A meeting, for the final two, for the final time

A short meeting of the Waseca City Council followed a special meeting and budget work session, Tuesday evening, Nov. 15, 2022. 

Brian Danners, who owns 11 rental units in town, addressed the council during the public comment portion, and asked the council to reduce the rental inspection fee to what it was prior to January’s increase. Rental inspections are every three years and cost $45 or $65 depending on the license, and $20 for each unit. Danners was upset because three years ago the inspection and fees cost $500, which he felt was too high then. The bill this year was for $1,000 and Danners asked the council to revert the fees to what they had been and to reimburse all rental property owners the difference. The council took no action and thanked Danners for coming forward. 

The consent agent was approved, including the previous meeting’s minutes and work schedule, payroll and expenditures, and the 2023 liquor, tobacco and garbage license renewals. 

The council approved having city staff apply for an active transportation grant by a vote of 5-2, with council persons John Clemons and John Mansfield opposing the project. The grant being sought is for $500,000 for the construction of a bike path, extension of sidewalk and repaving of an existing path. 

In September of 2022, city staff submitted a Letter of Intent for an Active Transportation (AT) Infrastructure Grant from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). City engineer Nathan Willey said the planned reconstruction of 8th Avenue NE (CSAH 13) in 2024 provides a unique opportunity to make trail and sidewalk improvements that qualify for funding under this grant. The proposed improvements consist of new 10’ wide off-street bituminous trail between 7th Street NE and Clear Lake Drive, new 7’ wide concrete sidewalk (back of curb) along the County Fairgrounds property between 4th Street NE and 7th Street NE, and the replacement of existing sidewalk between 3rd St NE and 8th St NE (please see the photo of the map). MnDOT  indicated that these proposed sidewalk and trail improvements are eligible for AT Grant funding and recommended submission of a full application.

As part of the application, a resolution of support from the city council is required. The completed application is due December 30; award notices are expected by the end of March 2023. Waseca County staff members have indicated they are supportive of these proposed improvements, and because these improvements would take place along a County roadway, the County Engineer will be presenting a resolution of support to the County Commissioners for approval of the AT Grant as well.

After some discussion the council gave their support. “I don’t like building things we don’t take care of,” council member Clemons said. “We build sidewalks and don’t take care of them. This will be just one more in 10 years.” 

Council member Mansfield appeared to be against the project because there could be more street assessments, which the councilman opposes. 

City Engineer Willey said any cost over $500,000, if the grant is even approved, would likely be covered through state aid. 

The city council authorized city staff to execute all necessary paperwork to close the southwest Minnesota housing partnership (SCDP) rental rehab project. A number of years ago the City of Waseca received a grant from the Department of Employment and Economic Development’s small cities development program. The grant was intended to assist in the renovation of the two apartment buildings located just west of the former Taco John’s building. Southwest Minnesota Housing Partnership was working to acquire both of those properties along with a number of other properties across southern Minnesota. The financing for this project is fairly complex and the process has taken considerable time, but Waseca has now been informed that SWMHP hopes to close on the properties at the end of the month. As part of the project, the City of Waseca will be injecting the SCDP grant into the project through a combination note and repayment agreement as well as a mortgage assignment from SWMHP to the City of Waseca. The funds are to be used for renovations of the apartment buildings. In exchange for the grant/loan, the apartment complex must comply with rental and income requirements throughout the term of the mortgage (30 years). The mortgage does not provide for any subsidized rent. If the property is operated in compliance with the conditions, the mortgage will be forgiven in 2052. The paperwork necessary for implementation of the SCDP grant was approved. 

The city council approved the allocation of the final $96,000 of American Rescue Act funds for use in the Water Utility account for the North State Street water main project. An important note, although this money qualifies for use, the previously budgeted money for the project now remains unused, and the city can use those funds however it chooses. This, in essence, allows the city to use its final $100,000 of American Rescue Act dollars at its discretion. 

In the city manager’s report, Lee Mattson asked the city to not do a special assessment for the repair of a storm sewer in the intersection of 2nd Ave SW and 2nd St. SW. The council approved drawing the repair cost from the city’s capital plan, which has funds already budgeted. 

The last update of the year for the Clear Lake Pavillion was given by Mattson who reported, “Snow has caught us.” The roof and final painting will be done in the spring. Sledding will be allowed. 

City staff will continue to look into the sight line problem with the stop signs and yield signs next to Tink Larson Field. The possibility of relocation of the fence appears to have been ruled out, and a horizontal fence may be the next best option.  

Council member Mansfield had previously asked about storm drainage east of Dairy Queen. Mattson said the buildup is because there are too few inlets in that area, allowing flooding during heavy rains.

Mayor Roy Srp said the Heritage Preservation Committee is working on tweaks to the walking tour downtown in order to incorporate Waseca High School students.   

Mansfield provided an update on the Economic Development Authority and spoke of possibly producing a monthly letter to update residents on their work. The yellow house torn down on State Street will be replaced with a coffee shop,  Mansfield announced. He said Taylor Gates plans to build the shop. Discussion also occurred regarding the possibility of a grocery cooperative coming to Waseca. 

Jeremy Conrath provided an update regarding Discover Waseca. Discussion begun during the November 8 meeting regarding the possibility of building a mountain bike trail at Maplewood Park was continued. Council members approved funding of Christmas lights at the fairgrounds, as well as funding to help Waseca Snowseekers snowmobile show on Clear Lake during the Sleigh and Cutter festival. 

City election canvassing was 6 p.m. Thursday Nov. 17. Boy scouts are out and about selling Hedgies pizzas for $18. The meeting between the city council and county commissioners was postponed until January because the the new council members will be seated by that time. 

The meeting ended with several lighthearted farewells. 

“John (Clemons) thank you. We’ve known each other up here for a lot of years,” Mayor Srp said. “You’re not only my colleague up here, but out there. You’re an awesome friend who I’ve always been able to count on. It’s meant a lot to me through the years… I’ve often said, to you, and others, that although people might not always agree with you, me included, you've always had the City of Waseca and the taxpayers’ best interests at heart.

“Lee, it’s wonderful to have you here,” Srp continued. “We’re gonna miss you. It’s been a pleasure.” 

Mattson, whose final day is Nov. 30, returns to Dodge Center, where he lived for 18 years. 

“Through all the years, to all the councils, thank you,” Council member Clemons concluded.

The meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m.