Town briefs

Commissioners vote to cut ties with lobbyist Ron Jerich The county has cut its ties with longtime lobbyist Ron Jerich on a 4-3 vote. Voting not to renew Jerich's contract were Commissioners Rhonda Sivarajah, Jim Kordiak, Robyn West and Dick Lang. Jerich's contract was supported by Commissioners Dennis Berg, Scott LeDoux and Dan Erhart.

The county's contract with Jerich had paid the lobbyist about $40,000 per year. He had worked with the county for at least 20 years. The County Board voted to retain lobbyists Maureen Bells and Dave Johnson.

City posts concept plans for Northwest Quadrant parks A link to concept plans for parks in the Northwest Quadrant redevelopment area has been posted on the city's website at www.ci.new-brighton.mn.us.

The city has been working with design firm Bonestroo Inc. on plans for four parks in the area, which are depicted in elevations drawings and rough watercolor sketches on the city site. Concept plans are expected to be presented to the City Council on Jan. 8.

Residents are invited to discuss the new parks at an open house scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 3 at the Family Service Center, 400 10th St. NW.

Block grants available for service agencies Community Development Block Grant money is available through the city for public or human service agencies that qualify. To be considered for a grant, at least 51 percent of the organization's clients must be low-income. Requirements are attached to the money because it comes from the federal government.

The city and Hennepin County also have priorities for issuing the grants, such as assisting families and seniors with independent living, and providing youth and their families with counseling and crisis intervention. Applications are due by Jan. 18.

Reconstruction of Hwy. 65, County Road 14 slows down With winter weather, the Minnesota Department of Transportation has slowed down work on the reconstruction of Hwy. 65 and County Road 14. Grading has been suspended until the spring, although crews will continue to work on retaining walls.

Roads in the area will remain open as they are now until the end of March. In April, County Road 14 will be closed in both directions at Hwy. 65 for construction of a bridge.

Because of the possibility of snow obscuring construction equipment and other hazards, the city has prohibited snowmobiles and other recreational vehicles from operating in the area. The prohibition covers Hwy. 65 from Paul Parkway/121st Avenue to 133rd Avenue, and affects County Road 14 from Ulysses Street to Aberdeen Street.