City of Mankato Newsletter -March 2023

Government and Politics

March 2, 2023

From: City of Mankato

Mankato's "State of the City" Shares 2022 Accomplishments and Highlights

Another year has wrapped up for the City of Mankato, and its 2022 accomplishments, highlights, project updates and a look ahead are featured in Mankato’s "State of the City." Work done includes completion of Alexander Park, 900 E. Main St., and the City’s Alley Master Plan. Also finished were reconstruction on Tile and North Second streets, and resurfacing on Woodland Avenue and Hope, West Fifth, Lafayette, Second and Lime streets.

A snapshot of other highlights include:

-Celebration and recognition of 50 years of the Mahkato Wacipi Powwow.

-Development of the Mankato Land Acknowledgement, another step in reconciliation and healing efforts.

-Created two new summer bus routes to help expand transit opportunities.

-Added technology: Body Worn Cameras, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone) and an online permitting system.

-Broke ground on two affordable housing units: Sinclair Flats and Lewis Lofts.

-Launched an inclusivity study with area partners to help identify strengths and areas of improvement for all ages, races, abilities and genders.

-Completed a community survey, the first step in strategic planning.

-Continued engagement with area youth.

-A new ladder truck and aircraft rescue and firefighting truck joined the City fleet.

-Engaged in community conversations:

-Jefferson Quarry

-Riverfront Drive Demonstration Project

-Potential splash pad

-Second Street Corridor Study

View "State of the City." For a printed copy, contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

Affordable Housing Action Plan Approved

The Mankato City Council and Blue Earth County Board of Commissioners recently adopted an Affordable Housing Action Plan, designed to build on the 2020 Housing Study, by providing a road map for the community, service providers and developers.

The plan helps:

-Identify gaps in the housing market and barriers in meeting the affordable housing needs.

-Provide potential tools to assist with housing and redevelopment efforts that meet the needs of the community.

-Identify resources and develop collaborations to meet unmet needs.

-Support economic growth and assist with attracting and retaining a workforce.

The plan was developed in part through a series of in-person community engagements and online at Every Voice Mankato, providing key partners and the general community an opportunity to help identify areas of priority. Affordable housing is an important initiative in Mankato’s Strategic Plan and can enhance quality of life, attract new residents, retain current residents, have positive economic impacts and create equity.

View the Affordable Housing Action Plan online. For more information contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

Help Deter Catalytic Converter Theft -- Register Today

The Mankato Department of Public Safety, through the Minnesota Department of Commerce, has implemented a program to help deter theft of catalytic converters. To participate, vehicle owners must register their vehicles at the Public Safety Center, 710 S. Front St.

Registration can be done any time, and once registered, owners will receive a packet that includes an identification label with a unique code, instructions and installation materials. The label features an identification number that can be used to identify catalytic converters, which do not have serial numbers or other identifying features, should they be found after being stolen.

Registration may be done any time, and there is no charge to register or for the packet. Residents may opt to install the label themselves or bring it to any participating automotive shop (list provided at registration) to install at no cost. Once the label is applied, the identification number is permanently etched on the catalytic converter and unable to be removed.

For more information contact Public Safety staff at 507-387-8701.

Recognizing Women's History Month

March is designated as Women’s History Month, and the City of Mankato celebrates and thanks the women who had a positive impact on the community.

Learn more about Women’s History Month, which “celebrates the contributions women have made to the United States and recognizes the specific achievements women have made over the course of American history in a variety of fields.” (The Library of Congress)

Mankato Celebrates 155 Years of Service

Mankato celebrates 155 years of City service on March 6, 1868, when the City was officially chartered (officially established as a town).

City services included:

Public Safety

Garbage and Recycling

Street Services

Utilities

Housing

Public Transportation

Parks and Recreation

Learn more about Mankato’s history, services and diversity and inclusivity efforts.

Firefighters Now Equipped With Thermal Cameras for Safety

City of Mankato firefighters have added another tool to their belt – a handheld thermal camera that can help save lives by helping firefighters make more informed decisions during fire events and search and rescue operations.

The light, durable and waterproof cameras feature three display modes dependent on the heat index needed and can be used to:

-Reduce rescue time by being able to quickly locate victims or downed firefighters in smoky environments.

-Assist firefighters with self-rescue by identifying cool spots, windows or the fire hose line in conditions with low or zero visibility to find an exit.

-Assess scenes to better fight fires by locating heat-related clues such as fire in walls or hot spots caused by electrical shorts.

-Investigate hazardous material situations from a safe distance and see levels in pressurized tanks to make more informed decisions.

-Use heat signals to find victims during non-fire search and rescue operations.

-View heat levels to train new and current firefighters to understand fire dynamics and ventilation techniques.

The City purchased seventy cameras, enough to outfit every firefighter on staff, including new recruits, paid on-call, part-time and full-time firefighters as well as administrative staff. The cameras have been issued as part of the required personal protective equipment for firefighters and will be worn on all required service calls.

Registration for "No Mow May" Begins March 15

Mankato will be bringing back “No Mow May” for 2023. Last year, the City piloted this initiative, and more than 700 people participated. “No Mow May” is designed to promote healthy habitats for early season pollinators, such as bees, by allowing grass to grow. In addition to growing grass, the University of Minnesota Extension Office shares information about how to plant and maintain a pollinator-friendly lawn.

During this month-long program, the City will temporarily suspend part of its ordinance that requires homeowners to keep grass less than 12 inches tall. Renters must have landlord permission to participate. Noxious weeds, which are considered a nuisance, will still need to be eradicated.

To participate, registration is required. Online registration opens Wednesday, March 15, and closes on Friday, April 28. Residents may also call 311 or 507-387-8600 to register.

For more information contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

Save the Date for Mankato's Annual Clean-up

Mark your calendars for Mankato’s Annual Clean-up, held in May at the Public Works Center, 501 S. Victory Dr. Mankato residents actively billed for garbage service on their Mankato utility bill may dispose of unwanted items at no additional cost. Information about the event, including scheduled drop-off dates and times based on addresses, will be mailed to eligible households in the coming weeks.

Apply for Positions with the City

Stay informed about current job openings with the City of Mankato by visiting Mankato's employment page.

The City of Mankato provides a comprehensive, balanced, and competitive benefits package including medical coverage, paid holidays and sick leave, flexible spending accounts and retirement.

Apply online by clicking on the job title of interest and select the "Apply" link. If this is the first time you are applying using the City's online job application, you will need to create an account and select a username and password.

All application materials must be received by the posted closing date and will be reviewed after the closing date. Applicants will receive email notices relating to job applications from the City of Mankato and candidates with the appropriate qualifications and experience for the position will be considered for interviews. Learn more about Mankato's hiring process.

Build your career in a positive work environment with a team that is supportive and encouraging of your professional growth.

Current job openings include:

Applications Open Soon for Seasonal Positions

With spring and summer right around the corner, the City of Mankato will soon be hiring seasonal employees for operations, infrastructure and facilities. Seasonal positions are available April 15 through October 31 and the positions offer flexible schedules.

Want to learn more about what a seasonal position might look like? Meet Seasonal Facilities Maintenance Worker, Chuck Schoettler, and learn what he enjoys about his job and working for the City of Mankato.

Stay informed about job openings by signing up for job alerts.

Seasonal positions are important to the maintenance of City parks, streets and structures that help improve Mankato’s quality of life by providing recreation, transportation and facilities for a variety of City services.

Civic Center Updates Wrapping Up This Spring

Major construction to portions of the Civic Center's roof, including the exterior insulation finishing system (EIFS) is beginning to wrap up with completion scheduled for this spring. As the weather gets warmer, final touches, such as updated paint to doors, will be completed.

Updates to the Civic Center are a part of Mankato’s Community Investment Plan to help maintain this asset long into the future.

Stay Informed About Mankato Street Projects

Stay informed about street construction projects by visiting the City’s street projects webpage.

View a map of closed roads and find details about ongoing construction and reconstruction for projects such as Germania Park Phase 3, North Second Street, Timberwolf Drive pedestrian enhancements and more.

View current road closures. Subscribe to receive road closure announcements by signing up for City of Mankato news by email.

It's Time: Change Your Clocks and Check Your Batteries

A great time to test and change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms is when adjusting clocks during daylight saving time on Sunday, March 12. These alarms provide early warning in case of a fire or elevated levels of carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas.

To ensure safety and adequate house coverage, install residential smoke alarms on each level of the building (including basements), in each bedroom and hallways outside of bedrooms. Carbon monoxide alarms should be installed in a central location outside each sleeping area, on every level of the residence.

Learn more about fire safety. For more information contact staff at 311 or 507-387-8600.

National 311 Day is March 11

March 11 marks National 311 Day and serves as a reminder that connection with the City is only a phone call away.

Thank you to Mankato’s 311 customer service team that helps provide answers to residents' questions on all City services.

Pictured is Mankato's 311 team. From left: Customer Service Supervisor Paula Van Zee, 311 Agents Jennifer Mendiola, Ana Espinoza, Meghan Houlihan, Mary Rettmer, Julie Boeck and Director of Administrative Services Parker Skophammer.

Connect with staff by email, calling 311 or 507-387-8600 or fill out a customer service request online.

Thank You Fire Hydrant Heroes!

Thank you to two long-time fire hydrant heroes, Dan Kapsner and Jim Lindsay, who help keep their neighborhoods’ fire hydrants clear of snow and ice, saving firefighters' precious time during emergencies. Join Dan and Jim as hydrant heroes by checking for buried hydrants near your home and keeping them clear.

Report buried hydrants by calling 311 or 507-387-8600.

Quality Events and Entertainment at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center

Visit the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center online to learn more about the following upcoming events.

MSU Men's Hockey

MSU Men's Hockey Quarterfinals

Friday, March 3 | 7:07 p.m.

Saturday, March 4 | 6:07 p.m.

Sunday, March 5 | 5:07 p.m.

Mankato Home Show

Friday, March 10 | 3 p.m.

Saturday, March 11 | 9 a.m.

Sunday, March 12 | 11 a.m.