Preliminary city levy set at 11.2%

A controversial THC moratorium and a preliminary tax levy and general budget were both approved during one of the longest meetings of the  Waseca city council this year, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022. 

A preliminary tax increase of 11.2% was approved by a 5-2 vote. It was pointed out, however, that the rate is effectively 4.49% thanks to Con Agra’s new $20 million dollar construction which will significantly impact the amount of taxes paid by residential taxpayers. Dissenting council members were John Clemons and John Mansfield, both of whom said they could not support such a high increase. Once the preliminary increase has been reported, the actual tax levy, which must be finalized in January, can be lower but not higher. The final budget and levy must be presented to the public during a meeting in December. 

A moratorium on THC sales, approved by a 4-3 vote, specifies that businesses already selling THC products within the city can continue to do so, but no new businesses can come to town or begin selling such products for up to a year: the council has the option of ending the moratorium sooner, if it decides to do so. 

During the public comment portion of the regular meeting, Matthew R. Petsinger publicly announced he is running for mayor. Also during this time, a resident thanked the council for their success handling mosquito control, saying, “It made her year.” 

New council member, former mayor John Clemons, was sworn in and welcomed during a work session prior to the council meeting. His presence was immediately felt and commented upon by one council member, who pointed out that the 4-3 decision could have had a much different outcome if there had been an even number of council members voting. 

Tina Wilson was introduced as the new Economic Development Manager, a new city position created by merging the responsibilities of two full-time offices, reducing the number of city employees by one.

“Here I am,” Wilson said. “I’m excited to learn how I can best serve you [the council] and the community of Waseca.”

Mayor Roy Srp thanked Clemons for “stepping up to the plate,” and said he is glad Wilson is here.

The consent agenda was approved, along with payroll, the previous meeting’s minutes, a December truth in taxation public meeting date, and a final payment to RCCA. (Provide full title)

A grant in the amount of $278,853 was accepted to purchase a new tanker truck for the city fire department, replacing a tanker in use since 1977. As a requirement of the grant, the council voted to match 5% of the amount: $14,000. The previous truck was jointly owned by a number of township and city governments,  so its status is yet to be decided. 

A driveway variance of more than 24 feet was approved, allowing a residence’s “U” shaped driveway from the 1960s to be paved. 

A public hearing for nuisance at 204 12th Ave. NW opened at 7:15 p.m. and closed one minute later. The property will now be abated: if the amount is not paid, it will be added to the resident’s taxes, including all city lawyer fees. Last year’s bill to the same residence was $3,800. The enforcement of the nuisance ordinance was approved. 

A public hearing for a conditional use text amendment for daycare lasted one minute. An amendment to chapter 104 in the city zoning code was approved allowing for a daycare to expand into a commercial area. 

Following a lengthy public hearing on the THC moratorium, a resolution reimbursing Woodville Township for $35,000 out of a $102,000 for a highway overlay was approved. A final hearing date of 7 p.m. October 18 was approved for assessments on 8th street SE reconstruction. 

A hearing regarding city storm water runoff and pollution control required by MS4 permit, which expires in 2025 lasted about a half hour. During the discussion, a lake treatment pond and excess stormwater runoff were addressed. The current storm sewers cannot handle more than 5 inches of rain. “it is not what it’s designed for,” was the answer to a question from council member Mansfield who wanted to know more about when or why flooding occurs after heavy rains. A Loon Lake treatment pond has not been operational since 2016 and would require between $100,000 and $200,000 to become operational again. The city is currently meeting phosphate level requirements in water, so it is not necessary to repair the treatment pond at this time, but the council could choose to do so to benefit the lake. A public hearing at a later date was approved. 

A hearing date of 7 p.m. October 18 was set to address possible revisions to city ordinance 1104. 

Council member Allan Rose asked about salt storage and was told facilities without a permit have slightly stricter requirements so excess salt does not end up in the storm sewer system, with the intent of preventing excess salt from getting into the lakes. 

The preliminary Economic Development Authority levy of $94,124, was approved. Council member Christiansen asked if the EDA board approved the proposal unanimously and was told all but one member supported it. 

In reports, city manager Lee Mattson provided updates on an environmental cleanup grant which will be talked about in an upcoming meeting, as well as a need for a variance for Chloride for city water. 

In other reports, the Heritage Preservation board has made some changes. Mayor Roy Srp plans to stay on the board, even though his recent decision to join it was unplanned. The board also welcomed Dan Forest. 

In the Park Board’s report, Christiansen said cameras and lighting will be installed at four parks. He also said a preliminary completion date of November 11 has been named for the Loon Lake pavilion project. The replacement Clear Lake fishing pier has been completed but will not be placed on the lake until next year.

The evening’s final announcement came from Council member Rose who welcomed newly appointed member, and former city mayor Clemons to attend the city employee luncheon November 10. 

“You mean the one that I started?” Clemons joked in response. 

The meeting adjourned at 9:17 p.m.