Present: Purfeerst, Malecha, Peters, Underdahl.
Absent: Hoisington
Outside Agency: Southeastern MN EMS funding request: focus on education for first responders.
Northfield Public Library funding request: outreach, includes Bookmobile, which is both in and outside of town. Building visits up this year. Children’s area in the building is undergoing renovation. Working in collaboration with others such as TORCH, ARC, Habitat Bill North (Northfield, member, Friends of the Library): Oasis, making an impact with expansion library services beyond center of Northfield, along with expanding the scope of the Bookmobile. Last, volunteer expansion getting books to peoples’ homes, free of charge. Joan Ennis (Northfield, Friends of the Library): Speaks to impact of librarians with visitors to the library. Buckham Memorial Library funding request: Stressed importance of connection with individuals/community, along with working with community partners. Makers space available several times per month. New is a legal kiosk. Library usage is up over the past year. Buckham West Senior Center funding request: Increased usage of the center over the past year, all areas- educational, wellness, social, etc. Resource hub for older adults in Rice County.
Rice County Agricultural Society funding request: County Fair went well, no surprises. There are aging associated problems with the fair buildings and grounds (sewer and water). Positive feedback re: DNR building. Fairground has improved security with improvements, such as cameras. Racetrack has increased use, as the racetrack in Cannon Falls has closed. Due to insurance guidelines, have had to improve guard rails, cables. Beer garden was revamped, new patio/lighting and fence. New portable sound systems.
Will continue with improvements and maintenance over the next year.
Southern MN Tourism funding request: 30 years, representing 36 southern MN counties. 24.2-billion-dollar industry in MN. Six hundred forty-three million dollars in payroll in SE MN, annually. An additional 800 jobs have been created in southern MN since the pandemic, tourist related.
Fifty North funding request: Celebrating 50th year. Membership is age 50 and older, average age 74 yr. Fitness classes, educational opportunities, social engagement. Some revenue from Used a Bit retail resale stores.
Adjourn
