CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, February 10, 2025 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holmes.
PRESENT: Council: Ryan Holmes, Stuart Ohr, Eric Dierks, Jeremiah Flotterud, and Rebecca Haugen
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Karen Masters
ABSENT: Council: None
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, David Friese – Zumbrota News-Record, Daren Strobel – Kenyon Leader, Pattie Prigge, Cobus Peens, Laura Sands Prink, Stephen Kingsbury, Dan Fritz, Barbara Dolan, Clayton Cochran, Beth Giese, Laurie Greseth, Mathias Sendlhofer, Luke Nelson, and Goodhue County Deputy Edward Matul.
ADOPT AGENDA: Ohr motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Haugen. Mayor Holmes stated that Resolution 25-016 would be tabled from the February agenda from recommendation by the City Attorney. Passed 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Flotterud motioned, seconded by Dierks. Passed 5-0-0.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Riverside Park trees – a total of ten emerald ash borer damaged trees have been removed. City staff cut down five trees while Heartlind Tree Service dropped five other trees. Heartlind Tree Service ground down all ten stumps. The City staff removed all tree debris, including material from ground stumps.
2) Riverside Park flagpole – sanded, primed and painted pole. Reinstalled pole with new pulleys, rope, and flag.
3) Water Tower pressure sensor froze. Automatic systems replaced the sensor. City staff constructed a box and insulated so that it would not freeze again.
4) Trimmed trees that were overhanging on 3rd Avenue, that were interfering with snow removal and street sweeping.
5) Plowed snow and salt/sanded streets after snow events
6) Continue to maintain the ice rink by spraying on additional layers of water to maintain the ice thickness.
7) The well-house project is not yet complete. We are waiting for automatic systems to complete the communications work. The contractor still has painting at well #3 and other punch list items to complete.
B) Laura Sand Prink – Goodhue County Opioid Settlement Advisory Council Presentation:
1) Goodhue County will be receiving $2.1 million over eighteen years (2022-2040) as part of the federal opioid settlement
2) A needs assessment was completed in 2023 with treatment and prevention being the theme.
3) Fifty key stakeholders were engaged that live and/or work within the County.
4) The stakeholders identified and recommended themes of youth, peer recovery, service gaps, access to harm reduction strategies, access and awareness of outlets and alternatives for self-care, increased access to mental health care, enhanced treatment court eligibility, increased date tracking, and find a way for the public to continue to be involved in the process.
5) Advisory council created – Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee
6) Guiding principles include cultural competence, sustainability, dynamic and iterative, date driven, and relying on a team approach.
7) 2025 grants of $200,035 – eight of the eleven applicants received one-year grants
8) Request multi-year grants for continued programs and save money
Flotterud asked what data is and will be utilized. Sand-Prink stated that much of the data was from Minnesota Department of Health (hospitals and chemical health institutions) with other data coming from Olmsted and Goodhue County. Sand Prink will email links of data for the Council to be able to see. Flotterud asked if opioids were a major issue in Goodhue County. Sand Prink stated that Goodhue has higher data then surrounding counties with significant impact on youth and Native Americans. Holmes thanked Sand Prink for the presentation and update for the ongoing opioid settlement funds and usage within Goodhue County.
C) Beth Giese, Kenyon-Wanamingo Superintendent, reported on:
1) Kenyon Wanamingo voted to close the Wanamingo school site and consolidate to on location (Kenyon) on January 28th. The Wanamingo site will be closed starting in June 2025.
2) School district still applying for and looking into grants to operate the Wanamingo site in another capacity beyond the use as a school.
3) The school district has consulted with realtors. There are no area comps for a school building in order to assist with an appraisal. If the school board wishes to move ahead with the sale it would be for the 2.16 acres, excluding gym and ball fields.
4) There is water at the gym, however it will require something different than the current boiler system and potential cooling to separate from the current facility.
5) The parking lot is shared between the City and school district, which would also be kept.
6) Is open to suggestions for both temporary uses and a long-term use of the Wanamingo site.
7) May remove the playground due to liability
8) Daily checks of the facility and boiler would be required as part of insurance policy. Minimum insurance would be kept on the facility, requiring some level of security for the facility.
9) School district obtained a quote of $500,000 to remove the building. However, if there are abatement items such as asbestos, the cost would increase. The School district does not have the funds to demo the facility.
6) Thanked the City for open dialogue regarding the future of the facility.
Holmes thanked Beth Giese for updating the City Council. Holmes stated that the City will continue dialogue on the future of the facility. In the short term the City has concerns with potential blight and would like to ensure upkeep that residents have come to expect at the site,
Mathias Sendlhofer asked if the Council would be considering allowing chickens in residential zones in Wanamingo. Sendlhofer stated that he was opposed to this policy change. Holmes stated that no one has approached him requesting a change in policy. Holmes stated that he was aware of social media discussions. Dolan stated that there is a group looking into area communities’ ordinances with the hope of requesting an ordinance change that can address concerns. Holmes stated that he is not engaging policy discussions on social media. If there are concerns, residents should be contacting the City or coming directly to the City Council. Holmes stated that the Council discussed potential changes to the ordinance for chickens in residential areas two years ago. The current language of animals, including chickens, have been in place since 2004. The full City Council and staff have turned over since the ordinance was in place. There was significant pushback from the public both at City Council meetings and feedback on the street. Sendlhofer and Luke Nelson work in the poultry industry. There are concerns if chickens within Wanamingo contract the bird flu that a 1.2-mile quarantine area would not allow them to go to work at their area farms. This is a biosecurity concern for residents connected to poultry production in the area. Sendlhofer stated that all poultry would need to be disposed of within City limits through the Federal Department of Agriculture. Fritz stated that he is opposed to allowing chickens within residential areas. He stated that he moved to town because of the standards set and enforcement by the city, including keeping farm animals out of residential areas. Fritz stated that he would organize citizens against changes if the Council decides to take action. Holmes stated that the Council weighs pros and cons with any proposed ordinance changes. Holmes stated that the issue has come forward due to high prices of eggs. Flotterud stated that the cost to produce eggs is based on economies of scale and that having a few chickens is not cost effective due to the high input costs. Flotterud asked David Friese what the City of Pine Island has for an ordinance with chickens in residential zone areas. Friese stated that Pine Island went through an 18-month process. There is an application process that includes obtaining permission from 75% of neighbors. There were only two applicants in the first year, with one yearly since. Friese stated that residents don’t fully understand the commitment required to keep and maintain chickens. Friese also stated that the minimal rules set by Pine Island were requested to be modified and exempted very quickly. Friese stated that enforcement is difficult with chickens. Flotterud asked what happens when a neighboring dog kills someone’s chicken. Friese stated that both dogs and chickens are both supposed to be secure. Friese stated that these actions are handled by the sheriff’s office for enforcement of leash laws and/or chickens not being secure. Flotterud has concerns with changing ordinances to benefit a few while causing issues to neighbors. Flotterud stated that he is not against raising chickens in residential zone areas, but has so many questions including how many, how to protect neighbors, biosecurity, and enforcement. Holmes stated that the issue has citizens both for and against with passion. Holmes stated that he hopes that citizens understand that chickens in residential zone areas is controversial. Flotterud stated that some sort of conditional use process could be considered to address many of the concerns. Flotterud stated that an applicant would be notified that violations could result in revocation. Dolan stated that other communities require a certain percentage of neighbors to sign off on having chickens. Dolan has read restrictions on how far a coop is required to be located from neighbors’ homes. Dolan stated that proper disposal of litter/waste is necessary. Friese stated that there are three large poultry farms in proximity of Pine Island. Friese stated that they were consulted before the ordinance was drafted. Friese stated that regular inspections and strict enforcement is necessary for chickens in residential districts.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
25-011 = Accepting 2024 Employee Reviews: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
25-012 = Adopting a Proclamation for School Bus Driver Appreciation Day: Flotterud moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Holmes stated the importance of recognizing the bus drivers for the important job they do in transporting school age children safely. Passed 5-0-0.
25-013 = Approving Hiring a Part-Time Pool Manager and a Part-Time Assistant Pool Manager: Haugen moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Holmes stated that Jake Wieme agreed to take on the pool manager role for 2025. The City is still looking for an adult assistance manager. Passed 5-0-0.
Public Hearing - - Mayor Holmes opened public hearing on Zoning-Energy Production Conditional Use Permit at 7:50PM. Barbara Dolan, applicant, stated that she had hired Powerfully Green Solar out of Long Lake for the proposed solar array project. Xcel Energy is required to buy back excess power (at discounted rate) that is produced and not used onsite. Dolan stated that she had an application in Xcel Energy for capacity.
Boulton stated that he received no feedback from the neighbors within 500 feet that were sent the public hearing notice. Boulton stated that he received no feedback from the public at large from the public hearing notice that was published in the newspaper. No Further Public Comments Offered. Mayor Holmes closed the public hearing at 7:58PM.
25-014 = Approving Zoning (Energy Production) Conditional Use Permit for Barbara Dolan located at 524 2nd Avenue: Haugen moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. The Council agreed with the staff recommendations:
1. The following standards apply:
A. That if the Solar Array is damaged beyond repair or the system becomes obsolete it will be the responsibility of the property owner to remove the system and properly dispose of the solar array system.
2. This conditional use permit is in effect for the property on 524 2nd Avenue and assigned to the current and/or any future owner of the property. The conditional use permit may be revoked by the City following written notice to the property owner if the conditions of the permit as listed herein are not met and/or maintained. The conditional use permit will expire if/when the use of the property is changed.
3. The conditional use permit shall be recorded at the Goodhue County Recorder’s Office.
Passed 5-0-0.
25-015 = Accepting Karen Masters Resignation as Wanamingo Deputy Clerk: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Holmes thanked Masters for nine years of service to the community as she retires. Members of the Council provided well wishes on Masters upcoming retirement in April. Passed 5-0-0.
Boulton provided a memo on the proposed deputy clerk hiring process/notice as recommended by the personnel committee. Flotterud asked about health insurance and the ability to opt out of City insurance. Flotterud asked if the City could pay more in wages. Boulton stated that this would require a change in the personnel policy. Boulton warned that any additions in pay beyond the pay range could jeopardize the City passing the next State Pay Equity report. Boulton recommended reviewing the City personnel policy for health insurance and potentially changing the health insurance option and offering a monthly stipend for those that opt for other insurance coverage. Boulton stated that this opt-out stipend could be equal to the current maximum monthly dependent coverage amount of $600. Boulton stressed that the employees need to be treated equally based upon job points system and pay scale. Ohr moved to approve the recommended hiring process and notice, seconded by Haugen. Holmes stated that the City should also post the hiring notice on www.indeed.com. Boulton asked if Holmes would assist with this posting. Passed 5-0-0.
Administrator Boulton provided an update on Mark Showers water request. Mark Showers owns two parcels on the Southeast corner of MN TH 57 and 440th Street. Mr. Showers has two constructed out buildings on the A-1 Agricultural Zoned Parcels. Mr. Showers is constructing a larger shed with intentions of constructing a home on the parcel(s). Mr. Showers will need water at the location. Mr. Showers approached the City seeking written approval to install a well. Mr. Showers has obtained an estimate for the new private well of $14,564.65. In the future Mr. Showers will also require sewer. There is no City sewer service within reasonable distance to hook into. Mr. Showers intends to install a private septic system.
Goodhue County permits and inspects new existing wells and septic systems. Since Mr. Showers property is within the City of Wanamingo, Goodhue County requires written approval from the City for new wells before formal approval by Goodhue County. Wanamingo Code of Ordinances 53.04 (A) makes it unlawful to construct new private wells within the City (existing private wells are exempt). 53.04 (C) allow the City to determine expansion of City water system. Certain conditions, such as high costs or soil conditions, can make connecting to City water not feasible. There are currently no policies that define what specific conditions make connecting to City water not feasible.
City Staff have recommended requiring those that wish to install a new well for water to pay for rough feasibility numbers to install City water to their parcel. This would allow for the City Council to review the cost of well installation and weigh it against the cost and any conditions of connecting to City Water. The Council should only approve private wells when costs or conditions are significantly higher than private well costs. The Council should determine what costs and conditions make City water unfeasible. Examples for City water being unfeasible may include when costs exceed three to four times or when soil conditions such as river crossing or rock add to the difficulty or cost. The Council should place a premium on requiring connecting to City water in order to limit wells that could contaminate the DWSMA (Drinking Water Supply Management Area). Also, it is in the City’s interest to have additional usage and billing for water to locations within the City.
Jason’s Sewer Service and Excavating Servis has put together a rough feasibility costs to install a water line south along MN TH 57, crossing the North Zumbro river, and tying into the water line on between Mead Johnson and Jason Rath’s home along MN TH 57. Jason’s Sewer Service and Excavating estimates that there is roughly 1,000 feet of 1”-2” private water line that would need to be installed near 25 Main Street to 10200 440th Street. There would be line-item costs such as mobilization, curb stop, rock excavation, boring under the North Zumbro River, and erosion control/turf establishment. The total estimate is $180,000 for these line items. Boulton stated that the Council should discuss the current Ordinance, the contractor’s estimate, and well estimate and provide feedback on how staff and Mr. Showers should proceed regarding the water request.
The Council reviewed Mark Showers’s contractor’s estimates and compared the contractor’s estimates for drilling a new well. Ohr stated that the North Zumbro River crossing could be difficult and add costs. Flotterud asked if there is a need to connect other properties on 440th or loop around to Mingo View Drive. Boulton stated that Brandon Theobald had put together estimates for such a water line to loop MN TH 57 along the south side of 440th Street and then connect to Mingo View Drive. The cost would have exceeded $100,000 per hookup, making the project not feasible. Theobald also noted that few users on the long stretch of line could create water clarity issues such as what required correction before the water tower was removed from Mingo View Drive. Boulton stated that he would recommend that the Council allow Mr. Showers to drill his own well rather than hooking up to City water. Boulton stated that the cost (more than ten times) to hook into City was prohibitive with unknow addition issues and potential cost crossing the North Zumbro River. Dierks moved to approve well option for Showers property rather than hooking up to City water due to the excessive cost along with the North Zumbro River crossing, seconded by Ohr. Passed 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
The City Council reviewed the 2023 & 2024 swimming pool financials for comparisons. In 2023 the swimming pool brought in $19,076.64 in revenue compared with $17,591.58 in 2024 revenue. In 2023 the swimming pool had $69,691.81 in expenses compared with $63,419.09 in 2024 expenses. The swimming pool lost $50,885.17 in 2023 compared with $45,827.51 in 2024. The losses are funded by the general fund. Building R & M expenses were lower in 2024 compared to 2023. Wages were lower in 2024 compared to 2023. Lesson and Passes Income was down in 2024 compared to 2023.
*Fire Department annual vintage snowmobile ride and show, bean bag tournament, and chili feed will take place 3/1/2025. Boulton asked if the Council wishes to enter a competition chili as they have done for the past thirteen years. Boulton stated that individual council members contribute toward the cost of the chili. Boulton and Peens have put together the chili on behalf of the council the past few years. The Council agreed to take part in the chili cookoff for 2025.
*Next City Council meeting on 3/10/2025 at 7:00pm.
Boulton stated that the five CDs at Security State Bank of Wanamingo would be maturing in the coming months. Boulton stated that rates have decreased over the past few months. Boulton stated that the best CD rates are now 6-month 3.95% (12-month 3.7%) compared to the current 13-month 5.09%. Boulton stated that the City could look to invest some of these funds into the money market that is producing 4.369% instead of renewing some or all the CD’s.
Adjourn: At 8:32PM a motion to adjourn was made by Ohr and seconded by Dierks. Passed 5-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
