Litchfield City Council Meeting

The Litchfield City Council spent quite a bit of time last night discussing matters related to the new Litchfield Area Recreation Center. A grand opening for the new facility has been scheduled for the afternoon of September 7th.

The event will include tours for the public, a ribbon-cutting ceremony and refreshments. The Council approved of rental rates for the new center last night, and also had a lengthy discussion about an agreement with youth hockey operating the concession stand. A motion was approved to have youth hockey operate the stand for the first year – without collecting 10% of the profits as originally proposed – and then reevaluate the agreement after one year.

The Litchfield City Council approved of plans for the sewer separation project and authorized the city engineer to seek bids for the project; and authorized the administration to complete a full wastewater rate study. A transmission project agreement was also approved last night with SMMPA and Great River Energy. The Council approved of a resolution accepting a priority list for community projects.

The Council heard a presentation by Beverly Diederich regarding improvements needed to pickle ball facilities at South Park and possible fundraising that could be done by pickle ball enthusiasts to help with costs.

Also last night, the Litchfield City Council approved of certificates of appropriateness from the Heritage Preservation Commission for Kaleb Lehmann at 19 East Depot Street for replacement of an awning; for the Greater Litchfield Opera House Association for replacement of plywood around the north door at 136 North Marshall Avenue; and for CBTC, LLC at 217 North Sibley Avenue for a new sign and lighting. The Council also approved of applying for a CLG grant to pay for expenses for two and possibly 3 people to attend the annual preservation conference.