As we re-open and start to go about our normal lives again, I wanted to say one word of caution. We WILL see a spike in the number of new cases. This would happen when ever we reopen, if it was today or a year from today. Everyone is encouraged to take what ever precautions they are comfortable with.
If you are not feeling well, please take the time needed to feel better and allow yourself some down time. This will help you recover faster and help slow the spread of colds, flu or viruses.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Monday, May 25, 2020
Memorial Day
Today, there isn't a parade, there are no ticker tape showers nor rifle volleys the nation's streets are quiet. The Government's response to the pandemic has put an end to these activities this year. This year when our civil liberties are at danger the most, it is so very important to remember those that have fought and died for our freedoms. Memorial day is set aside to honor those that have paid the ultimate price for freedom, but I always make sure to remember all of our nations veterans.
On behalf of the City of Mantorville, our staff and myself let me say "Thank You" to all our veterans, the spouses of our veterans, the siblings and offspring of of veterans. All of you have suffered and sacrificed in some way for our Nation, State and City; Thank You.
Friends, if each one of you could reach out to a veteran today and say a simple thank you this would be extra meaningful this year.
To all of my neighbors, veterans and not, have a safe and happy Memorial day and remember what today has been set aside for.
On behalf of the City of Mantorville, our staff and myself let me say "Thank You" to all our veterans, the spouses of our veterans, the siblings and offspring of of veterans. All of you have suffered and sacrificed in some way for our Nation, State and City; Thank You.
Friends, if each one of you could reach out to a veteran today and say a simple thank you this would be extra meaningful this year.
To all of my neighbors, veterans and not, have a safe and happy Memorial day and remember what today has been set aside for.
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Outdoor Food Service
The League of Minnesota Cities worked with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement Division to develop this resource for cities on Expanding Outdoor Service at Bars and Restaurants: https://www.lmc.org/resources/outdoor-service-restaurants-covid/
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Mantorville's Parks remain OPEN
The City of Mantorville has not closed our parks and all of the City's parks remain open.
Rescinded Remote Meeting Mandate
Mayor Charles Bradford’s Statement and Determination
Regarding Conducting Meetings by Telephone or Other Electronic Means
As
the Mayor of the City of Mantorville, Minnesota I find as follows:
- On March 25 Gov Tim Waltz issued Executive Order 20-20 ordering all Minnesotans to stay at home.
- The City of Mantorville has been in isolation since March 25.
- The benefits of continued isolation is diminishing and the cost of the isolation is expanding. The benefits of continued isolation no longer out weigh the social, economic and psychological cost of continued isolation.
- Minnesota Statutes, section 13D.021 authorizes cities to meet by telephone or other electronic means if the presiding officer, chief legal counsel, or chief administrative officer determines that meeting in person or by interactive television is not practical or prudent because of the existence of a declared health pandemic or emergency. I have consulted with the city clerk-treasurer and city attorney in making this determination.
Based
on the above findings, I order the following:
- The order stating “Starting March 27 at 5:00pm and until further notice, all meetings of City bodies governed by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13D, including but not limited to City Council meetings, and meetings of all boards, committees, and commissions of the City, shall be conducted by telephone or other electronic means because it is not practical or prudent to hold those meetings in person or by interactive television.” is hereby rescinded.
Dated:
May 5, 2020. ______________________________
Charles
Bradford, Mayor
City
of Mantorville, Minnesota
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
City Update 3/31
The City Council extended my Emergency Declaration last night. The Declaration will remain in effect until June 20, or until canceled by Council Action.
City Staff will work on either a rotating shift or working from home. While a staff member will be in the office most days, the doors are going to be locked unless an appointment has been setup for one of the few items that needs to be completed in person.
Bill (and cash payments) can be placed in our utility drop box in front of City hall. The Council has also authorized the waiving of any late fees, so this months bill can be paid later. If needed we will work with our residents on a one on one basis to arrange a payment schedule after the current crisis has been lifted.
Reminder: Soap and water are better at removing the virus from your hands than is hand sanitizer. Hand Sanitizer is alcohol and works well on bacteria, not viruses however.
City Staff will work on either a rotating shift or working from home. While a staff member will be in the office most days, the doors are going to be locked unless an appointment has been setup for one of the few items that needs to be completed in person.
Bill (and cash payments) can be placed in our utility drop box in front of City hall. The Council has also authorized the waiving of any late fees, so this months bill can be paid later. If needed we will work with our residents on a one on one basis to arrange a payment schedule after the current crisis has been lifted.
Reminder: Soap and water are better at removing the virus from your hands than is hand sanitizer. Hand Sanitizer is alcohol and works well on bacteria, not viruses however.
Thursday, March 26, 2020
Mantorville's Emergency Declaration
CITY
OF MANTORVILLE, MINNESOTA
MAYORAL
DECLARATION NO. 2020-1
WHEREAS, the
Mayor of
the City
of
Mantorville,
Minnesota
("Mayor")
finds that
the
following
local emergency
("Emergency")
exists in
the City
of
Mantorville,
Minnesota
("City"):
- On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization determined that the COVID-19 outbreak constitutes a pandemic. On March 13, 2020, President Trump declared a national state of emergency as a result of the pandemic. On March 25, 2020, Governor Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-20 ordering all Minnesotans to remain at home.
- On March 13, 2020, Governor Tim Walz issued Emergency Executive Order 20-01 declaring a state of peacetime emergency to address the COVID-19 pandemic in Minnesota. The Governor’s Executive Order along with this Declaration triggers activation of the City’s emergency management plan and enables the City to exercise its emergency powers.
- The spread of COVID-19 in the United States and Minnesota has raised serious public health concerns and resulted in a great deal of uncertainty. Much remains unknown about the virus and how it spreads.
WHEREAS, Minnesota
Statutes,
Section
12.29
authorizes
the Mayor
to declare
the
existence
of the
Emergency, to invoke any
necessary
portions of
any emergency
operations/management
plans and
pandemic
response
plans, and
to authorize aid
and
services in
accordance
with
interjurisdictional
agreements;
and
WHEREAS,
Minnesota Statutes, Section 12.37 authorizes the City, acting through
its governing body, to: (1) enter into
contracts
and incur
obligations
necessary
to combat
the
disaster by
protecting
the health
and safety
of persons
and
property
and by
providing
emergency
assistance
to the
victims of
the
disaster; and (2) exercise
the powers
vested by
that section in
the light
of the
exigencies
of the
disaster
without compliance
with
time-consuming
procedures
and
formalities
otherwise prescribed
by law;
and
WHEREAS, the Mayor finds that the Emergency is
sudden and could not have been anticipated; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor finds that this situation
threatens the health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the
community and threatens the provision and delivery of city services
as a result of the Emergency; and
WHEREAS, the
Mayor finds
that the
Emergency
poses the
risk of
and may
cause
catastrophic
loss of
public health,
safety, and
welfare if
not
immediately
addressed.
NOW,
THEREFORE,
as the Mayor of the City of Mantorville, Minnesota, I declare that a
Local Emergency exists effective at 5:00 p.m. on March 27, 2020 in
the City of Mantorville, Minnesota.
This declaration of a local emergency will
invoke any and all emergency operations/management plans and pandemic
response plans of the city. The portions that are necessary for
response to and recovery from the Emergency are authorized,
including
but not
limited to
all
appropriate
community
containment
and
mitigation
strategies.
To the
extent normal state laws and city policies and procedures impede an
efficient response or compliance with federal
and state
directives
and
recommendations,
the City
Clerk-Treasurer, Emergency
Manager,
and their
designees are authorized to suspend
compliance with those laws, policies, and procedures
and to
take those
actions
necessary to
protect the
public
health,
safety, and
welfare.
Dated: March 26,
2020.
________________________
Charles Bradford,
Mayor
City of Mantorville,
Minnesota
Monday, March 23, 2020
Refundable Payroll Tax
On Friday, March 20, the U.S. Treasury Department, IRS and U.S. Department of Labor announced that small and midsize employers can begin taking advantage of two new refundable payroll tax credits designed to immediately and fully reimburse them for the cost of providing COVID-19 related leave to their employees. Additional guidance, including how to claim the credits in advance, is being prepared and will be posted to the Coronavirus Tax Relief page on IRS.gov as soon as it is available.
Please refer to Coronavirus Tax Relief on IRS.gov with questions, or reach out to our office if you need assistance.
Sunday, March 22, 2020
SBA Loans avaialble
Good afternoon,
As you are likely aware, the U.S. Small Business Administration is now offering low-interest loans for working capital for Minnesota small businesses and non-profits suffering losses related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information and download applications at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela
· Note: The website is experiencing high volumes of traffic, and may be slow. Some users are experiencing issues using the Chrome browser, so if that happens to you, please try a different browser.
SBA loans will provide some measure of relief for the substantial losses many businesses have already experienced. In addition, Senator Smith will continue to fight for Minnesotans in Washington as we navigate the current public health crisis and eventual economic recovery. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns.
Best,
Bree Maki
Senior Southern Minnesota Outreach Director | Office of Senator Tina Smith
Childcare, Broadband and Telecommunications State Representative
1210 1/2 7th Street NW, Suite #218 | Rochester, MN 55901
Thursday, March 19, 2020
TP Shortage
The most important thing all of us can do to slow the spread of the NOVCO-19 virus is to stay home if you feel sick. The City of Mantorville is working with State and other local governments to monitor and assess the situation and the local needs to address issues as they arise. Please take not of some special items related to the current global concern.
The City of Mantorville's water supply remains safe. If you were drinking tap water before there is no reason to drink bottled water now.
Toilet Paper is out of stock in all area stores. When your on-site reserves are used up you may have to switch to "other options". The other options might include taking a shower instead, using baby wipers (which are still in stock) using paper towel or some other means (Shopko has a paperless toilet seat). The Waste water treatment plant can handle Kleenex, tp and human waste, our treatment plant can not handle sanitary napkins, paper towel or cloth rags. Please dispose of used paper towel, dirty rags and sanitary napkins in the garbage. Please help us keep our plant running smoothly.
The City of Mantorville will continue to monitor the on-going situation and make any needed changes as the need arises.
The City of Mantorville's water supply remains safe. If you were drinking tap water before there is no reason to drink bottled water now.
Toilet Paper is out of stock in all area stores. When your on-site reserves are used up you may have to switch to "other options". The other options might include taking a shower instead, using baby wipers (which are still in stock) using paper towel or some other means (Shopko has a paperless toilet seat). The Waste water treatment plant can handle Kleenex, tp and human waste, our treatment plant can not handle sanitary napkins, paper towel or cloth rags. Please dispose of used paper towel, dirty rags and sanitary napkins in the garbage. Please help us keep our plant running smoothly.
The City of Mantorville will continue to monitor the on-going situation and make any needed changes as the need arises.
Monday, March 16, 2020
City of Mantorville is OPEN!
The City of Mantorville is conducting business as usual.
Our scheduled meeting for March 23 WILL occur on schedule!
Our scheduled meeting for March 23 WILL occur on schedule!
Sunday, March 1, 2020
State Of The City
Twenty-Nineteen is finally over and most of are probably saying hooray! I attended the Chambers annual dinner a few weeks ago and since 2019 was so challenging, we were asked to share something good about 2019. Mantorville saw historic flooding, wind damage and large hail damage, personally I had some challenges as well. When it came to my turn I said that my initial reaction to what was good about 2019 was that it was over! I then went on to say that if I had left my answer like that it would have been short sighted. With the Flooding the high winds and record-setting hail damage what I saw each time was our community coming together and neighbors helping neighbors. In my personal challenges too I have seen the true strength of a community like Mantorville with so many offers of help, support and prayers. Thank you one and all for everything you helped out with and the great offers of support, those have meant a great deal to my family.
The new year has begun and I am able to get back to my blog.
Lower Taxes for All
The City is allowed to charge up to 1%
of the taxable market value of a home. If the City were to charge the
entire 1%, our “advertised levy rate” would be “100%” of that
1%. In other words a house with a taxable market value of
$100,000 would be tax by the City in the amount of $1,000. Over the
last few years the City has either raised the levy by a small amount
like 3% or held even with a 0% levy. Thanks to the City council and
our committee chairs we were able to do something very few governing
bodies ever do, lower the rate at which we tax our citizens. In fact,
our rate for 2014 is lower than our rate for any of the last three
years. The City has passed a “1%” levy DECREASE that sets our
rate at less than three fourths of the max the City is allowed or a
dollar value of $422,995. In order to put this figure in perspective,
I have included a table below that illustrates the tax levy amounts
and levy rates for the last five years.
| Tax Year | Levy Dollar Amount | Levy Rate | Population | Cost / Person |
| 2009 | $406,611.00 | 56.00% | 1157 | $351.44 |
| 2010 | $414,743.00 | 57.00% | 1197 | $346.49 |
| 2011 | $423,037.00 | 63.00% | 1201 | $352.24 |
| 2012 | $427,268.00 | 73.00% | 1204 | $354.87 |
| 2013 | $427,268.00 | 72.00% | 1215 | $351.66 |
| 2014 | $422,995.00 | 72.00% | 1206 | $350.74 |
| 2015 | $424,525.00 | 72.00% | 1200 | $353.77 |
| 2016 | $427,226.00 | 70.00% | 1210 | $353.08 |
| 2017 | $440,118.00 | 68.00% | 1216 | $361.94 |
| 2018 | $453,322.00 | 61.00% | 1209 | $374.96 |
| 2019 | $480,521.00 | 57.70% | 1217** | $394.84 |
| 2020 | $509,352.00 | 56.75% | 1219** | $417.84 |
Last year we hired a new Public works employee and this year we are hiring a new Assistant Clerk. I am looking forward to 2020 and the many new promises it brings. The State of our City is strong and we will only continue to improve.
Yours in service,
Chuck Bradford
Mayor, City of Mantorville
Monday, October 7, 2019
County Seat Coffee House Purchased
On Monday October 7, I attended an ribbon cutting ceremony for the County Seat's new owners. I was asked to say a few words and I wanted to share my speech with my readers.
One of the things I really enjoy about being Mayor is the opportunity to celebrate with my neighbors. Today is truly a day to celebrate. Up north there is a saying, “you don't buy a cabin, you buy a lake” that is because you can make the cabin into something better but the real value is in the lake.
When Michelle Douk and Wa Phy purchased the County Seat from Adrianne McNiff and Kristin Alexander, they not only bought a successful business but bought into a thriving community as well.
Shortly after the new owners bought the business I had the opportunity to speak with Michelle and I was happy to hear about their plans for the business, their past experience in the restaurant industry and their obvious passion for our community. We spoke about how they plan to expand the offerings, while maintaining those items that had made it such a great success already.
Our new owners have decades of combined experience in the restaurant industry. They have a track record of running a successful Chinese restaurant in Rochester, experience working in the cost conscious corporate environment of Mayo and they understand the importance of great customer service. I know this past experience will serve them well in their new business, and will allow them to grow here in Mantorville.
Today as we cut this ribbon we celebrate both the past and the future. We celebrate the success that the County Seat has already enjoyed and we celebrate the next new chapter for this business. I would like to welcome Michelle and Wa and wish them all the happiness and success that they have hoped for and thank them for their investment into our community.
Welcome and Congratulation!
Now lets cut that ribbon.
One of the things I really enjoy about being Mayor is the opportunity to celebrate with my neighbors. Today is truly a day to celebrate. Up north there is a saying, “you don't buy a cabin, you buy a lake” that is because you can make the cabin into something better but the real value is in the lake.
When Michelle Douk and Wa Phy purchased the County Seat from Adrianne McNiff and Kristin Alexander, they not only bought a successful business but bought into a thriving community as well.
Shortly after the new owners bought the business I had the opportunity to speak with Michelle and I was happy to hear about their plans for the business, their past experience in the restaurant industry and their obvious passion for our community. We spoke about how they plan to expand the offerings, while maintaining those items that had made it such a great success already.
Our new owners have decades of combined experience in the restaurant industry. They have a track record of running a successful Chinese restaurant in Rochester, experience working in the cost conscious corporate environment of Mayo and they understand the importance of great customer service. I know this past experience will serve them well in their new business, and will allow them to grow here in Mantorville.
Today as we cut this ribbon we celebrate both the past and the future. We celebrate the success that the County Seat has already enjoyed and we celebrate the next new chapter for this business. I would like to welcome Michelle and Wa and wish them all the happiness and success that they have hoped for and thank them for their investment into our community.
Welcome and Congratulation!
Now lets cut that ribbon.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Sen. Senjem recognized by LMC
The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized Sen Dave Senjem for his leadership and for his efforts to promote legislation that allows cities to do their job more efficiently. The LMC sent a copy of this letter to all the Mayors in our district and I wanted to share their letter with my readers.
 |
| LMC Letter of Recognition for Sen Senjem |
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