Council approves land annexation

During their meeting on Tuesday, April 7, members of the Waseca city council voted to annex about 335 acres of land which include the city wastewater treatment plant and the Waseca Airport. City planner Jon Froke provided information about the annexation which included that the city planning commission voted in favor of it, and that area property owners are receptive. No community members spoke during the hearing.

 

Council members received an online update from Stantec engineer Peter Daniels regarding the proposed $2.7 million water system updates which would include replacing the aeration blowers in the wastewater treatment plant and replacing the Nelson lift station located in the southeast section of Waseca. Daniels estimated that, under the proposal, city water users would pay an additional $3.58 a month to cover the costs. 

 

Mayor Randy Zimmerman read a proclamation commending Waseca Junior Senior High School students Matthew Veroeven and Slade Barnett for their remarkable 2026 season and for advancing to the Minnesota State Wrestling Tournament. The athletes were accompanied by Waseca coach Jake Janike. Barnett said, “I’m really proud of the team this year, a lot of the younger guys I’m really looking forward to what they will do next year. It’s great to see the team grow and see the development the other wrestlers go through. Our team will be really special in the years to come.” Veroeven said, “I had a lot of fun with the team this year, sad it’s my last year but I know they will do me proud.” When Zimmerman asked about his future plans, he replied, “I’ve visited a couple of colleges already this year, but we’ll see how that pans out.” Coach Janike commented about state champions, “Waseca had a state champion in 2002, then another in 2019 before these guys, there was a dry spell there for a little while.” The mayor asked for a photo with the boys as he handed over their proclamations.

 

During the meeting’s public comment portion, Gene Glen, who lives on Snake Trail road, wanted to address a recent decision regarding the basketball court located in Clear Lake Park. Glen claimed it was “unreasonable” not to officially name the court after the Willingham brothers, but to only post a plaque honoring them. The council took this issue into consideration.

 

A public hearing was held regarding text amendments to city code. City planner Froke stated the wording changes are intended to clarify the meaning of the code. No members of the public spoke on the issue. 

 

Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral services’ structures at 711 and 715 North State Street were rezoned to be regarded as a single building. The business has plans to update the location, adding a flower room, chapel, garage, and more.

 

In response to a query prompted by a recent accident, city public safety director Kris Markeson gave a report regarding the intersection of Third Avenue and Sixth Street Northeast. Markeson reported that, from 2021 to 2026, 673 traffic collisions occurred in the city: 594 led to property damage, 79 led to personal injury. Of that number, 2 have occurred at the intersection of Third and Sixth. After hearing Markeson’s report, council members voted to change the yield signs currently controlling traffic on Sixth Street to stop signs. At least for the first year, the stop signs will be emphasized with lighting to make drivers more alert to the change.