South metro briefs: Dakota County CDA board to include public housing resident

CDA board grows to include public housing resident

The seven-member Dakota County Community Development Agency board is set to make room for an eighth member — someone who lives in the public housing the CDA operates.

Gov. Mark Dayton signed legislation into law May 6 that creates an appointed position on the CDA board for a resident of a federally funded public housing unit.

Currently, the CDA board is composed of the seven Dakota County Board members, who are elected to three-year terms. The law allows the board to appoint its new member later this year.

"I'm proud to author this legislation that helps support workforce, senior, and affordable housing," said Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, who authored the House version of the bill. "It's amazing to see an idea become a law that gives a greater voice to residents of Dakota County."

Emma Nelson

Starting Memorial Day weekend, people camping at three Dakota County parks will be able to recycle and compost waste during their stay.

According to a report from County Manager Matt Smith, studies show that more than 80 percent of campground waste can be recycled or composted.

Emma Nelson

The Minnesota Valley Transit Authority is splitting its local Shakopee bus route, Route 496, into two separate routes, starting Monday.

Route 497 will serve west Shakopee, including downtown, the Scott County Courthouse and Town Square Mall.

Route 499 will serve east Shakopee, including St. Francis Regional Medical Center, Wal-Mart and the Southbridge Crossings park and ride lot.

Each of the new routes has other changes from the old one. For a map and schedule, visit MVTA.com.

CASEY COMMON

Savage has reached a population milestone: just over 30,000 residents now call the city home. Last year the city grew by 3,000 people, making it the second-largest city in Scott County, a city news release said, citing Metropolitan Council estimates.

Shakopee's population now tops 40,000 by a few hundred residents.

Erin Adler

"Firefly is not looking for Burnsville High School to be a traditional branch location," said Marty Kelly, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Firefly. "It's a combination of access to funds and education."

Many of the students involved in the project are part of DECA, a school club that prepares students for careers in business and marketing.

Firefly is based in the Twin Cities, with a corporate office in Minneapolis. The new branch location is part of a relationship between the school and the credit union. Firefly also plans to provide an annual scholarship and financial education for students.

Erin Adler

South St. Paul officials approved a bid to begin renovations of McMorrow Field. The winning bid from Peterson Companies is for about $1.9 million for improvements to the park, at 200 E. South St.

The redevelopment of McMorrow Field would add four fields for football, soccer or lacrosse; field lights, and a picnic shelter. The park's trail system would be expanded.

The city expects the renovation to begin in August and end in June 2017, with the fields ready to use by 2018.

The city is working with local athletic associations and schools to schedule games at alternate fields.