New Downtown Village Hall Option to be Presented on Monday to City Council

At the April 3 meeting, the City Council requested additional information and research be collected related to the five existing Village Hall options.  As a result of this additional study, a “sixth option” has been developed for a concept using the existing Village Hall site in the historic downtown.

This new construction option consists of a new two-story, at-grade/no basement, 8,520 sq. ft. building (approximately 4,260 sq. ft. per floor).  The concept includes city hall offices, as well as a dual-purposed space for community events (with a caterer’s kitchen), and City Council Chambers.  The estimated cost of construction is $3,997,661, with an estimated tax impact of $201 for a $300,000 home.

At Monday’s meeting, the City Council will consider selecting a “preferred option” for Village Hall.  The selection would result in City staff developing an “action plan” for the implementation of the “preferred option.”  The action plan would be reviewed and considered at a future City Council meeting.  The City Council will be considering this new downtown option, as well as all the previously discussed options, at their meeting on Monday, April 17 at 7 pm.  For a link to the April 17 City Council Packet click here.

    

Letter: Talking about real issues

As I entered Waconia City Hall for Senate District 47’s Town Hall on April 1, I braced myself for screaming constituents armed with signs spoiling for chair-throwing fights. Basically, a Carver-county WrestleMania showdown.

April 17 – 21 is Severe Weather Awareness Week

Tornado Drill Day:  On Thursday, April 20, Carver County outdoor warning sirens will be activated twice; once at 1:45 p.m. for businesses, schools and other facilities to practice their plans, and again at 6:45 p.m. for late shifts and families in their homes.   Please note that NOAA Weather Radios will also sound for these simulated tornado warnings.

Minnesota Severe Weather Awareness Week is April 17-21, 2017

Each year, Carver County, sponsors Severe Weather Awareness Week in collaboration with the National Weather Service and the MN Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

According to the National Weather Service, Minnesota experiences an average of 40 tornadoes per year. In 2012, 37 twisters touched down. A record was set in 2010 with 104 tornadoes across the state.

Understanding this threat and knowing what to do when a tornado is approaching can save lives.

Please see the attached document for more information on how we can prepare and practice in our communities for the coming severe weather season.

You can find additional information at the following link:

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/hsem/weather-awareness-preparedness/Pages/severe-weather-awareness-week-program.aspx

Download (PDF, 608KB)

Public Service Announcement

A message from Deputy McKirahan……As warmer weather approaches, the Carver County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents to safeguard their vehicles from theft.   To reduce temptations from those out looking to steal items, all electronics and valuable items should be removed from your vehicle.   Be sure to lock all vehicle doors as well as side garage doors at all times; the majority of vehicle thefts are the result of vehicles being left unlocked.   If you have any questions, please contact Deputy McKirahan or the Carver County Sheriff’s Office.

Letter: Ensure access to mental health care

There is a severe lack of mental health services in rural communities across the county, in fact 20 percent of rural communities are lacking mental health services at all. This is despite the fact that mental health is ranked as…

Children of Tomorrow Learning Center Breaks Ground in Carver

Aleta Mechtel, President and Founder of Children of Tomorrow Learning Centers, recently held a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new location in Carver.  Children of Tomorrow staff and business partners, along with Council Member Courtney Johnson and Mayor Mike Webb, took part in the event to mark the beginning of construction for the nearly 10,000 sq. ft. facility.

“With waiting lists at our other locations, we quickly noticed a great demand for childcare and early education in the Carver area and decided to help fill this need in this growing community,” said Aleta Mechtel.

Located at 4745 Dahlgren Road, Children of Tomorrow will be situated less than a mile from the new Carver Elementary along Jonathan Carver Parkway.  The new facility will serve up to 127 children from 6 weeks to 9 years of age and will employ a staff of twenty when it opens in the fall of 2017.

Mayor Mike Webb commented, “Aleta, her team, and the services provided at Children of Tomorrow will be a tremendous asset to families in Carver and the surrounding area.”

Children of Tomorrow Learning Centers are also located in Chanhanssen, Waconia, and Norwood Young America.  For more information on Children of Tomorrow Learning Centers visit www.childrenoftomorrow.com.