It's the season for gratitude and reflection, and to help share that spirit we asked members of the League of Minnesota Cities Board of Directors and the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust Board of Trustees to share something unique in their city that they are grateful for. They didn't disappoint! In turn we are grateful for their service to all Minnesota cities. Their thoughtful responses offer just a peek of all the good things happening in cities across the state!
Here's what they had to say ...
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| Fox 9's Town Ball Tour in Sartell on June 29, 2021 |
I am grateful that our two Sartell amateur baseball teams were featured on Fox 9’s Town Ball Tour this past summer! St. Cloud Orthopedics Field was full of buzz on June 29 as Fox 9 came to town.
It was an amazing day full of interviews with local residents discussing the history of the baseball field, the rivalry of the two baseball teams — Sartell Muskies and Sartell Stone Poneys, unique businesses within our city, and the sense of community that baseball brings to Sartell. The night started out with a Youth Baseball Clinic organized by the two amateur teams where they played games and ran drills with 125 youth. Mayor Ryan Fitzthum threw out the first pitch, and 1,000 people packed the stands. Fox 9 gave our community an experience of a lifetime and it was truly inspiring to look out into the crowd and see people from all ages come together to watch America’s past time. This was a display of what community is all about!
Submitted by Anna Gruber
Sartell City Administrator
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| D. Love, Centerville Mayor |
I’m so proud of my city and it’s spirit of collaboration. We work with other cities to provide a unique response to public safety. We share our police department with two other cities. We share our fire department with another city, while working with another department to secure our administrative and chief needs. We asked our citizens to get involved, and we recently celebrated over 150 volunteers who gave time to clean parks, plant gardens, plan and work events, serve on boards and give back to their community. Finally, we are working with our local high school to start a junior council member program. These collaborative efforts display what the City of Centerville is all about as we proudly stand “Stronger Together”!
Submitted by D. Love
Centerville Mayor
A Strong Foundation for the Future
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| Melanie Mesko Lee, Burnsville City Manager |
I am grateful for our brand: “You Belong Here.” This was adopted in 2019 and to me it represents how we approach our work for and with our community.
Since then, we have built on a strong foundation and have leaned into how we can value the differences that make a difference. Whether resident, business owner, or employee – we are focused on how we can collaborate to bring the best Burnsville forward.
I am proud to be part of an organization that understands our diversity is a strength and is committed to making policy and organizational decisions with that lens.
Submitted by Melanie Mesko Lee
Burnsville City Manager
Candy Petersen, North St. Paul
Council Member
Community Support, Community Service
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| Candy Petersen, North St. Paul Council Member |
I am grateful for our awesome volunteers!
These volunteers are just ordinary residents that step up when there is a need or any opportunity to volunteer! We have a successful toy shelf and food shelf that demands many volunteers.
We are North St. Paul Pride!
Submitted by Candy Petersen
North St. Paul Council Member
A Menu of Hospitality
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| Amy Brendmoen, Saint Paul Council Member |
Saint Paul is a center for world class restaurants and for this I am very grateful. When people ask, “Do you have a suggestion where to go out for a great meal?” I usually offer back four or five options, and that’s after we have narrowed it down a bit. Authentic French? Thai? Mexican? Laotian? Jamaican? Ethiopian? German? Check, check, check! Elegant service and perfect steak? Check. Sloppy ribs and a tasty brew? Check. Steamy bowl of Pho’ and a tall iced water? Got that, too. No matter what you are looking for, there are great options to scratch the itch.
Submitted by Amy Brendmoen
Saint Paul Council Member
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| Dave Callister, Plymouth City Manager |
Despite its challenges, the pandemic gave us the opportunity to reinvent some of our recreation offerings. One program that became even better was the annual recognition event for veterans – now a drive-thru breakfast near the Plymouth Veterans Memorial. The event has received glowing reviews from residents.
Plymouth veterans are honored with breakfast, letters of appreciation, and a small gift during the event, and city staff hold up signs to thank them for their service. Plymouth public safety staff also deliver breakfast to veterans in senior living communities who aren’t able to make it to the event.
"To say that I was blown away by the veterans’ recognition that you folks put on this morning would be an understatement!" wrote Plymouth resident and veteran Gerry Gries in an email to city staff. "It was fantastic – you folks honored us as if we had just come home from active duty. The contents in the gift bag brought tears to my eyes as I thought of my five brothers. In short – thank you and your staff from the bottom of my heart!"
Submitted by Dave Callister
Plymouth City Manager
