By Mark W. Olson

After a year on the backburner, negotiations to acquire 5.6 miles of abandoned rail line in Carver and Scott counties appear to be heating up.

The track was officially abandoned following the March 2007 collapse of a railroad trestle. Since then, cities and counties have eyed the property for everything from trails to utility corridors to road expansion.

Residents across the city gathered at more than 35 parties Tuesday to celebrate National Night Out. The event is designed to increase awareness for crime prevention in community neighborhoods.

Greg Swan organized his first National Night Out party at Hickory Park for residents in downtown Chaska. He was pleased with the turnout.

“It’s been great,” said Swan.

According to the latest National Weather Service info, the river at Jordan hit 26.21 feet at 1 p.m. July 2. The current projected crest is Saturday at 26.3 feet, before the levels begin to drop.

That means Chaska should peak about Monday at 6.3 feet over flood stage. Of course, more rain would change that estimate.

By Mark W. Olson

In a few years, Carver officials envision a Highway 212 and County Road 11 interchange loaded with homes, businesses and industries.

Now it will also have a park-and-ride.

Carver recently received a $4,358,760 federal grant to build the city’s first park-and-ride facility, southwest of Highway 212 and County Road 11.

The Carver County Community Development Agency has pushed back its Carver development.

The CDA had offered a joint development with the city of Carver to include a $2.3 million, 11,250-square-foot city hall with a CDA housing development.

Plans were initially on the fast track, with a fall groundbreaking. The Carver Council appeared to be leaning toward the plan, but officials had concerns related to keeping city hall downtown and the impact on Carver taxpayers.

By Mark W. Olson & Cliff Johnson

At a special April 7 meeting, the Carver City Council offered its city administrator position to Brent Mareck, who currently serves as Winsted city administrator.

Mareck begins his job on May 17, according to City Planner Cindy Nash.

Ron Moorse was also a finalist for the role. Moorse was Orono city administrator for 16 years, and later served as administrator for Arden Hills. Moorse and Mareck were among a pool that started with 46 candidates.

At a special meeting Wednesday night, the Carver City Council offered its city administrator position to Brent Mareck, according to City Planner Cindy Nash

Mareck currently serves as Winsted city administrator.

A contract will be offered to Mareck today, April 8. If he accepts, Nash anticipates that his start date would be “sometime in May.” The specific start date will be left open to negotiation between Mayor Jim Weygand and Mareck.

Carver councilors are set to interview the top two finalists for the city administrator position, at a special City Council meeting, beginning at 5 p.m., Wednesday, April 7

According to the meeting agenda, councilors will interview Ron Moorse from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Brent Mareck, from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Moorse was Orono city administrator for 16 years, and later served as administrator for Arden Hills.

Mareck is the administrator for the city of Winsted.