Office of the Mayor

Contact Information

201 4th Street SE
Room 281
Rochester, Mn 55904 (Map)

Phone: 507-328-2700

Mon-Fri 8:00 am to 5:00 pm


2008 State of the City

Happy New Year! 2008! Can you believe that it’s already been 8 years since we were all worried about Y2K?    

This year 2008, we will recognize the 150th Anniversary of Rochester’s incorporation – August 5, 1858 to be precise; the book Rochester, Transforming the World celebrates the Sesquicentennial.  It should also be noted that the State of Minnesota will also turn 150 on May 11, 2008.

This month’s Smithsonian magazine states that 100 years ago, 1908, was “The year that changed everything.”  Thomas Edison said, “Anything, everything is possible” in 1908.  And to a large degree we can say that for Rochester.  We finally have the University of Minnesota – Rochester!  For those like Nancy Brataas, Marilyn Stewart and many others it probably seems like it’s been 100 years.  Congratulations to all who helped and supported those efforts.  UMR has great potential for growth in Rochester.  The city was a partner in funding the UMR facility in downtown Rochester with $4 million in sales tax funds designated for higher education facilities in Rochester.

Additionally, there were significant improvements and accomplishments at UCR and Rochester Community and Technical College.  A new Health Science Facility was completed with the City providing $1.5 million in sales tax assistance.  Work has begun on the new Sports Stadium project out at UCR/RCTC; again, the City was pleased to assist this project with $3.6 million in sales tax funding.

In 1908 the first-ever ball drop occurred on New Years Eve in New York City – Times Square.  It was a 700 pound “electric ball” that fell from the flagpole atop the New York Times Building.  Rochester has a couple of bright young men that continue to work on a ball-rise for a New Years Eve event in the Peace Plaza.  “Seize the Moment.”  I bet it will happen.  Rochester does not drop the ball.

A couple of years after the Wright Brothers flew their first flight, Wilbur, in 1908 had a 2½ hour flight, at the time the longest ever in an airplane.  On June 14 this past year Allegiant Air’s inaugural flight from Rochester to Las Vegas took just a bit more than 3 hours.  It continues to be a popular flight two times a week.    

Rochester must become an active participant with the potential for high-speed rail transportation between Chicago – going through Rochester to Minneapolis-St. Paul.

Of course, 2007 saw a number of significant events concerning the DM&E project.  The DM&E’s request for a large federal loan was rejected by the federal Department of Transportation.  Later in the year the DM&E accepted an offer from the Canadian and Pacific Railroad to purchase their company.  That acquisition is now before the Surface Transportation Board.  As a member of the Rochester Coalition Leadership group the City will continue to work with the Chamber of Commerce, Olmsted County and the Mayo Clinic and our legislators to protect the interests of Rochester citizens and businesses.  We look forward to improved dialogue with the CP leadership in the future.

On December 11th, we had the official groundbreaking of the Minnesota Bio Business Center.  This project will be a welcome addition and catalyst to downtown when it opens in 2009.  There are many to thank including the bipartisan support we received from our state legislators but I especially want to thank Assistant City Administrator Gary Neumann for all the work he has done to make this project happen.  He will be the first to say that it was not a “one man band” that did this, but he was the “leader of the band.”

Downtown redevelopment is not, however, waiting for that one project to be completed.  In 2005 the City completed an important study for the future of downtown.  The formation of the Rochester Downtown Alliance under the leadership of Sandy Keith and the planning for the expanded Peace Plaza has been outcomes of the study.  I would humbly also say that much of what’s being envisioned downtown and specifically the Peace Plaza was discussed and advocated at a seminar I was privileged to attend in March 2005, “The Mayor’s Institute on City Design” in Charleston, South Carolina.

New housing projects were completed (or nearly completed) last year; Salvation Army and Candlerose with several others being proposed.  We are entering an exciting time for downtown development.  “Anything, everything is possible.”    

In addition to the City’s downtown development efforts we also worked on JOBZ and State grant programs with a number of companies benefiting including Hylas and Hardcore Computers.  These projects have the potential to add a significant number of jobs to our local economy.

In 1908, President Teddy Roosevelt held the first ever Governors Conference on “Conservation of Natural Resources.”  He said “Time has come to inquire seriously what will happen when our forests are gone, when coal, iron, the oil and gas are exhausted.  We must handle the water, the wood, the grasses so that we will hand them on to our children and our children’s children in better, not worse shape than we got them.

So, what are we doing with our environment and conservation 100 years later?  Thanks to the efforts of Mark St. Peter and Craig Weckwerth who approached me a year ago and inquired about a litter campaign.  It became “Help Make Rochester A Litter Bit Better”, and in April more than 10 tons of litter/trash was collected in Rochester.  Barbara Huberty, Environmental and Regulatory Affairs Coordinator has provided outstanding expertise and guidance to this ongoing project.  This year’s campaign is during Earth Week, April 19-26.  I encourage all citizens to get involved in this effort not only during Earth Week but every day.

2007 saw the beginning of the Silver Lake Buffer Project with native plants being installed to reduce the amount of pollution reaching Silver Lake.  We expect it will be 3 years before the project will realize its full effect and benefits.

Public Works completed the largest, $90 million, Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion and trunk main improvements since 1984.  RPU started a major improvement at an estimated cost of $37 million to reduce emissions at the Silver Lake Power Plant.  In addition we have started the process with many partners to ensure that sufficient transmission lines will be available to serve our growing community.

The City has acquired a site for a potential Joint Maintenance Facility to serve several city departments, including Public Works, City Maintenance Transit Operations, RPU and space for other governmental units.  A feasibility study will be completed in 2008.

In 1908 the Model T went into production at Henry Ford’s plant in Detroit, Michigan.  In 2008 Public Works Engineering Administration will be purchasing a hybrid sedan as we continue to look seriously at alternative fuel vehicles including cars and buses.

In 1908 Admiral Robert Perry began his conquest of the North Pole and Dr. Frederick Cook claimed to already have reached the North Pole.  In 2007 RPU was a major sponsor in support of Arctic Explorer Will Steger being in Rochester in November.  Candace and Gary Gruhl, Rochester citizens had proposed to me earlier in the year that we should invite Mr. Steger here to share his message.  Thank you!  We were presented with an outstanding, science based program on the effects of global warming and climate protection.

I was privileged in September to attend the 3rd Annual Sundance Summit: A Mayor’s Gathering on Climate Protection at Sundance Resort, Utah home and owned by Robert Redford who encouraged mayors to make a difference because it isn’t happening in Washington.  Recently however, at a world conference the U.S. was told to “lead or get out of the way” and our representatives agreed to participate (by the way, November 6, 1908 the real Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid were killed).  The Sundance Summit along with my membership on U.S. Conference of Mayors and National League of Cities committees on the environment and energy and being an early signer (now over 600) of the U.S. Mayors Agreement on Climate Protection has given me a strong sense of interest on advocacy for this issue and building green.

I am pleased that the Minnesota Bio Business Center will be LEED certifiable.  I am proposing that this year we meet with developers, builders and others to discuss having any building receiving public money (TIF etc) meet LEED and/or green standards.

I am excited about the development of an educational resource being proposed for the Cascade Meadow Wetlands area.  Again citizens, including Jack Remick are the impetus in this project that would turn approximately 100 acres near the Rochester Athletic Club into a natural area education site.  Greg Munson is the Project Coordinator of what is now being called the Cascade Meadow Wetlands and Science Center.

Rochester Park System improvements include:

Continuing with the environment I must include the record rainfalls and flooding that occurred last August.  Certainly the event was devastating to S.E. Minnesota and our thoughts and prayers continue to be with those citizens impacted.  Why must we always wait for disasters (floods and bridges collapsing) to offer our “thought and prayers?”  Fortunately, for Rochester, the damage to our city was much more limited due to the flood control project completed in 1995 -----thank God!  And in 2007 the environment in public places in Minnesota on October 1st became much cleaner with the State non-smoking laws.  Thanks to Olmsted County for being a leader in this matter.

And while we reference the damage that rivers out of control brings I think of the joy that 16 years of Down by the Riverside Concerts brings to Rochester.  Fifty years ago, December 19, 1957, the musical “The Music Man” debuted on Broadway and spoke of “trouble, right here in River City.”  We have several “Music Men” here in River City who bring joy and an important component to the cultural life of Rochester.  Included are Steven Schmidt, Rochester Civic Music, Jere Lantz, Rochester Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, Chuck Blattner, RCTC and Rochester Concert Band, Michael Culloton, Choral Arts Ensemble to name but a few.  The men and women who, not only through music, but indeed through all of the arts bring excitement and value to Rochester as one of the most livable cities in America The Avenue of the Arts and the Peace Plaza are venues that will contribute greatly to the arts and cultural activities right here in River City in 2008.

In 2007, our partner city Siheung City, South Korea brought an outstanding art exhibit to our community at the Rochester Art Center.  We have been invited to reciprocate with an exhibit by Rochester artists to Siheung City in May 2008.  This newest partner city is very aggressive in promoting the partnership with student exchanges expected in coming years.

With regard to public safety, construction is nearly complete on the city’s fifth fire station.  We have been served with four stations for more than 40 years.  Our population and geographic area have increased dramatically over that time.

We will also have a significant increase in police staffing with the addition of a police officer and four full-time and 12 part-time Community Service Officers.  With both Republican and Democrat State Conventions in Rochester, the National Republican Convention in the Twin Cities and expected presidential candidate visits in 2008 these additional law enforcement staff will be needed and most welcome.

Now, if we could get MnDOT to not take 6 months to study whether 7th Street NE should be 30 mph.  I will visit with our legislators and the governor, if necessary, to resolve this matter in a timely manner.  MnDOT has more serious issues to resolve and this one should be no-brainer.

Emergency Management will be receiving additional attention in 2008.  As chair of the Joint Emergency Management Commission in 2008 I will be active in reviewing job descriptions and the, hiring of a Deputy Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.  Emergency Management is a cooperative function between the City and County and coordination with Mayo Clinic and other local emergency organizations.  Weather warnings are still very important but with the increased scope and complexity of issues we must be certain that all roles are clearly defined.

The City continues to support partnerships with several non-profit organizations that provide important benefits to the community:

We continue to believe the community is much richer and is enhanced by the programs and efforts of these organizations.

We are grateful for the citizen’s approval in 2005 of $40 million in sales tax funding for City and County transportation projects and for higher education improvements.  Planning, design and construction is now underway on several major projects with this sales tax funding, including the completed Oronoco Interchange improvements and design work for the extension of 55th Street NW to Highway 63 and for 20th Street SE improvements.

The most important legislative issues for the City in 2008 include revisions to the LGA formula, additional funding to reduce future property tax increases and requests for State bonding assistance for several city and area projects.  Projects include:

Citizens of Rochester can assist in these efforts by participating in Rochester on Tour at the Capital, March 12; a successful and effective effort sponsored by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce.

Based on output from the “Leadership at Every Level” retreat and meetings in 2006 we found it very useful to schedule reviews of the operations of each City Department at our Committee of the Whole meetings during 2007.  These reviews of departmental goals, objectives, issues and future needs greatly facilitated the budget discussions at year-end.  Additionally some of our council members hold regular weekly/monthly coffees.  I plan to visit all of these on a rotating, monthly basis and encourage all council members to participate.

The term “melting pot” entered American’s lexicon in 1908 and today in Rochester “We are Building an Inclusive Community.”    The effort “Year of the Family” will be renewed for 2008 with an emphasis on education.  Riots that occurred in Springfield, Illinois, in 1908 led to the founding of the NAACP the following year.  In Rochester we continue to honor our pledge to build an inclusive community by working to make this a reality and not just words.  Diversity of all facets must be valued; race, gender, culture, nationality, sexual orientation and religion, no exclusions.  In 1908 it was said that Americans fiercely believed that the future would be better than the present.  In Rochester we must believe no less!

As we enter the year of 2008 and that many challenges and goals are for 2020, be aware that the children who started kindergarten last fall will be the high school class of 2020.  The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce has an initiative, Work Force 2020, to address one of the challenges we will be facing.

So, from 1858 when our population was almost 1,000 to 1908 when we numbered about 7,000 we now welcome our newest residents along Marion Road SE and are now a city of 100,000 celebrating our 150th anniversary.  Back in 1858 the first known baseball song was written, “The Base Ball Polka.”  It was not quite as famous as the 1908 classic “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.”  And that was the last year the Chicago Cubs won the World Series.

So, it will not be long before you can sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” at Mayo Field again and Rochester will again prove that “Anything, everything is possible.”

In this city of the first class I had 1421 “events” on my calendar in 2007.  Thanks to City staff for their outstanding efforts with what has been a very busy year.  And a special thanks to my associate Donna Bussell for facilitating with my calendar, reminding me “where to go”, in a nice way, typing letters and proclamations and being the “front door” to the Mayor’s Office.

Of course, I again thank my wife Judy for her love and understanding when Mayor’s business conflicts with family. 

2007 was a first-class year….but I expect 2008 to be great-er in a City that will soon be officially, A City of the First Class.  Peace and good health to all.  Thank you!