CITY NEWS - mankatomn.gov VOLUME 28, NO. 1, MAY 2021
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CITY NEWS Illuminating beautiful community by Lauren Mendez-McConkey, Mankato mankatomn.gov • VO LU M E 2 8 , N O. 1 , M AY 2 0 2 1
MANKATO CITY COUNCIL DEAR RESIDENT,
Najwa Massad, Mayor Thank you for welcoming me to the City of Mankato.
10 Civic Center Plaza
Although I’ve only been here a few short months, I
Mankato, MN 56001
507-387-8693 am humbled and honored to be a part of this vibrant,
nmassad@mankatomn.gov diverse, regional community.
Karen Foreman, Ward 1 Much is planned for this upcoming year with major
212 Diamond Creek Road projects in the City’s Strategic Plan moving forward, including work on Warren
Mankato, MN 56001 Street, the Adams Street/County State Aid Highway 12 roundabout and Victory
507-382-4256 Drive improvements. New park amenities, such as a playground and half
kforeman@mankatomn.gov
basketball court, will be added to the Prairie Winds development area; facilities
Dennis Dieken, Ward 2 and other infrastructure will get some much-needed updates; and the City’s
15 Belleview Avenue fiber communication infrastructure is being further built and enhanced.
Mankato, MN 56001
507-720-1817 As we continue to navigate the unknowns of the pandemic, a lean City team is
ddieken@mankatomn.gov committed to providing the level of service that the public has come to expect.
Providing outstanding service has long remained a top priority, and I’m excited
Mark Frost, Ward 3
100 Essex Road
to be a part of this effort.
Mankato, MN 56001 Please contact me or City staff anytime we can be of service.
507-387-3169
mfrost@mankatomn.gov Sincerely,
Jenn Melby-Kelley, Ward 4
116 East Pleasant Street
Mankato, MN 56001 Susan MH Arntz, City Manager
507-720-2502 507-387-8695
jmelby-kelley@mankatomn.gov
sarntz@mankatomn.gov
Jessica Hatanpa, Ward 5
10 Civic Center Plaza
MANKATO’S STATE OF THE
Mankato, MN 56001
507-613-8067
jhatanpa@mankatomn.gov
CITY – A LOOK BACK
Mike Laven, President, at-large
405 Cardinal Drive Mankato’s “State of the City” shares
Mankato, MN 56001 accomplishments and highlights achieved
507-720-8674 in Mankato’s Strategic Plan over the past
mlaven@mankatomn.gov year. Highlights featured include city service
efforts during the pandemic, new playground
VISION
Leading the way as a vibrant, diverse regional community. equipment installation, new artwork in the area
and more. Download a copy online, or for a
PUBLIC SERVICE PRINCIPLES printed copy, contact staff at 311 or
Responsive Prompt to respond and serve. 507-387-8600.
Efficient Highest performance at greatest economy.
Greater good Serve for the good of the community
and region.
mankatomn.gov/stateofthecity Mankato’s “State of the City.”
Innovation Embracing new ideas and methods to
improve service delivery.
Open Spirit of accessibility in policy making and MANKATO CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
operation.
Neighborly Concern and compassion for others. Meetings are generally held the second (7 p.m.) and fourth (6 p.m.)
Mondays of each month. Due to COVID-19, meetings are being conducted
City News is published by the City of Mankato electronically* and can be viewed live online or KTV public access television
to help keep citizens well informed. (Spectrum: channel 180; Consolidated Communications: channel 8).
Direct questions and comments for braille,
larger print or computer file to: Details available at mankatomn.gov/agenda. Access meeting minutes at
Edell Fiedler, Communications & Engagement Director mankatomn.gov/minutes. When feasible, meetings are expected to revert to
Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza other regular viewing and re-play options.
Mankato, MN 56001 | 507-387-8692 | MN Relay 711
efiedler@mankatomn.gov * Minnesota State Statute 13D.021
mankatomn.gov mankatomn.gov/councilmeetings
Page 2 City News May 2021
RACIAL EQUITY AND DIVERSITY WORK
CONTINUES TO MOVE FORWARD
A focus on racial equity, diversity and inclusion is an important
component of Mankato’s Strategic Plan. Despite the pandemic,
much work was done in this area to help raise awareness and take
steps toward affecting change.
Highlights of work done:
Welcome totems in a sampling of the many languages of
immigrants who have made Mankato their home were placed
in three Mankato parks and one in North Mankato.
Rosa Parks was honored with a saved seat on City buses for her
contribution to the Civil Rights movement in ensuring a seat
was made available to everyone.
Community conversations are helping to influence police
reform.
Remembrance and awareness of the 38+2 Dakota executed in
Mankato.
Team members continue to look for ways to engage staff and the
community in racial equity and diversity opportunities. Residents
are encouraged to share ideas with staff. Call 311 or 507-387-8600.
mankatomn.gov/diversity Welcome totems placed in the Mankato area include “Resiliency” in Sibley
Park, 900 Mound Avenue; “Civility” in Stoltzman Park, 521 West Pleasant
Street; “Unity” in Washington Park, 215 North Fifth Street; “Community” on
Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato. Photos by Julie Dempster.
HERE TO SERVE YOU: MEET 311 AGENT MEGHAN HOULIHAN
After more than three and a half years with up mail. She must also stay up-to-date on changes throughout
the City of Mankato as a 311 customer service the City to provide the most accurate information to citizens.
agent, Meghan Houlihan is prepared to help
residents with just about any question they “Each process within the City can be really intricate and it takes
may have. many staff members to collaborate to provide a positive and
successful process for customers,” Houlihan says. “The hard work
“It’s important to be efficient at multitasking pays off when a resident calls to thank the City team for quick
and prioritizing,” Houlihan says. “Customers responses and great service. I enjoy letting employees know that
can contact the City by phone, live online someone acknowledged their dedication.”
chat, email and in person, so it’s important to be prepared to
connect with them in a variety of ways.” “Meghan is a great addition to a hard-working team of customer
service agents,” says Director of Administrative Services Parker
Houlihan works on a range of items, such as building and rental Skophammer. “Whether a resident wants to report an issue,
inspection scheduling, park reservations, transit scheduling, get more information about a City service or provide feedback,
payment processing, City mailings, running reports and picking Meghan and the entire 311 team is ready to help.”
EVERY VOICE MANKATO 311 MANKATO — ONE CALL DOES IT ALL
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, contact Mankato
Join the discussion about Mankato topics and customer service staff by simply dialing 311 or 507-387-8600, or use
opportunities on Every Voice Mankato (previously the live chat feature online. Outside of office hours, enter a customer
called Sound Off Mankato). service request online or email 311@mankatomn.gov.
It’s easy to participate and share your ideas about mankatomn.gov/customerservice
City topics and projects.
mankatomn.gov/everyvoice
May 2021 mankatomn.gov Page 3
MANKATO’S COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PLAN — A ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE
Since there’s limited money available, Construction
Mankato’s Community Investment Plan • Airport—construction of two apron
(CIP) is developed as a dynamic, multi-year connector taxiways, expansion of
plan to identify, prioritize, budget and plan general aviation apron and expansion
major City projects and improvements. of runway holding bays, fuel farm
The CIP includes a wide range of projects replacement, and runway and taxiway
that are intended to maximize the useful improvements.
life of major infrastructure, such as streets, • Civic center—Ellerbe Hall roof
storm drains, water and wastewater replacement, equipment upgrades,
utilities, and major facilities and buildings. seating and ceiling tile replacement, and
While some projects may be more visible partition wall for Banquet Hall. Mankato’s Community Investment Plan helps
than others, each is important to help • Intergovernmental Center—skylight plan City projects into the future.
protect prior investment, minimize future replacement.
Streets
cost and keep the community vibrant. • Minnesota River bank stabilization at
• Germania Park redevelopment phase
Riverfront Park and the Water Resource
Upcoming projects: two
Recovery Facility
• Warren Street
Alleys • Minnesota River Trail bridge
• Weaver Street
• Between West Sixth and West Seventh • Ramps—Civic Center, Mankato Place
• Adams Street/County State Aid Highway
streets (from Carney Avenue to Sibley and Cherry Street ramp improvements.
12 roundabout
Street) • Riverfront Drive/U.S. 14 intersection
• Victory Drive improvements
• Between South Second and South improvements
• Resurfacing projects
Broad streets (from East Liberty Street to • Second Street sidewalk project
• Main Street (between Fourth and
Warren Street) • Stoltzman Road Trail
Hannah streets)
• Owens Street to North Rogers Street • Utilities—membrane and piping
• Ledlie Lane (between Stoltzman
(between Rogers Street and Hubbell replacement at Water Treatment Plant,
Road and the intersection of Kristy
Avenue) water tower painting; disinfection and
Lane)
• Rogers Street to East Mound Avenue digestion upgrades at Water Resource
(between Mound Avenue and Owens Recovery Facility. Parks
Street) • In-field fencing to be constructed at
Fiber communications
• Mound Avenue to Hubbell Court Jaycee Park to accommodate youth
• Work continues to expand and
(between Rogers Street and Hubbell sports at the fields.
maintain the City’s fiber communication
Avenue) • To help accommodate expanded growth
infrastructure to key facilities including
• Mound Avenue to Hubbell Court in the Prairie Winds development area,
parks, water utility sites, traffic signals
(between Hubbell Avenue and park amenities including a playground,
and lighting systems.
Owatonna Street.) half basketball court and park shelter,
will be added.
mankatomn.gov/communityinvestmentplan
“An important part of the CIP is a
deliberate focus on quality streets
MANKATO/NORTH MANKATO AREA PLANNING
because they are important to
drivability and safety,” says Jeff
Johnson, Director of Public Works. ORGANIZATION PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS
• Regular street maintenance, Second Street Corridor Study Intersection Crossing Evaluation
such as crack sealing, patching Second Street, one of Mankato’s busier MAPO will conduct an intersection
and seal coating are done every streets, will be studied to determine crossing evaluation at Stadium and
one to five years, helping to how to improve and enhance multi- Stoltzman roads to determine options,
extend pavement life and reduce modal traffic flow, review pedestrian such as stop signs, traffic signals, or a
reconstruction project costs. crossings and connectivity, and evaluate roundabout, for that intersection. This
• Overlays and milled edges on intersection performance. A public evaluation is being completed at the
aging pavement help restore engagement plan is part of the study request of Blue Earth County and in
drainage and driving surface. efforts because community input is partnership with the City of Mankato.
• Pavements are strengthened important when making city decisions.
This study is being conducted by the Funding for both projects is provided
through cement stabilization and by MAPO.
pavement reclamations. Mankato/North Mankato Area Planning
Organization (MAPO) on behalf of the City. mnmapo.org
Page 4 City News May 2021
EXPLORE MANKATO
PARKS AND TRAILS
City parks and trails are an integral part of a happy, healthy community. The City of Mankato
is home to more than 45 parks ranging from small-scale memorial parks and green spaces
to large community parks featuring a variety of recreational opportunities. Park amenities
include playgrounds, athletic fields, seasonal fishing piers, shelters and picnic tables, a disc
golf course, camping, petting zoo and swimming. Access to four local and regional trails,
conveniently connected to one another, are also available and provide scenic views.
mankatomn.gov/parks
BIKING IN MANKATO
Biking is a popular form of transportation and recreation in Mankato. Cyclists can ride available
off-street bike trails and on City streets. Six bike repair stations are available throughout
Summer splendor at Sibley Park by Ann Schwab,
Mankato for bicyclists to maintain bikes as needed while riding in the community.
Mankato.
Throughout the City, several types of on-street bike lanes or shared lane markings, help
bicycles and vehicles safely share the road. Safety is a shared responsibility of bicyclists and
drivers. If riding a bike, wear a vest or reflective coat, use reflectors and lights at night and wear
a helmet. Motorists should always watch for bicyclists.
Mankato-North Mankato was recognized as a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community by the
League of American Bicyclists because of the area’s commitment to creating beneficial
resources for residents while encouraging healthier and more sustainable transportation
options.
mankatomn.gov/bikelanes
A bicyclist uses a bike lane to safely share the road.
A bicyclist on the North Minnesota River Trail.
EXPANDING REGIONAL TRAIL OPPORTUNITIES
Blue Earth County and the City of Mankato The trail would include: of the natural environment, positive
partnered to create a Master Plan for impacts to the local economy as trail goers
the Greater Mankato Valley Trail, which • Three segments in Blue Earth County: access local business, and contributes to
provides an opportunity to apply for Minneopa, Red Jacket and South the area’s quality of life.
regional designation through the Greater Route trails.
Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails • Two segments in the City of Mankato: mankatomn.gov/trails
Commission. As a regionally designated West Mankato and North Minnesota
trail, the Greater Mankato Valley Trail River trails.
would be eligible to apply for state Trails provide benefits including low to no
funding used toward supporting parks cost opportunities for outdoor recreation
and trails. and exercise, preservation and protection
May 2021 mankatomn.gov Page 5
RECYCLE SM RT RECYCLING
PROGRAM
LAUNCHED IN
AND PUT WASTE IN THE RIGHT PLACE MANKATO PARKS
DID YOU KNOW? Mankato’s recycling cart pilot
When non-recyclable materials and garbage enter project in Alexander Park, 900 E.
the recycling system, they contaminate reusable goods Main Street; Stoltzman Park, 521
and materials. As a result, those who purchase these W. Pleasant Street; and Thomas
items for reprocessing may reject them and items that Park, 100 Park Court, was a
could have been recycled end up as garbage. success. With the community
using the available recycle
carts, more than 50 carts will be
HOW YOU CAN HELP placed in other high-use parks
Being mindful of what is tossed in the trash is the first throughout the City, such as
step to reducing contamination. For recycling best Sibley Park, 900 Mound Ave., and
practices, help us help you and follow these three other sites near park shelters,
basic rules to recycle right: ballfields and courts.
1. Recycle clean bottles, cans, paper and cardboard.
2. Keep food and liquid out of the recycling.
“We’re excited to implement
3. Avoid bagged recyclables and plastic bags. recycling in more parks across
Recyclable items should be loose in the bin. the City and are looking to
further expand these efforts
based on cart use,” says
Rick Baird, Environmental
WHY RECYCLING IS IMPORTANT Sustainability Coordinator. “A
Clean recycling: City goal is to reduce waste and
◆ Increases the opportunity to create items increase recycling because it
from recycled materials rather than from benefits the environment.”
new materials.
◆ Decreases greenhouse gas emissions by mankatomn.gov/
using less energy, produces less air and recycling
water pollutants.
◆ Reduces the carbon footprint in
comparison to using new materials.
By making small changes and being
thoughtful about what is and isn’t
recyclable, residents can do their part to
reduce recycling contamination.
Pat Hovda places one of the first
recycling carts when the pilot
program launched last fall.
TAKE PART IN
ANNUAL CLEAN-UP
Annual Clean-up (formerly known as Spring Clean-up) is scheduled to take place throughout
the month of May with specific drop-off dates assigned to residents who pay for garbage
service. Notification to eligible residents have been sent via mail. If notification has not yet been
received, watch for it in the coming weeks.
Go online to learn more about Annual Clean-up, information about
what is and isn’t accepted and safety measures being taken.
mankatomn.gov/annualcleanup
Page 6 City News May 2021
MANKATO PUBLIC SAFETY TO LAUNCH NEW APP HELPS ENHANCE
TRANSPARENCY DASHBOARD PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICE
City of Mankato Public Safety, a combined department of police and fire When working with community members, the
services, will soon launch a transparency dashboard to provide information more information available to first responders,
about department data, operations and the better they can assist. The Vitals™ App is
policies. one tool that can help identify how to respond
to individuals who need assistance with
Also included on the dashboard: communicating their unique needs. Individuals
• Hiring and training standards determine what they want to include, such as
• Cultural competency and diversity efforts medical information, critical needs, behavior
• Crisis response triggers, de-escalation techniques, code words
• Conduct, performance and complaints or a calming message. This information is
• Safety and crime prevention temporarily shared with first responders, who are
“Information was compiled after listening fully trained in how to use the app, when anyone
to the community’s interest and concerns wearing a Vitals Bluetooth
about Public Safety’s practices and policies device is within 80-feet of
and hope it helps in the continuing them.
conversations about public safety practices The service, made possible
and reform,” says Director of Public Safety through a partnership
Amy Vokal. between Public safety and
Web users may also explore additional Mankato’s Public Safety Vitals™ Aware Services, is
information about Public Safety, including Transparency Dashboard is recommended for those
the budget, department services, community designed so the public can access with invisible and visible
information about the department, conditions and disabilities,
outreach and engagement efforts. including data, operations and
policies. older adults, and parents,
mankatomn.gov/publicsafety guardians or caregivers
of vulnerable adults. To
help make the service
more accessible, first time
An example of profile subscribers will receive
ON THE COVER a Bluetooth device at no
information shared on the
Vitals™ App. cost. A monthly cost is
Three winning photos were selected as associated with the service.
part of Mankato’s recent photo contest. Sign up for the Vitals™ App online. For more
First and second place photos are framed information contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.
and displayed in the Intergovernmental
Center. Foto/SPX Sports, 2020’s sponsor. mankatomn.gov/vitalsapp
Pat Christman, a Mankato Free Press
photographer, judged the photos.
Cover photo: First place: Illuminating
Enter Mankato’s 2021 photo contest today.
beautiful community by Lauren
Mendez-McConkey, Mankato
SNEAK PEEK OF
MANKATO’S WEBSITE
mankatomn.gov/photocontest
The City of Mankato’s website will soon be getting
a new look featuring a modern design and be more
intuitive for users. Streamlined content will help
residents find the
information they
are looking for
faster, increased
accessibility for
all users, and
create more
consistency
Second place: Ott Cabin in Sibley Park by
Terri Michels, Mankato Third place: Hubbard Garden by throughout the
Missy Manderfeld, Mankato site.
May 2021 mankatomn.gov Page 7
A hint of city by LaVonne Smasal, North Mankato.
CITY SERVICES - COVID-19 UPDATE
Mankato staff continue to work to provide Permits, Licensing and Applications Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center
the services that the public has come to Building and zoning permit applications The Mayo Clinic Health System Event
expect. are available at mankatomn.gov/permits. Center provides events and experiences
Plans may be submitted electronically safely during the ongoing COVID-19
Mankato City Offices (flash drive or compact disc) in the pandemic. View upcoming events and
Intergovernmental Center Intergovernmental Center dropbox or sign up to receive emails about what’s
10 Civic Center Plaza delivered to the first floor customer happening at the Event Center, Grand
P.O. Box 3368 service desk. Hall or Riverfront Park at
Mankato, MN 56001 mayoclinichealthsystemeventcenter.com.
Payments may be made by credit card
City offices are open on a limited basis. (Visa, Mastercard or Discover) over the
All events are subject to change in accordance with
Customers may drop off plans, pick phone—call 311 or 507-387-8600; or
COVID-19 health guidelines and restrictions.
up permits and make payments at by check in U.S. Postal mail or in the
the customer service desk on the first dropbox. Please clearly identify which Connect with us
floor between 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday project so proper payment can be
through Friday. In-person meetings with applied.
staff may be made by appointment.
Masks/face coverings are required while Building Inspections mankatomn.gov
in the building. Schedule building inspections by calling
311 or 507-387-8600.
Utility Payments
Several options make it easy to pay utility Parks, Streets and Utilities
MANKATO, MN 56001
Mankato’s parks are open and streets and
U.S. POSTAGE
PERMIT NO. 66
bills:
ECRWSS
• mankatomn.gov/payonline. utilities operations continue as normal.
EDDM
PAID
• By phone with a credit/debit card or View Mankato parks mankatomn.gov/
eCheck. Call: 833-245-1941. parks.
• In-person or using drop box at the
Transit
Intergovernmental Center.
Mankato buses are running as usual.
• Autopay.
View bus information at mankatomn.
• Sent by U.S. Postal mail.
gov/citybus. Masks/face coverings are
POSTAL PATRON
required when riding a City bus to help
prevent the spread of illness. There are no
fees to ride the bus at this time.
CITY OF MANKATO
Intergovernmental Center
Public Safety
Public Safety police and fire services
10 Civic Center Plaza
Mankato, MN 56001
are operating as usual with responders
available 24-hours a day, seven days a
week. Although the Public Safety Center,
710 South Front Street, remains closed
to the public, the lobby is open and a
telephone may be used to reach staff in
Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza,
Mankato.
the building.
Page 8 City News May 2021
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