Centerville Tidbits
Economic Development Authority Approved
Centerville will soon have a new seven-member Economic Development Authority to guide the city's plans to expand business opportunities within the city.
Under a resolution approved unanimously by the City Council October 25, the EDA will be made up of all five council members, with two additional citizen members to be appointed by the council.
Council representatives' terms on the EDA will coincide with their council terms, and citizen members will serve four-year terms, under the resolution, which also lists the following procedural guidelines for the new panel:
- The sale of bonds by the EDA must be approved by the City Council, and the EDA must "follow the budget process for city departments in accordance with city policies, ordinances and resolutions."
- EDA actions with regard to development and redevelopment in the city must conform with Centerville's comprehensive land-use plan and "related official controls."
- The EDA must submit its development and redevelopment plans to the council for review and final approval.
- The council's vote establishing the EDA followed a public hearing at which no one spoke in opposition.
Alexandra House Funding Approved
Despite a move by one member to reduce the amount, $924 in Centerville funding was approved by the City Council for the Alexandra House Community Program, which provides advocacy and support service for victims of domestic abuse.
Alexandra House had requested he $924 as Centerville's prorated share of the group's annual budget. According to a letter from the agency to City Administrator Dallas Larson, that amount corresponded to the 94 "advocacy and support services" logged by Alexandra House for Centerville residents in 2005.
Last year, Alexandra House provided a total of 17,904 such services to all of its Washington County clients, the letter noted, listing as examples "assistance in filing protection orders, accompaniment to subsequent hearings," post-assault victim advocacy in court proceedings, follow-up at hospitals and clinics, safety planning, and information and referral services.
Alexandra House also conducts weekly community support groups, as well as monthly legal clinics and family law sessions for domestic abuse victims.
Council Member Michelle Lakso said she appreciated the group's efforts but suggested that the city approve less money, noting that county mediation services, for example, has asked the Centerville for smaller amounts.
However, Mayor Mary Capra and City Attorney Kurt Glaser defended Alexandra House's request, with Capra saying, "Domestic abuse can lead to other things criminal, and I think this is a small amount to pay."
The funding was approved on a 2-1 vote, with Capra and Council Member Rick Terway voting in favor and Lakso voting in opposition. Council members Tom Lee and Jeff Paar were absent from last week's council meeting.
Watershed District Seeking Replacement Member
The Rice Creek Watershed District is seeking nominations for a new board member in anticipation of the January expiration of Andrew J. Cardinal Sr.'s three-year term.
Cardinal is eligible to be re-appointed to the board after his term expires on January 17, 2007, Assistant Anoka County Attorney Pamela McCabe and County Administrator John Jay McLinden noted in an October 11 letter to Centerville Mayor Mary Capra.
However, others interested in being appointed to the board may submit their names for consideration by the Anoka County Board of Commissioners, the letter added. Cities and towns in the watershed district also are allowed to nominate residents, although the county board will appoint replacement managers itself if a city or town fails to submit at least three nominees at least 60 days before a manager's term expires.
For more information on the nomination process, contact Centerville City Hall at 651-429-3232 or Anoka County Administration at 763-323-5700.