By Sara Strong
Luverne Economic Development Authority discussed the possibility of adding another pocket park on the north edge of town Tuesday.
City statutes require another park a little more than two acres large in the Evergreen Addition. The city hasn't added pocket parks in every new addition as required by statute, so this park would be a sort of catch-up.
LEDA director Tony Chladek said he and Public Works Director Darrell Huiskes looked at plans to use the former Christensen home lot as a base for the park.
LEDA member Bob Latham said, "We have to have a pocket park; itÕs a matter of where we put it."
Nate Golla, LEDA member, said the convenience of the location might make it a good choice.
The countyÕs bike trail project begins this summer and would follow Blue Mound Avenue to Blue Mounds State Park. The proposed pocket park would also be along Blue Mound Avenue, utilizing the existing driveway to the Christensen home, which will be moved this spring.
A water fountain could also be available at the park if the city decides to take advantage of the existing hookups.
LEDA member Keith Erickson said, "It's an ideal place for a park; however, are those lots also ideal for housing?"
Not wanting to lose potential land sales, LEDA chairman Glen Gust wondered if a park in another part of the addition would be a better choice.
There are six lots in the area proposed for a park that would cost the city about $100,000 to get ready for sale. Considering that the city has about 90 more lots available, the cost may not be worth it for the city.
LEDA member Karis Gust said that lots further from Blue Mound Avenue have seen more sales, and a park might be a better option for the land next to Blue Mound Avenue.
More park options will be explored to find what location is ideal, and the LEDA will look at those during an upcoming meeting.
Exsito debt
The LEDA voted to stop efforts to collect money from Frank and Ruthann Patterson, former owners of Luverne Foods, which made Exsito tomato products.
They owe about $50,000 to the city from a loan and guarantee to a local lender. Ruthann and Frank have both individually filed for bankruptcy, so the likelihood of collecting the debt is small. Also, the city would have to spend more money on legal fees to keep the process going.
The Pattersons left town late in 2000.
The money directly owed to the city does not count the building, land and updates worth $215,000 the city completed in order for the Pattersons to operate in Luverne.
On a bright note, Erickson pointed out that the property can be sold to another business and that the city owns the recipes if they can be used in the future.
The food processing equipment in the building will be sold at auction or to other manufacturers.