The Staples City Council accepted a proposal from MnDOT (Minnesota Department of Transportation) at their Mar. 10 meeting that resolves the site for a Veteran's Memorial Park.

Jerel Nelsen, executive director for the Staples Economic Development Authority, had been negotiating with MnDOT for property south of new Hwy. 10 and north of Wright Ave. between 8th and 10th Streets. MnDOT acquired the property for the construction phase of Hwy. 10 and, now that construction is complete, had offered to sell it back to the city.

Nelsen said he had been concerned that the lot between 8th and 9th Streets was too narrow for commercial development. When he met with a committee of volunteers working to create a Veteran's Memorial Park, they felt the area would work for their plan.

Nelsen asked MnDOT to donate that area to the city with the understanding that it would be used for a park and MnDOT agreed. The space is over 29,100 square feet.

"I think it's a great site for that use," Nelsen said.

"It will be a great visual for visitors," said Stan Carlson.

The Staples Economic Development Authority approved purchasing the land between 9th and 10th Streets for $41,493 at their Feb. 24 meeting.

In other business the council: o APPROVED a one year extension freezing the fees for township fire service contracts while negotiations continue with townships.

o REVIEWED proposed changes to the policy on deposits for utility service and sent the policy back to the Public Works Commission.

o APPROVED a resolution that allowed the Green Committee to apply for a grant from the Staples Community Foundation for funding for a green kit that would include a reusable shopping bag, educational materials and possibly other items.

o HEARD in the Public Works Director's report of a system to aid in utility account collections.