Willmar City Council to discuss parks plan tonight

WILLMAR - The Willmar City Council will receive a parks and recreation master plan focusing on Swansson, Robbins Island, Rice, Northside, Ramblewood, Lincoln and Miller parks during the 7 p.m. council meeting today.
The council will meet in the chambers at the Municipal Utilities Building, 700 Litchfield Ave. S.W.
According to Steve Brisendine, director of Willmar Community Education and Recreation, the plan will serve as a blueprint for future investments in the park system.
In other business, the council will hold a hearing on an ordinance to sell the Rice Hospital Rehab Building, located at 311 Third St. S.W., to CDS Investments LLC. The title review revealed that the property is owned by the city. The City Charter requires the council to adopt an ordinance to convey the property. The Planning Commission approved the sale.
The council will also hold a hearing on a petition filed by Rice Hospital and Shared Health Resources LLC to vacate a one-block portion of Third Street Southwest between Trott Avenue and Minnesota Avenue. The street has been closed for more than 10 years. The Planning Commission has approved the vacation.
In other business, the council will receive comments during the open forum; will receive reports from the Finance Committee, Public Works/Safety Committee, Labor Relations Committee and Community Development Committee; discuss the possibility of holding a council retreat; and receive a Vision 2040 update.