by April Scheinoha
Reporter
The Thief River Falls City Council has renamed Annie Street Park. The park is now named Florentine Park. That decision was approved at the council meeting Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Tony Kozojed made the request in memory of his late mother, Florentine, who donated the land for the park to the city in 1966. The land had been in Florentine Kozojed’s family since the early 1900s. The park is located east of the Greenwood Street underpass. Florentine Kozojed passed away in 1989.
In the early history of its existence, the park hosted skaters and baseball players. Gradually, it was used less and less. In 2012, the council considered selling the then-vacant park for the construction of what is now known as River Falls Estates. However, the neighbors objected and the townhomes were built southeast of the park. In the past two years, fencing, a backstop and playground equipment were installed. Public Works Director Mark Borseth noted that the youth baseball organization has used the park for the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
By a vote of 6 to 1, the council held a first reading to amend an ordinance pertaining to public nuisances affecting peace and safety. Council member Jerald Brown voted in opposition. Council member Rachel Prudhomme was absent from the meeting.
If approved, the amendment would govern the use of an engine brake or Jake brake in non-emergency situations.
Borseth said the city had received complaints from residents on U.S. Highway 59 Southeast and Highway 1 East regarding semi drivers using engine brakes. Police Chief Dick Wittenberg voiced his approval to erect engine braking signs, and the Minnesota Department of Transportation approved the signs as long as the city had an ordinance pertaining to such a thing.
Council member Don Sollom noted that it took the council a shorter period of time – three weeks – to craft this ordinance compared to a junk ordinance. Brown said the latter has taken six years and nine months.
However, the city has an ordinance pertaining to junk in yards, and several council members have voiced their displeasure regarding a perceived lack of enforcement.
Regarding the proposed engine brake amendment, Brown asked about enforcement. Mayor Brian Holmer replied that the Thief River Falls Police Department, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office and Minnesota State Patrol would have the power to cite drivers for a violation.
The council approved an agreement with The Shpigler Group to evaluate strategies to improve the use of the city’s Automated Meter Infrastructure as well as evaluate strategies for future Smart City needs. The Shpigler Group will be paid $18,000 plus travel expenses.
Electric Superintendent Dale Narlock and Water Systems Superintendent Wayne Johnson noted that the AMI provides a considerable amount of data. The city would like to utilize that data, but it is currently unable to do so. The consulting group will also look at what types of software will integrate with the system.
In a related, separate motion, the council tabled filling the position of billing clerk until hearing The Shpigler Group’s recommendation. Lynette Lane is retiring from that position Friday, Sept. 27.