CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, March 9, 2026 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holmes.
PRESENT: Council: Ryan Holmes, Jeremaih Flotterud, Eric Dierks, and Rebecca Haugen
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Laurie Musselman
ABSENT: Council: Stuart Ohr
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, Dan McPherson, Peter Grimsrud – Zumbrota News-Record, Andrew Deziel – Kenyon Leader, Brandon Theobald – WHKS, Goodhue County Deputy Sheriff Abigail Scanlon, and Todd Greseth – Goodhue County Commissioner.
ADOPT AGENDA: Haugen motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Dierks. Passed 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Flotterud motioned, seconded by Haugen. Passed 4-0-0.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Installed new hydraulic pump on sweeper. The seal was replaced after leaking, but the cap was cracked. The cap is on back order for nearly a year. A new pump was purchased while the old pump will be retained. If the new pump has issues down the road, the cap will be swapped with old pump and installed.
2) Medical Center four-foot fluorescent bulbs have been changed to LED.
3) Trimmed trees around town, including alleys and some streets. Next tree trimming with take place on Nature Trail.
4) Brush pile will be hauled out by Kennedy Groundworks. Mead Johnson does not want to have smoke in the air from burning the brush pile. Smoke can shut down production, significantly costing Mead Johnson. Mead Johnson will pay the $900/load to take out and dispose roughly 70 cubic yards per load. Kennedy Groundworks will bill the City directly. The City will then invoice Mead Johnson. There is no contract and if Mead Johnson no longer wishes to participate the City will go back to coordinated brush pile burns.
5) Patched potholes with cold mix. Purchased a pallet of cold mix bags (50) from Core & Main. You can no longer get free cold mix from MNDOT. The individually bagged cold mix is better quality than the bulk cold mix from MNDOT.
B) Todd Greseth, Goodhue County Commissioner, reported on:
1) Starting to work on 2027 budget. Capital planning has been a focus with some items that may be put on hold due to budget constraints. Early 2027 Goodhue County budget discussions have shown 17-20% increase in the property tax levy. These increases are far higher than Greseth is willing to vote for.
2) State level mandates are placing a large burden on the County budget. The State shifted cost burdens from onto County taxpayers with budget changes along with unfunded mandates.
3) Requesting State funds to update computer systems in County Health & Human Services. Currently, it takes thirty-eight minutes to input data into antiquated DOS computer system to help get residents assistance.
4) As Vice Chair of the County Board Greseth has been involved with the proposed data center meetings. If the proposed data centers move forward it will significantly increase the local property tax bases.
Goodhue County Sheriff’s Deputy Abigail Scanlon reported on:
1) Two new deputies start work on March 16th.
2) County deputies have been busy with call volume as weather has improved.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
David Jacobsen, Jacobsen Law Firm, P.A. - Wanamingo City Attorney:
1) Provided a written 2025 summary of criminal attorney services
2) City of Wanamingo pays $1,200/month for prosecution services and $800/month for civil work to Jacobsen Law Firm, P.A.
3) The Law firm has been handling attorney prosecution since 2011 and attorney civil since 2014. Currently has one attorney (Daivd), one semi-retired attorney (Mike Hero), has two full-time paralegals (Suzy Bergquist and Shelley Klemensen), and one contract paralegal (Michele Viken).
4) Gave breakdown of Prosecuted Offenses within City of Wanamingo - 31 offenses (19 traffic and 12 community offenses). 18 of the 31 cases have been closed.
5) There were 75.0 hours dedicated towards prosecution for the City of Wanamingo in 2025
6) The City of Wanamingo received $4,189.80 in fine revenue after Goodhue County and State of MN received their shares of total fines.
7) Civil attorney work included: supported staff, reviewed Council packets, drafted ordinances (Cannabis Zoning, and Liquor License), lot split/parcel combinations, personnel advice, Minnesota Paid Leave policy change review, conditional use permits, liquor license, development agreements, contracts, storm sewer agreement, lot splits, and provided advice to Council and Staff.
26-018 = Approving 2026 2nd Quarter Maintenance Work Plan: Haugen moved to approve, Seconded by Dierks. Passed 4-0-0.
26-019 = Certifying Delinquent Utility Bills and Other Services to the Goodhue County Auditor for Collection with 2027 Real Estate Taxes: Flotterud moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Boulton stated that one of the parcel owners made a $200 payment while another indicated that they have sent a check in the US Mail to pay off the balance on the utilities account. Boulton stated that the updates will be reflective in the final revised resolution and certification form before being sent onto the County. This twice a year process pushes those behind to get paid up. Mayor Holmes asked if anyone wished to contest the certifications. No input was given. Passed 4-0-0.
26-020 = Receiving Bids and Awarding Low Bid For Emerald Valley Phase II Roadway and Utilities Project: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Theobald stated that there were twelve bidders on the project. The engineer’s estimate was $330,000. The lowest bidder was TK Construction at $292,580.85. This reduced the cost from the estimate to the actual by 11.33% or $37,419.15. Holmes was appreciative with the better-than-expected volume of low bids. Theobald recommends assessing the benefiting property owners after the project is complete to have accurate numbers. The contractor has bid bond and performance bond. Tk Contracting is a new contractor with experience in the industry. The owner’s father has experience as a foreman for other contractors. Dierks asked what the expected start date is. Theobald stated that the contractor is ready to start as soon as contracts are signed and materials have been ordered/delivered. Theobald stated that the completion date of the project is at the end of July. If the contractor gets started early the project could be completed before the end of July. McPherson stated his excitement with the grant bid pricing and is ready to get started as soon as possible. McPherson asked what the earliest has could start constructing homes is in the process. Theobald stated that as soon as the bituminous roadway is paved homes can start construction. Theobald stated that it could be earlier, but that it would take coordination and communication. Passed 4-0-0.
26-021 = Approving Safety Training Agreement with Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association: Haugen moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Boulton stated that MMUA informed the City that the current agreement for safety training with the City of Kenyon can no longer continue. The City will be required to have a stand-alone safety training agreement. Wanamingo is in the same situation as Goodhue, Mazeppa, Zumbrota, along with other communities. The City obtained quotes from MMUA and IEA for new safety training agreements. MMUA’s quote was for four safety training days per year with four hours each day at $6,540. IEA’s quote was for nine safety training days per year with four hours each day at $10,287 plus 5% increases per year for a three-year agreement. Holmes stated that the City needs to keep costs down and recommends MMUA. Boulton stated that the current arrangement with Kenyon/MMUA has roughly 9-10 safety trainings each year. Holmes stated that the City could review in one year to see if the safety training needs are being met. Kennedy stated that IEA’s quote was the best bang for the buck. Kennedy stated that the City needs assistance on updating safety paperwork. Kennedy stated that he wishes to tailor some of the future safety training and hopes that meeting four times a year is enough to cover required training along with additional applicable training. Kennedy stated that the Council is responsible for ensuring that the agreement covers the City’s needs. Flotterud asked if safety training is required. Boulton stated that OSHA requires a safety program that includes training. Boulton stated that each member of the Council should be aware of OSHA/safety training requirements through each of the jobs. Passed 4-0-0.
26-022 = Approving Support for a North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility G.O. Bonding Bill Request: Flotterud moved to approve, seconded by Dierks. Boulton stated that the capital request of $44.8 million, the House and Senate Files, and project needs are the same as 2025. The $44.8 million is half of the costs minus the $10 million received in 2023 from the State. The total project costs, with inflation, are $109.6 million. Boulton stated that a Federal Community Funding Project request was approved for $1 million for 2026. An additional 2027 request has been submitted to Congressman Finstad’s, Senator Klobuchar, and Senator Smith’s offices. Passed 4-0-0.
26-023 = Approving Highland Sanitation Rate Increase Request: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. Boulton stated that the request rate increase is part of the contract. Boulton stated that the hauling fee increase is the same as the contract while the tipping fee is less than the assumed contract increase. The overall proposed increase is 2.4%. Passed 4-0-0.
26-024 = Approving Minnesota Public Facilities Authority Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program LSLR Application: Haugen moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Theobald stated that the Federal Government would like to get rid of all lead service lines around the country. Theobald stated that the City worked through the identification process to identify each service line material in the community. There are ten homes in Wanamingo that have galvanized piping. It is assumed that there is a lead gooseneck associated with each galvanized service line. The City intends to apply for $250,000 to replace the ten water service lines. If approved the City would go through a publicly bid process with contractors to replace the service lines. A hole would be cut in the street at the water main, boring of a new water service line would take place to the property line, a new curb stop would be installed, and then a new line would be installed into the basement. The project would include repairing the hole into the basement and a plumber to hook up the new water service line. Theobald stated that property owners could refuse, but the cost to replace the line in the future would be on them. Kennedy stated that the City should replace the service line up to the curb stop, within the right of way, if the homeowner does not wish to see the service line replaced within their property. Passed 4-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
4th of July 250th Birthday Celebration New Decorations – Kennedy and Administrator Boulton presented a memo on 4th of July decorations. The Council discussed potentially buying items to enhance the 4th of July this year in conjunction with the 250th birthday of the United States at the February City Council meeting. A set of 4th of July banners and new brackets for Main Street were discussed. The current blue Wanamingo (summer) banners are roughly twenty-five (25) years old. The banner brackets are also roughly twenty-five (25) years old. Many of the brackets have broken pieces and are loose when banners are up. Kennedy stated that the brackets have fiberglass inserts that have been warped. Once the inserts are warped the banners catch in the wind and whip rapidly. Staff have suggested replacing the banner brackets and ordering an assortment of new 4th of July banners for the Main Street light poles. There are currently seventeen (17) light poles with banner brackets on Main Street.
Haugen moved to approve the staff recommendation of purchasing new brackets and banners for the Main Street seventeen light poles, seconded by Dierks. Flotterud asked where the funds would come from. Boulton stated the general fund. Flotterud stated that the banners and brackets were not budgeted and he disagreed that the City should purchase them. Flotterud stated that some sort of civic group should purchase them. Boulton stated that the bracket replacement would fall under equipment r & m and would fall under the budget. McPherson stated that he would donate $1,400 toward the decorations and brackets. McPherson stated that this is a well-run City and wished that his business, Biochar Infusions could contribute to the enhancement for the City 4th of July. Flotterud stated that he would be comfortable purchasing the new brackets and ten banners with the donation. Haugen and Dierks agreed to modify their motion by purchasing ten banners and new brackets through Main Street Designs and accepting McPherson’s $1,400 donation. Passed 4-0-0. The Council thanked McPherson for his donation. Kennedy stated that the Council were welcome to see the proposed new banner sample after the meeting.
Boulton stated that the Wanamingo Fire Relief Association vintage snowmobile show, chili cook-off, and bean bag tournament fundraiser went well. Boulton stated that the City chili entry to the competition won the people’s choice award.
Dollar General is expected to be open by the end of the week.
Dierks asked the stated of the walking bridge repairs. Boulton stated that the work was put off for winter due to the need for replacement of frost footings and the presence of frost early on this winter. Boulton stated that he reached out again to Kleese construction to check on the schedule. Holmes stated that he spoke with Roger Kleese who said that the work is on his list for spring.
*Audit Committee will have a meeting to go over in-depth audit at 9:00AM on April 3rd at Wanamingo City Hall.
*Next City Council meeting on 4/13/2026 at 7:00pm.
Adjourn: At 8:01PM a motion to adjourn was made by Dierks and seconded by Flotterud. Passed 4-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
