April 2010 Volume 7 Number 4
IN THIS ISSUE... • • • •
State of the City Address:
‘We need to do less with less’ Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
“‘We need to do more with less’ was the buzz phrase of the past,” said Steven King, South St. Paul city administrator. “The new buzz phrase is ‘we need to do less with less.’ The general public has become accustomed to high quality services. But those cannot be sustained unless revenue is increased.” Right now, King expects that the city could come up short $800,000 once the state budget is finalized in mid-May and its Local Government Aid (LGA) is distributed. State leaders are mandated to balance the state budget, which at last report is down by $994 million, and have resorted to using LGA, which is money distributed to cities across the state with low property tax bases. South St. Paul was promised $1.6 million for 2010, and has worked that amount into the 2010 budget. But with the budget crisis continuing at the state level, word is filtering back from the Capitol that the city may only get half that amount. “It’s tough. We have been on a diet of cuts for the last six or seven years,” said King. It’s a result of LGA, which has made up a large percentage of the city budget, and its steady decline over the last several years. In 2002, LGA provided $3.2 million
2010 budget: 2009 budget: $12,640,988 expenses* $12,870,507 $12,486,960 revenue $12,870,507 $154,028 difference made up with infusion
Difference: down $229,519 or 1.78 percent from 2009 down $383,547 or 2.98 percent from 2009 from contingency
*Includes $1.6 million in promised LGA funds. The city expects to receive only half of those dollars.
Spending expenditures • Public safety – 47 percent (police, fire and animal control) • General government – 17 percent (mayor and council, city administration, city attorney, city clerk, finance department, City Hall, code enforcement) • Public works – 12 percent (engineering, snow plowing and street sweeping) • Leisure services – 14 percent (parks and recreation, library services) • Debt service – 6 percent • Contingency – 4 percent Sources of revenue, based on the 2010 budget • Property tax: 60 percent • LGA: 13 percent • Fees, permits, licenses: 10 percent • Charge for services: 7 percent • Other: 10 percent
or 18 percent of the city budget. For 2010, the promised amount from the state was $1,664,039, which reduces revenue from the state to 12 percent of the city’s 2010 budget. Because the state limits how much a city can raise in revenue from property taxes, the amount levied in South St. Paul on property taxes has not made up for the amount lost in LGA. Consequently, South St. Paul has seen a revenue deficit for years and has had to make cuts to keep its budget balanced. For example, previously budgeted positions for two police officers, maintenance
employees at Wakota Ice Arena and Fleming Airport, as well as an administrative assistant, have been eliminated. Wage freezes are in place for all other city employees, and the city is trying to avoid overtime. It has also begun to share resources with the School District and look for ways to collaborate with other organizations and businesses within the city. “Administration, which is relatively lean when compared to similar cities, is working harder than ever to continue to maintain the level of service residents have come to expect,” said King. “The hard truth is that
South St. Paul has for a long time been accustomed to quality services. With an expected loss of $800,000, the city simply does not have the money.” The major source of revenue for the city is property taxes (60 percent), which King cites as very difficult for several reasons: 1. Home values have dropped. According to Dakota County Value information, they are down 11 percent due to class rate and market value credit adjustments — the most of all Dakota Coun-
State of the City / Page 9
People.......................................... page 3 News Briefs.................................. page 4 River Connections.. ...................... page 8 Back in Time.. ............................ page 12
Saying farewell to a friend of the children Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
A
fter 21 years, Susan Lippolt has finished the final chapter on her career as children’s librarian at South St. Paul Library. Organizing book clubs, preschool story time, VolunTeens and summer reading programs, along with updating and cataloguing new Susan Lippolt books, have become, as she said, “a bit exhausting.” She tears up, though, thinking about retirement and leaving her “home away from home” in South St. Paul, which has allowed her to pursue her passion of sharing great books and reading skills with children and teens. Growing up in Lake City, Minn., she remembers lying in bed reading books together with her mother and brothers and sister. She attended Winona State to become a kindergarten teacher, and received her nursery school certification. She started Apple Tree Pre-School and operated it for eight years out of her home, with each of her three children attending. Her career at South St. Paul Library began as a traveling storyteller. She took story time to local day care centers that offered preschool but weren’t able to get their students to the library. It was a treat to have “Miss Susan” for story time. Once she opened a book, it became a performance, with preschoolers enthralled with Lippolt’s singsong voice, expressive eyes and ability to change her tone with each character. She transported children into magical worlds of spaceships, animals and princesses through her imaginative talent for storytelling. Jane Kroschel, the library’s director, who has known Lippolt from the start, said her love for children really showed, and when the children’s librarian position opened up, Lippolt was urged to
Children’s librarian / Page 2
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Children’s Librarian from page 1 apply. “Once hired, she took control of the children’s library, which is the core of our library service, and ran it efficiently and provided creative ideas for programs. Her story time for kids has been extremely popular,” Kroschel said.
It’s no wonder. The surroundings are perfect in the old library for a good story, with its huge fireplace, high ceilings and beautiful, tall, curved windows with sunlight pouring in. It’s an enchanting place that contains a child-sized spaceship, an aquarium with goldfish from Lippolt’s backyard pond, and a special “Little Room”
designed just for kids to relax and retreat into the thrilling world of books. During one of her last story times, Lippolt was seated with a book in her lap and a felt board beside her, with figures of Martians and a space ship on it. Children were on a carpeted floor surrounded by shelves of books, stuffed animals, and stars dangling from the
Mn/DOT and your local officials invite you to an
INFORMATIONAL OPEN HOUSE Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Paul and Sheila Wellstone Center, 179 Robie Street East, St. Paul
Find out about the Highway 52 Lafayette Bridge replacement project This is your opportunity to get details about the Highway 52 Lafayette Bridge replacement project. This project marks a significant change for the area, and all residents and business owners are encouraged to attend. For more information or to sign up for e-mail updates, please visit http://www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/hwy52-stpaul/index.html
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Page 2 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2010
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ceiling, and were spell- to tweens and teenagers bound as she turned the through summer reading pages of the book. Be- programs and a Volunfore long, she produced Teen program, for which a one-eyed, one-horned she coordinated teens to purple people eater pup- work at the front desk. pet and soon the kids “It’s truly rewarding, were clapping, giggling working with the teens,” and bouncing along to said Lippolt. “I remember the song she sang. when we had a Harry Pot“I wish parents could ter and Lemony Snicket see their children’s fac- program. The teens really es from my view,” said got into it. You wonder, Lippolt. “I love work- ‘who is having more fun; ing with that age group. the kids or the teens and They are so innocent and adults?’” open and say what they She has also coordiSt. Paul Voice say. They are adorable.” nated a Junior Book Club Publication: Voz Latina June Kamish hasLabeen and Teen Book Club. Downtown bringing her children to Fantasy and Sci-Fi seem South St. Paul “Miss Susan’s” story time to be the genres of choice Deadline: each week, starting when lately for teens. To keep her now Cost: 11-year-old was up with all the new titles just two. Her son is now inundating the market, Published: in the library’s Junior she listens to many on Book Club. tape while in her car to “She has been a huge get aXfeel Ok as is (please ) for them. part of our week.” said “I got hugely lucky in Kamish. “She’s so patientandgetting Change send hired,” said Lipwith the kids. revised We love proofpolt. “Computers were Client Signatureand energy. her creativity just being introduced I am so happy that she is for cataloguing, so I got (for approval) able to get my children trained in along with evexcitedPhone: about reading eryone else. I have had 651-457-1177 and learning.” to order new books and Fax: 651-457-1077 Lippolt has carried discard others, and try This material is developed by and is property of the St. that love for learning tobepay attention to what Paul Publishing Company and may not reproduced,
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people were asking for within the limits of budget and space. “Being the children’s librarian has been a huge part of my life,” she added. “I am so thankful for the opportunity it has given me, meeting wonderful adults and coworkers, as well as the children.” Her long-neglected Inver Grove Heights backyard, which contains a large pond filled with goldfish and a waterfall, is calling to her. She is also looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren and getting reacquainted with woodworking and candle making equipment from her pre-librarian days, when craft fairs were regularly scheduled on her calendar. Kroschel said the interviewing process was well underway and the library hoped to hire a new librarian by April 1. “They will have big shoes to fill,” said Kroschel. “We will miss her.”
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P eople A Changing of the Guard Long-time Wakota Arena announcer passes microphone to successor Mary Diedrick Hansen Staff Writer
H
igh school hockey announcer Maynard Oster has been South St. Paul’s microphone marvel for 42 years, announcing games four nights a week at Wakota Arena. But at 75 years of age, old hockey injuries incurred from his days as goalie for Cretin-Derham Hall are flaring up in his joints, and sitting in a cold arena has become uncomfortable. The AllStar announcer, at least in South St. Paul’s eyes, has decided to retire. He will leave a legacy of black Stetson cowboy hats and a western lingo of droppin’ the “g’s” from words like stickin,’ trippin’ and slashin,’ which he proudly continued to verbalize throughout his
tenure behind the mic, after one of the referees in his early years kidded him about cowboys “ropin” cattle in South St. Paul. The black Stetson, which he wore to every game, added to the cowboy persona of the city. It took him 20 years to wear out the first one. Now, the second one is nearly done-in as well. The love of hockey runs thick in his blood. Oster was born and raised in South St. Paul, and started playing hockey at a young age at the city’s outdoor rinks. He attended St. Augustine’s Catholic School before moving to Cretin High, where he was a goalie for four years. He was ten when he attended his first state hockey tournament in 1945. Tickets were just $2. He hasn’t missed one since. When he was in his thirties, Oster coached kindergarten and firstgraders, who were barely
skating, through the South St. Paul Boosters, and then moved into an inner city league with 4 th, 5 th and 6 th graders. He also became secretary/ treasurer of the South St. Paul Senior Hockey League Board, and in 1968 he did it all: announcing, score-keeping and collecting the money. Two years later he was asked to take over announcing the high school games because the current announcer was moving on to sports-radio. Over the years he has seen a lot of outstanding talent at the arena, including Phil Housley and Doug Woog. He also witnessed the evolution of girls’ hockey in South St. Paul. In the early days of the 1970s, he worked 70 to 80 games a season. Not only did he announce the South St. Paul Packers games, but also the Henry Sibley, Simley and St. Thomas Academy games
2010
Maynard Oster (right) passes the microphone to Larry Ross, who will succeed him next year as hockey announcer at Wakota Arena. because they didn’t have their own ice arenas. In later years, some of those schools got their own arenas, and he was down to 30 games each season, which included South St. Paul’s powerhouse girls’ hockey team, along with the boys. When not behind the mic, Oster worked as an estimator for Berwald
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impact on me,” he said. At a retirement event at the arena, Wakota staff honored Oster by naming the scorer’s table after him. He thanked his wife and children for supporting his love of hockey for over 40 years. Larry Ross, who for the last seven years has run the scoreboard next to Oster, will take over next season.
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N ews Briefs Library events
For more information on the following South St. Paul library events, call 651-554-3240 or visit www.southstpaul.org/ library. Poetry/Rap Open Mic – Celebrate National Poetry Month and Earth Day by expressing yourself at our open mic. Poets, young and old, are encouraged to read their original work at 7 p.m., Thurs., April 22. Refreshments and a little harp music provided. Book Sale – A variety of adult and children’s materials (books, videos, recorded books, etc.) will be for sale at bargain prices during regular hours Mon., April 12 through Sat., April 17. Your Story: Intro to Memoirs – A free 90-minute workshop for people interested in writing a memoir is offered 6:30-8 p.m., Thurs., April 1. Staff from the Guthrie Theater Museum will help participants jumpstart their writing process. Drop-In Computer Help – Staff will be available in the library meeting room 1-3 p.m., Tues-
Your community news and information source day, April 27, to answer basic questions about Word, Excel, Internet Explorer and the web, email, etc. Book Discussions - April’s title is “Amy and Isabelle” by Elizabeth Strout. When Isabelle Goodrow moved to small-town Shirley Falls with her daughter Amy, she never imagined how fascinating math could be. The Wednesday discussion will be held at 1 p.m., April 21, and the Thursday discussion at 7 p.m., April 15. Information packets for the current month are available at the library’s front desk or online on the library’s webpage at www.southstpaul.org/library under Adult Book Discussions. Teen Book Club “Catching Fire” by Suzanne Collins will be discussed at 4 p.m., Fri., April 2. This club is for teens ages 12-18. Refreshments will be provided.
SSP Garden Club goes to the birds
The South St. Paul Garden Club will meet at 7 p.m., Mon., April 5, at V.F.W. Post #295,
Ronden Associates Tax & Accounting Service Personal one-on-one service Locally owned - Experienced Personal and Business Returns QuickBooks - ProAdvisor
Call 651-451-9692 Ron Sterry, Accountant 907 Southview Blvd., South St. Paul
Relay for Life kick-off party South St. Paul’s Relay for Life kick-off party will be held at 7 p.m., Thurs., April 8, at Central Square in South St. Paul. The community is invited to attend and get involved with the American Cancer Society’s biggest fundraiser. A Relay for Life event is an overnight community effort where individuals and teams camp out and take turns walking around a track relay style to raise funds to fight cancer. As day turns to night, par-
ticipants will light thousands of luminaries around the track in an inspiring ceremony to remember cancer survivors, as well as friends and family who have died from the disease. The Relay For Life of the South St. Paul area will be held August 6-7, at Lincoln Center Elementary track. For more information, call Jahna Haller 651-207-6889 or Vicki LaBrosse 651-5527753, or email ssprelay@gmail.com. the Twin Cities metro area to allow individuals to save up to 50 percent on monthly groceries by purchasing a variety of “express packages.” No advance payment or preregistration is needed. Fare For All is open to everyone. There are no income-based requirements for participation, and it does not affect eligibility to receive assistance from a foodshelf. There is no limit to the number of packages that can be purchased each month. Central Square Community Center is located at 100 – 7 th Ave. No. For more information, call 651-306-3690.
111 South Concord Exchange, South St. Paul. The topic for the evening is Spring Birding and Attracting Birds to the Garden, presented by a speaker from Cardinal Corner in West St. Paul. Understanding bird behavior, habitation and food preferences helps gardeners plan spaces that are beneficial to birdlife and also beautiful for their human observers.. The meeting is free and open to the public. Come early and enjoy refreshments and visit with Garden Club members. Membership in the South St. Paul Garden Club is $10 a year per person. For more information, call Lois Glewwe at 651-457-3403..
sponsored by the South St. Paul Lions Club. For more information, call the Parks and Recreation office at 651-306-3690.
Giant Egg Hunt at Kaposia Park
Dog owners are encouraged to purchase a pass to the Kaposia Landing Off-Leash Dog Park , located near ConFare For All Express cord Street North and Bryant Avenue in South at Central Square Central Square Com- St. Paul. The dog park munity Center is a part- is a 6.3 acre parcel of ner of Fare For All Ex- land that features a fully press, a program of the fenced perimeter, bull Emergency Foodshelf pen entry and exit area, Network that partners two shelters with picnic with several community tables, Mutt Mitt waste organizations around disposable stations, trash
Bring the kids to the Annual Giant Egg Hunt on Sat., April 3, at Kaposia Park. This popular event will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. All youth ages 1 to 8 are invited to hunt for candy and prizes. Areas will be divided by age group. Come early for good parking and to visit with the Easter Bunny. The event is
Parks and Rec summer programs
The Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registration for summer programs. A large variety of activities and programs are available for all ages including summer playgrounds, day camps, pre-school Programs, youth trips, outdoor swimming lessons, outdoor pool passes, and more. The Summer Edition 1 brochure was mailed to every household in South St. Paul in mid-March. The publication is also available at www.southstpaul. org. For questions, call the Parks and Recreation department at 651-3063690.
Kaposia Landing Off Leash Dog Park Pass
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containers and an information/bulletin board Kiosk. Dog Park users must purchase a yearly membership for $20. Funds support on-going development of the dog park. Each member will receive an identification tag that they will need to keep with them to identify them as members. Membership forms are available on-line at www. southstpaul.org and at the Parks and Recreation office, 100-7th Ave. N. For more information, call 651-306-3690.
Free workplace English classes
South Suburban Adult Basic Education (ABE) offers Workplace English classes to adults ages 18 and older who want to enter the workforce and wish to improve their English language and job search skills. The classes are free and open to residents of the South St. Paul school district. To enroll or receive more information, call 651-4579441.
Highground Memorial fundraiser
Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 639 of South St. Paul is is seeking cash and merchandise donations for St. Paul Voice aPublication: fundraiser, to be heldLatina La Voz 2-5:30 p.m, Saturday, Downtown Oct. 16, at Bugg’sSouth Place, St. Paul 925Deadline: N. Concord, South St. Paul. The event will feature Cost: food, a silent auction, pull tabs and more. Published: Proceeds will benefit the Highground Memorial, as is (please X which honorsOkveterans of all wars. For more inChange and send formation, contact John revised proof Lynch at 651-459-1310 Client Signature or lynch0319@gmail. com. (for approval)
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This material is developed by and is property Paul Publishing Company and may not be re
N ews Briefs Inver Hills president receives Lifetime Achievement Award
Inver Hills Community College president Cheryl Frank has received the Michael Bennett Lifetime Achievement Award by Phi Theta Kappa. The award is presented to retiring college administrators for exemplary services rendered to Phi
Your community news and information source Theta Kappa during the course of their academic careers. Frank will receive the award in mid-April at Phi Theta Kappa’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla.
p.m., Fri., April 23, at the Croatian Hall, 445 2nd Ave. S., South St. Paul. Class members are requested to R.S.V.P. to ssp1978reunion@otsegomn.net.
Class of ’78 birthday party
Clothes Closet extends hours
The South St. Paul High School Class of 1978 is hosting a “50th birthday gathering” at 7
The Clothes Closet at Neighbors, Inc., 218 13th Ave., S., South St. Paul, has added Wednes-
day hours and is now open three nights a week. Store hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon., Fri. and Sat., and 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Tues., Wed. and Thurs. The store offers gently used clothing and household items. It is staffed by volunteers, with proceeds going toward programs at Neighbors, Inc.
South St. Paul Jaycees raise over 3,000 lbs. of food for Neighbors, Inc.
On Mar. 13, the South St. Paul Jaycees donated 3,072 pounds of food to Neighbors, Inc. The food was received during the organization’s third annual St. Patrick’s Day Food Drive. Jaycee members went door-to-door delivering 3,000 donation bags to the community. The bags were donated by Cub Foods and Rainbow Foods. “Since their inception, the South St. Paul Jaycees have been a huge value to Neighbors, Inc. and the
Tony Leitner, left, demonstrates the Nintendo Power Glove alongside his business partner Tony Hoaglund. The duo opened Level Up Games Mar. 22 in South St. Paul.
local community,” said Joe Mladik, community donations coordinator for Neighbors, Inc. “This last food drive was one of the biggest we have ever seen in terms of pounds raised. The Jaycees arrived at our building pulling a huge flatbed jampacked with food that quickly drew everyone to the windows looking on in awe. The final weight of it all was a whopping 3,072 pounds of food, all of which will go toward providing more than 2,000 meals for local families. Not only that, but March is Minnesota FoodShare month, which means this large donation will allow Neighbors to receive more of a matching fund that is distributed to food shelves across the state, depending on how many pounds of food and dollars we can raise throughout the month. The in-kind value of all the Jaycees’ hard work is beyond measure. To be able to raise this
Tony Leitner and his business partner Tony Hoaglund have been talking about opening their own video game store since they were 15. On March 22 their virtual dream became a tangible reality with the opening of Level Up Games at 609 Marie Ave., South St. Paul. “For years we’ve been talking about how sweet it would be to get our own video game store instead of going home and playing (online video games) with someone in Mexico or Tokyo,” said Leitner. “We’re bringing back the social aspects of gaming.” The two Tonys - both 27 and hailing from Inver Grove Heights - plan to sell old- and new-school video games. Everything from Mario to Halo. But as their business idea has
blossomed over the last dozen years, they have seen the demise of local video game specialty stores. Their idea, however, is truly interactive. “It will be like a (retail game outlet) GameStop, but all of our stores are going to have gaming rooms and big screen TVs where people can get together, hang out, and have fun the way it used to be,” Leitner said. “We’re gonna try to change the video game industry in the Midwest — that’s our 10-year goal.” Leitner and Hoaglund hope to recreate the days when friendships were forged over pop and a few rounds of Mike Tyson’s Punchout. “When we were kids, we had to go and find a friend, bring him over to play video games, and that’s how we formed a lot of friendships,” said Leitner. “We want to
bring that back.” The duo has plans to hold gaming tournaments and give away a Nintendo Wii and a $150 gift card within the first week. Level Up Games will buy and sell quality games at fair market prices, Leitner said. They want to treat regulars as if they were buddies playing Contra, not just another customer. “We will appeal to anyone that’s ever ... played or loved video games,” Leitner said. “Anyone from kids to adults who want a nostalgic feel, and also hard-core gamers. If you’ve ever played a video game or picked up a joystick, we’ll always be there for you.” Store hours are 2-10 p.m., Mon-Thurs.; 2 p.m.-midnight, Fri.-Sun. For more information, call 651-493-9176 or visit Level Up Games on Facebook.
Neighbors, Inc. Rummage Sale
Neighbors, Inc. is hosting a rummage sale 10 a.m.-4 p.m., April 7-8, at Neighbors, 218 13th Ave., S., South St. Paul. Proceeds from the sale will support programs at Neighbors, Inc., a nonprofit social service agency that serves residents in northern Dakota County.
C
HUGE SALE!
Wine of the Month:
From Mario to Halo: Local gamers’ virtual dreams become reality Steven Pease Contributor
much food with only a dozen or more people is as amazing as it is inspirational to anyone trying to impact their community. The Jaycees are truly local super heroes in the fight to end hunger.” The mission of the South St. Paul Jaycees is to help people ages 18-40 develop leadership skills, social responsibility, entrepreneurship and fellowship necessary to create positive change. For more information or to inquire about membership, visit www.sspjaycees.org.
Cupcake
Pu
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No student is turned away due to lack of ability to pay. South St. Paul Voice - April 2010 - Page 5
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History Theatre “Queens of Burlesque” is presented April 24-May 23. This performance is a funny, poignant and revealing look at the lives of burlesque performers, both on and off stage, during the Twin Cities’ burlesque theater scene of the 1950s. As the era came to an end, these performers found themselves caught between economics of the time and the talents that they’d spent their lives honing. Tickets are $28$32 for adults, $25-$30 for seniors and $15 for students. For more information, call the box office at 651-292-4323.
Children’s Museum “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice” is presented through May 31 at the Minnesota Children’s Museum, 10 W. Seventh St., St. Paul. This exhibit will transport families back to the Cretaceous Period (145 - 65 million years ago) to explore dinosaur habitats and
eight Jews hiding in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam, Anne Frank emerges from history as a lyrical and intensely gifted young woman. Be inspired by this timeless account of a girl whose imagination and hope would not be stifled by adversity. Tickets are $36-$40 for adults, $31-$35 for seniors and $15 for age 30 and under. For more information, call 651-2917005.
“Queens of Burlesque,” presented April 24-May 23 at the History Theatre, is a funny, poignant and revealing look at the lives of burlesque performers, both on and off stage, during the Twin Cities’ burlesque theater scene of the 1950s.
Science Museum Photo by Margaret Andrews
understand how these mysterious animals lived. “Children of Hangzhou: Connecting with China” is presented through May 16. This exhibit is designed to engage children and families in learning about one of the oldest civilizations – and now among the most modern in the world – through some of its young people. Tickets are $8.95. For more details, call 651-225-6000.
Xcel Energy Center
Bon Jovi will perform at 7:30 p.m., April 7 and 8. Tickets are $29.50$131.50. Grammy, American Music Award and fivetime Dove Award-winning “Group of the Year” Casting Crowns, with special guests Tenth Avenue North and CALEB, will present its “Until the Whole World Hears” tour at 7 p.m., Sun., April 11.
Tickets are $25-$77. The Xcel Center is located at 199 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. For more information, visit www. xcelenergycenter.com.
Park Square Theatre “Dead Man’s Cell Phone” is presented April 9-May 2, at Park Square Theatre, 20 W. 7th Place, St. Paul. All Jean wants to do is stop the ringing
cell phone of the man sitting (quietly) next to her. Boldly choosing to answer it may end up being the best thing that happens to her. In this quirky modern adventure, Jean re-connects to her own spirit and learns — from a dead man — that life is for the living. “The Diary of Anne Frank” is presented through May 7. In this extraordinary account of
“Dead Sea Scrolls: Words That Changed the World” – This exhibit, featured through Oct. 24, offers a rare opportunity to witness one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century — The Dead Sea Scrolls, which include the earliest known Biblical writings. The 2,000 year-old, authentic text fragments are steeped in scientific, religious and cultural significance. Complementing the exhibit is “Arabia,” showing
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S ample St. Paul in the Omnitheater. This new film offers a look at Arabia’s culture, history and religion. Tickets are $28 for adults and $22 for children ages 4-12 and seniors age 60 and older, or $34 and $28 respectively with admission to the Omnitheater. Amantes de la Ciencia (Lovers of Science) is presented 1-4 p.m., Sat., April 24. This exhibit introduces visitors to science and education professionals from the Twin Cities’ Latino communities. The Science Museum is located at 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul For more information, visit www.smm.org, or call 651-221-9444.
History Center “Benjamin Franklin: In Search of a Better World” is presented through July 4, at the Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul. You know about Benjamin Franklin’s famous experiment with a kite, a key and some lightning, but did you also know about his rebellious youth? That he pioneered wind surfing and invented swim fins? That he helped found the nation’s first hospital, was an environmentalist and charted the Gulf Stream to assist in ocean travel? In many ways Benjamin Franklin is the founding father nobody knows –
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misunderstood because of the sheer breadth and diversity of his accomplishments. Discover the many ways Franklin has affected our world today in the new exhibit. “Minnesota’s Greatest Generation: The Depression, The War, The Boom” - This exhibit features more than 6,000-square-feet of artifacts, interactive displays and innovative multimedia experiences that reveal the lives and stories of the men and women who came of age during the Depression and World War II, and who went on to create the phenomenal postwar boom. The exhibition features first-person narratives in recorded interviews, images, film and audio. “MN 150” - Meet 150 people, places, events and things that have sparked significant change within Minnesota and beyond. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, and $5 for children ages 6-17. The center offers free admission on Tuesdays from 5-8 p.m. For more information, call 651259-3000 or visit www. mnhs.org.
Lowry Theatre “Hockey Mom, Hockey Dad!” is presented through April 26 at the Lowry Theatre, 16 W. 5th St., St. Paul. Comedy
and drama collide in this romantic comedy about two lonely, single parents who meet and fall in love while watching their kids play hockey. Tickets are $14.50-$27.50 and can be ordered by calling Ticketmaster at 1-800982-2787. For more information, call the box office at 651-227-2464.
Free ballet program at Landmark Center
St. Paul City Ballet is offering a free ballet program at noon, Tues., April 13, at the Landmark Center. The event will feature St. Paul City Ballet’s Company of dancers, who will perform and educate attendees on various aspects of ballet and preview upcoming performances. For more information, call 651292-3276, or visit www. landmarkcenter.org.
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Artists’ Quarter
The Artists’ Quarter, located in the Historic Hamm Building at 7th Place and St. Peter in downtown St. Paul, offers live entertainment throughout the month, including jazz bands, poetry nights and the popular B-3 organ night, held at 9 p.m. every Tuesday. For a complete schedule of events, call 651-2921359 or visit www.artistsquarter.com.
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Antiques, artifacts and more found along the Mississippi River stewards say you’d be surprised at what turns up along the riverbank Tim Spitzack Editor
L
ast year Julie Millerbernd of West St. Paul was volunteering at a Mississippi River cleanup event in South St. Paul when she stumbled upon something very unusual. Lying in the weeds was a macabre black and yellow mask resembling the face of an aged Indian warrier. Since they were near the
site of the former Kaposia Indian village, Millerbernd and other volunteers were sure they’d found a rare Native American artifact — a death mask used in funerary rites. They had it examined by Chad Roberts, director of the Dakota County Historical Society, and Leonard Wabasha, director of cultural resources for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux community, and were disappointed to learn that it was most likely a very elaborate art project rather than a rare artifact. It made for an interesting story, nonetheless. During a river cleanup
This “Death Mask” was found near South St. Paul last year during a river cleanup.
Education that lasts beyond a lifetime...
in St. Paul, a volunteer saw something sparkle in the muddy riverbank. He bent down and unearthed a mint condition 1878 silver dollar coin. These are among the many treasures that can be found during a river cleanup, according to Paul Nordell, program coordinator of the Adopt a River program for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Admittedly, most volunteers who attend a river cleanup are not there to find treasure but rather to help make the river a cleaner, safer place. In reality, these events are often dirty, messy affairs in which volunteers collect discarded pop cans, automobile tires (usually found in pairs, according to Nordell), and other forms of trash and debris. Since the program began in 1989, over 80,000 volunteers have cleaned up over 10,000 miles of shoreline along Minnesota’s rivers, lakes and watersheds, removing nearly 6 million pounds of trash. There are over 250 active groups participating in the program, which enlists individuals, families, service groups, businesses and conservation organizations to adopt a waterway section for two years. The program is similar to the Adopt a Highway program that uses volunteers to clean
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Little Learners Preschool & Saint John Vianney School 1815 Bromley St., South St Paul 651.451.8395 • www.saintjohnvianneyschool.org Page 8 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2010
Photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR
The 19th annual Mississippi Riverboat Clean-up will take place June 16 at Harriet Island aboard the Jonathon Padelford riverboat. trash alongside roadways. Participants receive a free cleanup kit, bags and gloves, and other support, including help with organizing a cleanup and learning how to identify dangerous plants. The program is an offshoot of environmental efforts that began in the mid-1980s when thenMinnesota Governor Rudy Perpich mobilized state agencies for the Mississippi River Revival. The goal of this initiative was to clean up the canoe and boat landings along the Mississippi river, which had sustained considerable abuse from illegal dumping. By 1988, a task force was created to develop a volunteer-based program that would continue these efforts. One of the
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most celebrated cleanups was on June 29, 1988, when volunteers removed over 80 tons of debris from Lilydale Regional Park, located along the Mississippi river in St. Paul. “There has been a dramatic shift over the years,” said Nordell of the decrease in the amount of trash along the river. “We are now in a maintenance mode.” Today, he said the biggest concern is from storm water runoff, which carries chemicals from automobiles, lawn fertilizers and other pollutants to the river. Humboldt Secondary School on the West Side is in its second year participating in the program. It adopts a stretch of riverbank on the West Side from the Smith Avenue High Bridge to the 35E Bridge. Students in grades 7-12 take part in cleanup efforts twice a year, and also frequent the site for field trips that tie in with the school’s new environmental curriculum. “It’s been very positive,” said Matt Osborne, co-environmental program manager and social studies teacher at Humboldt. “At first they were hesitant to get dirty but then got excited when they found things like a water heater and 200lb. tires. They were like, ‘wow, you’ve got to be kidding.’”
Cleanup events
• The city of South St. Paul, which has long taken part in environmental efforts along the Mississippi, is also in the process of adopting a section of the river through the program. It will host the South St. Paul River Cleanup at 9:30 a.m., Sat., April 24. Volunteer coordinator Deb Griffith said 80-100 people typically attend this annual event to help clean the riverbank and area parks. She said all supplies are provided but encourages volunteers to wear good shoes or boots. The event will be rescheduled in case of flooding. For more information, contact Griffith at 651-5543230. • St. Paul-based Friends of the Mississippi River is hosting a cleanup 9:30 a.m.-noon, Sat., April 17, in the Mississippi River Gorge. Volunteers will meet at two sites: East 36th Street and West River Parkway, and E. 44th St. and West River Parkway. For more information, e-mail srich@ fmr.org, or call 651-2222193. • The DNR sponsored event — the 19th annual Mississippi Riverboat Cleanup — will take place June 16 at Harriet Island aboard the Jonathon Padelford riverboat. For more information on this event and the Adopt a River program, call Norbert at 651-2595630.
C ity Government State of the City from page 1 ty communities. 2. To complicate matters, South St. Paul has a lower tax base than surrounding cities of comparable size. The city has been hurt since the packing plants and stockyards left, taking a large chunk of city tax revenue with them. That’s why LGA has been so essential to keeping the city operating at the level it’s currently at. 3. The state limits how much revenue a city can raise in property taxes. 4. People are resistant to tax increases. The 2010 budget calls for a property tax of 5.68 percent, which will bring in $400,000 to city coffers. The city needs $800,000. If given a choice, many residents and business
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owners would likely be willing to pay more than a couple of extra bucks a month to maintain the level of revenue necessary to continue the innumerable services provided by the city, such as police and fire protection, snowplowing, summer recreation programs, Wakota Arena and sewer maintenance, but the State limits the amount of the property tax levy. As it stands, the city simply cannot raise tax levels enough to make up for lost LGA. Another source of revenue is building permits, fees and licenses. They have also dropped this past year by $278,000, or 18 percent, due in large part to the foundering real estate market. In the long run, it is believed that a revived real estate and commer-
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cial market will bring a resurgence of business to the Concord Exchange and BridgePointe Business Park areas of the city, along with valuable revenue to the city. South St. Paul’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority has submitted an application to the Dakota County Community Development Agency on behalf of BridgePointe’s Interstate Partners Development for $2 million in bonds to enable startup construction of the first phase of three office warehouse buildings in 2010. City leaders are also looking at ways to wean themselves from the state’s erratic and unstable LGA monies, and how to revise city operations “The city is undertaking a significant long-
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term financial analysis to determine how to eliminate its operational reliance on these funds (LGA),” said Mayor Beth Baumann. “To aid in this endeavor, the city has hired Ehlers and Associates for development of a multi-year Master Financial Plan that includes a long-range capital improvement program.” As far as city operations are concerned, King cautions that it’s complicated to revise an operating system, and that it takes time. He cites the South Metro Fire Department merger as an example. The resolution to merge took place in 2005 but after working through legal documents and other details it was not up and running until 2008. In the meantime, the city is turning over every stone looking for
Compassion
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Assisted Living Memory Care Short-stay Rehabilitation Unit Skilled Nursing For more information or a tour, please contact 651-326-6500 Residence 651-232-6000 Bethesda Care Center 724 – 19th 9th Avenue N., South St. Paul,, MN MN 55075
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Sundays - Commanders & Color Guard Breakfast, second and fourth Sunday each month, 8 am-1 pm. Open mic and Jam session, 6-10 pm. Build your own Bloodys @ Happy Hour prices, 10-2 pm., open until 10 pm Mon - Fri - Happy hour, 4-6 pm Mon - Texas Hold 'em at 7 pm, free to play. $100 cash 1st place; Chicken wing night, 4-9 pm, 5 for $2, no take-outs Tues - $1.50 Burger Night; 2nd Tuesday Turtle Lake Casino Trip, 9 am, $5, get two free drinks upon return from casino, Fourth Tuesday of each month is Comedy Nite, featuring Dennis Carney & his comedy troupe, 7:30-9 pm, Free Wed - Bar and Mega Bingo, 7 pm start Wed & Thur - 7" Coney Night, 2 for $5, biggest & tastiest Thurs - Karaoke, 8-close; Ladies Night, $2 drinks and beers for the ladies, 9-close Fri - open until 2 am, Fish Fry through April 2, 11 am-1 pm and 5-8 pm Sat - Mega Tacos $3 and meat raffle,noon-4 pm, open until 2 am Burger Kitchen - open Mon-Sat, 4-10 pm Hall rental & special packages available for fundraisers.
places to cut $800,000, including looking at potential retirement programs, eliminating overtime, staggering shifts for snowplowing, the possible merger of park and recreation programs, as well as the summer ice arena schedule with neighboring communities. “There are no sacred stones,” said Baumann. “We are looking to main-
tain programs that are giving residents a lot of ‘bang for the buck.’ Those that have little participation will probably be eliminated. We will determine what services are necessary and which ones are ‘nice to have.’” Baumann added that residents can expect a town-hall meeting midyear to learn what city leaders have concluded.
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PCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. Central Corridor Light Rail Transit Civil East Construction Bid Date: April 30, 2010 @ 2:00 PM CST Bid Amount: $200,000,000.00 Owner – Metropolitan Council Design – AECOM Design Team PCL encourages all MBE/WBE subcontractors and suppliers to submit bids for this project. We also recommend all bidding subcontractors expend every good faith effort to achieve maximum participation by MBE/WBE’s. Plans are available for download for $10 at www.questcdn.com, eBidDoc #: 1098832. Plans are available for viewing at: Minneapolis Builders Exchange, St. Paul Builders Exchange, and PCL’s Burnsville Office. Scopes: relocation of underground utilities, demolition of roadway paving and equipment, environmental remediation, underground public utilities, drainage, street lighting, light rail track, bridge and retaining wall structures, light rail stations, adjustments to areaways, underground communications, signal and traction power ducts, pull boxes, above and belowgrade traffic signal facilities, catenary pole foundations, sidewalks and roadway pavements.
PCL Construction Services, Inc. Attn: Mike Weinmann 12200 Nicollet Avenue South Burnsville, Minnesota 55337 952-882-9600 FAX: 952-882-9900
An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V South St. Paul Voice - April 2010 - Page 9
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The making of a 90-second commercial – take one! Deb Griffith, community affairs liaison
Earlier this year, the South St. Paul Mayor’s Youth Task Force received a MADD/State Farm Grant to educate residents on safety laws that were recently enacted by the State of Minnesota. The new legislation deals with primary seat belt laws, graduated licensing laws, and texting and cell phone usage while driving. The task force decided that an effective way to edu-
Jennifer L. Gale, president
Schadegg Mechanical honored with Business of the Year Award Schadegg Mechanical of South St. Paul received the 2010 Business of the Year Award from the River Heights Chamber of Commerce. Dan Schadegg, owner of Schadegg Mechanical, accepted the award at the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Progress Plus 107th Annual Meeting at Southview Country Club in midFeb. The recipient is selected by the River Heights Chamber of Commerce’s Recognition Committee after careful review of all nominees’ applications. The Business of the Year Award acknowledges an
organization that has a commitment to the community through its involvement and assistance to community organizations, commitment to its employees and focus on innovative employee programs, and commitment to excellence in service, business ethics, friendliness and business operations. Schadegg Mechanical performs magnificently in all of these areas. Schadegg Mechanical is a company committed to excellence. It was founded in 1997 by Dan Schadegg. In the beginning, they were primarily a sheet metal contractor. As the business grew, they added divisions such as plumbing, piping, spe-
Page 10 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2010
cate people would be to make a commercial about the new laws. So, over the past few months, with the help of the adult advisors, the youth involved with the task force researched, discussed, watched other commercials, planned, auditioned and eventually wrote and filmed the commercial. The filming took place on a clear and sunny afternoon. All in all, it went great and was a new experience for all of us. So, how long does it take to make a 90-second commercial? Not 90 seconds! Here is why. Meeting One: Planning – Getting the message across to teens and adults. Would it be a serious or graphic message? Would it be a humorous or an “awww” message? The task force discussed and watched a variety of public service announcements and decided that a humorous or “awww” commercial was the way to go. They decided to have two students in kindergarten to 2nd grade portray a police officer advising the drivers of the laws. Meeting Two: Auditions – How to get just the right officer. The Task Force sent letters to Lincoln Center and Kaposia Education asking if they had any students who would be interested in assisting with the commercial. A number of students’ parents responded, saying their child was interested. We held auditions and the task force had their own Randy, Paula and Simon judging panel. They watched as the students preformed and made a tough decision, choosing two actors to be police officers. The rest of the cast were members of the task force.
cialty metals and service to complement their core business. Schadegg Mechanical is now operating out of a 45,000-squarefoot building in South St. Paul. The business has grown from three employees to as many as 175. Dan values his employees and attributes their successful employee retention rate to their family approach to management. They are committed to customer service and providing value in everything they do. “We have been fortunate to grow, and I credit the firm’s reputation to the high quality of workmanship put forth by everyone in the company,” he said. “Each employee adds value to every construction project contracted with Schadegg Mechanical.” Schadegg Mechanical believes in volunteerism and it shows through Dan’s involvement in many organizations. He is a member of Building Owners and Managers Association, the American Society of Heating,
Meeting Three: Writing - Getting the script just right! The task force now had the concept and the characters and needed the script. This came together fairly easily, and a script was produced. The task force was ready to film. Meeting Four: Filming of the 90-second commercial Filming day arrived. It was a clear and sunny afternoon and task force members were ready to take on the filming challenge. Everyone had their role, from director to camera person, line person to white board person, actors to boom operators, extras to wardrobe. Filming began at 1 p.m. sharp. Everyone was assembled, lines were rehearsed and the director yelled, “Action!” It was a glorious sound. All those weeks of planning, auditions and writing had come to this moment. “Excuse me. Do you know why I pulled you over?” “No, officer, why?” “Cut!” (You’ll have to wait and see the commercial later this month). After two hours of filming, the final “cut” was yelled. The filming of the 90-second commercial was complete. It only took about 28,800 seconds of planning, auditioning, writing and filming to complete it. Editing has begun and the commercial will be out later this month. For most, this was the first time to be behind a camera, or to yell “Action,” or review lines with a young child. It was their commercial and they did a great job!
Schadegg Mechanical employees and spouses with their 2010 Business of the Year Award at the River Heights Chamber of Commerce and Progress Plus Annual meeting on Feb. 18. Refrigerating and Airconditioning Engineers, Minnesota Mechanical Contractors Association and many other industry associations, and keeps up with the latest trends in his field. He encourages volunteerism and is also involved with the River Heights Chamber of Commerce, serving on its board of directors, Habitat for Humanity, the board of directors of Mendakota Country Club, his church building committee, and he is also active in an event
called “Tee it Up for the Troops.” The company also gives scholarships to local students. The company has done well over the years through managed growth and has won many awards, including several from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s Fast 50. Schadegg Mechanical was honored to receive that award again in 2009, which was economically challenging for anyone in a constructionrelated business. They are very proud of their sta-
bility and feel they have diversified the business enough to sustain themselves during the toughest of times. The River Heights Chamber of Commerce congratulates its 2010 Business of the Year, Schadegg Mechanical, “a company committed to excellence!” For more information on this award, contact the River Heights Chamber of Commerce at 651451-2266 or www.riverheights.com.
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Neighbors, Inc. The following story was written by an employee of the Valley Outreach Food Shelf in Stillwater who wishes to remain anonymous. It’s a story that reminds us of what it means to be part of a community. She calls it “Milk Buckets.” My grandfather is an old Swedish farmer — a centenarian — who still lives on his farm, still wakes with the birds. He is one of a shrinking number in our country who knows what it is to hook up the horses to go to town or to carry the cooking water up from the creek, to live tied to the earth and what grows in it, or die by the devastation of drought or flood or infestation. He knows what happens to a town
By John Kemp Executive Director of Neighbors, Inc.
when the train doesn’t go through, what it’s like to plow a field on foot, and crank the front end of a car to get it started. He’s known loss from polio, home births, the Great Depression, both World Wars. He has stories to tell. He’s told the story often of the cow he bought in the early 1940s. He was a young farmer and a new father during World War II, a difficult time economically, a difficult time for farmers. He sold my grandmother’s new refrigerator and bought a cow. This felt, undoubt-
edly, like a huge step backward. But times were tough. He was farming by day and working as hired labor by night, and still not earning a living. The cow would provide milk for the baby, could give him calves to sell or raise, and provide meat his family would need through the winter. It felt like the thing they needed to survive. But the cow got sick and died before it had provided enough milk or calves or meat. It was a greater loss than they could imagine surviving. The cow was the only power they had over their poverty. My grandfather remembers vividly the long sad walk from the barn to the house to tell my grandmother the bad news. Tomorrow’s sustenance — hope itself — had died. When my grandfather woke early the next morning and stepped outside to start the day’s chores, he found on his
doorstep a fresh bucket of milk, a gift from a friend or neighbor who, upon hearing about the cow, had quietly brought milk from his own cow in the early morning hours. The next morning on the doorstep — more milk, along with some eggs and a loaf of bread. The next day brought more of the same. And it continued, this daily anonymous doorstep providing, until a neighbor’s cow had a calf and the neighbor traded it to my grandfather for labor. It was never spoken of in their small farming village, how all the neighbors and friends quietly made sure my grandma, grandpa and mom made it through to the other Handyman side of the loss. The susMr. Larry for Hire tenance just appeared and coming. I do kept painting, repairs almost 70 years & Now, cleaning of homes later, find ourselves andwe apartments once again at war and in Roof Repairs bleak economic times. The bad news keeps com651-399-4304 ing:Gutter lost jobs, lost homes, Cleaning and Repairs
hungry families, disconnected utilities, violence in homes and nations, failing systems. It feels like everybody’s cows are dying. I think of my grandfather’s cow story. How very different the ending to that story could have been if not for those buckets of milk and the caring they represented. How beautiful that, despite the many losses my grandfather had known, he has also known rare, true community, the kind of community that happens when people who may or may not approve
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of each other, who may or may not agree with each other, who may or may not call each other friends, still know how to take care of one another. And in that experience, I envy him. It is that community I seek, want to be part of, hope for and need. It is the community we can create, you and I, as we become the neighbors who, in the quiet of the night, deliver buckets of fresh milk to the doorsteps of our own neighbors in need – and keep them coming until the new calves are born.
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The following supporters are proud to be part of the South St. Paul business community. We wish you a HAPPY EASTER and encourage you to shop locally to keep our community strong. Dakota Premium Foods 425 S. Concord 455-6611 • Central Square Community Fitness Center “Where South St. Paul comes together”
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Jodee Paape & Associates, LLC 100 BridgePoint Dr.,Ste. 120 455-4621 • Ries Electric 777 N. Concord 451-2238
James P. Leary, Jr.
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1560 Livingston Ave., Suite 102, West St.Paul 450-9373 • Midwest Fabrics 1226 S. Concord 451-6289
South St. Paul Healthy Youth Coalition
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457-9491 • Central Bank 835 Southview Blvd. 451-2133
Mayor Beth Baumann • ABC Rentals 460 E. Villaume 451-2264 • South St. Paul Voice 457-1177
South St. Paul Voice - April 2010 - Page 11
B ack in Time South St. Paul Reclaims the River Lois Glewwe Contributor
O
n any given day in South St. Paul, even in the coldest months of winter, it is not unusual to see joggers, hikers, dog-walkers, bicyclists, skateboarders and casual strollers enjoying the river walk. The scenery, the water birds, the deer and other wildlife along the trail have become well-known attractions, especially for dog owners whose pets enjoy the popular dog park at the northernmost end of the trail. When the city’s Centennial celebration ended in 1988 and the new citizens’ group known as the River Environmental Action Project (R.E.A.P.) became established, there was no legal public access to the Mississippi River in South St. Paul. The railroad, private landowners, banks and former operators of the
city’s major meatpacking plants, Swift and Armour, controlled access to the waterfront. Along the river to the south of the stockyards, the former Metropolitan Waste Commission treatment plant, although no longer in use, stood abandoned and silent. Despite this challenge, one of the major goals of R.E.A.P was to create a pedestrian walkway along the river in South St. Paul. The South St. Paul/Inver Grove Heights Chamber of Commerce also turned its attention to the riverfront with its visionary plan called Focus 2000, unveiled in 1988. Although the business-focused plan did not initially include a public trail, by the time it was ultimately approved, river access and recreational space were part of the proposal. In October 1988, R.E.A.P. hosted the first annual River Ramble at the Packer
River Terminal Area on the riverfront. For generations of city residents, the event marked the first time they had ever been to the river in South St. Paul. While citizens, elected officials and city organizations discussed diverse concepts for what kind of development should be encouraged along the river, Peter Parranto, a St. Paul developer, approached the city with a proposal to create a marina at the northern end of the city on land known as Port Crosby. Many on the City Council were not in favor of the financing that Parranto proposed, and City Council, Planning Commission and Housing and Redevelopment Authority meetings began to attract citizens who had never before been motivated to show up to ask questions and bring suggestions. When a city enters a time of challenge and
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change, political upheaval often accompanies the process. Such was the case in South St. Paul on April 4, 1989, when Katherine Trummer was elected the first woman mayor of South St. Paul, and three incumbents on the City Council were unseated by newcomers to the political scene. The new mayor and all three new councilmembers were active in R.E.A.P. and were proponents of the creation of the river trail and additional recreational green space along the Mississippi in the city. The first ever cleanup of the dike wall along the river was held by R.E.A.P. on April 21, 1989, and a barge-load of car parts, tires, appliances and trash bags were removed by volunteers. That summer, State Sen. Jim Metzen and State Rep. Bob Milbert called a meeting with R.E.A.P., city staff and City Council to propose that of-
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The first cleanup of the Mississippi River shoreline in South St. Paul took place in 1989. After decades without legal public access to the riverfront, volunteers gathered enough appliances, hundreds of tires, car parts and garbage to fill a barge. In 1990, Great River Services donated this even larger barge to remove the collected trash. This photo was taken near the site of what became the city’s public boat launch that same year. ficials determine a strategy to make South St. Paul’s proposed trail part of the Dakota County Regional Trail System. R.E.A.P. had participated in the nomination of State Rep. Tom Pugh to the newly formed Mississippi National River and Recreation Coordinating Commission that same year. All three of South St. Paul’s legislators brought the discussion of river development to a broader audience. Dakota County approved the concept and the Metropolitan Council included $500,000 in the Parks and Open Space budget for land acquisition along the river in South St. Paul. On May 15, 1989, R.E.A.P. approached the City Council with a re-
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Page 12 - South St. Paul Voice - April 2010
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quest that South St. Paul apply to the Department of Natural Resources for a public boat launch in the city, a cause that Rep. Milbert carried through to completion in 1990. On Nov. 16, 1989, the City Council voted unanimously to support the river trail and boat launch proposals. A year later, the former waste plant property was transferred to city ownership and the citizens of South St. Paul once again had legal public access to the Mississippi river. The historic accomplishment, however, was soon threatened by a series of events that nearly derailed trail development. The story of how the city met those challenges will be next month’s history column.
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