SAUK RAPIDS - Sauk Rapids' new mayor has officially been sworn-in. Kurt Hunstiger took the oath of office during Monday night's city council meeting.

He says getting the field house project moving forward again is a top priority for him this year. And, getting a consensus is the first step.

I just think it's mixed opinions on what we're going to do as a city. There's some that feel we should have city employees staff it, and then we can run the hours.  And, there's some that think we should should partner with the school district.  And that's what we need to iron out.

Building a field house has been on the city's to-do list for the past two years.

Also high on his list is starting a Police Reserve Program similar to the what they have in Sartell.

They can help ride along. It's just another set of eyes with our officers.  Plus, it might be a recruiting program for some younger people that are maybe thinking of getting into law enforcement.  We're having a hard time filling the positions we have open right now so this would be a good training ground too I think.

Sauk Rapids currently has two vacancies in their police department, and another officer is scheduled to retire this spring. The Police Reserve Program would be made-up of community volunteers.

Hunstiger also wants to start a recognition program for residents or community groups that are doing good things in Sauk Rapids.

With Hunstiger being sworn in as mayor, there's an opening on the city council. Nine people have applied for the job. The city council voted to bring five in for an interview later this month.

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