City Beat: Cannons, splashes, and a welcome back to City buildings

May 25, 2021

Coming Soon!

The hanging flower baskets downtown are synonymous with summer in Red Wing--and they're nearly here! Public Works is starting to hang the baskets this week to give downtown its summertime blooms.

Photo of flower baskets in front of City Hall

Memorial Park Entrance Restoration Project

The entrance to Red Wing’s beloved Memorial Park is about to get some attention, thanks to Eagle Scout candidate and local high schooler, Jacob Flemke. Jacob’s community service project is to restore the Pack Howitzer cannon that sits at the park’s main entrance. He’ll also add a bench for seating and some solar lights to the existing flag pole there. Jacob presented the project to the City Council during their last meeting, and told them he hopes his project will "honor the selfless veterans of the World Wars" and bring "positive attention towards this timeless piece of history." The project was given wings with unanimous support from the City Council. We’ll report back with photos of the completed project later this summer--Scout’s honor!

City Buildings Open to Public Starting June 1

June 1st is a big day for the City of Red Wing. It's the day all City buildings will open back up to the public. That means all Council, board, and commission meetings will start happening in person then, too. Masks will still be encouraged, and anyone not vaccinated is expected to wear a mask. Stop by and see us for your City business after June 1st - we've missed you!

Recall Update

City Council voted 6-1 Monday night not to hold a special recall election for three Council members. Before the vote, City Attorney Amy Mace presented background stating the Council had acted appropriately and upheld its obligations related to Open Meeting Law, which is the basis of the local recall effort. You can watch Monday's meeting and read the report. Various documents and recordings, including a Q&A article on the process, are located on our City website page.

The Results Are In on Chickens & Bees!

Almost 800 people responded to the Chickens & Bees survey, and the results are in! The full summary is available, and here are the quick facts:

23% of respondents want to raise chickens; 17% want to keep bees.
Concerns about chickens were about evenly split (48% did have concerns; 47% had no concerns). Fewer respondents (38%) were concerned about bees.
Overall, respondents felt that strong education, strict rules, and clear methods of enforcement would be necessary.

What next? The Advisory Planning Commission will weigh options for recommendations to the Council - then Council will ultimately vote and decide on both issues. Stay tuned for updates in a future edition of City Beat!

Two Communities, One Clean-up Event

Join the Prairie Island Indian Community and the Red Wing Sustainability Commission for a city-wide clean-up! Dakota for "those who watch over and protect the river," the Wakpa Awayankapi kick-off event is open to everyone. This is the first in a series of clean-up events with the common goal of protecting our beloved Mississippi River and waterways and preserving it for generations to come. Pre-registration is open now, or register when you arrive for a chance to win your own clean-up kit. Let's spruce up our city AND protect our waterways together.

June 5 at 12 p.m.

Meet at the Central Park Band Shell

Masks are encouraged.

Gloves and trash bags will be provided.

Rental License Program: There's a Map for That

Are you interested in the proposed Rental License Program's zones and boundaries? Now there's a map for that! The Rental Housing interactive map lets you scroll, click, and explore rental housing in Red Wing, including where zones and boundaries are. Discussion around the proposed Rental License Program is in full swing, and we want you to join the conversation! If you missed it, last week's public meeting about the program is available to watch and all the proposed program's resources and documents are on the City's website. A new Q&A article will also be coming later this week.

Get Ready to SPLASH this Summer!

Summertime temps are nearly here and what better way to cool off than in the water? Thanks to our Public Works department, the splash pad at the Athletic Field will open this Friday in time for Memorial Day weekend. Ready for even BIGGER splashes? The Red Wing Water Park opens June 9 for a whole summer of fun. Check the Community Ed and Recreation Facebook page for updates throughout the season. Don't forget--they're still hiring for seasonal positions! Visit their website to learn more and apply. We'll see you in the water!

You Ask, We Answer

Red Wing's Boards and Commissions

The names of Red Wing's boards and commissions may be familiar, but what do they actually do? In short, they're advisory bodies made up of volunteer community members that advise our City Council. Yep, Red Wing residents just like YOU have direct input over a variety of issues that affect our city. Sounds pretty cool, right? Learn more about our 14 boards and commissions in the newest City Q&A, and consider if you'd like to be one of Red Wing's newest commissioners.

You can apply right here.

Image of an empty seat in Council Chambers

All in a Day's Work - Brian Biwer

While you’re admiring the hanging flower baskets popping up downtown, know those beauties are thanks in part to this guy right here--Brian Biwer. Brian is the Operations Foreman of the Public Works building and grounds division, which means he keeps everything—and everyone—running on schedule, including Red Wing’s signature flower baskets. Brian started with the City in 2012 and was promoted to his current position last August. He says his favorite part of the job is “definitely the coworkers," and he enjoys working with a crew that has decades of experience. Thank you, Brian, for keeping our buildings, parks, and, yes, even flower baskets, beautiful.