Hackensack civic groups continue to do good things to bring people to town

There are a lot of good things happening in the small hub of Hackensack, including a new sports courts and renovation to the city park bathrooms.

At the July 15 city meeting, the council approved a design of the Sports Courts, and also discussed reconstruction of the Sports Courts parking lot and a City Park bathrooms renovation.

The Sports Courts fundraiser has $51,000 of its $60,000 goal in donations, including $5,000 in on- and off-sale funds the council approved during the July 15 meeting. The project was set to begin in late July, but the start time will be pushed back because of weather. Hopefully the delay will help Hackensack Game Changers Sports Courts Team reach the project fundraising goal.

An estimate for reconstructing the parking lot surrounding the Sports Courts area was presented to the council, but it will be discussed at the next planning meeting.

The Hackensack Game Changers Spiffy Diffy Team, a group of volunteers whose focus is revamping the rest rooms, asked permission to begin fundraising for the project. The Spiffy Diffy Team said all improvements will be presented to the council for approval, with a project estimate around $11,300.

Jim Etzel also asked and was given permission by the council to apply for a $3,000 grant to plant fruit-edible trees and shrubs within the Bonna Paulson Park. Etzel said he has already submitted a grant to SHIP to reconstruct the Community Garden shed.

A public hearing was held concerning the proposal to adopt the Minnesota Basic Code and review the proposed ordinances and amendments.

Councilor Bermadean Van Dyke asked what the cost for the requested changes are, which will be $200 per ordinance.

No further comment was made and the hearing was closed.

In other city business, the council:

Approved minutes from June 10 council meeting.

Approved minutes from June 24 planning session.

Approved June disbursements of $247,557.39, June receipts of $350,327.09 and June/July claims for $255,416.21.

Tabled jurisdiction on the Wetland Conservation Act resolution until further clarification can be obtained. More discussion will be held at the next planning session.

Accepted $2,000 donation from Hackensack Lions for the Chamber of Commerce to use for Sweetheart Days for the fireworks show July 13.

Set a planning session for July 29 at 5 p.m.