March 9, 2021
Walk, jog, or bike across the new Eisenhower Bridge of Valor! The pedestrian and bike path is OPEN. It's perfect for a scenic walk during the spring-like weather we've been enjoying. Want to explore more?
Get Help with Your City Utility Bills
Image of a cold water faucet with Utility Assistance Program Available NOW in white letters above
COVID-19 has affected all of us but some more than others. If you or someone you know needs assistance with past-due City utility bills because of COVID-19, the new Utility Assistance Program is here to help, thanks to Council's approval on Monday. Residents can qualify for up to $500 in assistance for City water, sewer, refuse, and recycling services, and folks can reapply every other month until the program's funds are gone. Visit the City's website for more information and stay tuned for the application form coming soon!
All Aboard!
Red Wing invited to Virtual Town Forum
Flyer of the TCMC project Virtual Town Forum for Red Wing
Virtual Town Forum
Thursday, March 11
6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Great River Rail is proposing to add a daily round trip passenger train between the Twin Cities and Chicago. What effect will that have on local residents and businesses? Here's your chance to give feedback and learn more about the potential project. Along with the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce, the Great River Rail Commission is co-hosting a Virtual Town Forum for Red Wing on Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m. The virtual event is free and open to all Red Wing residents and business. To read up on the details now, check out the project here.
Adopt-a-Drain Program Coming to Red Wing
Blue words Adopt a Storm Drain to the left of a brown storm drain grate with blue lines running through it
In Red Wing, stormwater from our streets runs directly into storm drains, which in turn flows right into the Mississippi River. To help protect our waterways, Red Wing is joining the Adopt-a-Drain program beginning this spring. Visit the Adopt-a-Drain website to claim your storm drain. Speaking of storm drains, Red Wing's stormwater permit is up for review and renewal. Consider watching the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan presentation (whew, say that five times fast) and submit your input!
New Director, New Look at the VCB
What's the Red Wing Visitor and Convention Bureau (VCB) been up to? A lot! As a City partner, the VCB presents an annual report to the Council and this year, new Executive Director Paige Anderson showcased a ton of accomplishments: relocating the VCB headquarters to Broad Street, designing a new digital visitor guide, and creating an ambitious "4ward Motion" plan for the future. It all goes toward bringing visitors to Red Wing--after COVID-19 and beyond. Watch the presentation to see all the VCB's 2021 initiatives.
2 Languages, 1 Great Newsletter
Aerial photo of Old West Main Street in summertime
That's right, we're using this newsletter to tell you about another one! If you're interested in knowing everything about the Old West Main Street Reconstruction and Pedestrian Bridge projects, sign up for the project newsletter, full of updates straight from the experts' mouths. Even better, there is now a Spanish version of the newsletter. Both will be available on the City's website, but save some extra clicks and sign up to receive either version right into your email inbox. Spread the word!
More than a Pretty Park
With the completion of the Levee Park Dock Improvement Project in 2020, our downtown riverside park also became a beautiful port of call for large Mississippi riverboats. The City of Red Wing, along with partners Kimley-Horn and Meyer Construction, received an Honor Award from two statewide groups: the American Public Works Association-Minnesota Chapter and the City Engineer’s Association of Minnesota. Project Manager Ron Seymour presented the award recognitions to the Mayor, City Council, and Red Wing community for their support throughout the project. Take a look at all the improvements here, or visit Levee Park today.
Keeping Out the Emerald Ash Borer
Sunlight shining through backlit trees in a wooded area
Red Wing is a hot spot for the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) insect, which can decimate ash tree populations. The City has been battling EAB by planting diversified tree species and now has the chance to apply for a Shade Tree Program Bonding Grant from the Minnesota DNR that will help remove and replace trees affected by EAB.
All in a Day's Work
Photo of Madison standing outside City Hall
You already know clean water and pollution prevention in Red Wing are a big deal. Well, the people who work with our water are a big deal, too. As a Field & Laboratory Technician for the City's utilities division, Madison Erie is part of the team that oversees Red Wing's water safety. Last year alone, she processed almost 2,000 water samples in the City's lab! From monitoring what comes out of our taps to documenting what drains into the Mississippi River, Madison's work keeps our water (and waterways) safe and healthy.
We'll Save You a Seat (at home)
TCMC Second Train Project Virtual Town Forum
Thursday, March 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Advisory Planning Commission Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex.
Tuesday, March 16 at 7 p.m.
Sheldon Theatre Board Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex
Tuesday, March 16 at 5:15 p.m.
Youth Commission Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex
Wednesday, March 17 at 6 p.m.
City Council Workshop on Cable Franchise Agreements
Meeting Held Virtually
Monday, March 22 at 5 p.m.
City Council Meeting
Meeting virtually via Webex
Monday, March 22 at 6 p.m.