Supporters of Westwind proposal have their say at City Council meeting

Amy N.
04/09/2008 12:47 PM

So Willmar shouldn't allow this to go through because people are afraid of being overrun with minority groups and our police don't want to deal with the calls? PLEASE, lets think about this, I lived in Willmar the majority of my life and I have lived in Willow Run and Eagle Ridge and personally there was times that we had problems but for the most part the people living there were honest, hardworking and just trying to make it in life. This would allow more options to those who can't or don't want to own a house or cannot find decent rental homes in Willmar. As a renter I can honestly say that even on a 2 income paycheck there is little options for decent rentals in Willmar, and the ones you can afford are worse than living in a trailer park. Why does everyone rag on the trailer parks, I have been to both and they are not any worse than some houses in the willmar area. So people need to get off the minority issues, we are a mulicultural community and not allowing this isn't going to change that or stop people from moving here. Times change, Willmar needs to change with it.

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Michelle H.
04/09/2008 12:27 PM

Actually, John, the Shelter House has been known to only help people who are being beaten. Not those who have emotional abuse happening. So to say they might help someone you know is only a partial truth. They are supposed to help everyone who feels they are not in a safe environment. This is personal experience (in March, 2006), not heresay. Now with that, the organization is a great one, but sometimes the workers forget what their mission is. As for low-income housing, it is true that some don't take care of their properties. But there are many low-income families who just want to work and provide food for their families. I think the city could pay attention to the difference.

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John S.
Willmar, MN     04/09/2008 11:16 AM

Sorry about that, I went back to respond to Dan and accidently hit send again. Anyway Dan, I am not disagreeing with you about your opinion. That is American and I respect it. BUT don't be spreading lies about the Shelter House just to push your agenda. Someone you know may need their services some time. With comments like that your integrity is seriously impaired.

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John S.
Willmar, MN     04/09/2008 11:11 AM

Joyce C. Yes it was proper because if you listen before the open form it is stated that they will take comments from the citizens, BUT will not respond, BUT will take the comments under advisement. If you have been to any meetings you would know this. I know this is a contentious subject, but rules and orderly conduct of meetings should not be abandoned. Mr. Christianson helped set these rules as a councilman. Yes I feel I am up on the meetings and the laws and rules concerning them. Also concerning your post of 3/26 at 12:15 AM I would be glad to pick you up so you can show me all of this disgusting low income housing that people aren't taking care of. I will take my camera and report the violations to the city. Also as to your post of 3/25 at 10:43 PM Where have I ever said that I am for or against this project or low income housing. Take some time and read what I say. It is about the process and that the rules are made to be followed. I can document everything I'm talking about and challenge you to do the same. Study the charter and ordinances see what the rules are, many of them are archaic and need to be reformed for the good of the whole city. I have been on the city for two years to address these issues and I will continue. The council must lead by example, not by grandstanding and this includes all of them, Christianson, Gardner, Heitke and the others. We do not need this division in our city and city council. If the problem is an ordinance and they way it is enforced then let's change it. Now, Joyce show me where I have ever said I was for this project, and give me a call when you want me to pick you up. I have to volunteer at the hospital this afternoon and tomorrow afternoon.

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Werner N.
04/09/2008 10:31 AM

Dan, Just because the people in the city of willmar are apposed to the Westwinds project. Does not mean it is bad for Willmar. The organization met the requirements that the city of Willmar says you must meet. I would agree with what John has stated. Mr. Gardner proposed the council adopt Roberts Rules of Order for their city council meetings. He was met with oposition when bringing this up. These city council meetings need to be more organized. Te only thing I don't like about this whole thing is, when are the council members going to listen to wat the attorney says. Rather than pick apart what he says. I think Mr. Ronning knows that if a lawsuit comes out of this whole thing, he isn't going to have much of a defense. Should be interesting to see what happens.

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John S.
Willmar, MN     04/09/2008 9:57 AM

Dan J. I also spoke at the meeting Monday and my talk was not about the project. My talk was about the city council doing their job and changing the ordinances and CUP rules if they don't like the way they are now. All of the council is guilty of doing nothing about this process. I also told them about this problem last September with no response or results. Mr. Christianson and Mr. Fagerlie are in the business of building and appraising real estate. Why didn't they with over 20 years of council experience offer some new rules or processes so that what is happening wouldn't happen again. The council as a whole has a big share of blame in what is happening. They are supposed to direct the staff of their desires and the staff is to advise and consent to their wishes. I cannot think of one ordinance that a council member has proposed to better the conditions of the city or to make things easier to comply with. The sad thing is, is that Westwind complied fully with the requirements of the city in its petition for a CUP. Mr. Christianson cannot deny this. Also this council will not even appoint a Charter Commission for the city which is mandated by state law chapter 410. Mr. Christianson was against this also. As to the speakers, other than myself and Mr. Hulstrand who did not speak for or against the project the other four speaking for the project were just using their right as signed up speaker during the open forum. Any of you opponents could have also spoke if wanted. Why weren't you there speaking your piece if you are so adamant about something. That is your right as a citizen and would hold more credence than hiding behind a on line blog. One more item that I must mention about one of your postings last week concerning this whole debacle. You stated as a fact that the Shelter House has the majority of its clients from the Twin Cities. I ask please check out your facts before you spew this kind of hatred. The facts are that in 2007 out of 176 clients served only 5 of them were from the twin cities. I don't know how you get a majority out of this. You must have a different form of math instruction. I always assumed that a majority was over 50%. Please don't keep spreading half truths just to push your agenda. You're not helping anybody and only hurting your own validity. Check with the Shelter House if you don't believe what I say. As to your last post, no one invited the Latino's to speak, they came of their own volition as signed up to speak just as you could have, yes why weren't you their to speak your opinion as anyone can. Come to the next council meeting and sign up to register your complaints against anything you desire. It is your right as a citizen and can be exercised just as easy as commenting on this blog, where you can hide. You have the right to say what you want about what you want, but please stick to the facts and don't give false information (Shelter House).

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Marie H.
04/09/2008 8:59 AM

Maria Diaz said during the open forum, when the council listens to citizens, “I was shocked to hear the division on this issue because I find it kind of odd not to want to improve our city.’’ First of all, since she isn't a citizen of Willmar(she lives in Kandiyohi), her opinion is weightless. Second of all her viewpoint is biased because she is employed as the local coordinator for the Raíces Project and I believe she serves on the HRA Board. Third, her last public outcry was attacking ICE for arresting illegal immigrants that lived in Willmar. Diaz was also offended by Councilman Christianson's concern that Westwind would be like the former low-income congregated housing Elm Lane. Police Chief Kulseth confirmed that two other low-income housing units, Regency West & Willow Run have a great number of police calls. Chrisitianson, Dokken, Swenson & Fagerlie are trying to protect Willmar's citizens and their investments (home and property). Thank you. Please keep up the fight, even if it means walking out at the next City Council meeting. The majority of legal and productive citizens are behind you.

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Beth H.
04/09/2008 8:58 AM

I can't believe this project has even gotten this far. It should have been stopped long ago. Councilman Christianson was right when he stated at the council meeting that we are a 'Weak Mayor, Strong Council Charter City.' Mayor Heitke should be ashammed of how he has been acting at the council meetings!

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tanya s.
04/09/2008 8:27 AM

just ridiculous, we dont need another dana heights in this city!

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Michelle H.
04/09/2008 8:12 AM

I agree, Jim. I cannot stand to deal with anyone who feels sorry for themselves and doesn't work hard to change their situation. As for Westwind, I am amazed at how many people here believe there is affordable housing in Willmar. Choice A: live in Section 8 housing with less-than-desireable neighbors (any race, etc). Choice B: pay market rate for a nice apartment and still have less-than-desireable neighbors. I've done my research- I'm a renter and just found a place to finally move to that doesn't kill me in utilities and rent. Hope this one works out.

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