North Metro Mayors Minute for November 2020
We said thank you and best wishes to mayors who aren’t returning to the Association in 2021. Our appreciation goes to Mayors Julie Trude (Andover), Val Johnson (New Brighton), John LeTourneau (Ramsey), Tim McNeil (Dayton), and Jeff Lunde (Brooklyn Park). Mayor LeTourneau was present at the November board meeting held in Maple Grove. Others joined by Zoom and will receive their certificates in the mail.
The board adopted a budget and dues for 2021. Dues are down 2% again for next year. Thank you, Operating Committee, made up of city administrators and managers, for keeping a watchful eye over the budget. We run a tight ship.
Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson provided a welcome. Maple Grove is hopping. Bonding bill successes included $13 million for two key connections on Highway 610, and $3.5 million for an expansion at the North Metro Range Regional Training Facility which serves neighboring communities. Approval of the Minnesota Health Village this fall means 100 acres between the hospital and I-94 will see various land uses—residential, office, commercial, and hospital related medical. Would you believe the Main Street retail area is 20 years old? A revitalization plan is underway.
New Brighton Mayor Val Johnson thanked the Association members for guidance and comradery. “We’re all in this together…we do what’s best for the entire region,” she said. Thanks, Mayor.
Andover Mayor Julie Trude reminisced about the projects, large and small, made possible through collaboration. Amen, Mayor!
The Operating Committee meets Dec. 16, 11:30 a.m., probably by Zoom, the way it looks today. Stay tuned. As always, contact me with ideas or questions. Thanks. Jill Brown, executive director, email JillCBrown@msn.com, cell 612-889-2611
Pictured are Maple Grove Mayor Mark Steffenson, Coon Rapids Mayor and NMMA President Jerry Koch, Ramsey Mayor John LeTourneau with a certificate of appreciation, and Champlin Mayor and NMMA Vice President Ryan Karasek.
