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Thompson-Ravine-Road.pdf">Thompson Ravine Road</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Sibley-Parkway-Phase2B.pdf">Sibley Parkway&mdash;Phase 2B</a></li> </ul> <p>All proposed street reconstruction projects being assessed to abutting properties require public hearings and need approval by the City Council prior to moving forward.</p><p><strong>Strategic planning--how projects are selected <br /> </strong>According to City Engineer Jeff Johnson, determining a high priority street project is like fitting together pieces of a puzzle. Streets are evaluated to determine maintenance and improvement needs. &ldquo;Our staff inspects one-third of city streets each year, which gives an idea of what the street will look like over time based on the condition at the time of inspection,&rdquo; said Johnson. This surface inspection generates a potential list of future street reconstruction projects. A rating system is also used to prioritize infrastructure projects. If both the street and utilities need to be replaced, it can be done at the same time and the road only needs to be reconstructed once, to save money and minimize inconvenience. Preventative maintenance helps make the streets last as long as possible. Generally, streets are repaved with an asphalt overlay at least once before being rebuilt. When feasible, the city seal coats asphalt pavement to lengthen the time between street reconstruction periods. As a rule of thumb, the cost of an asphalt overlay is one-tenth the cost of street reconstruction and the cost of seal coating is about one-hundredth the cost of street reconstruction<strong>.<br /> </strong><br /> <strong>Informing citizens<br /> </strong>It is a priority for the city of Mankato to keep citizens who live in respective project areas informed throughout the process:</p> <ul> <li>A <a href="<%=upload_url%>/Informational-meeting-letter.pdf">letter</a> is sent by engineering staff to property owners, notifying them when a street project is a high priority for possible construction in their neighborhood. The property owner is invited to attend an informational meeting about the project.</li> <li>A public hearing on proposed improvement is held at a city council meeting generally two weeks following the informational meeting.</li> <li>Once the City Council approves a proposed project, the design is finalized</li> <li>Engineering staff conducts individual follow-up with citizens as requested</li> <li>Property owners are sent a <a href="<%=upload_url%>/Assessment-hearing-letter.pdf">letter</a> explaining proposed assessments associated with the improvement.</li> <li>A public hearing on proposed assessments is held at a city council meeting generally three to four weeks following public hearing.</li> <li>Prior to construction, engineering staff meets on-site with property owners to answer questions and provide any additional information about the project.</li> </ul> <p>For more information about 2010 street reconstruction projects <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(106,106,111,104,110,115,111,110,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=2010%20street%20projects'">contact </a>City Engineer Jeff Johnson at 507-387-8640.&nbsp; For questions about special assessments <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(109,114,105,101,98,101,114,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=2010%20special%20assessments'">contact </a>Mark Rieber at 507-387-8633.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14614.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 17 Dec 2009 16:56:20 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14562.aspx<p class="newsdescription">In these tough economic times, the city of Mankato remains committed to provide safe winter driving conditions. Cuts to Mankato's Local Government Aid (LGA) required the city to reduce the city's snow plowing budget by 10 percent and look at innovative ways to provide city services. Mankato has made some changes to its snow removal process in an attempt to save money in overtime pay and vehicle maintenance and operational costs.<br /> <br /> To keep commerce moving, allow people to go to work, and for safety purposes during major snow events, it's the city's policy to focus on main roads within the city. As in the past, and only in dangerous driving conditions will the following problem hills be closed for safety reasons--Parkway Avenue, Monks Avenue, Warren Street and Stadium Road. The snowplow will pass through once on all other major hills until the snow event has ended. This approach is designed to ensure efficient and effective snow removal from city streets in an effort to keep routes safe and open. To minimize overtime costs, <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/Snow_and_Ice/Page.aspx"><strong><font color="#004e82">snow emergencies </font></strong></a>will be called more frequently and residential streets will be kept open.&nbsp; Passable roads are the goal with complete&nbsp;curb-to-curb street cleanup to follow later.</p><div class="featureStory"> <p><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/SnowAlerts/Default.aspx"><strong><font color="#004e82">Sign up </font></strong></a>to receive Mankato snow emergency alerts by text message. The city's goal is to inform citizens about snow emergencies in an effort to minimize, and ideally eliminate, towing. Additional ways to receive all the latest about snow emergencies in Mankato:</p> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/NewsEmail.aspx"><strong><font color="#004e82">Subscribe</font></strong></a> to receive updates by email</li> <li>Mankato's <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us/"><strong><font color="#004e82">Website</font></strong></a></li> <li>via facebook.com</li> <li>via twitter.com</li> <li>Mankato's 24-hour snow emergency line at 507-387-9001</li> </ul> <p>For more information about snow removal in Mankato <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,119,97,115,101,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=snow%20removal'"><strong><font color="#004e82">contact</font></strong></a> public works staff at 507-387-8649.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14562.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 17 Dec 2009 08:52:42 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14536.aspx<p>New on Mankato&rsquo;s Website is a public safety-<a onclick="window.open(this.href,'','resizable=yes,location=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,status=no,toolbar=no,fullscreen=no,dependent=no,width=900,height=700,status'); return false" href="http://secure.mankato-mn.gov/maps/Police-Service-Calls.html">police calls for service map</a>. The electronic map is a communication tool to show where police calls for service occur within the city.<br /> <br /> Even though additional detailed crime analysis tools are used by public safety officials, the online map can serve as a benefit in proactive policing because by knowing where calls originate, it can influence deployment of resources such as specialized patrol; and serve as a benefit to neighborhoods by providing awareness on if calls are originating in the respective neighborhood.&nbsp;</p><p>Map data is available dating back to January 2009. By the middle of each month the previous month&rsquo;s data will be available. Due to the nature of the information, city staff will electronically mine information and make it available for viewing by the public. More detailed information, including protected information will be available to help public safety officials prevent and solve crimes.</p> <p>A <a onclick="window.open(this.href,'','resizable=yes,location=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=no,status=no,toolbar=no,fullscreen=no,dependent=no,width=900,height=700,status'); return false" href="http://secure.mankato-mn.gov/maps/Police-Service-Calls.html">disclaimer</a> covers how police calls for service data and statistics that appear on the map are for informational purposes. Information about several different types of police calls will be available by neighborhood or city ward&mdash;assaults, burglary, disturbance, drugs, driving while under the influence, to name a few.<br /> <br /> For more information about the police calls for service map <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,115,106,115,98,97,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Public%20Safety-police%20calls%20for%20service%20map'">contact </a>public safety staff at 507-387-8795.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14536.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 01 Dec 2009 13:19:38 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/14501.aspx<p>The City Manager did a merger study in response to a challenging economic climate. Preliminary results were presented at the Mankato City Council&rsquo;s recent work session. The study revealed if Mankato and North Mankato merged a minimum savings of $2.2 million would be realized and passed directly to taxpayers.</p> <p>This study was based solely on the 2008 financial and bond statements. It establishes a baseline only and does not make judgments on service delivery or financial stewardship of either city. Initial numbers reveal some basic savings.&nbsp;</p><p>Property tax savings on a $165,000 residential property would represent a savings of about $74/year in Mankato and $206/year in North Mankato. The savings on a $256,000 home in Mankato would be about $111/year, and in North Mankato a savings of $312/year.</p> <p>Annual commercial property tax savings on a $100,000 property in Mankato would be $67, and the savings in North Mankato--$187. A $9.5 million property in Mankato would have a tax savings of $8,428/year, and in North Mankato $23,600/year.</p> <p><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/mergerstudyrevised.pdf">View</a> the report findings and give us &ldquo;your take&rdquo; about a Mankato and North Mankato merger.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14501">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 25 Nov 2009 19:49:12 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/14487.aspx<p>In anticipation of retirements affecting upper level Public Safety staff positions, an independent/outside evaluation was initiated by the City Manager to gauge key items in public safety--departmental internal communication, teamwork, training, diversity, operational issues&mdash;deployment and resource allocation and city spending comparisons.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>After reading <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/Projects/CM.aspx">information </a>on Mankato&rsquo;s Website, what is &ldquo;your take&rdquo; about the public safety study and findings?<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14487">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 25 Nov 2009 08:37:28 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14500.aspx<p>In response to these difficult and challenging economic times, Mankato City Manager Patrick Hentges has prepared a <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/mergerstudyrevised.pdf">presentation</a> to the Mankato City Council that includes a baseline financial comparison evaluating economies of scale and identifies any savings and value in merging Mankato and North Mankato. Experiencing one of the most significantly depressed economic climates in decades requires government leaders to have the courage to review and assess every possibility within their scope of responsibility.</p><p>No previous study existed that looked at comprehensive baseline data to evaluate if a merger makes sense economically and otherwise. This baseline data will provide a starting point. Unfortunately, both cities from time to time are guilty of presenting data sets and comparison in a manner that attempts to show one city in a more favorable light over that of the other community.</p> <p>The study was done totally by looking at raw numbers from official documents of the two cities&mdash;2008 audited financial statements, recent bond offering documents and the 2008 adopted budgets. Spending levels, tax revenues, debt levels, enterprise funds, fixed asset values, utilities and comparisons of service were all considerations, as well as service attributes of the two cities. One of the unknowns is what means are being taken by cities due to further budget reductions. Findings are only preliminary and require North Mankato&rsquo;s officials to review before completion. The study does not address many intangibles affecting a merger; i.e., service levels, employee influence, tradition, and community pride to name a few.</p> <p>It must be emphasized that the study is not intended to make judgment, rate service levels, or the financial superiority or stewardship of one city over that of the other community. From this perceptive, both cities deliver service levels and tailor city budgets to the needs and characteristics of the community. As the study reveals, the cities have been designated differently by various state and federal entities which influences how each city approaches governance, services, budgeting and finance.</p> <p>Viewing the Mankato and North Mankato merger study as a baseline document, it would be important to give the topic much closer analysis in an attempt to collect a foundation of facts. In the event elected officials find value in the merger study, the next step would be to talk about intangibles that seem to be lightning rods&mdash;service levels, names, employee impact, process and form of government.</p> <p>Importantly and ultimately, a merger is a decision that would have to be agreed upon by city councils and citizens.<br /> &nbsp;</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14500.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 24 Nov 2009 09:09:23 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14437.aspx<p>The city of Mankato received a &ldquo;AA&rdquo; rating from Standard and Poor&rsquo;s rating services this month and the city&nbsp;also&nbsp;received an affirmation of the &ldquo;Aa3&rdquo; rating from Moody&rsquo;s Investor Services. Last December Moody's Investor Services upgraded Mankato's bond rating to a Aa3 rating because analysts were impressed with the City Council's strategic decision making inthe areas of budget management, cash reserves and debt management.&nbsp; The ratings represents the fourth bond rating upgrade within the past five years.<br /> <br /> Now the city is seeing its bond rating upgrades payoff&mdash;to the tune of $1.4 million. &ldquo;We can now obtain money for capital improvement projects at a lower rate estimated to save citizens $1.4 million on this bond offering alone,&rdquo; said Patrick Hentges, City Manager. &ldquo;We knew there were many benefits to the city getting a bond upgrade, now we&rsquo;re at a crossroad where we can actually experience substantial interest savings.&rdquo;</p><p>Several of Mankato&rsquo;s strategies have helped the city realize significant savings:</p> <ul> <li>Rapid debt amortization</li> <li>Adequate cash reserves</li> <li>Budgeting strategies when faced with economic challenges and governor&rsquo;s unallotment of Local Government Aid decision</li> <li>Strong tax base growth</li> <li>Debt levels that will moderate as the civic center bonds are paid in full and ahead of schedule</li> <li>Mankato&rsquo;s debt choices have positioned the city for growth</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;The refinancing of civic center revenue bonds will result in bond interest savings estimated at $450,000. In addition, the refinancing of general obligation improvement bonds originally issued in 2000, 2001 and 2002, are expected to result in interest savings estimated at $240,000.</p> <p>&nbsp;As a result of the bond rating upgrades, new general obligation debt issues, Series &ldquo;A&rdquo; and &ldquo;B&rdquo;, will experience a combined interest savings of $750,000 over the duration of the debt.</p> <p>&nbsp;Bond issues:</p> <ul> <li>&ldquo;A&rdquo; bonds, in the amount of $7.6 million, will fund Mankato&rsquo;s upcoming <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/cm_CIP/Page.aspx">capital improvement projects </a>and have a payment duration of 10 years.</li> <li>The &ldquo;B&rdquo; bond issue is for $845,000 and will fund parks related development.</li> <li>&ldquo;C&rdquo; &ndash; $9.3 million to refinance the civic center&rsquo;s variable to a fixed interest rate with the debt fully repaid by 2018.</li> <li>&ldquo;D&rdquo; &ndash; $6.7 million to refinance from a variable to a fixed interest rate for past capital improvement projects to be repaid in four years.</li> </ul> <p>&nbsp;Mankato&rsquo;s overall strategic financial planning and management have been key to Mankato receiving strong bond ratings that ultimately provide substantial dollar savings as evidenced by this bond sale.</p> <p>&nbsp;For more information about Mankato&rsquo;s financial strategies contact City Manager <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(112,104,101,110,116,103,101,115,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Mankato's%20financial%20strategies'">Patrick Hentges </a>at 507-387-8695 or Director of Finance <a href="javascript:location.href='mailto:'+String.fromCharCode(100,115,99,111,116,116,64,99,105,116,121,46,109,97,110,107,97,116,111,46,109,110,46,117,115)+'?subject=Mankato's%20financial%20strategies'">Daniel Scott </a>at 507-387-8670.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14437.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 13 Nov 2009 07:18:08 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/14340.aspx<p>Partnerships are a priority of the city of Mankato organization.&nbsp; In addition to <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Partnerships.pdf">current partnerships</a>, give us &quot;your take&quot; about ways to expand the list.</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14340">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 08 Oct 2009 10:41:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/14175.aspxThe national and state economic climate is having a profound impact on city government.&nbsp; The <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us/upload/images/CityManager/2010_Preliminary_Budget.pdf">2010 preliminary budget</a> recognizes these economic pressures by taking responsible steps to reduce spending and adjust revenue streams so we do not place undue hardship on local taxpayers.&nbsp; The budget offers organizational changes to build future service capacity while meting and exceeding demands for services as the local economy gradually recovers in the future.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us/upload/images/CityManager/2010-Preliminary-Budget-Overview.ppt">Learn more</a>.&nbsp; <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us/upload/images/CityManager/2010-General-Fund-Analysis-Worksheet.xls">See comparables</a>.&nbsp; An online survey is coming soon.&nbsp; What is &quot;your take&quot; about Mankato's preliminary 2010 budget?<br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=14175">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 26 Aug 2009 17:19:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14020.aspxAt 5 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, Broad and 4th streets was converted from one-way to two-way traffic.&nbsp; This conversion is part of a series of traffic changes within the City Center and Lincoln Park to provide traffic calming within neighborhoods to enhance livability.&nbsp;<br /> <br /> To complement the goals of this initiative and increase the desired effect,&nbsp;a through-route on 2nd Street at the Veterans Memorial Bridge&nbsp; and several traffic control modifications happen with the conversion to two-way traffic:<p><strong>Broad Street modifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Stop control on Liberty and Broad streets changed from a two-way to a four-way stop on Liberty Street. </li> <li>Signal revisions at Cherry, Warren, Mulberry and Main streets' intersections with Broad Street to accommodate two-traffic. </li> <li>Stop control on Washington and Broad streets changed from existing two-way stop on Washington Street to a new stop on Broad Street, resulting in a free-flow traffic condition on Washington Street. </li> <li>Stop control on Elm and Broad streets changed from the existing two-way stop on Elm Street to a new stop on Broad Street, resulting in a free-flow traffic condition on Elm Street. </li> <li>Striping changes. </li> </ul> <p><strong>4th Street modifications:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Replace traffic signal system on Main and 4th streets with a two-way stop condition on 4th Street, resulting in a free-flow condition on Main Street. </li> <li>Replace traffic signal on Mulberry and 4th streets with a four-way stop. </li> <li>Alter stop condition on Washington and 4th streets from a two-way&nbsp;stop on Washington Street to a new stop condition on 4th Street, resulting in a free-flow traffic condition on Washington Street. </li> <li>Stop condition on Elm and 4th streets changed from two-way stop on Elm Street to a new stop condition on 4th Street, resulting in a free-flow traffic condition on Elm Street. </li> <li>Open new left turn lane from Madison Avenue to 4th Street. </li> <li>Striping changes. <br /> </li> </ul> <p>Safety and livability are central to city street considerations. There are important benefits to the street changes being made: </p> <ul> <li>The traffic signal at 2nd Street will correct transportation bottlenecks so there is less traffic on residential neighborhood streets. </li> <li>The creation of parallel streets will allow direct connections providing better access to the bridge and downtown. </li> <li>Traffic calming&mdash;reducing speeds and discouraging through traffic on residential streets. </li> <li>Street surface improvements are part of the city&rsquo;s regular street maintenance program because they protect the public&rsquo;s investment. </li> </ul> <p>All alterations and improvements are done with the goal to be thoughtful about aesthetics because it contributes to livability. Street and aesthetic improvements are appreciated by businesses and neighboring residents. Our goal is to provide the best look at the greatest economy, including the least amount of maintenance. <br /> <br /> For questions about the conversion contact Mankato's <a href="mailto:lbode@city.mankato.mn.us?subject=Traffic%20conversion%20from%20one-way%20to%20two-way">engineering staff</a> at 507-387-8637.<br /> <br /> </p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-14020.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 21 Aug 2009 10:45:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/13986.aspxThe City of Mankato is exploring options to further connect citizens to their city government through volunteer opportunities.&nbsp; Volunteers would provide an effective and efficient means of supporting and enhancing city core services.&nbsp; As the city faces unprecedented budget challenges within the coming years, volunteers will be essential to sustain a service level that our community and region is proud of.<p>The city currently utilizes volunteers to enhance core services in a variety of areas including public safety, i.e. police reserves, volunteer fire, etc., and public works, i.e. maintenance of planting areas. The city intends to maximize the value of current volunteers while creating new opportunities. Give us &quot;your take&quot; about what volunteer opportunities the city of Mankato should offer?</p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=13986">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 22 Jul 2009 16:47:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-13636.aspx<div align="left"> <div align="right"> <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" align="right" summary="" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Mankato-Transit-Facility-Relocation.pdf"><img height="155" alt="" width="200" align="left" border="0" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Mankato-Transit-Facility-Relocation_RESIZED.jpg" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><font size="1">Proposed Mankato project: Transit facility relocation</font></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> A new and improved area transportation plan is in the works.&nbsp; This time it has an added focus &ndash; transit. <br /> <br /> A group of local officials have joined forces to update the existing <a target="_blank" href="<%=site_url%>mataps/Page.aspx">MATAPS</a> (Mankato Area Transportation and Planning Study) plan. The original MATAPS was completed in 1996 and a subsequent update was completed in 2003. <br /> <br /> Previous MATAPS studies focused mainly on roadways and how the system could be improved to best serve the business community and the residents of the Greater Mankato area. This plan, when completed in spring 2010, will identify transportation improvements for area roadways, regional bicycle and pedestrian facilities, local airports and local and regional transit and rail operations.</div>With more emphasis on multi-modal planning, the MATAPS partners are also taking a close look at the need for expanded transit along major corridors. The partners understand the importance of staying connected to the metropolitan area and feel that transit is a very important part of that process. <br /> <br /> The outcome of MATAPS may have a significant impact on the higher education institutions&rsquo; students, faculty and staff in how they commute and travel within the Mankato community. As early as April 20 the higher education community will begin to see surveys collecting travel information and identifying issues. <br /> <br /> The higher education survey will be followed by two others; surveying the needs of the residents and the business community. These surveys will be conducted during the months of June and July 2010. Public open houses are tentatively scheduled for September 2009 and January 2010. <br /> <br /> Mankato serves as a regional center to many residents in southern Minnesota. <br /> <br /> &ldquo;Whether travelers are commuting to Mankato for work, attending a medical appointment, or visiting local retailers, the role of &ldquo;regional center&rdquo; places additional stresses on the existing transportation system,&rdquo; explained Ronda Allis, Region 9 Transportation Planner. &ldquo;In order to plan the area transportation system for the future, the study will include collecting the needs and wants of residents and travelers.&rdquo; <br /> <br /> The partners involved in the study include: <br /> -Mn/DOT <br /> -City of Mankato <br /> -City of North Mankato <br /> -City of Eagle Lake <br /> -City of St. Peter <br /> -Blue Earth County <br /> -Nicollet County <br /> -Le Sueur County <br /> -Region 9 Development <br /> -Minnesota State University, Mankato <br /> <br /> For more information or to get involved in the transportation planning study, contact Ronda Allis, Region Nine Development Commission at 507-389-8886 or Lisa Bigham, MnDOT at 507-304-6195. <br /> <br /> Proposed Mankato projects:<br /> <a href="<%=upload_url%>/Mankato-Railroad-Mitigation-Plan.pdf">Railroad corridor mitigation plan</a><br /> <a href="<%=upload_url%>/Mankato-Transit-Facility-Relocation.pdf">Transit facility relocation</a><br /> <a href="<%=upload_url%>/CSAH12-Extension-Highway-14-Interchange.pdf">CSAH 12 extension/Highway 14 interchange<br /> </a><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-13636.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 15 Apr 2009 12:05:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-13604.aspx<div style="FLOAT: right"> <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" summary="" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="right"><img height="120" alt="" width="200" align="right" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/GilligBus.jpg" /></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p align="left"><font size="1">Mankato will purchase two buses, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gillig.com/New%20GILLIG%20WEB/low%20floor.htm">similar to this one</a>, with federal stimulus funding.</font></p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <p>The purpose of the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.recovery.gov/">Recovery and Reinvestment Act</a> includes national goals to invest in infrastructure, enhance energy independence and protect those in greatest need. <br /> <br /> Mankato projects receiving federal stimulus funds:<ul> <li>Approximately $1 million will be used to resurface the <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/Mankato Regional Airport_2.pdf">Crosswind runway</a> (secondary landing) at the Mankato Regional Airport. <br /> </li> <li>Two 35-foot <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gillig.com/New%20GILLIG%20WEB/low%20floor.htm">Gillig</a> transit buses will be purchased at a cost of $700,000. These buses are known for high quality and low maintenance costs, and their longevity will contribute to overall sustainability. <br /> </li> <li>A <a target="_blank" href="http://www.eecbg.energy.gov/#lc1">grant</a> of $167,000 will be used for projects to reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions, and improve energy efficiency. City staff will develop an action plan for the use of the funds once guidelines are available. <br /> </li> <li>A <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hud.gov/offices/pih/programs/ph/capfund/ocir.cfm">grant</a> in the amount of $400,000 will be used for specific <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/Item 2 Attachment 8 - Proposed Triplex Renovation Front.pdf">public housing improvements</a> including garages, storage and roofs. <br /> </li> <li>Approximately $3.5 million has been allocated for the construction of a bridge (CSAH 12/Sakatah Trail bridge over the Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad) in preparation of the CSAH 12 Extension/Highway 14 interchange project--<a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/CSAH12-HWY14 Interchange.pdf">appendix A</a> and <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/BEC-CSAH12_HWY14-Interchange.pdf">appendix B</a>, which constructs two miles of arterial roadway to improve overall safety and mobility by reducing traffic volumes on congested Highway 22. Project planning has been done cooperatively by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Blue Earth County and the City of Mankato. </li> </ul> <p>Mankato projects being submitted for federal stimulus funds: </p> <ul> <li>A $4 million low-interest revolving loan to fund the relining of a 42-inch sanitary sewer pipe from Sibley Park to the wastewater treatment plant (approximately 65 to 70 percent of the city&rsquo;s wastewater travels through the pipe). Additionally, the city could receive a grant of five to 25 percent of the loan amount for meeting requirements of a &ldquo;green&rdquo; project. The project would help ensure the longevity of Mankato&rsquo;s wastewater treatment system. <br /> </li> <li>An estimated $598,000 for the installation of a <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/PineStreet-5thAvenue.pdf">gated whistle-free railroad crossing</a>&nbsp;at the intersection of Pine Street and Fifth Avenue&mdash;a residential neighborhood with significant daily train crossings. The project, which is part of the <a target="_blank" href="<%=upload_url%>/RAILROAD CORRIDOR_MARCH 2009.pdf">railroad corridor mitigation plan</a>, is designed to improve safety and enhance livability. <br /> </li> <li>Approximately $78,000 in a one-time <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/BJA/recoveryJAG/recoveryjag.html">Byrne grant</a> (spent over four years) to help fund activities to prevent and control crime, and improve criminal justice system enforcement. Grant dollars would be shared between Mankato and Blue Earth County. Mankato is looking to offload non-emergency calls from 911 to maximize efficiency. <br /> <br /> </li> </ul><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-13604.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsWed, 08 Apr 2009 14:42:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/YourTake/13600.aspxLocal Government Aid (LGA) is a state tax-relief program to help keep tax rates uniform for Minnesota communities and ultimately provide parity in municipal services. Nonprofit think tank-Minnesota 2020 recently released a <a href="http://www.mn2020.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&amp;SEC=%7BEE6BECC3-038A-4AE5-8966-16AD2CD38A7B%7D">report</a> about declining state aids to rural cities. <br /> <br /> Mankato could lose up to $3.1 million. What is <a href="http://www.ci.mankato.mn.us/yourTake.aspx?ytID=13600">&ldquo;your take&rdquo;</a> about declining LGA and how it impacts Greater Minnesota&rsquo;s quality of life? <br /> <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/yourTake.aspx?ytID=13600">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsTue, 07 Apr 2009 15:25:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-13577.aspx<div align="right"> <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" align="right" summary="" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p align="left">&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/AmyVokalgivingtestimony.pdf"><img height="218" alt="" hspace="5" width="200" vspace="5" border="0" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/AmygivingtestimonycroppedSMALL.jpg" /></a></p> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> <p align="left"><font size="1">Featured from Mankato is Public Safety Commander Amy Vokal. Commander Vokal is one of the first speakers&nbsp;at the </font><a href="http://www.thanklga.org/rally-video/"><font size="1">rally</font></a><font size="1">.</font> </p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> Mankato officials&nbsp;recently participated in a <a href="http://www.thanklga.org/rally-video/">Local Government Aid (LGA) rally</a> at the state capitol, hoping their voices will be heard so LGA will not receive further cuts. Speakers included a Mankato police officer, a St. Paul firefighter, a Minneapolis parks worker, a St. Paul librarian and several mayors and legislators. Featured from Mankato is Public Safety Commander Amy Vokal. <br /> <br /> Ongoing state cuts to local government hurt the quality of life in rural Minnesota cities, according to more than 90 percent of mayors surveyed for a report recently released by nonprofit think tank, <a href="http://www.mn2020.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&amp;SEC=%7BEE6BECC3-038A-4AE5-8966-16AD2CD38A7B%7D">Minnesota2020</a>. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-13577.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 03 Apr 2009 14:31:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-12214.aspxAfter considerable <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/AgendaRecommendation.pdf">study</a>, the Mankato City Council has adopted an <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/Ordinance.pdf">ordinance</a> change (effective July 9, 2008) restricting rental licensing in certain residential <a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/OfficialMap.pdf">areas</a>. The change restricts the number of rental licenses to not more than 25 percent of the properties on a residential block.<p>The ordinance change was done in response to neighborhood concerns regarding the conversion of homes to rental and increased nuisance complaints associated with rental properties in areas where rental properties comprise more than 25 percent of all properties. Through research, it was found that the average rental density in fully developed neighborhoods was approximately 27 percent while the state average was approximately 23 percent. Additionally, in areas where rental properties comprise over 25 percent of the properties, over half of the nuisance complaints were attributed to the rental properties.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> The ordinance change does not affect existing rental licenses--these licenses can still be renewed and transferred. However, if a block has 25 percent or more of the properties licensed as rental, no additional licenses will be issued. <br /> </p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-12214.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsThu, 12 Jun 2008 09:33:00 GMThttp://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-11379.aspx<p> <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="200" align="left" summary="" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/airportevent2.jpg"><img height="166" alt="" width="250" src="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/upload/images/PI/airportevent.jpg" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td><em><font size="1">Mankato Mayor John Brady and City Manager Patrick Hentges.</font></em> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> A Runway Extension Dedication was held on December 6 for the newly extended runway at the Mankato Regional Airport, 3030 Airport Road. </p><p>Mankato&rsquo;s new runway will now accommodate airplanes as large as a 757. </p> <p>The development of the Mankato Regional Airport, 3030 Airport Road, provides improvements to the airport runway 15-33 to meet existing and future transportation demands as well as to meet Federal Aviation Administration guidelines and policies. A quality transportation system serves as the foundation for economic development. Access to well-maintained aviation facilities plays an increasingly important role in determining where a business will locate or expand. <br /> <br /> <table align="right"> <tbody> <tr> <td><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript" src="http://mankato-mn.img.cdn.dayport.com/dayportcore/dpm/DayPortPlayers.js?v=20070107"></script><script language="JavaScript" type="text/javascript">DayPortPlayer.newPlayer({articleID:"10", categoryID:"3", domain:"mankato-mn.dayport.com", playerInstanceID:"4B97A9C1-DED2-A2F7-68E3-3459876AD1F9"});</script></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> The runway length (5,400&rsquo;) limited aircraft operations during adverse weather conditions, showing the need for expansion. Pilots that were interviewed noted that they had to reduce the amount of fuel and cargo that they normally carried. In addition, lengthening the runway would increase jet activity 10-15 percent per year and allow mid-sized and larger jets to use the Mankato Regional Airport, possibly allowing for future commercial air services. project cost is about $12 million. It&rsquo;s estimated that 80 percent of the project will be funded through federal and state dollars. <br /> <br /> In conjunction with this event, Mesaba Airlines and Minnesota State University, Mankato announced a new partnership to create a program that will provide a streamlined selection process for students to have the opportunity to become future Mesaba Airlines pilots. <br /> <br /> &ldquo;Mesaba recognizes that Minnesota State Mankato&rsquo;s Aviation program provides high-quality training and experience for student pilots,&rdquo; said Mesaba Airlines President John Spanjers. &ldquo;We are excited about this new alliance, and look forward to a long and successful relationship.&rdquo; <br /> <br /> As part of the event a drawing was held for airplane rides through Mankato's River Valley. Winners are: <br /> Gene Hallmau <br /> Art Zuhlsdorf <br /> Dennis Erickson <br /> Diane LaRochelle <br /> Gary Lundin <br /> Nick Roman <br /> <br /> For more information contact Mankato's Public Information office at 387-8516. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> </p><br /><a href="http://www.mankato-mn.gov/News/Feature-11379.aspx">View Article</a>City of Mankato NewsFri, 07 Mar 2008 13:59:00 GMT