10-09-2019 Workshop Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP OCTOBER 9, 2019 City Administrator stated that there are other options for handling the Fire Relief investments for less costs. It was noted that Little Canada is currently one of the highest city contributors to a fire relief association. There was Council consensus to increase the contribution amount with some considerations. CONSIDER The City Administrator explained that a sister city is a broad -based, long - CREATION OF A term partnership between two communities in two countries, and these SISTER CITY relationships help to foster community engagement, and often include ADVISORY local residents, volunteers, and elected officials in ongoing partnership COMMITTEE activities. He reported that in 1977, the City of Thunder Bay, Ontario was asked to be a Sister City of Little Canada, and since then, Little Canada and Thunder Bay have come together for a weekend of food and fun, celebrating their international friendship on an annual basis. He noted that while most cities have an established Sister City Committee or Commission to carry out the goals and activities of these partnerships, Little Canada has relied on the efforts of a few key individuals and informal relationships that have been established over the years. He stated that establishing a formal Sister City Committee with additional volunteers may help to maintain this Sister City relationship. Keis stated that having a small committee could be good in order to have better organized communication between Little Canada and Thunder Bay. The City Administrator explained that Thunder Bay is very interested in expanding our collaborations. Keis stated that a budget is being established for this type of community engagement activities and maybe a formal committee does not need to be established. He stated that someone from the Canadian Days, the historical society, a Council member and maybe a staff member could meet before Canadian Days and organize efforts each year. There was Council consensus to have an informal group work together and see if that grows. STRATEGIC PLAN The Public Works Director gave an update on Twin Lake and stated that DISCUSSION the water is coming in to Twin Lake from West Vadnais Lake again, and the Twin Lake level went up over six inches. He reported that City Staff decided to turn the pump back on since it was still in place in order to keep the lake from increasing any more. He noted that the bypass project is ending up being a lot more complicated than the Watershed District originally thought. He reported that he had just met with a state representative who is managing FEMA funds being given to Ramsey County, and stated that it is likely that the City could be reimbursed for all costs. 2