"Where Olmsted County News Comes First"

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In recent months Stewartville City Council members have discussed the many options and opinions regarding the cities plans for updating the fire station. Concerns over the location, building costs and construction designs continue to be addressed as the council agreed to move forward with the project. The final decision in the matter has been put into the local voters hands. The voter referendum will take place in the Spring of 2013 after the blue print design plans are finished and agreed upon by all of the involved parties. Financing of the construction will be The City of Stewartville’s obligation and none of the cost is to be passed on to the Township. The Township will continue to be charged through a Contract for Services agreement with the city.

In a three to one vote (with member Judy Hanson voting against) the council approved a local real estate finders fee. The reward will go to any licensed real estate agent or broker who closes on the sale of property for commercial, industrial or private use purchased from The City of Stewartville. Only one finders fee will be permitted per sale and the fee is set at five percent. Among the restrictions that do apply to the fee: city employees, their families and those with outstanding violations in the city are currently ineligible. Hanson would have preferred the legal document to be sent back to the lawyers so the verbiage regarding the restrictions listed could be further researched.

Mayor Jimmie-John King updated current events in the city, encouraging citizens to go out and support the local farmers market. “We really have an outstanding wide variety of locally grown fresh food items available at our Stewartville farmers market, it’s not just the basic’s anymore.” The Farmers Market takes place weekly on Wednesdays at Striker’s Corner in Stewartville from 4:00 to 7:00. The cost for vendors and patrons is free.

The mayor also reminded those looking for something different to do locally to take advantage of the towns local Sears House Tours. The home located at 301 Main Street North was the childhood home of Richard W. Sears, the founder of Sears Roebuck Company. James Sears, Richards father was a very early settler in Stewartville and his family resided in the home until 1869. Tours of The Sears House continue throughout the summer months; every second and fourth Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00.

The Project Status Report shows that the storm drainage construction is complete in the 2nd Avenue SW area. Crews currently are working on the roadway and also checking for proper grading of the pond. Other restoration construction in the area will follow upon completion of the road work.

The next Stewartville City Council meeting has been re-scheduled for Wednesday, August 15 at 7:00 pm. (Due to the Primary Election that is slated for Tuesday, August 14).

School Board

In other Stewartville news the School Board continues to work on expanding and adding more space to the local schools. Past efforts in shifting things around to accommodate students appear to have eased the crowding but the need for more room is evident. Computer rooms, labs, larger restrooms and exercise facilities are issues that continue to be researched and are in a fact gathering stage. Future plans are sure to include the fact that the towns population continues to grow.

Stewartville’s Public Library Director Patricia Johnson reported a “steady increase in new accounts that have recently been opened.” Stats show the library to be a busy place this summer as the numbers for circulation of loaned materials continue to go up. The next meeting of the local Library Board will be August 21. The Stewartville Library is located at 110 2nd Street SE and is open Monday through Saturday.