Opportunity to redo the action

To the Editor:

Fairmont City Council member Miller stated according to the Sentinel that Marshall, New Ulm and St. Peter, which all have community centers and colleges and which she said haven’t grown in population.

When I check population trends of the mentioned cities, this is what I find: New Ulm is growing at a rate of 0.42 percent annually and its population has increased by 0.85 percent since the most recent census; St. Peter is growing at a rate of 0.72 percent annually and its population has increased by 1.44 percent since the most recent census. However, you are correct in saying that Marshall is decreasing in population, but you should also mention that Fairmont has decreased as well. Councilor Miller, it is not nice to give constituents misinformation.

1590, a group of individuals who advocated for a community center, were in favor of the sales tax resolution passed by a previous council and approved by the voters. The resolution did include that some monies raised could be used for parks and trails. Everybody knew that the primary goal was the Center. The 1590 group had fundraisers and secured pledges toward this goal. Individuals traveled to area communities that had community centers to secure information about programs and operation of a community center. All of their efforts, you, the council, tossed aside.

I favor a community center. I am 86 years old and I would like to participate in Center activities. The Center, however, is not for me, but those that come after, such as young children, teenagers, young adults and family units. Also, we have to demonstrate to ourselves and others who look at our community that we are a dynamic, enterprising community interested in the future of our community. The present city council and administration seem to be content in letting Fairmont have a slow death, so that we are nothing but a memory.

The city council thinks that the old Central School building is sufficient for a Center. It is not and the council realized this. It, the old Central School, could be made into condos and apartments utilizing economic development funds and HRA funds along with grant monies. This would renovate a site and help alleviate a housing shortage. Those of you attended Mankato State, remember Old Main, now renovated into housing units.

What should we do now? Well, the present city council and administration still have an opportunity to redo its action. If it doesn’t take this opportunity, then we will have to wait for the new council and see what it does.

Dale Martens

Fairmont