Making Progress Through Partnership
Over the last eight plus years, Afton has had many great accomplishments. Most came about through strong collaboration with partners like Washington County, the DNR, the Minnesota Land Trust, Belwin Conservancy, and the work of so many residents who volunteer their time, talent, and expertise on our committees and commissions. And we have done this work while preserving our long-term goal to keep Afton's rural identity, preserve open space, and protect the environment. Below are some of the things we have done together that I am especially proud of:
Parkland and Public Spaces
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Permanently protected 40 acres along the St. Croix River bluff and created a new city park. We did this by working with the county, the state, a dedicated land owner, and the Minnesota Land Trust.
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Supported the creation of the Oxbox nature area along Valley Creek in partnership with Belwin Conservancy and Washington County. Working with Belwin, a portion of the 3M PFAS settlement that had to be used for environmental projects was secured to complete the trail system through three distinct ecosystems. This will be an incredible place to explore these distinct areas on the property owned by the city and by Belwin in a way accessible to children and adults of all ages.
Long-Term Infrastructure Planning
Adhered to the long-range pay-as-you-go road plan that will allow our infrastructure to be maintained in perpetuity within the city's budget. The last road bond will be repaid next year and the city will have no debt related to roads. It is imperative that the plan laid out 10 years ago is adhered to, and the funds currently making those debt payments are transferred to the infrastructure fund. When that is done, our obligations to maintain our roads and bridges will be secure.
Clean Water
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As part of the Old Village infrastructure project, 2,500 pounds of BODs (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) were removed from the St. Croix River. At the time, it was the largest organic water pollutant reduction project in the history of our partner, the Valley Branch Watershed District.
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Continued work to ensure the need for safe drinking water for communities on private wells is addressed in the face of the 3M PFAS contamination issue. This means regular meetings with the advisory group and MPCA and DNR leaders.
Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Protections
Enhanced ordinances designed to protect agriculture and open space throughout the city and worked to maintain the quality environment that makes Afton so special. We have protected shorelines, scenic easements, and worked to prevent state mandated zoning requirements that would end Afton as we know it.
Budgeting and Taxation
Worked to keep property taxes down in an environment of uncertainty and inflationary pressures while maintaining the services we rely on.
About Bill
My first experience serving our community was when I volunteered to work on the Comprehensive Plan Task Force in 2005. During that process I learned about the challenges facing our community and the steps prior city governments had taken to help support our rural development goals, preserve agriculture and open space, and to protect the natural environment.
I ran for city council a few years later and then in 2018 was elected mayor. I decided to run for re-election this year after a lot of careful thought. In the end, I decided to run because I believe we will see changes over the next two years internally with our city staff. Having served during periods of repeated staff turnover, I know how disruptive and costly that can be. I believe this current council is well positioned to ensure we leave the next group of city leaders with a stable, experienced staff. I will do everything I can to ensure we maintain the expertise and level of service that we have now.
We will also continue to see external issues that may impact our development pattern and goals. Issues like the pending Manning Avenue corridor study being done by the state and Washington County will require us to be vigilant in ensuring our input is heard and part of any long-range planning. It is a challenge to preserve a rural community on the edge of a major metropolitan area. But by working together I believe we can position the city to ensure our priorities are recognized as development pressure continues to increase all around us.
I believe we can deal with all of these issues, and those we do not yet know about, because we have a dedicated council the citizens have elected and a great city staff serving our community. The members of this city council do not agree on everything. Not by a long shot. But each has the best interests of the city at heart. Even when they disagree. That is how trust is built, and real, lasting progress can be made. They have demonstrated over and over again that it is possible to work together when everyone is working for the betterment of this community. That, coupled with an excellent city staff who manage the work of maintaining our city, has created the stable, sustainable government we have seen over these last many years.
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If you can help with getting out the vote, hosting an event, talking to neighbors, or making a financial contribution, please email palmquistbill@gmail.com. Your help and your recommendation of my candidacy to neighbors is something I have been grateful for over these years I have served as mayor. Thank you!
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Prepared and Paid for by Bill Palmquist for Mayor, P.O. Box 198, Afton, MN palmquistbill@gmail.com