Council approves policies, procedures

Various business transacted during the Waseca city council meeting the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 17, included a new ordinance which states city residents will not be billed for work done to ensure the city water supply is in compliance with the Minnesota Department of Health expectations. Instead, the city is eligible for a grant which will cover testing and expenses.

 

Both Andrew Fischer and Dave Ziegler were reappointed to the city airport board. There are two t-hangar spaces still available for rent.

 

An off-site gambling permit was approved for the Sleigh and Cutter Festival Association. A gaming application was approved for a fundraiser to be held at The Boat House to benefit Aspyn Acres Wildlife Rehab and Farm Sanctuary. 

 

An empty seat on the city’s Economic Development Authority has been filled by Dwight Tostenson. The city agreed to reimburse Waseca County for seal coat coat improvement costs on 14 Ave. SE, 139 St, 345 Ave and 4 St. SW; the work will be performed this summer under the terms of a contract arranged by the county engineer.

 

Council members approved naming the Clear Lake Park basketball court, “Willingham Community Court” and installing a recognition plaque near the basketball court seating area that will include Malik and Kyreese Willingham’s history, community engagement, and accomplishments.

 

Kris Markeson, Waseca public safety inspector, was present to discuss the joint powers agreement-for public safety mutual aid assistance. This is to aid surrounding towns or further away than that like Minneapolis during times of civil unrest, by sending in Waseca officers. This is a common practice, for example when a fire gets out of hand, firefighters from surrounding towns come and aid local firefighters.

 

The Electric Utility Energy Cost Adjustment (ECA) former ordinance for 2025 will soon run out. The council was asked to vote on a new resolution. City manager Carl Sonnenberg, summarized “the monthly ECA rate calculation on kilowatt hour consumption shall be established and implemented by the city manager or designee on all retail electric account holders on a monthly basis as provided to electric customers through the monthly municipal utility services bill as issued by Waseca Utilities, and shall be based on the following calculation, where a 0.948 adjustment accounts for Waseca electric distribution infrastructure electrical resistance.”  

 

Council woman Stacey Schroeder commended councilman Conrath for his assistance with the Hertz Antique snowmobile show. She also congratulated the Waseca Legion Riders for their ice fishing contest on Clear Lake. Mayor Zimmerman received a letter from a parent from Grand Rapids during a recent wrestling tournament saying how great Waseca was during their visit.