Report on Runestone Community Center is one highlight in busy city council meeting

If you add up the number of people who attended events at the Alexandria Runestone Community Center (RCC) in the past year, it would fill the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul six and a half times or Target Field in Minneapolis nearly three times.

That was just one tidbit of information RCC Manager Vinnie Hennen shared with the Alexandria City Council Monday night.

As it grapples with state budget cuts, the council asked key department heads to present reports about their spending.

Hennen acknowledged that the RCC has had its share of financial struggles.

To find out more about the RCC, read Wednesday's Echo Press, which will include full details from the report. Also read the Echo Press to learn about council action on the following topics:

--A refunding bond that will save the city $73,519.

--An annual report about lodging tax proceeds from the Alexandria Hotel and Hospitality.

--A cooperative agreement with Glenwood, Osakis and Starbuck for housing repair grants.

--A report about how the two city-owned liquor stores are doing in today's shaky economy.

--A last call for those interested in serving on city committees.

--A donation from the Golden K Kiwanis to help the fire department.

--A decision to survey a 5.31-acre parcel of land that was returned to the city and Douglas County Agricultural Association.

--A Safe Routes to School meeting that is set for this Thursday, November 17 at Lincoln Elementary School from 6 to 7 p.m. to discuss new sidewalks and other possible improvements near the school.

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