Minot residents and elected officials have some things to think about.

Jill Schramm, senior staff writer for The Minot Daily News, recently reported the city council voted 4-3 to keep the rehabilitation plans for the Anne Street Bridge alive and find a place for the project on its five-year Capital Improvements Plan.

Last week, Shalom Baer Gee, staff writer for The Minot Daily News, reported on the Minot Park District’s meeting with an architectural firm representative about updates for the Maysa Arena and Minot Municipal Auditorium.

All of the projects require more careful discussion, including from community residents in addition to the elected ones.

Pros and cons of the Anne Street Bridge have been mentioned and reported on in the Jan. 6 story. There’s high costs involved to rehabilitate the bridge. Where will that money come from? There’s also concern if BNSF Railway will allow continuation of the lease on the property where the bridge stands. On the other hand, an individual speaking at the recent council meeting pointed out the bridge is a vital connection point for the community and for service to business members, residents and students.

The focus of the upgrades for the Maysa Arena and Minot Municipal Auditorium is to give people more recreation opportunities. The plan for the Maysa Arena includes another ice rink, and football field-sized turf area with indoor playground. The plan for the auditorium includes a three-court gym and other remodeling, plus more parking.

Public forums about the plans will be held Feb. 16 and 17 at the auditorium.

Among projects going forward in the city is the work to establish a second high school following voter passage of $109 million in bond issues last month.

Many people also have asked for an aquatics center for the general public. Maybe there’s a place somewhere in existing building discussions for such a facility.

All of these projects become more viable with input from the citizens who help pay for them and use them. Don’t be afraid to share your views with those working on the plans.