Waseca City Council holds on nuisance law

During their meeting the evening of Oct. 6, Waseca city council members heard from city attorney Chris Kennedy regarding a proposed “repeat nuisance call” ordinance. As reported in a previous Pioneer article, the possibility of a nuisance law was proposed in August by city manager Carl Sonnenberg with the intent of reducing the number of times city police officers are called upon to visit residences by imposing a fine after a certain number of visits.

 

At that time, council members voiced approval for the concept of the law, but suggested changes to the number of visits needed to trigger the fines and to the amounts of the graduated fees. Specifications provided on Oct. 6 suggested that a fee of $250 would be imposed when police were called upon to visit a residence for the third time. Subsequent calls would lead to a $350 fine for number four; $500 for number five; $750 after number six; and a $1000 fine for any visits after that. 

 

The proposed repeat nuisance ordinance was not approved, despite the revisions.

 

The City of Waseca is receiving bids through 10 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10 from area farmers interested in growing corn, soybeans or alfalfa on land adjoining the airport. The rental agreement is for four years; it would cover nearly 200 acres of tillable land and nearly 35 acres for harvesting hay. More information is available from the city hall public utilities office.

 

Council members approved the sale of a decommissioned 2022 Ford Police Interceptor SUV that has been taken out of service. Also approved was the sale of a Garret Model 6500i walk-through metal detector.

 

Julie Froke’s membership on the city heritage preservation commission was affirmed. Froke will serve through Oct. 31, 2030.

 

The council held a public hearing to adopt a Miscellaneous Assessment Roll for City Services and Fees. No residents voiced any concerns. These assessments are for unpaid bills issued by Waseca to various property owners for services and fees. The notice of the hearing was published and mailed to each property owner in accordance with state statute.

 

Elements of the agreement with Randy Zimmerman, developer of the Deerpath Enclave were changed: Where the agreement formerly stated no building permits would be requested until after all phases were complete, it now allows for the possibility of permits as each lot has the needed utilities available.  

 

Treats on the Streets will be along Main Street from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The Holiday Train will toot through Waseca on Friday, Dec 11 from 5:15-6:15 p.m.

 

Councilman Jeremy Conrath wanted Waseca to know there have been no discharges into either Loon  or Clear Lake this year. He stated he is proud of that accomplishment, and in his words, “I don’t think staff or the community gets enough credit for that. I don’t think we will have any discharges for all of 2026.”

 

Mayor Zimmerman said he hopes those in New Richland are doing better. All of the council wanted to add, “Go Bluejays!” in honor of Homecoming.