Council approves downtown walkway project

During their July 7 meeting, members of the Waseca City Council approved spending about $180,000 to restore and renovate the “downtown walkway” area in the 100-block of North State Street. Restoration Services of Faribault will be refurbishing the walls along the north and south sides of the walkway, and will remove, repair, clean and powder coat the gate. 

 

Council members also approved project specifications and a call for bids to remove the aeration blowers at the wastewater treatment plan in advance of installing new units in the spring of 2027. With the removal, purchase and installation of the new blowers, anticipated cost for the entire project is about $1.8 million. The city plans to acquire a Clean Water Revolving Fund loan through the state of Minnesota to meet costs for the project.

 

City Manager Carl Sonnenberg reported work is under way for phase 1 of the Clearwater Preserve subdivision, and is scheduled for substantial completion by September 25. He shared materials summarizing that the City will be selling 17 shovel-ready single-family lots. All 17 are priced at $64,900; they range in size from 20,000 to 24,000 square feet.  Said Sonnenberg, “Anyone who is interested in putting money down for a lot, come to city hall, front door, first window on the right. Talk to one of those three folks; they will be happy to help.”

 

Council members also approved plans for Deerpath Enclave, a subdivision platted to include 21 residential lots to be located north of Eleventh Avenue Northwest and east of Tenth Street Northwest. Streets leading into the subdivision will be two cul-de-sacs to be named Twelfth Avenue and Ninth Street Northwest.

 

As the president of Deerpath LLC, Mayor Randy Zimmerman recused himself from the vote; the discussion was led by council member Mark Christiansen. According to the approved agreement, the subdivision developer is required to install and pay for costs that include surveying and staking for site improvements; site excavation, fill, and grading; a city water main and lot services; city sanitary and storm sewers; public streets including curb and gutter; all underground utilities; erosion control, and surveying and setting of  all property pins. 

 

ABDO auditors of Mankato sent Chad Guse and Hope Winters, auditors, who summarized the 2025 audit for the city of Waseca. The audit was “clean” with no major issues, but Guse did say, “Your expenditures have been lower compared to surrounding towns.” 

 

Resident Tom Sexton was there to speak for public comment and discuss this year’s Lakefest. Said Sexton, “I wanted to thank the council and city staff for your support this year. I especially wanted to thank the Waseca Lakes Association, which took this on a couple of years ago alongside Freedom Run and Lakefest. And of course, Waseca Tourism and their work with the fireworks. Everyone stayed safe and that was the most important part.” He also thanked the Waseca Area Foundation which donates every year, “They’ve done a fantastic job with looking at Lakefest and turning it into their premier event. The Legion, the Sons of the Legion and the Legion Auxiliary, they helped me and came through in the end. Brad Dushaw and the park's guys, in spite of the rain, to see all of the people in the park taking advantage of the tenting was just great. Chief Markeson and his guys stopped by and helped out as well and thank you. All of those people enjoying themselves really charges me.”  

 

Alicia Fischer, Human Resources Finance Director spoke about new employees, starting with Taylor Drahota, Public Work/Parks Department. Also, Leo Harguth in Public Work and Maintenance/Streets. Samuel Baratto, Patrol Officer, Garrett Everett, Patrol Officer. Sara Morris, Police Department, Records Clerk. Holly Wasieleski, Utilities Office Technician. Brayden Anderson, Patrol Officer. Joshua Wells, Parks Maintenance. Two part time Officers, David Melchert and Bryan Dauk. For the waterpark, 19 guest services, 15 lifeguards and four assistant supervisors. As well as eight seasonal park employees. 

 

“Hats off to all those who made Lakefest successful and Tourism for setting off the fireworks early which solved a lot of problems,” said councilwoman Stacey Schroeder. “The boat parade was awesome, people lining the beach, it was just a really good day.”

 

Councilman Christiansen reminded everyone, “I know it’s raining a lot, but we have a lot of outsiders coming into Waseca, we want to make a good impression: Mow your lawns, take care of your stuff.”

 

Mayor Zimmerman attended a congratulation party for local resident and Special Olympian Jake Leiser and his success in competition and hinted a Mayoral Proclamation may be on the way.