Grand opening of Crosslake Library planned for early June

CROSSLAKE - Get ready for summer reading.

The Crosslake Library is planning a grand opening in early June. All the major work is done. The community library, at the city's Community Center, is available for tours.

In an update on the project at Monday's Crosslake City Council meeting, Alden Hardwick, library committee member, reported the project received $409,144 in cash and $46,964 in pledges. In-kind donations of at least $61,850 have been received and $200,000 in book donations.

"We are a long way from the Quonset hut many of us thought we'd have," Hardwick said. "We thank the community for making this possible and the council for helping us."

The library has 14,600 books and more are continuing to come in, Hardwick said. The library's initial goal was 11,000 books.

In other business:

Heard from Michelle Schmidt, owner of Anytime Fitness in Crosslake. Schmidt said some people were left with the impression she wanted to shut down the Community Center's weight room.

"And that was never my intention," Schmidt said. "I just want to make sure we can coexist.

Approved allowing Mayor Jay Andolshek to contact the city attorney if the need arises. The city's policy previously allowed the city administrator and chief of police to contact the city attorney with other department heads going through the city administrator.

Appointed former council member Dick Phillips to the city's Economic Development Authority. Council member Dean Swanson voted against the motion citing personal reasons. Swanson said he was disappointed more people did not come forward for the opening. The city advertised for a vacant EDA position and received one applicant.

Transferred the liquor license from Ted and Kathy Murrer, The Cedar Chest to Joe Vern Inc. (Mary Bemis) doing business as The Cedar Chest contingent upon successful closing on the property.

Heard the Community Center will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19.

Learned the AARP Tax Help program starts at the Community Center Feb. 23. Sessions are 8 a.m. to noon Fridays through April 13 and from 8 a.m. to noon on Mondays on March 26, April 2 and April 9. For more information, call (218) 692-4271.

Approved the 2007-2008 law enforcement contract joint powers agreement between Crosslake and Mission Township. The cost to Mission Township is $46,000 and is payable in four increments.

Approved a recommendation by Swanson to reactivate the five-member public works commission in an advisory capacity to oversee the city's operations of public works, cemetery and sewer operations.

Agreed not to assess adjacent property owners for the Fawn Lake Road project. Grant funds are available to underwrite a majority of the cost. Four units of government are involved in the project. Crow Wing County received a grant of $412,500 for the project divided between the four entities based on roadway length. Breezy Point, Mission and Ideal townships also are not assessing adjacent property owners.

The city reported there are adequate funds in the 2007 public works capital outlay budget to pay the city's share of the project. Crosslake's estimated share of a grant is $116,268 leaving an estimated city cost of $54,259.

Set a public hearing for 6 p.m. March 12 at city hall to consider vacation of a portion of Backdahl Road.

RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5852.