Suzette McDonald and Judy Hagler, Victim Services in Dodge, Fillmore, and Olmsted Counties, explained that the program benefits people that are victims of sexual violence or any sort of crime. Their presentation was made at the May 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council.
The service established in 1976 is free. The 24/7 crisis line is (507) 289-0636. They are advocates for victims. The program seeks to educate and pursue ways to prevent violence. McDonald noted that only 20% of cases are brought forward. Victims can choose to just talk.
Hagler said they try to get youth into appropriate programs. She reported that one out of three youths that are out on the street are victims of sex trafficking within 48 hours. Sexually exploited youth are victims. Since 2014, youths engaged in prostitution can no longer be prosecuted, but are recognized as victims.
Several hundred presentations are made to students each year to prevent violence. Hagler noted that “exploitation through technology” is a big one with kids, “once on the Internet, it never goes away.”
Victim Services supports survivors, “We need to open the door to survivors…not close them!”
Preservation Award
Brayanna Berry and Angie Bicknese, Bick n Berry Boutique, renovated the storefront of the historic 1897 building at 221 Main St. to house their clothing and accessories business. Every year someone is picked to receive the Preservation Award because of a restoration investment in Chatfield’s heritage and history. May is preservation month. Chris Giesen, chairman of the Chatfield Heritage Preservation Committee presented the award.
Other business in brief
• A resolution approving plans and specifications and ordering the advertisement for bids relating to the Industrial Drive Improvement Project was adopted. The plan has four segments and includes underground utilities. Bids will be opened on June 22. Tom Kellogg, WSB, explained if the project is awarded at the June 26 meeting, work could begin as early as the middle of July.
Councilor Paul Novotny said he felt their should be substantial completion by fall, all underground work completed and a drivable surface. The finished surface could be completed in 2018.
Kellogg said he would try to set it up for bidding so certain segments could be rejected.
• Brian Burkholder reviewed quotes for the chip seal and crack filling projects. The low quote from Pearson Bros. Inc. to chip seal streets at a cost of $80,679.24 was approved. A contract with Rochester Service Co. to crack fill was approved at a cost of $19,742.70 (the city’s portion will be $17,172.00).
Burkholder commented that the city is a few years behind, so they will try to do additional streets in an effort to work toward a seven to eight year rotation.
• Approval was given for the low quote of $11,200 from B & D Sealcoating to sealcoat walking trails and parking lots at Groen and Mill Creek Park. Burkholder said the work should be done about every five years. The funds for the seal coating comes from the Parks Department.
• An America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation in the amount of $2,500 from the Monsanto Fund was given to the Chatfield Firefighters Association on behalf of area farmer Donald Swenson. Swenson selected the firefighters to receive this donation. The purpose of Grow Communities is to partner with farmers to support local non-profit organizations.
• Approval was given to pay $13,141.16 for the citywide clean-up.
• The council approved the closing of Second St. from Main St. to Twiford St. for the Kick Cancer’s Butt Event on June 10. Jeff Hare, Jac’s Bar and Grill, requested that police halt traffic when the bikers leave on their ride about 10:30 a.m. Hare reported that last year there were 150 motorcycles with over 250 participants. Nearly $25,000 was raised.
• The second consideration of Ordinance 426, Solid Waste, was approved along with its publication. The ordinance will allow waste collected on the Fillmore County side of the city to be transferred to alternate locations.
• A resolution was approved in support of an application to request funds be included in the 2018 bonding bill for Phase II, renovations to the Chatfield Center for the Arts.
• Mayor Russ Smith announced that Friday, May 26, or the last Friday before Memorial Day, is National Poppy Day. Donations secured for the red poppies honor fallen heroes and benefit living veterans.