Briefs: Historic rag factory buildings under study

A public meeting about proposed reuses for the Bergstein Shoddy Mill and Warehouse will be held March 30 at 7 p.m. at Stillwater City Hall, 216 4th St. N.

Two years ago, a mill and warehouse once owned by Moritz and Bertha Bergstein were moved from the path of the new St. Croix River bridge in Oak Park Heights to land south of downtown Stillwater.

These two National Register-listed structures, part of an early rag factory, remain vacant. The city hired John Lauber and Co. to lead a study. The company is working with Claybough Preservation Architecture Inc. to research the buildings' history and physical conditions and to gauge public sentiment. This project is partly funded by the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior.

Mortgage foreclosure numbers continue to fall in Washington County, the County Board was told recently.

The county had 395 foreclosures in 2014, down from about 1,250 during the height of the recession and the housing foreclosure crisis in 2008-10. The foreclosure rate began to decline in 2011 and has continued to drop ever since, Cyndy Boyce, a property records division manager, told commissioners.

Commissioners also received a review of foreclosures statewide, which include the possibility of sheriff's sales and a period of time in which mortgage holders can redeem property from foreclosure.

The Washington County Board adopted the county's 2015-19 capital equipment and technology plan March 10.

Through the County Board's strategic planning, there was a recognition of a need to better plan and budget for fleet, equipment, technology, and building projects that are not included in the plan, the county said. These projects cost more than $50,000 and are budgeted in department operating budgets for the most part. Now, the items have been gathered into a new Capital Equipment and Technology Plan.

The Washington County Board received an update recently on the county's Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition plan.

Washington County has been working over the past two years to develop a plan to inspect the its public infrastructure. The self-evaluation reviewed 1,400-plus curb ramps, 36 buildings, 65 parking lots, 700 trail segments, 1,000-plus sidewalk segments and 30 picnic areas.

Four public open houses will be held soon:

• 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, at Oakdale City Hall;

• 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, at the Headwaters Service Center in Forest Lake;

• 4:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 9, at the Cottage Grove Service Center.

Michael Reeves, of Lake Elmo, has been appointed to represent District 3 on the Washington County Library Board. His term will expire Dec. 31, 2017.

State law requires that the county appoint members to the Library Board, which advises elected commissioners.

The Stillwater Area Foundation will host its 3rd Annual Great Idea Competition, intended to inspire creative ideas to address community needs and improve the quality of life for residents of the Stillwater area.

The top entrants will be asked to present their Great Idea at the Stillwater Area Foundation's May 6 board meeting. The winner will be announced at the foundation's reception and fundraiser in late May.

For more information, visit the Stillwater Area Foundation at www.stillwaterareafoundation.org.