Every Waldorf address in question

The August meeting of the Waldorf City Council took place Monday, August 8. Mayor Rob Wilkening and council members Carrie Ferch and Missy Sorbo, all three in positions up for election this November, were present. The remaining two council members could not attend due to illness. The three members did constitute the necessary quorum to carry out business,  so the only issue which was tabled was whether to accept the fire department report and bank balances for July, as Council member Ferch must recuse herself from that vote.

Perhaps the most exciting issue discussed was that of addresses. Due to confusion caused by certain house numbers being used on more than one street and some numbers being out of order,  adjustments need to be made to the City of Waldorf’s addresses. Mayor Wilkening said that the project is in early stages, but that it may result in every home and lot in the town receiving a new address. When a map is created, it will first be shown to local emergency services to ensure that any changes will not interfere with their ability to respond to a crisis. Following their approval, Waldorf residents can expect a town hall meeting prior to a city council vote.

An update was given on the inflow and infiltration project planned for Waldorf’s sewer systems. After a question from a resident, it was clarified that work done on residential properties would be under the control of the property owner. Property owners will be expected to hire a contractor, or otherwise arrange for the work to be done, and a city inspector will verify that work has been done adequately. Who will do the inspections and how they will be done is not yet decided. It was also said that businesses will have one year to take care of their property, and residential properties have a two-year window. Mayor Wilkening is working on financing options for the next step of the project.

Work on Highway 83 was delayed after COVID-19 cases among the workers, but can be expected to be completed before Waldorf Days, which is to be held August 26, 27, and 28. The council also discussed the allowances that could be made for overflow parking during this time, and whether the Waldorf Days committee would be allowed to use the football field for parking. The Crystal Valley lot was also proposed as an option, pending approval by its owner, and the council decided to allow the Waldorf Days committee to postpone its decision on the use of the football field until closer to the date of the festivities based on need and weather – as parking cars there in wet weather will damage the field far more than in dry conditions.

A previously discussed ordinance regulating rental properties in Waldorf is expected to go into effect by October. The ordinance is aimed at property owners regarding maintenance, health and safety, and overcrowding. It was described as identical to the plan implemented by St. Clair, which requires property owners to hold a license in order to rent or lease their property for residential purposes. Licensed renters must maintain certain health and safety standards, and rented or leased properties will be subject to inspection in the event of complaints or requests from tenants.

Crews from Minnesota Lake will be spraying for mosquitos in Waldorf on August 17 and 24, a half hour before dusk each day. The city’s lift station had no issues following the significant rain, and the lift station’s bypass has now been installed to handle any future issues. A new city auditor, Anthony Ferk CLA, has begun work and estimates charging between $12,000 and $15,000, depending on man-hours necessary to complete the audit. The city council will be looking to pursue a grant through the county in order to replace the city’s siren.