I wish I felt I could say something meaningful about the state budget situation.
Most people and agencies and entities I deal with are worried about cuts at the state level. (The rest of the economy isn’t in a great spot, either.)
To avoid that feeling of hopelessness, it’s probably best to keep as active as possible — on the local level where voices aren’t lost in a sea of similar tones.
Our local elected and appointed people always respect input from the public and seem to truly consider it when making final decisions.
Some things to think about locally are:
oSelling the Luverne Economic Development Authority apartments, the Mounds View and Evergreen units. The city built them at a time when private investors weren’t able to. Now, it’s feasible to be privately owned. Attend the public hearing to review the proposal at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 25.
oThe hospital issue. Should the city and county be involved, or to what extent with Sioux Valley Hospitals and Health System in its possible new hospital project? Sioux Valley has said any construction plans hinge on having the current campus off its hands. There are non-public meetings going on with the hospital and elected boards in non-quorum numbers. Usually that just means that some details are worked out before a true and final decision is made. Maybe they’d appreciate your opinion on the hospital (and possible ownership of a vacant old hospital building) now rather than later.
oThe Comprehensive Plan is being reconsidered by the Luverne Planning Commission. Commission members are reviewing the publication and making suggested changes informally.
The Comprehensive Plan outlines zoning ordinances including junk vehicle, signing, yard setback requirements and parking regulations. The plan guides the overall future of city planning, and would include a general opinion on what should happen to property along Highway 75.
The public is invited to review the Comprehensive Plan available at Luverne City Hall and to attend a public meeting at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in Council Chambers.
oEmpty buildings. Downtown Luverne has a few open storefronts and the former Continental Western and Exsito buildings are still waiting for new owners. Ideas on possible occupants or how to draw the right one are welcomed at City Hall.
