City of Wanamingo
Regular EDA Meeting
Monday January 9, 2023
6:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers
401 Main Street
Wanamingo MN
PRESENT: Brian Gudknecht, Rebecca Haugen, Ryan Holmes, Jim Kittelson, Laurie Musselman, and Josh Schaefer
ABSENT: Annette Fritz
ALSO PRESENT: Michael Boulton, Karen Masters, & Melissa Meyers – Zumbrota News Record
Brian Gudknecht called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance followed.
EDA Members Ryan Holmes and Rebecca Haugen were administered the Oath of Office by EDA Director Boulton. Boulton stated that Fritz would be administered the Oath of Office at the next meeting and that photos of the board would also be taken.
ADOPT AGENDA: Kittelson motioned, seconded by Musselman to adopt. Approved 6-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Schaefer motioned, seconded by Haugen to approve. Approved 6-0-0.
PRESENTERS: NONE
NEW BUSINESS:
Resolution 23-01 - Election of 2023 EDA Board Officers of President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Schaefer moved to approve, seconded by Kittelson. Passed 6-0-0.
Resolution 23-02 = Approving re-appointment of Ryan Holmes and the appointment of Rebecca Haugen and Annette Fritz to the EDA Board: Kittelson moved to approve, seconded by Schaefer. Boulton explained that Rebecca Haugen and Ryan Holmes will be the two Councilmembers on the board. Stuart Ohr will no longer be one of the two Councilmembers on the board. Rebecca Haugen’s at large position opened up and will be taken by Annette Fritz. Passed 6-0-0
Resolution 23-03 = Setting EDA Meeting Schedule for 2023: Holmes moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Boulton stated that the meeting dates are holding places and that meetings would only occur if an agenda packet was delivered by the Friday before the Monday meeting. Boulton stated that the EDA By-Laws requires the EDA to hold quarterly meetings, at minimum. Passed 6-0-0.
Administrator Boulton presented the 2022 Wanamingo Outstanding Indebtedness Report. The Wanamingo EDA paid $26,000 principal in 2022 and owes $325,000 at the beginning of 2023. The City paid $595,000 in principal and added $2,600,000 (water tower, well house, and water main looping project) principal in 2022 and owes $5,675,000 at the beginning of 2023. The two advanced refunding bonds carry over $1,510,000 which were paid back 2/1/2022. Without the new water tower, well house, and water main looping bond on the books the total debt owed by the City/EDA would be $3,384,000. Administrator Boulton stated that this would be the lowest amount of debt on hand for many years. Boulton stated that the current debt service is manageable with the lower interest rates associated with the existing bonds. Boulton stated that the City paid $621,000 in principle and roughly $100,000 in interest in 2022. The report will be submitted to Goodhue County next week, according to the MN State Statutes.
Boulton stated that the proposed Dollar General location, 677 3rd Avenue, has been dropped. This is due to the environmental study of the site showing ground water contamination (dirt contaminated). Boulton stated that Dollar General was pursuing other site locations in Wanamingo. Boulton stated that Dollar General had been provided a purchase price by Lew Growth for 14.8 acres of commercially zoned vacant farmland along MN TH 60. Boulton stated that the City may need to assist any future development of the 677 3rd Avenue site with environmental cleanup. Boulton stated that the State of Minnesota has Brownfield Redevelopment grants for environmental cleanup for development. Boulton also stated that the City has other tools such as Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement available. Kittelson asked what needed to be cleaned up, the dirt? Boulton stated that the ground water had contaminants and that removal of soil would be a large part of the remediation. Boulton stated that the 567-page environment study was sent to the City Engineer who will work with an environment consultant to provide recommendations moving forward. Boulton stated that the Groth property has water and sewer access but would require additional street access. Holmes stated that he had concerns with street access through Lew Groth’s land. Holmes did not want to see Hill Avenue as the only street access to the property. Boulton stated that the developer would need to work with MNDOT regarding MN TH 60 access.
Administrator Boulton stated that the new City of Wanamingo website, www.cityofwanamingo.com is live last week. The new website is part of the City rebranding that started well over three years ago when the City hired William Weigel. The City went with Revize platform to build the new website. The previous website utilized the .Gov platform. Dylan Steberg with the assistance of City Administrator Michael Boulton uploaded and migrated documents from the old website platform to the new website platform. Residents will able to navigate the new user-friendly website with the improved platform design. Residents will also have an easier time accessing the new website platform through smaller devises, such as cell phones and tablets. The City of Wanamingo rebranding, including new City logo and brand identity (theme and colors) are featured on the new website platform, look, and design. City staff will continue to make additions and improvements to the new site in the coming months.
OLD BUSINESS:
Schaefer asked about the Medical Center discussion that took place by the EDA in December. Schaefer asked if Reckitt/Mead Johnson wants to purchase the Medical Center. Reckitt/Mead Johnson have openly discussed with staff a desire for a longer lease or the possibility of purchasing the facility. Boulton stated that the EDA was not closed to longer leases or entertaining selling the facility. Boulton stated that there were concerns with keeping a clinic in Wanamingo. Musselman ask if Olmsted Medical Clinic (OMC) had opened back up the Wanamingo location. Holmes stated that the clinic has not been reopened. Boulton stated that OMC continues to pay rent and the share of utilities. Boulton has asked OMC what their intentions are for the clinic and has not received a definite answer beyond working to reopen.
Boulton updated the EDA on Jason Grant Trucking proposed cold storage warehouse. Boulton stated the Jason Grant had just met with his bankers and were a go for construction in 2023. Gudknecht asked if Grant had spoken with Ag Partners on purchasing the recently split vacant land from the C-Store property. Boulton stated that he had informed Jason Grant of the split and advised him to speak with Ag Partners GM regarding purchase.
There being no further business Schaefer made a motion seconded by Musselman to adjourn the EDA meeting at 6:24PM Approved 6-0-0.
________________________ ______________________
Brian Gudknecht, President Michael Boulton, Director
