Notices

November 21, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. The Public Works Department is seeking feedback from residents of the Lincolnshire Neighborhood on the traffic calming measures implemented last year. Open house participants will also discuss the next steps for 48 Street NW and Nottingham Drive NW.

Lincolnshire Neighborhood Traffic Management Open House

Thursday, December 5, 2024

6:45 - 8:00 p.m.

Gibbs Elementary School

(5525 56 Street NW, Rochester, MN 55901)

This an open house event with no set presentation time.

Residents of the impacted area petitioned for the Lincolnshire Neighborhood to be considered for the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program. Concerns outlined in the petition include excessive speeding vehicles and aggressive driver behavior, high traffic volumes, and concerns for pedestrian and cyclist safety. A 2022 traffic study confirmed many vehicles exceed the speed limit in the residential neighborhood. Three options were presented to the neighborhood on August 10, 2023, that included combinations of pavement markings, curb extensions, median island, and boulevard trees. Based on feedback from the neighborhood, a fourth recommended option was created using elements of the original options.

Due to the high cost of the recommended option, the Public Works team began piloting curb extensions and median islands using flexible delineators. This pilot, installed in October 2023, allowed for a trial period to measure the effectiveness and gauge public acceptance of the improvements before moving forward with the full design and construction. The cost for the temporary installation was approximately $14,000. The December 5 open house will focus on the project's results and potential next steps.

The goal of the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program is to work closely with neighborhood residents to identify various traffic concerns, conduct appropriate studies to quantify any problems, develop criteria for prioritizing projects, and implement solutions to rectify safety concerns and lower traffic speeds. Traffic calming will improve the safety of all road users and create more pleasant neighborhoods for the residents of Rochester.

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 19, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN.– Rochester Public Music (RPM) is seeking applications from area bands interested in performing as opening acts for the 2025 Riverside Music Series or the FORWARD Park Concerts. This is a paid performance and all submissions will be considered for either concert series. The deadline to apply is February 14, 2025. Selected bands will be contacted after April 1, 2025.

Rochester Public Music Director Avital Rabinowitz shares, “We are excited to open the call for bands for the upcoming 2025 summer season. This is a fantastic opportunity for regional performers to share their talent with our residents and visitors.”

To be eligible for consideration, bands must meet the following requirements:

Have enough material to fill at least a 45-minute set

Provide their own backline

Have at least one band member with a direct tie to the 11-county region (Counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Goodhue, Houston, Mower, Olmsted, Rice, Steele, Wabasha, and Winona.)

Interested bands should complete the online application.

Riverside Music Series will occur every Sunday from July 13 through August 10, 2025, in Mayo Park. This family-friendly community event features must-see national headliners and includes local food vendors, craft beer and giveaways.

FORWARD Park Concerts occur on June 4, June 11, June 18, August 13, August 20 and August 27. These Wednesday evening performances are in walkable, pet-friendly and bike trail-connected parks—one in each City ward. This free, family-friendly event highlights local bands and regional headliners and activities for the whole family, including local food trucks, craft beer, the Rochester Public Library's Bookmobile and the Rochester Park & Rec’s Go! Play! Explore! Mobile Rec Trailer.

RPM has been the City of Rochester Music Department since 1936. It provides the community with fun and memorable musical events, including the Riverside Music Series, the FORWARD Park Concerts, Sound School and Passport Sessions.

November 15, 2024 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester is seeking applicants to fill open positions on various Boards & Commissions. Applications are always accepted and priority consideration for these vacancies is November 27, 2024.

The following positions are available:

Board of Appeals (Two Vacancies)

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Citizens Advisory on Transit (Five Vacancies)

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Heritage Preservation Commission (Two Vacancies)

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Library Board (Two Vacancies)

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Music Board – Ward 1 and Ward 4

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Pedestrian & Bicycle Advisory Commission

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Planning & Zoning Commission

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Public Utility Board

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Sustainability & Resiliency Commission

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Zoning Board of Appeals

For information and responsibilities, click here.

Interested persons can learn more about Rochester’s Boards and Commissions and find the online application on the City website.

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 24, 2024– ROCHESTER, MINN. – The City of Rochester is seeking applications for eight seats on the Charter Commission, for members whose terms expire December 31, 2024.

The Charter Commission was created under statutory authority and is regulated by Minnesota Statute 410.05. It governs the Home Rule Charter of the City of Rochester. The current Commission consists of 15 citizen members. Members serve a four-year term and are appointed by the Chief Judge of the Third Judicial District. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each odd–numbered month from 4:30 to 6 p.m., with administrative staff provided by the City Attorney’s office.

Rochester residents are encouraged to apply for this volunteer position by completing the Board & Commissions Application. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, November 22, 2024.

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