CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, February 9, 2026 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, and Jeremiah Flotterud
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Laurie Mussleman
ABSENT: Council: Rebecca Haugen
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, Peter Grimsrud – Zumbrota News-Record, Andrew Deziel – Kenyon Leader, Kathleen Theel, Mary Peter Smith, Sara Fuher – SEMMCHA, Dan McPherson, Brandon Theobald – WHKS, Kara Ledbetter – WHKS, Nick Evert, Candice Evert, Randy Amundson, Nicholas Duda, Christine Lundin, Shawn Anderson, and Goodhue County Deputy Trevor Sullivan.
ADOPT AGENDA: Ohr motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Dierks. Passed 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Flotterud motioned, seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Plowed snow and salt/sanded streets after snow events
2) Removed old ventilation piping at shop. 2025 Street Shop rehabilitation project installed new ventilation system, rendering old system obsolete.
3) Ford Tractor repaired – steering motor rebuilt
4) Repaired two snowplows that were damaged during snow removal
5) Started trimmed trees around town. The tree branches are interfering with snow removal and street sweeping.
6) Have maintained the ice rink by spraying on additional layers of water to maintain the ice thickness. Warmer weather is coming and the season will end.
7) Working with Shane Electric to replace fluorescent fixtures and bulbs at City Hall, the Community Center, the Street Shop buildings, and the Medical Center. The fluorescent bulbs and ballast are no longer being manufactured or sold. Most of the fixtures can be converted to LED’s by replacing the ballasts and bulbs. There are some recess lights that the entire fixture will need to be replaced. Staff will be staging the change outs, starting at the Medical Center. The changed-out ballast and bulbs can be utilized as replacements until the next phase of replacements at each location.
8) Working on street sweeper hydraulic pump that is leaking.
Kennedy and Administrator Boulton presented a memo on 4th of July decorations. Staff have discussed potentially buying items to enhance the 4th of July this year in conjunction with the 250th birthday of the United States. A set of 4th of July banners 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.
Staff investigated options from Display Sales and MainStreet Designs. The quotes were reviewed by the Council. Staff recommend Main Street designs quote of $115/each for FibreFlex 3 Bracket with Permanent Banding along with 24” x 71 Stock Premium MainStreet Fabric Banner “Any Designs” for $130/each. They have three-year warranty with an eight-year life span. It is recommended that the City also purchase the banding tool for roughly $145. The total estimated cost is $4,350 plus shipping. Display Sales estimate for similar recommendation would be $5,723 (shipping included - $201).
Display Sales has a two-three-week lead time from order to delivery. Staff recommended that the Council review the recommendation for a month. The item will be placed on the March 9th City Council agenda.
Flotterud asked what the status of the salt/sand pile is for the City. Kennedy stated that the City ordered 25 tons of salt for the 2025-2026 season. The City started the season with more than 25 tons of salt on hand. There are roughly 20 tons of salt remaining. Goodhue County has delivered the sand mix as needed for the City.
Mayor Holmes asked about cold mix patching. Kennedy stated that the City no longer gets the cold mix for free from the County/State. The County/State no longer utilizes cold mix. Kennedy stated that he is pricing bags of cold mix, with possibly purchasing a pallet for better pricing. Kennedy stated that the winter has been hard on the roads with potholes appearing citywide.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
Public Hearings – Easement Vacation Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, Block 2 and Lot 5 Block 1 Emerald Valley Subdivision/ Preliminary and Final Plat of Emerald Valley 2nd Addition: Mayor Holmes opened the joint public hearing at 7:08PM. Theobald presented the proposed Emerald Valley Phase 2 project. There area in question was platted in 2005 with water and sewer lines installed. The area has remained undeveloped since. Emerald Valley Phase 2 is a City-led development. Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 Block 1 have five-foot utility and drainage easement around each of the parcels. To reconfigure the parcels from 80 feet to 67 feet the existing easements need to be vacated. This will add a new buildable parcel along with Outlot A & B parcel(s) for future path. Theobald stated that new five-foot easements would be placed on the new parcels. Theobald stated that there are City plans and specifications for Emerald Valley Phase 2 improvements that the Council will consider later in the meeting. If approved, advertisements for bids will go out February 11th, bids will be opened March 4th, and low bid will be awarded at the March 9th City Council meeting. Theel asked about the area in question for the proposed improvements. Theobald stated 3rd Avenue from Nelson Drive to where the road starts (700 & 800 blocks). Theobald stated that a gravel turnaround would be added on Nelson Drive for traffic considerations. Smith asked how wide the new lots would be. Theobald stated that the new lots will be 67 feet (from 80 feet) on the south side of the road and remain 50 feet on the north side of the road. Duda asked if 3rd Avenue would be extended all the way through. Theobald said that 3rd Avenue would end at Nelson Drive with a gravel cul-de-sac. Smith asked what the taxpayer impact would be. Theobald stated that the City would be paying the upfront construction costs and then assessing those costs back onto the benefitting properties. The property owners have all signed petitions and waiver agreements. McPherson’s have agreed to pay their share when the improvements are made. The parcels will have additional value with the improvements. Once homes are constructed, additional property tax valuation will be added to the community. Theel asked if the development will have park space. Boulton stated that Emerald Valley was originally platted with park space where the community garden is located. Theobald stated that the City owns four parcels dedicated to park space in the community garden area of Emerald Valley subdivision. Duda asked where work would take place. McPherson stated that the staging could take place on his other lots adjacent to the Emerald Valley Phase 2. McPhersons stated that he has been improving the land by planting trees, utilizing biofiltration, and planting succulents. McPherson stated that he plans to donate Outlots A & B to the City for future path. He will be donating trees for the path that he has planted within the development. The improved park will add value to the City and development. McPherson stated that he plans to add sidewalk path the rest of the way on 3rd Avenue for a future phase of Emerald Valley. Theobald stated that he would add construction access off Nelson Drive and not 3rd Avenue for the plans and contract. Theobald stated that the construction work will include underground work for water/sewer services, storm drain behind back of curb, and storm sewer. Flotterud asked what type of houses could be constructed on the lots. McPherson stated that Bigelow would be the builder and the slab on grades, two story, and egress splits are planned, depending on the lot and grading plan. Amundson stated that he farms land sounding the development. Amundson stated that he has access along Diamond Path, but would like to continue access his fields. McPherson stated that he would continue to work with Amundson on access. Amundson asked how many storm sewer catch basins would be added. Theobald stated that two storm sewer catch basins were proposed to be added. Amundson stated that he has maintenance concerns with the ponds on his property. He asked if an agreement for maintenance with the City would be put together. Boulton stated that the City will be working with Amundson to obtain maintenance easements for the ponds. McPherson stated that Diamond Path would need to be re-platted in the future as the current configuration creates several issues. Flotterud asked if Christine Lundin/Shawn Anderson had concerns as the other property owners involved with the development. Lundin and Anderson stated that they have no concerns. Flotterud stated that the development already has infrastructure, including water/sewer mains that cost the City/residents money in the past to install. Flotterud said it will be positive to construct the remaining infrastructure and build homes. This will generate property taxes and utility rates to offset the original investment. Theobald stated that the City is in control of the improvements project. McPherson stated that he intends to pay cash for his and his sister’s share of the improvements. Flotterud asked what the total cost of the project is and how Boulton intended to finance the cost. Theobald stated that the project cost is a little over $400,000 with all but $15,000 being assessed to benefitting properties. Boulton stated that the general fund would finance the project until either being reimbursed or paid back through assessments. Flotterud asked McPherson what the intended home pricing listing would be. McPherson stated that the home prices would start as low as $324,000. McPherson stated that his goal is to keep costs down. Flotterud stated at those prices the homes should sell fast. Flotterud and Holmes expressed their appreciation for the nice turnout by the public and encouraged them to attend future Council meetings. Mayor Holmes closed the joint public hearing at 7:35PM.
26-007 = Accepting 2025 Employee Reviews: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
26-008 = Adopting a Proclamation for School Bus Driver Appreciation Day: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Dierks. Holmes stated the importance of recognizing the bus drivers for the important job they do in transporting school age children safely. Dierks stated that he had learned some of the KW drivers put on 90 miles each day for their morning/evening routes. Passed 4-0-0.
26-009 = Approving Hiring a Part-Time Pool Manager and a Part-Time Assistant Pool Manager: Flotterud moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Holmes appreciated Jake Wieme agreeing to continue as the pool manager for 2026. The City is still looking for an adult assistance manager. Passed 4-0-0.
26-010 = Approving Tobacco License for Dollar General: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
26-011 = Approving Easement Vacation for Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 Block 2 and Lot 5 Block 1 Emerald Valley Subdivision: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. Passed 4-0-0.
26-012 = Approving Preliminary and Final Plat of Emerald Valley 2nd Addition: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. Passed 4-0-0.
26-013 = Approving Final Plans and Specifications for Emerald Valley 2nd Addition and Call to Advertise for Bids: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. Theobald stated that the project has a tentative end of July completion. Theobald stated that he would speak with contractors to see if it is reasonable. If the consensus shows the completion date is not reasonable it will be adjusted. McPherson stated that end of July completion would be ideal but is open to later date for better pricing. Passed 4-0-0.
Fuher stated the SEMMCHRA and the City have been working on the SCDP grant for well over a year. In October 2025 the City was awarded $345,000 to rehab twelve owner/occupied homes. Each project is for up to $25,000 with a seven-year forgivable loan. The funds are scheduled to be released in Aril. It will take roughly 3-4 weeks to process the application. Fuher stated that radon testing requirement is new with the program. Holmes asked if the program had a map of eligible area. Fuher stated that the program is City-wide. Flotterud asked who could apply. Fuher stated that owner occupied homes are eligible with income guidelines – 1 person $59,750 and 2 person $68,300. Fuher stated that the income guidelines will increase later this year.
26-014 = To Enter into an Administrative Contract With the Southern Minnesota Muti-County Housing and Redevelopment Authority: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Dierks. Holmes stated that it will be great for the community to have these funds available. Passed 4-0-0.
26-015 = Adopting a Civil Rights Excessive Force Policy: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. Flotterud shared his concerns that the policy should not pertain to the City since it contracts policing to the County. Fuher stated that all required paperwork, including the civil rights excessive force policy, need to be adopted to release the funds. Sullivan stated that the County Sheriff’s office has a use of force policy that adheres to known constitutional standards. Flotterud asked if the City Attorney had been consulted. Boulton stated that the City Attorney stated that if you wish to receive the funds that you need to agree to the standards. Passed 4-0-0.
26-016 = Adopting a Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan (Policy): Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Flotterud. Passed 4-0-0.
26-017 = Authoring the Release of Funds on Behalf of the City of Wanamingo: Flotterud moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
HUD-50070 Drugfree Workplace, Fair Housing Plan, Section 3 Plan, Rehabilitation Standards, Policies & Procedures - Owner-Occupied HSG. Rehab, Walk Away Policy, Grantee Summary Sheet, Grant Chart, Timeline, and Post Grant Admin. Contract: Dierks moved to approve various required SCDP grant requirements, seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Public Hearing – ORDINANCE #215 – Amending Section 111.5 (B) of the Wanamingo Code of Ordinances Regulating the Sale of Intoxicating Liquor and Wine: Mayor Holmes opened the public hearing at 8:05PM. Boulton stated in December 2025 Barney Nesseth requested that the Council consider removing the Responsible Beverage Server Training requirement within Wanamingo Code of Ordinance 111.5(B). Nesseth had concerns with cost of the formal training and requirements for additional reporting for new employees throughout the year. There was SHIP grant funding provided for training the first few years after the ordinance was first approved. The SHIP grant funding is no longer available, placing the cost on the bar owner. Nesseth stated that formal online training was costing him several hundred dollars yearly. Nesseth said that training the employees was in the best interest of the Bar owner and that the City had no skin in the game if bar employees were in violation of server requirements. Nesseth said that training could be completed in a less formal and costly manner. Boulton stated that the ordinance had been put in place after lobbying from County SHIP program in 2007. The Council had asked for legal advice from the City Attorney, David Jacobsen, on whether the requirement is needed to stay in place. Jacobsen provided a written legal opinion that the Responsible Beverage Service Training is not required by Minnesota law. Many cities make this mandatory by ordinance under their authority to further restrict licensing under Minn. Stat. 340A.509. Some cities offer a discount on liquor license fees if the licensee provides proof that all employees have undergone training. Also, it appears that many liquor licensees are required or offered discounts by their insurance carriers for dram shop liability purposes. It also seems like there are also plenty of online resources that might be a bit cheaper with some advertising costs under $10/employee. The Ordinance had a first reading in January with the Council wishing to move forward in rescinding the training requirement. Flotterud said that he does not want the City in the middle of enforcement. Flotterud stated that the City may need to produce records in the future and could create liability keeping the ordinance. Mayor Holmes closed the public hearing at 8:10PM.
ORDINANCE #215 - Amending Section 111.5 (B) of the Wanamingo Code of Ordinances Regulating the Sale of Intoxicating Liquor and Wine: Flotterud moved to approve, seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
The City Council reviewed the 2024 & 2025 swimming pool financials for comparisons. In 2024 the swimming pool brought in $17,591.58 in revenue compared with $16,395.18 in 2025 revenue. In 2024 the swimming pool had $63,550.85 in expenses compared with $65,358.59 in 2025 expenses. The swimming pool lost $45,959.27 in 2024 compared with $48,963.41 in 2025. The losses are funded by the general fund. Utilities were higher in 2025 compared to 2024. Wages were higher in 2025 compared to 2024. Lesson and Passes Income was down in 2025 compared to 2024.
*Fire Department annual vintage snowmobile ride and show, bean bag tournament, and chili feed will take place 3/7/2026. 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 2026.
*Next City Council meeting on 3/9/2026 at 7:00pm.
Adjourn: At 8:15PM a motion to adjourn was made by Ohr and seconded by Dierks. Passed 4-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
