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Paynesville Press - October 27, 2004

Paynesville City Council 2004

On Tuesday, Nov. 2, two city council seats and the mayor's seat will be up for election for the city of Paynesville. Incumbent Jeff Thompson, who has served as mayor since 1996, is running unopposed for another two-year term as mayor. City residents Jeff Bertram and Tom Lindquist filed for the two seats on the city council, each for a four-year term. Harlan Beek and Dave Peschong did not refile.

Mayor Candidate
Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson Jeff Thompson, 51, was first elected mayor in 1996 and has served for four terms. He has served on the city council since 1989. A 1970 graduate of PHS, he is the finance manager at Valley Industries in Paynesville. He also serves as the president of the Minnesota Mayors' Association.

What should be the city's relation- ship with Paynesville Township?
I think I've worked hard over the years to build a good relationship with the township. I'll also admit that on a couple of occasions (e.g. airport and annexation) I may have been a part of the problem in a couple of setbacks to that relationship. However, I've always tried to keep an open mind to working together on projects (e.g. trail, aquatic park, and comprehensive plan) that could benefit the community.

What, specifically, would you do to foster such a relationship with the township?
I'd like to see some type of "informal" joint planning board or committee formed. That group could also include the school, hospital district, and any other interested entity. It would meet on a regular basis and bring common issues (e.g. possible zoning or land use conflicts, or projects like the Kruger Lake Nature Preserve) to the table for discussion.

MnDOT is studying the Highway 23 corridor in Paynesville, looking at improving the existing route or building a bypass. What proposed route do you support?
If I wanted to create an idyllic place to live I'd support the far west bypass. If I wanted to focus only on retail, I'd support developing the existing route. Compromiser that I am, I support the west bypass option. The east bypass is my second choice because it would split the city and all its services from the lake and the township's population base.

During the Highway 23 study, residents and business owners have raised issues such as keeping Paynesville visible, having local access to the highway, and making it safe for local traffic. Since the city council must approve MnDOT construction plans, how will you insure visibility, local access, and slow speeds?
The Highway 23 Task Force (I am a member representing the city) has been working with MnDOT on these very issues. MnDOT has been very receptive to our concerns and suggestions. It's true we do get to "approve" those plans, but MnDOT could still pull the project at any time and leave us with increasing traffic on an aging, outdated, and undersized highway that services our community.

Perhaps next time we'd have less or no say in design. I'll continue to work as mayor and on the task force to reach a sensible, realistic, and functional plan.

In recent years, state aid to cities has been cut. How should the city maintain its services to residents and pay for them?
Moderate growth and controlled spending is the key. We're nearly at the end of a long process of updating our entire infrastructure (sewer, water, street, etc.) system. We're in the middle of a small city development grant that would provide funds to help spruce up some of the less sightly homes and businesses. We're also looking at some type of downtown re-development plan.

We're making transportation in and out of the community easier with highway and airport upgrades. We're trying to provide more recreational and family options with things like the BMX track, Kruger Lake Nature Preserve, and aquatic park. We're looking at an industrial park expansion. We're simply creating a nice place to live, work, or play, while lowering our city tax rate and keeping our local levy steady.

Do you support a community swimming pool? Why or why not?
Nice places to live have beautiful streets, nice neighborhoods, varied recreational opportunities (insert subliminal messages here: aquatic park and recreational trail), quality educational facilities, easy transportation in and out, ample retail and services, access to health care, and more. Anything we can provide (insert subliminal message here: invest in your community) will certainly help.

Do you support the Lake Koronis Recreational Trail? What should be the city's contribution to this community project?
Yes, and for the many of the same reasons as I support the aquatic park and Kruger Lake Nature Preserve. It's not just a matter of people wanting standard services (sewer, water, electricity, etc.) anymore. If we're going to survive, we must come up with a way to compete by providing some of those extra services. The project is too important to this community and too far along to drop now.

Without knowing the future it is hard to commit to a dollar amount or percentage. I will say that the city has a definite commitment to be a large contributor to the next two (city to lake and city to Glacial Lakes Trail) legs.

Do you support the proposed Kruger Lake Nature Park, which the city is in the process of purchasing? Why or why not?
Yes. The recreational and economic value of the Kruger Lake Nature Preserve is not quite as apparent as the other two (aquatic park and recreational trail) projects. However I do understand the dangers of over-development and the importance of maintaining greenspace in developing areas. The preserve does tie in very well to the recreational trail and the city's Veteran's Memorial Park, and there is some ecological and educational value in maintaining that area.

Sometimes an opportunity comes along that merits taking a chance. We've already received one grant for purchase assistance and are working on some other methods of financial assistance to help make that chance less risky.


Council Candidate
Jeff Bertram

Jeff Bertram Jeff Bertram, 44, is currently the chair of the Paynesville Planning Commission and serves on the Stearns County Planning Commis-sion. He is a past president of the Paynesville Area Chamber of Commerce and is a past chair of the Paynesville Waste Commission. He served in the Minnesota Legislature from 1986 to 1996 and now is sales manager for West Central Sanitation.

What should be the city's relation- ship with Paynesville Township?
We need to continue to work with the township as a partner. We have built a very good relationship with each other to the benefit of our residents, and we need to continue to work towards positive solutions to our problems and cooperate to meet the realities that wee will face together in the very near future.

What, specifically, would you do to foster such a relationship with the township?
Include them on issues we face daily. Having them as a partner is to both the city's and township's benefit and being open with them will foster a positive relationship. I believe my personal relationship with the township will help that objective.

MnDOT is studying the Highway 23 corridor in Paynesville, looking at improving the existing route or building a bypass. What proposed route do you support?
As a member of the Highway 23 Tsk Force, I support the task force recommendation of the near west route. Much study and time has been devoted to researching the best route and, with a total of five exits and entrances, I believe this will meet the short- and long-term needs of the Paynesville community.

During the Highway 23 study, residents and business owners have raised issues such as keeping Paynesville visible, having local access to the highway, and making it safe for local traffic. Since the city council must approve MnDOT construction plans, how will you insure visibility, local access, and slow speeds?
With my direct involvement in the Richmond, Cold Spring, and Rockville Highway 23 funding and planning, I will use that experience to directly foster our needs. I have a good understanding of how MnDOT works and will work to guarantee that our needs are met.

I will use my leadership skills and local, county, state, and federal contacts to guarantee our needs are met.

In recent years, state aid to cities has been cut. How should the city maintain its services to residents and pay for them?
First and foremost, hold the state of Minnesota accountable for the local aid we are entitled to. It is not a question of how much money will be spent by the state for local governments aid; it is a question of where it will be spent - Paynesville or Edina!!

We also need to continually prioritize and re-prioritize what the needs are here in Paynesville and plan for the best and worse scenarios. No investment for the future or poor planning for the future, even with revenue, is not going to accomplish anything.

Do you support a community swimming pool? Why or why not?
Yes, I do. As a resident of the Paynesville area my entire life and as someone who sees many communities on a daily basis, I feel the pool would be a huge and appropriate investment for our future. For less than the cost of a one-night stay at a big-city hotel, a resident could enjoy a community pool for the entire year. This should not be sold as a money maker, but as another investment for this community.

The potential partnership of the city, township and the private sector can make this project make sense for a lot of reasons. Ultimately, because this question is on the ballot, the voters will decide its fate. I will abide by that vote.

Do you support the Lake Koronis Recreational Trail? What should be the city's contribution to this community project?
Yes, and for the many of the same reasons as I support the aquatic park and Kruger Lake Nature Preserve. It's not just a mattter of people wanting standard services (sewer, water, electricity, etc.) anymore. If we're going to survive, we must come up with a way to compete by providing some of those extra services. The project is too important to this community and too far along to drop now.

Without knowing the future it is hard to commit to a dollar amount or percentage. I will say that the city has a definite commitment to be a large contributor to the next two (city to lake and city to Glacial Lakes Trial) legs.

Do you support the proposed Kruger Lake Nature Park, which the city is in the process of purchasing? Why or why not?
If we can once again work with the township, secure additional grants, and use part of the park to mitigate loss wetlands within the city and township, ensuring additional revenue coming to the township and city, I could support this project. My concern is that we not take on too many projects and consequently not be able to finish all of them to the best of our ability. Let's do what we do well, and at a pace that is realistic.

  Council Candidate
Tom Lindquist

Tom Lindquist Tom Lindquist, 68, served on the Paynesville Area School Board for six years in the 1980s, including a stint as board chairman. He is retired from various government positions at the county, regional, and state level.

What should be the city's relationship with Paynesville Township?
It should be amiable. You also have to keep in mind that over time many issues will develop, and the city and township will need each other.

What, specifically, would you do to foster such a relationship with the township?
Pay attention to the problems the township is dealing with and help out when you can.

MnDOT is studying the Highway 23 corridor in Paynesville, looking at improving the existing route or building a bypass. What proposed route do you support?
This is an issue that lends itself to township and city cooperation Ultimately, it will make a big diffeence in our area. Cold Spring and Rockville responded in very different ways. Why and its effect would be very interesting!

During the Highway 23 study, residents and business owners have raised issues such as keeping Paynesville visible, having local access to the highway, and making it safe for local traffic. Since the city council must approve MnDOT construction plans, how will you insure visibility, local access, and slow speeds?
No response.

In recent years, state aid to cities has been cut. How should the city maintain its services to residents and pay for them?
State and federal funding is always a suspected source of funding. It is one thing to accept it for a capital project and quite another to depend on it for operational expense.

Do you support a community swimming pool? Why or why not?
There are the capital expenditures to build it and the operational costs to maintain it. I don't know enough of the details to make a decision. I understand that the issue will be resolved in November by a vote. I think we have to wait for that.

Do you support the Lake Koronis Recreational Trail? What should be the city's contribution to this community project?
This is a wonderful opportunity for township and city cooperation.

Do you support the proposed Kruger Lake Nature Park, which the city is in the process of purchasing? Why or why not?
If the capital can be found, it is a wonderful example of a short-term project. Saving that area as a reserve would be a very positive long-term development.



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