Drainage patterns, scooter safety discussed

Because of the Tuesday “Night to Unite” event, the Waseca city council meeting took place in the evening of Wednesday, Aug. 5. 

 

Waseca County Administrator Michael Johnson and county land and water resources director Chris Howard shared a proposal to help control overflow waters in the vicinity of Gaiter Lake. The two said the focus of their presentation was preserving water quality, improving water drainage, reducing flooding, and protecting resources and infrastructure. Howard went over the history of Gaiter Lake and the drainage system flowing through it. He emphasized the value of water quality in Clear Lake, Loon Lake, and area wetlands, pointing out humans have altered the landscape over the decades, leading to unintended changes.  He stressed that, rather than preventing flooding during a “100-year” event, the new waterflow pattern would only reduce it by about 34 percent. 

 

Howard proposed creating a retention area just north of new highway 14 and south of Gaiter Lake on a 36-acre parcel that has topical features that make it conducive to water storage, and for the possibility of a business district. Zimmerman asked whether the structure would “give Clear Lake another filter, to help keep our lake clean.” Howard confirmed it would. 

 

Johnson and Howard shared that the county has had discussions with the property owners, who have been amenable and have provided verbal agreements.  The two listed estimated costs that included between $600,000 to $700,000 for property acquisition. The water storage structure should cost from $2 to $2.5 million, with help anticipated from grants and grant resources. An additional $500,000 to $1 million would likely be needed to get the site ready for commercial and economic development. Johnson added, “The optional $500,000 to $1 million economic development portion of the project doesn’t have any bearing on the completion of the water storage project, but would be very nice to see happen.” Councilmember Stacey Schroeder asked whether funds currently at the council’s disposal could be used for this project, city administrator Carl Sonnenberg said no. There is currently no timeline or start date.

 

Tasty House restaurant in Waseca would like to expand its parking lot. The council set a date for a public hearing on Sept. 1 before the regular 7 p.m. council meeting to address this issue.

 

During the public comment portion of the meeting, Jim Foley from southeast Waseca expressed concerns about children riding electric scooters and bicycles, “They rarely look back while changing lanes or crossing the street. They rarely slow down at stop signs, and almost never stop. Someone is going to get killed. I’ve seen [people riding] 20 miles an hour on the sidewalk, and that’s me lowballing it. What are the regulations on electric motor scooters and bicycles? What will you say to the press if you ignore this problem?” City manager Carl Sonnenberg said he would give the laws and regulations a serious perusal with the public safety director and present them to the council. Mayor Randy Zimmerman stated the council would like to remind parents they need to speak with their children, including telling them to stop at intersections, and to wear helmets. “The parents have the responsibility to teach their children the rules of the road,” he said.

 

Sheryl Clevenger spoke about the Don Eustice Scholarship Committee and the 50th anniversary event which will take place at the Waseca fairgrounds on Saturday, Sept. 5. Said Clevenger, “We’ll have bands, kids’ activities, food trucks, beanbag tournaments.” She said this is possible because of help from the fair board. Continued Clevenger regarding the funds the day will add to the Don Eustice Memorial Scholarship account, “This will be the last big donation event we will be having.”

 

Councilman Jeremy Conrath said there would be no firefighters’ burger feed during the Waseca Treat’s on the Streets Halloween event.   

 

Councilwoman Schroeder said a big thank you to Alex and William Dickerson who are out helping to fix up resident properties that might need a little tender loving care, “They deserve our thanks for being a good neighbor.” This is in regards to those whose houses or yards might need maintenance, but are unable to fix the problem themselves.

 

Councilman Mark Christianson said, “If you do need help or if someone needs assistance with something on your property, give me a call. We are trying to sell Waseca; sometimes it’s hard to highlight that when houses are foreclosed or in dilapidation. We are a proud community, and we want to be a community to be proud of. Let’s help people, instead of just nagging them. But also, if you’re a homeowner, take care of your property.”

 

Zimmerman  expressed his compliments to the Waseca Hockey Association regarding its recent fundraiser which featured well known country music star Montgomery Gentry, “For bringing so many people in town from out of town. Mr. Montgomery put on a great show. It was also nice to see people at the Waseca Night to Unite.”