Electric rate increase of 6.4% approved

Construction, dog parks, and utility rate increases were some of the topics discussed during the regular meeting of the Waseca City Council Tuesday, October 18, 2022. 

The meeting began with another busy public comment portion, starting with Furry Friends of Waseca. In response to a request, the city agreed to cover the cost of event insurance for a one-day event and a $205 portapotty fee, along with waiving admission fees at the Waseca Dog Park for a one-day fundraiser Oct. 29. The event will be from noon to 3 p.m. and includes a bake sale offering products for both people and animals. 

A resident complained about concrete work done on the city curb outside his home. “It was patched inadequately. It’s substandard and I’m upset about that.” 

After viewing photos the resident presented, the city agreed to investigate the issue.

Several residents discussed the street assessments and the construction project on Eighth Street SE, but the final roll was ultimately approved. Complaints were raised regarding the cost, whether residents living on the street should be individually assessed, and communication residents received about the project. An entire article detailing the public hearing can be found in this week’s edition of the Pioneer. 

James Christiansen, father to Council member Mark Christiansen, brought several issues to the council’s attention. 

1. Unfinished sidewalks, specifically on Second Street NE. 

2. The need for a crosswalk at the intersection on Third Avenue NE. “It’s a dangerous place to cross. People think it’s a raceway,” James Christiansen said. “I would also say we have an excellent city staff. Our utility department is top tier. We are fortunate in this city to have some excellent, excellent people.” 

Another resident asked whether, when the city contracts out for street or sidewalk repairs,  residents can make additional requests for the contractors to do work on their sidewalk. For example, this resident said she would like a walkout from her house, all the way to the street. The response was that, yes, at their own expense, residents can arrange for a contractor to take on additional projects. It is ultimately up to the contractor if they are willing to take on extra work. 

The consent agenda was approved following public comment. It included the council meeting minutes from Sept. 20 and Oct. 4, payroll and expenditures, as well as a correction to a previously approved tax abatement for 308 22nd Avenue NW. 

In the action agenda, the city held several public hearings, including:

1. Adopting assessment roll #283 for the Eighth Street SE Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Project

2. Assessment Roll for Miscellaneous Assessments

3. MS4 Permit-related code revisions. 

All three hearings were followed by the approval of the discussed projects. The final roll for the rehabilitation project was approved. It was approved to add tax assessment for various nuisance violations to certain property owners. The MS4 permit related code revisions were approved. 

The council approved adding a flag to create visibility of a new stop sign at the intersection of  Eleventh Avenue and Sixth Street NE.

The State of Minnesota is testing for “forever chemicals” that could be polluting water supplies. The council approved allowing the testing at the water treatment plant. 

The council approved a contamination cleanup grant application for 1340 South State St, the former Corchran building. The new owners need to put in a new vent system for “environmental remediation” and the application needs to be filed by the city, although with no cost to the city. 

Wholesale power rates to the city are expected to rise significantly beginning Nov. 1, with an expected increase of about $37,000 per month. The council approved raising electric rates charged to residents by up to 6.4%. 

The Pioneer previously reported the residential property tax abatement program for new construction had been extended. Although the council had instructed staff to do so, the action  was not officially taken until the Oct. 17 meeting. A long discussion with council member Christiansen “playing devil’s advocate” took place in which council members examined the advantages and disadvantages of the abatement. In the past year, 13 homes have been built in Waseca; a majority took part in the program. 

Council member Clemons reported that it is inaccurate to paint the abatement as “a loss of money” because if those homes are not built, the city gets no tax dollars.  Council member Jeremy Conrath, who utilized the abatement program, said he really appreciated it and it was a factor in his decision to build. 

The council agreed to replace the newly installed stop signs at the intersection of Seventh Avenue and Fourth Street NE with yield signs. Supposedly, this is the third time in the past 20 years the decision was made to switch to stop signs for safety reasons and the third time the decision has been reversed because of the buses using the street. 

The council also directed city staff to look into the line of sight along the street. 

In reports, city manager Lee Mattson said workers at the Clear Lake Pavilion project are optimistic they will meet the deadline for the weather sensitive functions. The roof, for example, can be done during cold weather. 

Fall leaf pickup started and the city will be doing this for six weeks. 

A power outage Sunday was caused by an internet construction company nicking a line while working. The outage lasted about 45 minutes. 

It was reported that the phone line problem which keeps some residents from being able to call certain numbers is caused by the phone companies and they are in the process of fixing the problem. It was reported there are no problems calling 911, but there are some with the dispatch number. There is no timeline on when the problems will be resolved. 

The Economic Development Board is working to facilitate loan tracking software, similar to a bank, for businesses to track their loans. A daycare facility is considering opening in town and the board is working to facilitate a grant program. 

A countywide burn ban is currently in effect and residents are only allowed to burn in a 3 foot by 3 foot radius. 

A November work session will allow continued discussion of this year’s budget. The winner of the special election to fill John Clemons’ seat will take office at the Nov. 17 Canvas Board Meeting. 

On Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. the fire department will hold a burger and fry fundraiser for 23-year veteran firefighter Gary Mulcahey who lost his wife in a fire last month. 

Treats on the streets will be Thursday night, October 27. 

The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.