Notices

February 10, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – During today’s City Council Study Session, Rochester Mayor Kim Norton helped present the results of the Rochester Vision 2050 initiative, a year-long project designed to explore the question, "What is needed to create the very best Rochester by 2050?"

The initiative, which was guided by Mayor Norton and project consultant Roger Mader of Ampersand.vc, involved more than 40 community leaders from diverse sectors and industries, forming the Rochester Vision 2050 Steering Committee and the Vision in Action (VIA) Team. The effort began in March 2024 with funding allocated by Mayor Norton’s initiatives and the City Council, who approved $30,000 from the contingency fund in April 2024.

The community-driven process gathered input from a diverse range of residents and organizations. Outreach efforts took place from May to November 2024, including both virtual and in-person meetings, as well as additional outreach through more than 50 local groups.

With the help of the GroupSolver AI platform, community feedback was analyzed to capture the ideas, hopes, and dreams of Rochester residents. This process provided a clear analysis of key areas for future investment in the City.

Top priorities as identified by residents

1. Youth and childcare

2. Community events

3. Funding for education

4. Transit and accessibility

5. Affordable housing

6. Rochester’s identity

7. Safety

8. Green initiatives

9. Supporting the unhoused

10. Downtown revitalization

11. Investing in our library

12. Lowering taxes

Next steps

Mayor Norton, in collaboration with the Rochester Vision 2050 Steering Committee and with the support of the Rochester City Council, will review the results to determine the next steps. This may involve identifying groups and individuals to take on leadership roles in the priority areas identified by residents.

The full Rochester Vision 2050 report is available on the City of Rochester website.

February 6, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Rochester Public Music (RPM) is excited to present TaikoArts Midwest in concert as part of the department’s Sound School Program. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the historic Chateau Theatre.

Tickets will go on sale February 6, 2025, and can be purchased on the Rochester Public Music website.

· Adults: $10

· Students (ages 13-17): $5

· Children (12 and under): Free

Please note, all attendees (including children) must have a ticket.

About TaikoArts Midwest

Founded in 2016, TaikoArts Midwest is dedicated to preserving and advancing the art of taiko drumming. It is home to two resident taiko groups: Enso Daiko (formerly Mu Daiko) and the TAM Edo Bayashi Ensemble. The organization supports artistic excellence and offers opportunities for drummers of all ages while celebrating Asian arts and culture in Minnesota.

Sound School Program

RPM's Sound School program, formerly known as “Artists in the Schools,” brings interactive experiences to public schools. TaikoArts Midwest will engage with students at ten local public elementary schools during the week of March 2, 2025. The residency will conclude at the March 8 concert, allowing the community to experience the exciting rhythms of taiko drumming.

“The Sound School program exemplifies the power of music and cultural connection. We are thrilled to welcome TaikoArts Midwest to our schools and community, offering students and audiences alike the chance to experience the energy, tradition, and innovation of taiko drumming," shares Rochester Public Music Director Avital Rabinowitz.

For questions about Sound School or TaikoArts Midwest, please call Rochester Public Music at 507-328-2200, or email publicmusic@rochestermn.gov.

Photos and logos for Sound School and TaikoArts Midwest are available for download in the press kit.

The Communications Team is updating its media release distribution process. Starting today, all releases will be sent from communications@rochestermn.gov. All releases will be sent to everyone on the distribution list, including you. This change aims to ensure consistency in who receives news and related updates.

Please ensure you open emails from communications@rochestermn.gov to stay informed on the latest City news and forward relevant updates to your team as needed.

Note: Rochester Public Utilities (RPU), Rochester Police Department (RPD) and Rochester Public Library (RPL) will continue to distribute their news via their own respective contact lists and processes.

January 27, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – City of Rochester and Olmsted County residents are invited to express their creativity and appreciation for area parks through a collaborative art project with local artist Cassandra Buck. Cassandra has been selected as a participant in the 2024-2025 Creating Belonging pilot for MNPAiR - Minnesota Parks Artists in Residence. The goal of the pilot program is to enhance a sense of welcoming and belonging to park users.

Cassandra’s participation follows an evaluation process, where artists were selected based on their community involvement, connection to the land, and alignment with the values of our local parks. This process also considered the artist's interest in engaging with the public, their collaboration style, and their previous body of work.

Cassandra shares, "I am excited to work with residents and help bring their ideas to life, using art to reflect the value of our local parks and strengthen community bonds."

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division, the Metropolitan Council Metropolitan Regional Parks, and the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) partnered with Forecast Public Art to launch the pilot program in parks across Minnesota in August 2024. The program runs through August 2025 and is funded by Minnesota's Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to join Cassandra at the following parks selected by the GMRPTC for a hands-on art project that celebrates how local parks enrich the community and its residents:

Oxbow Park Nature Center, Classroom C – 5731 County Road 105 NW in Byron

February 7, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

February 8, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

February 12, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

February 15, 2025 – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

February 21, 2025 – 1 to 5 p.m.

February 22, 2025 – 1 to 5 p.m.

Quarry Hill Nature Center – 701 Silver Creek Road NE in Rochester

March 1, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 4, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 5, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 11, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

March 14, 2025 – 2 to 5 p.m.

March 15, 2025 – 2 to 5 p.m.

Cascade Lakeside Building – 88 23rd Avenue SW in Rochester

April 5, 2025 – noon to 5 p.m.

April 9, 2025 – 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 15, 2025 – noon to 5 p.m.

April 17, 2025 – noon to 5 p.m.

April 19, 2025 – noon to 5 p.m.

If you are bringing a large group, please email Cassandra at crbuckrose@hotmail.com to ensure enough materials and space are available. The work created by attendees will inspire and help create the final design of permanent artwork at the three parks.

For additional information on the project, including materials that will be used and alternative participation opportunities for those unable to attend in person, please click on the date links above. More details can also be found on the City of Rochester, Olmsted County, and Quarry Hill Nature Center websites.

January 23, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. Winter Salt Awareness Week, taking place January 27 to 31, offers a unique opportunity for individuals and organizations to learn about sustainable winter maintenance practices and contribute to the protection of local water resources. This year, the City of Rochester Public Works Environmental Services, Olmsted Soil and Water Conservation District, Olmsted County Public Works, University of Minnesota Extension, Conservation Minnesota, and the Rochester Chapter of the Izaak Walton League have teamed up to educate the public about the impacts of salt on local waterways and promote strategies for reducing chloride use.

As part of the week’s activities, organizers seek 10 volunteers to adopt a chloride monitoring site. Volunteers will visit their assigned site four times throughout the winter and early spring of 2025 to collect important chloride data. The Rochester Chapter of the Izaak Walton League will conduct a training session to teach volunteers how to collect and submit the chloride data to their Salt Watch program. The information gathered will be shared with local water managers to help protect and preserve the health of our community’s waterways.

Salt Watch Monitoring Website:

Visit https://arcg.is/14XevO2 to adopt a monitoring site

Rochester Salt Monitoring Educational Event:

Friday, January 31 at 1:30 p.m. at Saint Mary’s University – Rochester (2900 19 Street NW)

January 17, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Today through January 19, 2025, City of Rochester Mayor Kim Norton will attend the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 93rd Winter Meeting in Washington, D.C. This three-day event will bring together more than 250 mayors from across the nation, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas and engage with federal officials on key issues affecting cities.

Before the Winter Meeting, Mayor Norton took part in a Mayors Innovation Project workshop on Economic Mobility, where she provided updates to fellow mayors on several City of Rochester initiatives, as well as partnerships with Cradle 2 Career and Collider. During the Winter Meeting, she will present Rochester Public Utilities' Lead Service Line Program at the Mayors Water Council, an important initiative focused on ensuring the safety of the city’s water supply. Mayor Norton will also attend the Mayors Alliance to End Childhood Hunger Annual Meeting.

“I’m honored to represent Rochester on the federal level and learn from other mayors,” said Mayor Norton. “This conference gives us the opportunity to strengthen our community, amplify our voice and build partnerships that benefit all cities.”

The meeting will include discussions with White House and Cabinet officials, members of Congress, and other leaders, addressing national challenges and how cities and the federal government can work together.

“The United States Conference of Mayors Winter Meeting provides mayors with the chance to gather in the nation’s capital to exchange ideas, discuss solutions to shared challenges and bolster support for cities from key federal officials. The 93rd Winter Meeting will also highlight how mayors from across the country hope to collaborate with the incoming Trump administration. Our country is at its best when cities and the federal government work together,” said USCM President Columbus (OH) Mayor Andrew J. Ginther.

A draft agenda and a list of pre-registered mayors can be found on the USCM website. Sessions will be streamed live on the USCM YouTube channel.

January 13, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Rochester Fire Chief Eric Kerska will retire from service on January 17, 2025, after 30 years of service. Kerska began his career with the Rochester Fire Department (RFD) in 1994 while simultaneously serving in the Army National Guard. Over the years, he worked his way up from firefighter to Captain to Battalion Fire Chief, and in 2018, he was appointed Fire Chief.

Rochester City Administrator Alison Zelms shares, “Chief Eric Kerska’s 30 years of dedicated service to the Rochester Fire Department have made a lasting impact on our community. His leadership, commitment and unwavering devotion to public safety have set the tone for transformation and reliability of fire and emergency response. Further, his focus on teamwork and collaboration has strengthened relationships with area fire responders and across the city organization. On behalf of the entire community, we thank Chief Kerska for his decades of service and wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement."

Throughout his tenure, Chief Kerska consistently demonstrated a deep care for his team, championing several key initiatives. He introduced a comprehensive mental health program that includes annual check-ups and access to resources during mental health emergencies. Additionally, he led efforts to expand PERA benefit eligibility, ensuring more members of the RFD have access to vital support, a piece of legislation that was signed into law by the Governor during the last legislative session. Chief Kerska also prioritized health and wellness programming, aiming to reduce injuries on the job and minimize time away from work, further exemplifying his commitment to the well-being of his team.

In addition to his distinguished career with RFD, Chief Kerska served his country in the United States Army and Army National Guard for 32 years, rising to the rank of Colonel. During his military service, he completed three combat deployments totaling over 36 months in a combat zone and commanded an Armored Brigade Combat Team during Operation New Dawn. Now retired from the US Army, Chief Kerska’s service in both the military and the fire department reflects his deep commitment to duty and leadership.

A retirement celebration is planned for Chief Kerska on Friday, January 17 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 521 Broadway Avenue South.

RFD has named Mason Pooler as Chief Kerska’s successor. Chief Pooler, who began his tenure with the City on January 6, has a long-standing career in the fire service. He began his career in 1998 with the Germantown, Wisconsin, Fire Department. He also served at the Merrill, Wisconsin, Fire Department before joining the West Allis, Wisconsin, Fire Department in 2002 where he was appointed interim Fire Chief in January 2017 and was later appointed as Fire Chief in July 2017. A formal swearing-in ceremony will occur at a future date.

January 9, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester has been awarded $2.5 million in Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This grant will support the South Broadway Avenue Planning Project, which aims to improve safety and connectivity on South Broadway Avenue between 4th Street and 9th Street Southeast. The RAISE funding will be utilized for planning and design phases of the project.

“We are deeply grateful to our lawmakers for their support in securing the RAISE funding. This presents a tremendous opportunity to make important improvements, especially for the thousands of people who live, work and enjoy the area. The project will enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety, creating a more accessible and inclusive environment. It will also support equitable spaces that promote economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for Rochester's residents and visitors,” shared Mayor Kim Norton.

More than 26,000 vehicles travel the road each day, and in the past four years, the area has seen 62 crashes, including pedestrian and bicycle incidents. The project will focus on creating a Complete Street design aimed at calming traffic, enhancing comfort for all transportation modes, and evaluating the feasibility of a separated-grade crossing for pedestrians and cyclists to improve safety across the nearly half-mile corridor. This segment of roadway is currently listed in MnDOT’s Vulnerable Road User High Injury Network. The High Injury Network consists of roadways with the highest numbers of people who have died or been seriously injured in a traffic crash while walking or biking.

Deputy City Administrator Cindy Steinhauser shares, “We are excited and grateful to have received this funding, as it will advance planning of an important corridor and gateway into our downtown. This funding also leverages other recent federal investments in the area including the renovation of Soldiers Field, the 6th Street neighborhood street safety and riverfront improvements project and Link Bus Rapid Transit.”

Additional information about the start of this project will be shared in the coming months. RAISE grants can be used by communities across the country for a wide variety of transportation projects with significant local or regional impact.

January 13, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Quarry Hill Park and Nature Center in Rochester is set to receive $477,276 in funding for improvements, enhancing the visitor experience for those who enjoy nature and hands-on science education.

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) recently completed its review and selected Quarry Hill Park, along with 13 other parks and trails, to receive a share of $13.5 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2026. The Minnesota Legislature must approve these recommendations through the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, created by the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. Since the fund is dedicated solely to regional and statewide parks, it has been approved annually by the Legislature.

“We are grateful to be selected for this grant, which will help us improve accessibility, protect cultural resources, add interpretive signage and enhance safety at Quarry Hill,” said Park Planner Jeff Feece. “These improvements will further strengthen Quarry Hill as a place for learning, teaching and recreation.”

“Every grant awardee is very deserving, and we commend them for how thoroughly they described their needs in their grant applications,” said GMRPTC Chair Rick Anderson. “It’s the dedicated people at the local level who make Greater Minnesota’s parks and trails really shine, and we’re pleased to assist them with their efforts.”

GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson noted that additional funding would be allocated for environmental and archaeological reviews and accessibility improvements across 80 designated parks and trails in Greater Minnesota. Final funding amounts will be confirmed after the February 2025 Minnesota Management and Budget forecast.

“Legacy Funding is a powerful tool created by Minnesotans through their own tax dollars,” added Anderson. “Without it, many of these projects would not happen or would take years to complete.”

Since 2014, the GMRPTC has awarded nearly $100 million in grants, matched by nearly $40 million in local investments, to support regional parks and trails across Greater Minnesota. Grants are used for infrastructure improvements, land acquisitions, facility development, trail rehabilitation and more.

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The City website has this story and information on the 14 parks and trails recommended for funding.

January 7, 2025 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The Public Works Department and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) seek feedback from residents on the upcoming reconstruction of 17½ Street NW from 19 Avenue NW to 21 Avenue NW. Attendees will learn more about the project and the proposed schedule and can share feedback on the existing conditions.

17½ Street NW Reconstruction Project

Tuesday, January 21 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sunset Terrace Elementary School

1707 19 Avenue NW

This event has an open-house format with no set presentation.

Individuals unable to attend the open house are encouraged to visit the project webpage.

The proposed project addresses the aging underground utilities, particularly the brittle cast iron water main installed in 1958. RPU has repaired eight water main breaks within the project area, five occurring between 2019 and 2023. The project entails fully reconstructing 17½ Street NW, stretching from 19 Avenue NW to 21 Avenue NW. The project includes the replacement of the deteriorating pavement and aging water main, fully reconstructing the existing sanitary sewer, and replacing the concrete curb and gutter on both sides of the street. Additionally, all stormwater catch basins and associated storm sewer pipes will be replaced, along with the pedestrian curb ramps at the intersections of 17½ Street NW and 19 Avenue NW, and 17½ Street NW and 21 Avenue NW, which currently do not meet ADA standards. The project is currently in the design phase and is planned for construction in Summer 2025.

More information about the project is found on the 17½ Street NW Reconstruction Project website.

December 31, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The updated parking rate ordinance for city-owned parking ramps and meters goes into effect on January 1. The coming changes aim to simplify time limits and rates for customers, while also supporting the long-term financial stability of the parking program. Due to the installation of new meters and signs, all parking will not reflect these rates immediately.

Changes for 2025 include:

Rates will go down for parking ramp stays less than 4.5 hours

Rates will increase for parking ramp stays more than 4.5 hours

All downtown meters will become 3-hour meters priced at $2 per hour

Meters on the edge of downtown will not have time limits

Parking fees are fully detailed in the City’s Fee Schedule. Monthly parking rates and residential permit parking rates are not changing.

Noloan Schild, Parking Systems Manager, shares, “The Enterprise Parking Fund is self-sustaining, meaning it does not depend on tax levy funding. Instead, it is fully financed by the users of the parking system. The system offers numerous free parking options, including the first hour free in parking ramps and free parking on nights and weekends. On average, this enables 45% of parkers to use the system at no cost.

The City’s Parking Enterprise Fund (PEF) was established to meet the needs of visitors, businesses, customers, and employees in downtown. The enterprise fund is self-supporting with the usual business expenses of operations, depreciation, insurance, repairs, and maintenance, as well as capital projects. In addition, the program contributes 9% of its gross revenues to the City’s general fund in lieu of property taxes. The parking program includes six ramps, seven surface lots and 1,300 on-street metered spaces.

Due to an ever-changing environment, including potential future development, rate studies are performed periodically to understand the current parking environment, potential improvements, financial burdens, and considerations of rate changes. The most recent Parking System Evaluation and Rate Study was presented to City Council on August 19, 2024. Rate changes were adopted by the City Council as part of the 2025 Fee Schedule at the December 2, 2024, City Council Meeting.

December 26, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Effective January 2, 2025, the City of Rochester will adjust the hours of operation for in-person services at City Hall, Development Services and Infrastructure Center (DSIC) and Rochester Public Utilities (RPU) to 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Deputy City Administrator Aaron Parrish shares, “We observed that in-person community service demand significantly decreases after 4:30 p.m. As part of our ongoing efforts to improve the experience for residents, businesses and City teammates, we have determined that adjusting our operating hours will better align with current service needs.”

This change is being made to allocate resources more efficiently while continuing to serve the needs of our community. The update also creates consistency with the hours of in-person service observed by Olmsted County, the State of Minnesota and some existing City offices.

RPU and 311 will continue to offer phone support until 5:00 p.m.

December 16, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to announce that the Gamehaven sledding hill and outdoor ice rinks are ready for use. Over the past two weeks, the team has been working hard to flood the ice rinks and make snow at Gamehaven to prepare these facilities for opening. The recent warm temperatures have impacted the quality of the ice at the rinks. While the team will continue to flood the surface of rinks, there is still enough ice for skating. Depending on the weather, the ice on outdoor rinks and the Gamehaven sledding hill will be maintained through the end of February.

Parks & Recreation Director Paul Widman shares, “We always look forward to opening the outdoor rinks and sledding hill. These free activities are a great way to stay active during the winter. Our eight outdoor rinks are spread across the community, and having the ability to make snow at Gamehaven provides a great option when it's cold, but nature hasn’t delivered the snow. A big thank you to our team who makes this happen from setup to flooding and ongoing maintenance.”

Gamehaven sledding hill location:

Gamehaven Park (2016 45 Street SE)*

Ice hockey rink locations:

Allendale Park (3000 18 Avenue NW)

Manor Park (4238 Manor Park Drive NW)

Lincolnshire Park (5276 Members Parkway NW)

Viking Park (2 Avenue NW & 26 Street NW)

Northern Heights Park (900 22 Street NE)

Withers Sports Complex (2021 Mayowood Road SW)

Soldiers Field Memorial Park (244 E Soldiers Field Drive SW)

Free skate rental available at the East Warming House weekends from Noon to 4 p.m. beginning January 6, 2024 and every weekend until the end of February, weather permitting

Bear Creek Park (1237 Marion Road SE)*

Track oval location:

Soldiers Field Memorial Park (244 E Soldiers Field Drive SW)

Studio rink location (no hockey allowed):

Cook Park (722 7 Street NW)*

*No lights at this location

Information about the rinks can be found on the Parks & Recreation website along with updates shared via the Parks & Recreation Facebook page.

December 13, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester’s Public Works Department operates a fleet of snowplows that works to clear over 458 miles of roads, 10.5 miles of alleys, 650 cul-de-sacs, as well as 40 miles of sidewalks and bike paths within Rochester’s city limits. This is no easy task; it requires a balance of safety, economics, timing and expectations. Effective snow removal creates safer roads for the traveling public and provides access for emergency vehicles during the winter snow and ice season.

Prioritization of snow removal operations increases efficiency and provides a systematic approach to snow removal throughout the City of Rochester. Streets in Rochester are categorized as follows:

Priority 1—Arterial and collector roads: These are high-traffic main roadways with a high traffic volume and a higher probability of accidents. They are also critical for providing access to emergency services.

Priority 2—Local roads, transit routes, schools and hills: These are the main residential through-streets that lead to arterial and collector roads. They also include city transit routes, steep hills and areas around schools.

Priority 3 - Cul-de-sac streets, alleys and dead ends: These streets have the lowest traffic volume.

The amount of time it takes to clear streets depends on the amount of snow the city receives:

Small snow events (less than 2" of snow) typically take 8 hours to clear. In these events, Priority 1 & 2 roads are cleared. A partial crew operating 23 plow trucks, 2-3 pick-up trucks and 2 sidewalk machines works to clear small snow events. Plows are typically not sent out a second day to clear the alternate side for snowfalls 1” or less.

Large snow events (more than 4" of snow) typically take 12 hours to clear. Priority 1 & 2 roads are a priority to clear during large snow events. Priority 3 roads are cleared after the snow event ends. This requires a full crew operating 28 plow trucks, 4 graders, 5 loaders, 4 one-ton trucks to clear cul-de-sacs, 2-3 pick-up trucks and 2 sidewalk machines. The day after the initial snowfall, crews will be sent out to clear the alternate side of the street, typically in 8 hours.

Snow removal from the Central Business District (CBD) is necessary after individual snowfalls of more than 3" or after multiple smaller snowfalls. This work is done once all other streets have been cleared to their full width and typically takes 2-4 days to complete, depending on accumulation.

The use of salt and sand on city streets

Excessive salt use can have major environmental impacts. Deicing chemicals not only have detrimental effects on grass, trees and landscape vegetation but are also carried away by stormwater runoff and can become a permanent pollutant in our water bodies and drinking water. It only takes one teaspoon of salt to contaminate five gallons of water.

To avoid over-applying deicing chemicals, all plow trucks used for snow and ice fighting are outfitted with calibrated computers that control the amount of materials placed on each roadway during the various types of winter events. Our standard practice is to use deicing chemicals on main roads, transit/school routes, steep hills, curves, and in the central business district. Deicing products are used sparingly on all other low-volume streets, typically only at intersections.

Salt or salt brine is used when pavement temperatures are above 15⁰F. When pavement temperatures fall below 15⁰F, the effectiveness of salt is dramatically reduced. During these times, our crews will revert to using a mix of sand and salt to treat roadways. Utilizing salt-sand during the winter months also has its implications; it not only gets washed into our water bodies during runoff events, but it is very expensive to clean up in the springtime.

How can the public improve the efficiency of snow removal operations?

Residents in Rochester can increase the efficiency and reduce the duration it takes to remove snow after snow

December 6, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Mayor Kim Norton, joined by others, honored the 2024 Mayor’s Medal of Honor recipients at a luncheon on December 6. This year is the 41st year of the Mayor’s Medal of Honor.

Mayor Kim Norton shared, “It is truly an honor to host this gathering and celebrate the individuals who make our community such a wonderful place to live, work and enjoy. Over the past 41 years, the City of Rochester has had the privilege of recognizing many remarkable people, and we look forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come. A heartfelt thank you to the families and friends of those we honored today, and a special thank you to those who took the time to submit nominations.”

Artistic / Cultural Achievement Award - Nicole Nfonoyim-Hara

Champion of Diversity Award - Rawhi Said

Community-Wide Service Award - Mike Schmitt

Educational Excellence Award - Debra Las

Excellence in Industry Award - Nick Stageberg

Heroism Award - Chad Wedul

Human Services Award - Dr. Annah Adepoju

Legacy Award - Sheila Kiscaden

Mayor’s Award - Dean Stenehjem

Personal Achievement Award - William “Bud” Whitehorn, Jr.

Senior/Elder Achievement Award - Sandra Fitterer

Sustainability Award - Jonny Yucuis

Youth Serving Community Award - Madison Teske

A packet of all the recipient narratives is available on the City website.

December 6, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The Rochester Parks Department’s Forestry Division, in partnership with RNeighbors, is offering an online Tree Pruning Class. Upon completing the class, participants will receive a Volunteer Pruning Certificate, which allows them to prune limbs 2 inches and smaller from public trees located in the boulevard in front of their home.

Rochester City Forester Jeff Haberman shares, “Winter is an ideal time to prune trees, as the colder weather reduces the risk of exposing them to diseases that could cause harm. This new online course will give homeowners the knowledge they need to properly prune public trees in the boulevard, including those our team might not be aware of or have the time to quickly address.”

The Forestry Division manages a comprehensive urban tree program, including reforestation of park and boulevard areas and maintenance of more than 100,000+ boulevard and public property trees located on 5,125 acres.

More information about the Forestry Division is available on the City website.

December 6, 2024 — ROCHESTER, MINN. — To better serve the needs of residents in the southeast part of the city, Rochester Public Transit’s (RPT) on-demand transit service “RPT GO” has been modified in the following ways:

Rochester Public Library is now an RPT GO hub, providing users with a convenient connection to downtown businesses and services, as well as RPT fixed routes originating at the Downtown Transit Center.

This hub location replaces the Fairgrounds Park and Ride location.

Hours of service have been expanded to 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday

Originally, the service was offered from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m.

Promo: 1 free round-trip ride in December 2024 (Code = RPTGOFREERIDE)

RPT launched RPT GO, a one-year microtransit pilot program in Southeast Rochester, in October. Microtransit is an on-demand transit service that allows passengers to schedule a same-day ride or at the time they need it anywhere within a designated zone. RPT customers can now book rides using the RPT GO mobile app or by calling 507-328-7433 to request one.

The RPT GO zone is contained in a triangular area south of 12 Street SE / Hwy. 14, west of 50 Avenue SE, and east of Badger Run Creek, including both sides of Marion Road. Users may travel inside the microtransit zone, from the microtransit zone to one of the five hubs (Cub Foods SE, RCTC, Mayo High School, Quarry Hill Park, or Rochester Public Library), or from any of the five hubs back to the microtransit zone.

RPT Mobility Coordinator Devin Laiho says, “We are excited to enhance RPT GO services to better meet our passengers' needs. By extending service hours and adding the Rochester Public Library as a new hub, we provide improved access to the places users need and want to go.”

Single-ride fare is $3, with children under five and personal care attendants riding free. RPT GO uses passenger vehicles, including two electric mid-size SUVs and a hybrid fuel van that is wheelchair accessible.

The program's budget is $831,250, with $465,000 coming from the Federal Carbon Reduction Program, $250,000 in State funding through the MnDOT Office of Transit and Active Transportation, and $116,250 from local sources.

RPT GO is scheduled to run for one year, from October 2024, through July 2025. During the pilot program Route 217, which traces the perimeter of the microtransit zone, will continue to operate.

Complete details are available at www.rptride.com.

December 2, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The Rochester City Council adopted the 2025 Supplemental Budget at the December 2 City Council meeting. The 2025 City of Rochester and Rochester Public Utility (RPU) Water and Electric Utilities budgets total $719,842,871. That total includes $394,179,716 for operations, $292,827,356 for capital improvements, and $32,835,799 for the debt service fund. Of the total amount, the final adopted 2025 levy will support $111,645,142 in expenses.

Based on information from the Olmsted County Assessor received on September 3, 2024, the tax rate change is 1.80%. The City’s “Budget in Brief” is a resource for the community to learn about the budget process and expected expenditures and revenues for the coming year.

City Administrator Alison Zelms shares, “The City team remains committed to fiscal sustainability and maximizing resources to make informed decisions to best serve Rochester's residents, businesses, and visitors. We are vigilant in managing expenses and have already begun forecasting for 2026 and 2027. The 2025 budget includes substantial investments in public safety, aimed at ensuring we are fully staffed and equipped to serve the community effectively.”

Some key driving factors influencing the total levy are:

Increasing employee costs related to labor contracts for existing employees;

Increasing costs related to one-time market adjustments for Police and Fire;

Reconstructing the Silver Lake Pool; and

Accomplishing the second step of the evolving Fire Response model that provides additional emergency response coverage in the community and preserves low insurance rates.

The tax classification system is established by the authority of the State of Minnesota, not the City of Rochester. This video shows more about how Property Taxes are calculated. The City of Rochester's average estimated market value for a median-value home, with the average increase in assessed value from 2024 to 2025 is $288,200. The net tax impact in this scenario for 2025 is $1,328.12, or $52.72 more than in 2024. Key points to note include:

The net tax change on a Median Value Home for 2025 is $52.72 or 4.13% more than 2024.

State law has adjusted the homestead market value exclusion reducing the tax impact on moderately valued homes.

The local tax rate remains relatively consistent compared to prior years and remains lower than pre-2020 rates.

The local tax rate increase from 2024 to 2025 is 1.80% and below our historical 10-year average.

Several state programs may help reduce property tax costs for local property owners:

Olmsted County, the agency that values and classifies property and collects the property tax, provides valuable information to help understand the property tax system, as well as connect taxpayers to tax deferral and relief programs for which they may be eligible, some of which are also administered in part by the County in accordance with state law. Broad information about property taxes can be found here: Olmsted County - Property Taxes

More detailed information about County administered exemption and relief programs (Blind Disabled Homestead, Disabled Veterans Exclusion, Homestead Exclusion, Nursing Homes, and Boarding Care) can be found here: Property Tax Discounts and Exemptions

Additionally, the tax relief programs that are provided for by state law can be viewed in their entirety at the MN Department of Revenue website at this link: Minnesota Department of Revenue - Property Tax Programs

The Rochester City Council certified the 2025 Preliminary Tax Levy and Supplemental Recommended budget at the September 9, 2024, meeting. The meeting packet and recording, as well as the press release about the decision, are available online.

December 2, 2024 - ROCHESTER, MINN. – The Rochester Public Works Department reminds all property owners: “When snow is here, you have 24 hours to clear!”

Why do sidewalks and paths need to be cleared?

Winter can be a difficult time for pedestrians using sidewalks and paths to safely access transit, schools, work, and maintain an active lifestyle. Snow- and ice-covered sidewalks and paths are hazardous to all pedestrians, especially the elderly, disabled and those with medical conditions that impact mobility. We can all do our part this winter to contribute to a safe and mobile pedestrian environment in Rochester.

What are the rules regarding sidewalk snow removal?

Rochester Code of Ordinances 9-6-2 requires property owners with a public sidewalk or path abutting their property to fully remove snow and ice within 24 hours after a snowfall. The full sidewalk width must be free of snow and ice. For pathways wider than a traditional sidewalk, a path that is at least 5 feet wide needs to be cleared. The graphic on page two shows examples of what property owners are required to keep clear of snow and ice in the winter.

How can property owners avoid citations?

The best way for a property owner to avoid a citation and associated service costs is to remove snow and ice from their sidewalk or path within 24 hours after a snowfall. If the Public Works Department receives a complaint that snow and ice have not been removed from a sidewalk or path, the complaint will be investigated. If a violation exists upon inspection, the property owner will receive a $40 Administrative Fine citation and a bill for the cost of removing snow and ice.

Is there salt/sand available for treating sidewalks?

Residents can obtain a bucket of free salt/sand mixture at two locations in town:

Northeast: behind the Fiesta Café in the Northbrook Shopping Center

Southwest: at the end of 1 Avenue SW next to the former site of the YMCA building

Residents must bring their own supplies; the city does not provide buckets/bags or shovels. Residents are encouraged to sweep up any salt and sand left on bare pavement to save it for future reuse and prevent it from running off into nearby waterways.

*Please note this pile will be stocked before the first substantial snow/ice event. If the materials are placed while temperatures are still above freezing, the pile may harden and be difficult to work with.

The City's website has more information about the ordinance and enforcement program.

Examples of Snow Clearing Responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for clearing the segments of sidewalks, paths, and pedestrian ramps abutting their parcel boundaries.

Please consider the following if a special situation applies to your property:

Adjacent to a school bus stop or near schools where crossing guards are stationed: Parents and students appreciate a safe walking path to school. Please keep sidewalks and stops clear of snow and ice.

Adjacent to a Rochester Public Transit (RPT) bus stop: RPT and its riders appreciate your assistance in keeping the areas around the transit stops and shelters free from snow and ice this winter.

Rental Properties: Citations and associated fees relating to violations of the Ordinance are sent to property owners and are their responsibility to pay. Rental contracts, including sidewalk snow removal responsibilities, are private agreements that the Public Works Department does not enforce. The Public Works Department highly recommends clarifying snow removal expectations with your tenants.

Individuals aged 60+ and people with disabilities who need assistance clearing snow can contact Family Service Rochester (507-287-2010) to arrange sidewalk snow removal in advance. There is a sliding-scale fee for this service. People who want to assist someone with sidewalk snow removal can register to volunteer online.

November 26, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – City of Rochester Mayor Kim Norton has been appointed Chair of the National League of Cities (NLC) 2025 Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee. Mayor Norton was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC’s federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on workforce development, education, early childhood, public health, mental health, substance use, veterans, seniors, immigration and more. NLC President Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, announced the appointment.

Mayor Norton shares, “It’s an honor to have been selected by the incoming NLC President, Mayor Weston-Broome to Chair the Federal Advocacy for Human Development Committee due the coming year. I look forward to serving on the NLC Board of Directors to advocate for the needs of our, and all, cities in 2025.”

As Chair of the committee, Mayor Norton will play a key role in shaping NLC’s policy positions and advocating on behalf of America’s cities, towns and villages before Congress, with the administration and at home in Rochester, Minnesota.

“NLC’s federal advocacy committees are vital for uplifting the voices and needs of America’s 19,000 cities, towns and villages to decision-makers in Washington,” said National League of Cities President Sharon Weston Broome, Mayor-President of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. “I am excited to work with Mayor Norton and look forward to supporting their vision and leadership as they lead the Human Development Federal Advocacy Committee this year and help grow the partnership between local and federal leaders.”

The leadership of this year’s committee will consist of Chair Kim Norton, Mayor of Rochester, Minnesota; Vice Chair Michael O’Connor, Mayor of Frederick, Maryland; and Vice Chair John Strand, Commissioner of Fargo, North Dakota.

For more information visit the NLC’s Federal Advocacy Committees website.

November 19, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. –This December, the City of Rochester’s Parks and Recreation team will partner with Mayo Clinic’s Facilities Management and USDA Wildlife Services for an intensive crow abatement initiative in the business district. The goal is to reduce the nuisance and health risks associated with large seasonal crow populations. This year’s intensive phase is scheduled for December 1 through 5, with ongoing dispersal activities through February. This work will happen primarily between the hours of 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Rochester City Council approved these efforts at the November 18 City Council Meeting.

Rochester has an estimated winter crow population exceeding 20,000. Crows are drawn to urban areas that offer warmth, ample roosting sites and few natural predators. These large roosts bring issues like noise and droppings, which can lead to health concerns, including risks of histoplasmosis and salmonella.

Paul Widman, Parks and Recreation Director, shares: “The goal of these efforts is to encourage the crows to recognize that downtown is not an ideal roosting location. Dispersing the large flocks into smaller groups throughout Rochester or moving them outside the city entirely should help reduce human-crow conflicts and improve the downtown experience for both residents and visitors.”

The USDA-led team will employ various non-lethal methods, such as lasers, distress calls, and pyrotechnics. Select USDA team members will also use pneumatic air rifles to cull a limited number of crows, reinforcing a sense of danger within roosting areas to complement hazing methods. The USDA officials are trained and have experience in lethal crow mitigation efforts in urban areas. All personnel will be clearly marked to ensure community safety and awareness.

Residents can help mitigate the impact of crows in their neighborhoods by placing trash in containers from lids to discourage crows from feeding.

These roosts have built up over time and it will likely take persistence and time to eliminate or reduce this undesirable behavior.

November 8, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester and Mayor Kim Norton are excited to once again participate in the League of Minnesota Cities’ (LMC) annual Mayor for a Day Essay Contest. The contest is open to Minnesota students in fourth, fifth or sixth grades this school year, and three winners will be chosen to receive $100 prizes from LMC. Winning essays will also be published in the LMC magazine. The question this year is, “What would you do if you were mayor for a day?”

“The League of Minnesota Cities is again offering a wonderful opportunity for our youth to share their ideas on local government and for local leaders to see the city through their eyes. I would like to invite and encourage Rochester’s fourth, fifth and sixth-grade students to submit an essay,” states Mayor Kim Norton. “This project is a great way for young people to explore their thoughts on how to continue improving their city for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Children and youth are such a vital part of the future of our city and cities across our great state.”

Entries for the 2024 Mayor for a Day Essay Contest can be emailed, submitted online or postmarked by December 13, 2024. LMC will notify the winners in early January.

The submission form and information for participants are available at www.lmc.org/mayorforaday.

Mayor Norton’s video inviting contestants to participate is available here.

October 23, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. Beginning October 24, 4 Avenue SW will be closed from 1 Street SW to 2 Street SW. This closure is related to underground utility work for Mayo Clinic’s Bold. Forward. Unbound. Project.

Police Captain and Emergency Management Director Jon Turk shares, “We appreciate the cooperation of our residents and visitors as we begin to navigate road closures and detours, which will become more common in our downtown. We encourage folks to give themselves extra time to get to where they need to be and utilize the various maps and detour information we have available.”

The following impacts are expected to last into December:

4 Avenue SW will be closed from 1 Street SW to 2 Street SW.

Vehicular traffic will be detoured along Civic Center Drive to Broadway Avenue to 2 Street SW

The marked bike detour will be on 2 Street NW SW, east to 1 Avenue NW/SW, south to 4 Street SW.

4 Avenue SW will be one lane southbound from Center Street to 1 Street SW and then detoured to 3 Avenue SW, allowing vehicles to exit the Damon Parking Ramp and/or travel to 3 Avenue SW for access to Gonda West and the entrance to the Damon Parking Ramp.

Sidewalks along the west side of 4 Avenue SW will be closed from Center Street to 2 Street SW.

Sidewalks along the south side of 1 Street SW will remain open for east-west pedestrian traffic.

Sidewalks along the east side of 4 Avenue SW will remain open to 1 Street SW.

Calvary Episcopal Church Calvary Evangelical Free Church will be accessible from 4 Avenue SW south of 1 Street SW.

Rochester Police Department (RPD) will be onsite and coordinating with Rochester Public Works and Mayo Clinic to mitigate traffic concerns that might arise.

The City’s Construction Impact Map shows travel impacts and can be used for planning alternative routes.

The Mayo Clinic construction page shares additional information for patients traveling to this area.

October 25, 2024 – ROCHESTER, Minn -- In a significant boost to Rochester’s largest public infrastructure project, the Link Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), the city was presented today with an $84.92 million federal grant from the Federal Transportation Administration (FTA). The funds will support the $143.4 million project, which aims to transform downtown mobility, promote economic growth, and improve community connectivity.

The milestone event, held at the Mayo Civic Center Plaza, featured a check presentation by the FTA. The event brought together U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, Rochester Mayor Kim Norton, Patrick Seeb, Executive Director of the Destination Medical Center (DMC), and Doug Holton, Chair of Facilities at the Mayo Clinic. They highlighted the transformative impact the Link BRT will have on Rochester, stressing its vital role in driving economic growth, enhancing downtown mobility, and strengthening community connections.

“It was great to be in Rochester for this exciting milestone in the Link Bus Rapid Transit Project,” said Senator Amy Klobuchar. “Rochester is one of the fastest-growing cities in our state and deserves a state-of-the-art transit system. I worked to secure significant federal funding for this project because we know investments in infrastructure are investments in our long-term economic well-being.”

“Each day, transit systems connect Minnesotans to their jobs, schools, childcare and countless other opportunities – all while reducing traffic congestion and pollution,” said Senator Tina Smith. “This new Bus Rapid Transit line will help connect people across Rochester with a fast, free way to get around the city. I’m thrilled to announce this project is on its way to serving Minnesotans. I worked hard to deliver the federal funding needed for this project and look forward to when the Link BRT is up-and-running.”

The Link BRT, a high-capacity public transportation project, is designed to offer faster, more reliable transit service by utilizing dedicated lanes, signal priority, and specialized stations. The project will connect critical areas of downtown Rochester, including the Mayo Clinic Campus, Downtown Waterfront, Rochester Public Library, recreational amenities, educational institutions and key businesses along a 2.8-mile route on 2nd Street SW. By connecting to the world-renowned Mayo Clinic, the line will make it easier for patients and their families to travel to its campuses and services without having to drive.

"Link BRT is a milestone project for Rochester that will help meet the transportation needs of thousands of residents, visitors and employees every day," said Mayor Kim Norton. "As the first project of its kind outside of the Twin Cities, we are proud of this collaborative endeavor and hope Link BRT can serve as a model of innovation for other cities moving forward."

"As Rochester grows and changes, transportation options must evolve too," said Patrick Seeb, Executive Director of Destination Medical Center. "The Link BRT route was strategically designed to support Rochester's major downtown redevelopment sites, which will create even greater regional impact. This is an exciting project that will continue to elevate Rochester as a local and global destination."

The project is expected to address the city’s growing need for efficient and reliable transit, supporting residents, visitors, and businesses as Rochester continues to grow.

The Link BRT will play a key role in enhancing Rochester’s transportation infrastructure, serving 5,900 riders daily with fast, reliable service. The project will provide a convenient option for both commuters and visitors, making it easier to navigate the downtown area. A major benefit of the Link is that all rides will be free, ensuring the system is accessible to everyone.

The system’s seven heated stations will further enhance rider comfort and accessibility, offering protection from the elements and features designed to accommodate all

October 28, 2024 - ROCHESTER, MINN. – Seasonal parking requirements for the City of Rochester begin on November 1. The ordinance implements alternate side parking requirements for vehicles parked on city streets and in the bulb (circular part) of cul-de-sacs from November 1 to April 1. Seasonal parking requirements are in effect regardless of the weather forecast or if there is snow and ice on the roadways.

Public Works Director Tyler Niemeyer shares, “By following alternate side parking requirements, Rochester residents and guests are helping our crews be more efficient and effective with seasonal maintenance activities. Our streets will be easier and safer to navigate all winter long.”

Overview of the Seasonal Parking Requirements:

Alternate side parking requirements are in place city-wide from November 1 to April 1 from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Park vehicles on the side of the street with EVEN house numbers when the calendar date is EVEN.

Park vehicles on the side of the street with ODD house numbers when the calendar date is ODD.

While cars can be parked on both sides of the street in the evening hours, drivers should park their vehicles overnight for the requirements that are in place the following day from 2 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Posted parking signs must be followed regardless of the calendar date.

This does not apply to metered spaces; however, parked vehicles must still comply with posted signs.

Alternate side parking is not applicable on streets where parking is only allowed on one side.

Seasonal parking requirements apply regardless of weather or street conditions.

More information, including translated versions of frequently asked questions and an animated video, is available online at www.rochestermn.gov/winter