Door Knocking and the Future of Bemidji

“I’d like it to stay the way it is.” Bemidji, that is. That was the sentiment I heard while door knocking this week. It’s a sentiment that is shared by many citizens in Bemidji. The reality is that Bemidji is a regional center whether we want it to be or not. Wishing it could stay like it is today won’t help us keep what’s best about Bemidji. What we should be doing is looking to the future and taking action to best meet it.

Bemidji is changing and the changes are inevitable. Here are six reasons why.

We have an orderly annexation agreement. In 2005 the city signed the orderly annexation agreement with Northern and Bemidji Townships. The agreement means that the three local governments agree that the city will be able to annex portions of both townships over the next 15 years. The city council delayed annexing the first tier into the city until 2012, but the agreement makes growth of the city (nearly) inevitable. Here’s my question: Have we identified the right areas for annexation? My answer: Maybe not.

 Our population is growing. Unlike some other rural communities, Bemidji has been experiencing an increase in population. According to the state demographer’s estimate, Bemidji’s population has increased by about 580 in the last five years and by about 1,625 since the 2000 Census. And the developing fringe has likely increased at a greater rate than the city. An increasing population will mean increased demand for housing, streets, water and sewer infrastructure, police and fire protection. With a property base that includes nearly 50% non-taxable property, how will we afford the infrastructure improvements we will need?

The population is aging. The “silver tsunami” of aging Baby Boomers will put pressure on the amenities and services that retirees expect: “continuum of care” living options for aging in place, recreational options for reduced and/or slower mobility seniors, clinical, hospital, and home health options; activities, entertainment and community events geared to them and their interests, etc. Seniors will be looking for employment options for those who are not ready (or able) to retire. Is our community ready to meet the needs of this population?

The way we do business is changing. Manufacturing jobs are decreasing. Retail is transitioning from storefronts to online. Attracting development and jobs is more about creating a quality community than about filling space in the industrial park. Bemidji will need to have the support and infrastructure needed to serve entrepreneurs and 21st Century jobs. In addition to a top-rate airport and global networking technologies, amenities like our parks, the university, and the event center are part of the mix that helps us attract jobs and development. But what else can we do to keep our brightest graduates in Bemidji attract cutting edge entrepreneurs?

Energy consumption is (or will be) changing. Increasing energy costs will force changes in construction, heating and cooling, transportation, and public transit. An increased emphasis on green energy solutions and a sustainable community will require new ways of delivering service. We should be preparing for the inevitable residential and commercial alternative energy requests that will come (think windmills, solar panels and outside wood burners). Do our city code and land use Ordinances need updating to promote sustainability?

Downtown Draft Master Plan

 Where we want to live is changing. Reducing energy means changes not only in how we move around, but where people want to live. Both aging Boomers and young professionals are looking for housing choices that allow them to access jobs, entertainment, and other necessities in a compact, walk able community. New mixed-use developments that meet those expectations and reduce transportation costs will be needed. What can the city and the joint planning organization do to promote mixed-use development?

This is a just a glimpse at the multitude of changes that I see coming at our community. What changes do you think the future holds for Bemidji? What are the best things about our community that we should keep or protect?

Last Week of the Campaign

Tired of the phone calls, the door knocking, the radio and newspaper ads? It’s almost over! The last week of the campaign is upon us, but city council candidates still have two more forums this week.

Wednesday the Committee for an Informed Electorate (CIE) hosts Ward 2 and Ward 4 candidates at 6:00pm at city hall. This forum will be televised on Channel 2. On Thursday, BSU Student Senate hosts the city candidates at 6:00pm (or 7:00pm, the time is still unclear) at Hagg Sauer 100.

You've been bombarded by the campaigns. This is your chance to pose some questions to the candidates. What would you like to ask? The audience will be able to write down questions for the candidates at the CIE forum on Wednesday. Come on down to city hall and participate in the political process.

What Makes a Quality Neighborhood?

More than a year ago (September 2009), the city council authorized a neighborhood study to address the tide of homes transitioning from owner-occupied to rentals. At the time, there was a sense of urgency about the issue and the council even considered a rental registration moratorium. 

That idea was nixed in favor of the study.  However, a consultant was not under contract to conduct the study until early 2010. Bonestroo, the planning firm that was selected (over three others), has been working on gathering demographic data on three defined areas. Facts like the number of 18-24 year olds in each neighborhood; the number of +65 year olds; family income, home ownership, police calls, properties sold in the last decade, and land values. 

QNI Study areas

The residents of Bemidji will have the opportunity on Thursday, October 14 to answer the question, "What makes a quality neighborhood."  The city is hosting an open house and planning meeting at the United Methodist Church, located at 9th and Beltrami in Bemidji. From the invitation:

The meeting will start at 6:00 pm with an open house with maps and other information, for informal viewing and discussion, followed at 7:00 pm by a short presentation, then we will open it up to hear from everyone about how to address our neighborhood issues.

If you ever wanted to complain about parties, parking, sidewalks, noise, and general neighborhood ickiness, this is your opportunity according to the invitation.  But it also says, "Be part of the solution." That means that there will be an opportunity (and an expectation) to share your good ideas.

I say, "The world is run by those who show up." That's why I'll be there. If you want to have a hand in improving your neighborhood, I hope you'll be there too.

QNI meeting. Thursday, October 14, 6:00pm, United Methodist Church, 9th and Beltrami.

Ten Things on 10.10.10

Sunday's special date, 10.10.10 has prompted many to plan special events.  My husband and I were invited to the neighbor's outdoor wedding, but we have a prior commitment. We will be attending our son's wedding out of town. They had their first date on 10.10.07 and have been planning for this date since they got engaged. I am looking forward to an outdoor wedding with the immediate family.

In case you need ideas for your day, here are ten Bemidji things to do on 10.10.10:

1. 9:00am Read the Sunday Pioneer and count the campaign ads
2. 10:00am Pack your Twins gear away until next year
3. 11:00am Visit Bemidji Area Farmer's Market
4. 12:00 Attend the Open House at Bemidji Regional Event Center
5. 12:00 Work at Bemidji's Global Work Party
6. 1:00 Take a trail walk through the leaves at Lake Bemidji State Park
7. 3:00 Enjoy Bemidji Symphony Orchestra--Testament of Spirit
8. 6:00 Watch Common Ground on Lakeland PTV channel 9
9. 7:00 Take a picture and upload to 10.10.10 One day in your life 
10. 8:00 Check out This is My Town Bemidji gallery of community members' photo submissions 

Preserving a Piece of History

Old Bemidji High School

Sometimes preserving history is like trying to find a special place for Grandma's collection of salt and pepper shakers, everybody adores it, but nobody wants to put it on the mantle.  Well, this family keepsake is a lot bigger than one of Grandma's collections. This one is in many pieces, stands about 16 or more feet high and weighs more than a ton of--well, let's just say it's heavy. It's a giant-sized keepsake.

"Old BHS Remembered" is a group of Bemidji High School alumni who are looking for a home for the salvaged artifact: the front door archway of their alma mater, Bemidji High School. The building was razed several years ago, but prior to its demise, quick-thinking and industrious graduates hired a salvage specialist to carefully remove and number the pieces in hopes that they would be reassembled into a grand structure that would forever preserve the memories of old BHS.

The dedicated volunteers have been meeting over the last couple years to come up with ideas for locations, builders and fundraisers to put the puzzle back together. They had a table at the all school reunion and sold pictures and t-shirts to support the cause. Several ideas for reuse have been considered and tossed aside. Installing it in the event center was a favorite of the committee. Other ideas still seem to have merit, like making it a feature in a public park. So far, no solution has caught on. That's why they need your help.

You are invited to a community meeting at city hall on Monday, October 19, 4:30-6:00pm to give your input for a solution. Thanks to a local architect, a drawing with one idea for reuse in a park will be on display to spur your creative juices. Come for the community meeting and stay for the city council forums that will follow beginning at 6:00pm that night.

Non-Profit Directors Quiz the Candidates

Village of Hope

"How would you describe the impact nonprofits have on the city of Bemidji and the surrounding area? Do you have a sense of how may people our homeless shelter and our food shelf serve in a year?"

There were eleven non-profit directors present when candidates for city government met with them for a discussion last Friday. the event was organized by Community Resource Connections (Bemidji Council of Nonprofits). Unfortunately, because of the early morning time, only three of the invited eight were able to attend: candidate for Mayor, Ron Johnson, At-Large candidate, Jim Thompson, and yours truly.  (I'm running for Ward 4.) That was too bad because the discussion was interesting and frank and enlightening. For the three of us, the small number made for some good discussion.

"Do you have any thoughts about how we might improve our city transportation system? My clients have to wait an hour or more for a ride. There is not adequate transportation to accommodate the demands of employment."

We heard a lot of discontent about our transit system. Concerns were shared (via several stories) about unreliability, lateness and the perceived general inefficiency of the dial a ride system. There was a lot of support for a fixed route system.

"It would seem that some of the city council's processes for conversation and decision-making have been inefficient at best and in some cases, damaging to individuals and to the team that is meant to work together to deal with complex issues. Do you have any ideas on what can be done to improve the methods and systems for communication and problem-solving?"

Hmmm. I've observed the same thing myself. Yes I do have some ideas and I'll share them in a separate post.

"What are your thoughts about the changes happening at JEDC concerning Larry Young's retirement: Is there any possibility that a reconfiguration could include nonprofits as part of the area's economic development drivers?"

This question generated a lot of discussion about the impact of nonprofits in our community. They described their organizations as businesses that attract outside money, support substantial employee payrolls and provide local purchasing power. Should they be considered basic economic activities? Much of their budgets are generated by grants and funding from outside our community. This question will be easier to answer when the "asset mapping" project currently underway is finished. Agencies are completing a survey that will help quantify the impact or our nonprofit sector.

Other topics covered  included the potential for collaboration with the city (they want it), streamlining the housing development process (the JPB is unpredictable), questions about the event center (where do they fit in?) and regular opportunities to visit with local government (city and county).

It was clear to the three of us that these directors have a lot to say. And we have a lot to learn. (By the way, the shelter serves about 500 per year and the food shelf served 18,525 people last year.)

More Information, If You Can Stand It

 Sooner or later we will all be tired of hearing and reading about the candidates. Before that happens, take time to read the local candidates' responses to questions posed by the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce.  They are posted on the Chamber's website.  For Bemidji residents, they give some insight into what to expect from council candidates if elected, including me.

Take a look at the city council candidate responses to question number six: "List your top three issues you plan to focus on if elected."   I found it difficult to narrow my choices to three (some candidates couldn't).  Here are mine:

1. Growth management and long range planning (I count that as one. Is it two?)
2. Economic development
3. Improve citizen access to the council and city information

What surprised me is that every council candidate listed development, the development process or annexation as top issues.  Interesting, because there is no staff left for that. Since 2008, the council has eliminated the planning department, community development, and ended a contract with the local economic development organization. 

The candidates have given their top three (or more) priorities. Now I am anxious to hear the community's top priorities. Got a priority for city government to work on?  Besides the budget, what else should our community be working on?