CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, July 14, 2025 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ryan Holmes.
PRESENT: Council: Ryan Holmes, Eric Dierks, Rebecca Haugen, and Stuart Ohr
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Lauire Musselman
ABSENT: Council: Jeremiah Flotterud
ALSO PRESENT: Peter Grimsrud – Zumbrota News-Record, Brandon Theobald – WHKS, Brandon Lunde – Wanamingo 1st Assistant Fire Chief, Parker Erickson – Wanamingo Fire Chief, Josh Revland – Wanamingo 2nd Assistant Fire Chief, Aaron Johnson – SMIF, Breanna Kohn – KW Realty, and Jordan Markegard – Goodhue County Deputy Sheriff.
ADOPT AGENDA: Ohr motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Haugen. Passed 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Haugen motioned, seconded by Dierks. Passed 4-0-0.
Holmes stated that the Wanamingo 4th of July celebration was a success. Holmes thanked all who were involved with putting on events, especially the Wanamingo Fire Department/Relief Association, the Wanamingo Lions Club, and Wanamingo Commercial Club.
PRESENTERS:
A) Michael Boulton read the public works report:
1) Much of the last month was in preparation for the 4th of July
2) Sprayed weeds along parade route curb/gutters, downtown sidewalks, and parks.
3) Weed whipped and mowed around public and private properties leading up to the 4th of July
4) Mowed and trimmed along MN TH 60 & MN TH 57 ditch and utility poles. Mowed at the WWTP, community garden, undeveloped lot boulevards, and other various areas around town.
5) Coordinated Highland Sanitation dumpsters and brought garbage containers to fire hall for 3rd of July Dance/4th of July activities
6) Staff have completed street sweeping along the streets every two weeks and multiple times leading up to the 4th of July celebration.
7) Worked with Jason Bauer to put up and take down the Wanamingo July 4th Banner
8) Worked with Rural Water to locate service and pipe for replacement on Centennial Street
9) Street Shop rehab update – roof is nearly complete
10) Emptied garbage containers on Main Street; the goal is to check and empty the garbage containers weekly. The new garbage container and pet helper trash bag dispenser will be installed at the Prairie Ridge Estate park shelter this week.
B) Aaron Johnson, SMIF Philanthropy Director, reported on:
1) SMIF – Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, is a donor supported Foundation serving Southeast Minnesota
2) $170 million has been invested in the Southeast Minnesota region through SMIF since 1986
3) SMIF’s three main focuses are entrepreneurs, early childhood education, and community vitality
4) The main programs for entrepreneurs are gap funding and education
5) There are several training courses and grants for Early Childhood Education
6) Community Vitality – under 10,000 population grants for collaboration and belonging
7) Benya Kraus took over as SMIF President & CEO when Tim Penny Retired.
8) Affiliate Community Foundation Program – Wanamingo was first affiliate community foundation created in 1991. SMIF acts as the 501 (C) 3 tax exempt host for community foundations in Southeast Minnesota.
9) The City last donated $878 in 1997 to SMIF. SMIF is asked the City of Wanamingo to donated $500 to SMIF in 2026
Holmes asked what is available for entrepreneurs. Johnson stated that loans and coaching services are available. There are training sessions and classes available such as use of quick books. Holmes stated that it has been great to work with SMIF over the years. Holmes stated that the Council would consider the request at the 2026 budget meeting on July 28th.
C) Brandon Lunde, Wanamingo Assistant Fire Chief, reported on:
1) Presented on revised pricing based upon change orders on the fire department rescue pumper truck
2) The proposed rescue pumper truck was presented at the April 2024 Council Meeting and again presented and initially approved at the November 2024 Council Meeting.
3) The November 2024 approval had an initial purchase price of $1,046,948 through Rosenbauer
4) Truck committee has been working with Rosenbauer on build plans and change orders the past eight months
5) There have been five rounds of changes orders that have increased the price of the truck to $1,083,913
6) The $36,965 increase is a 3.5% increase from the original price
7) The truck committee removed the SAM System and added the Rosenbauer LCS, Rosenbauer Pump, and additional electronic controls. The SAMS system for controls is too far ahead of its time. The Rosenbauer system is forward thinking with electrical controls but is more realistic with transition in operations. The Rosenbauer system streamlines the entire rescue pumper truck to one supplier/builder for all parts and controls. If there is an issue, Rosenbauer will service all items going forward.
8) Additional bins were added on the top side of the truck. The bins are designed for specific tools to fit and not shift during transport.
9) Most bins on the truck will be outfitted with 120V power.
10) Receiver hitches for winch points will be added to all four sides of the truck.
11) Eliminated a number of nice to haves, such as signal flashing light bar (redundant).
12) Cancellation window #3 have a $15,000 payout.
13) Production is set to start in early 2026.
14) Seeking approval for revised pricing based upon change orders on fire department rescue pumper truck.
Holmes asked when discussion will occur with townships on the details of the truck and revised pricing. Lunde stated that the yearly budget meeting will be after National Night Out at the fire hall on August 5th. Holmes thanked the truck committee for all their hard work, time, and thoughtfulness into putting together the specifications for the truck.
D) Jordan Markegard, Goodhue County Deputy Sheriff, report on:
1) State of Minnesota will be allowing Counties to have the choice to allow rifle use for deer hunting season, starting in 2026. The County Sheriff’s Office will be gathering input from the public on the future policy discussion.
E) Breanna Kohn, KW Realty, reported on:
1) The purchasers of the Wanamingo School site building have a lease agreement to start moving into the property.
2) The purchasers are overwhelmed by the regional daycare needs
3) Continue working with staff on potential Tax Increment Financing (TIF), replatting of the school site, conditional use plan (CUP) for daycare (once ordinance change approved, and additional ordinance changes for mixed use zoning.
Boulton stated that he would send over the CUP application once the ordinance is approved. Boulton stated that the State required formal site TIF analysis from LBH Corp should be completed within the week. The analysis should aid with negotiating a reduction in valuation from the County along with eligibility and deciding whether to pursue TIF. Boulton stated that comments on preliminary plat had been provided from the City to Dave Rapp. Boulton stated that there is a scheduled meeting with City Attorney next week on language from mixed use zoning.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
Public Hearing - Mayor Holmes opened Preliminary Plat – Prairie Ridge 5th Addition Public Hearing at 7:28PM. Theobald stated that the City Council would be considering approval of both the preliminary and final plat for Prairie Ridge 5th Addition later in the meeting. The Prairie Ridge 5th plans were created with the original Prairie Ridge plat in 2004. This made the final plats and platting review process simple since everything had been previously completed. The Prairie Ridge 5th include eleven parcels. The City Council had previously approved a development agreement with the developer where the developer will pay for the engineering and improvements. The engineer’s estimated cost for the improvements is $226,775.25. The specs involved in the plans are similar to those used on other residential developments in Southeast Minnesota. Plans include erosion control plans. The road plans and grading plans match into the current development. There is a planned subdrain behind the back of the curb for future home’s sump pumps to be tied into. Holmes asked if the developer plans to construct improvements in 2025. Theobald stated that the develop plans to construct improvements in fall 2025. Holmes asked how the drainage of the development would work. Theobald stated that drainage for the proposed Prairie Ridge Court is planned to push water to the west out of the development to catch basins located at the entrance at Prairie Ridge Lane. Theobald stated that there is planned improvements to drainage by filling in a portion of lot 1 and lot 2 of Prairie Ridge 5th along with a low point near the park shelter. Drainage with continue to occur in this area, but the plan is to make corrections so that water does not hold in this area. Boulton stated that the asphalt ware course will not be completed until 2026. Theobald stated that this is a common practice to pave the 1 and ½ inch ware course of asphalt the next year to allow for natural settling. Theobald stated that maintenance staff should be aware of the lip when plowing snow not to damage concrete curb/gutter. No Additional Public Comments Offered. Mayor Holmes closed the public hearing at 7:37PM.
25-045 = Approving Low Quote Pedestrian Walking Bridge Ramp Repairs: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Boulton stated that private insurance has denied the claim. The City has submitted a claim under error/omissions through League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust (LMCIT). City staff and the City insurance agent were not aware that bridges are removed from items in the open. In order to have coverage, the City must request additional coverage and pay additional premiums. If approved by LMCIT, they will pay out 90% coverage and assess liability and, if necessary, pursue compensation. Boulton advised the Council that the general fund may need to cover the costs in the meantime to make repairs. Boulton stated that the ramp decking was burnt extensively weakening the structure. Boulton stated that the ramp is constructed out of actual size green treat lake lumber. Boulton stated that there are questions on actual size and nominal size lumber in regards to structure. Theobald had provided the specs from the ramp construction in order to assist with estimates and the eventual repairs. Theobald stated that he would follow up with the structural engineer that had signed off on the plans to make sure there would be no problem going with nominal size lumber for the repairs. Boulton stated that actual size lumber in the specs is extremely difficult to obtain and adds significantly to the cost. Boulton stated that Minnowa Construction, who constructed the bridge and ramp have the material. However, they had the highest of the four quotes ($20,080 Kleese Construction compared to $97,300 from Minnowa Construction). Theobald stated that the pedestrian walking bridge and ramp total cost was $167,000 in 2012. Boulton recommended tabling the resolution until the July 28th City Council Budget Meeting in order to check on the structural engineer’s option on lumber size and if it matters on structural integrity. Haugen moved to table the resolution until the July 28th City Council Budget Meeeting, seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
25-046 = Approving Preliminary and Final Plat – Prairie Ridge 5th Addition: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Theobald stated that the County surveyor may make minor changes. Once reviewed by the County surveyor, mylars will be signed by the Mayor and City Administrator. Passed 4-0-0.
25-047 = Authorizing the City of Wanamingo to Submit a Point Implementation Grant (PSIG) Application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (PFA) and to Authorize City Officials to Execute a Grant Agreement on Behalf of the City of Wanamingo for the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District (NZSSD) Volume 3: Wanamingo Conveyance Facility Plan: Haugen moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. Theobald stated that the four cities had received $10 million of bonding funds in 2023 that are helping to make the project shovel ready with engineering and permitting. The next step is to make the project eligible for funding sources such as PSIG. Theobald stated that PSIG had been funded in the 2025 bonding bill. Theobald stated that individual grant amount eligibility had been increased for PSIG. However, the legislature’s 2025 funding would not fully cover the four cities eligibility let alone other Statewide projects. Theobald stated that each community will be applying for their share of the project conveyance while Zumbrota will also be applying for the treatment plant. Passed 4-0-0.
25-048 = Approving the Revised Pricing Change Order on the Fire Department Rescue Pumper Truck: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Passed 4-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Public Hearing - Mayor Holmes opened ORDINANCE #211 - Amending City Code Sections 152.27 and 152.28 to Allow Daycare Business as a Conditional Use in Certain Zoning Districts Public Hearing at 7:49PM. Administrator Boulton stated that the proposed changes to the ordinance were in preparation for the former Kenyon-Wanamingo middle school sale and proposed use as a daycare center. Bob Vost of Kennedy and Graven put together the proposed language. David Jacobsen is in the loop on the proposed changes but has deferred any requested zoning changes to Kennedy and Graven. No Additional Public Comments Offered. Mayor Holmes closed the public hearing at 7:54PM.
ORDINANCE #211 – Amending Wanamingo Code of Ordinances § 53 152.27 and 152.28 to Allow Daycare Business as a Conditional Use in Certain Zoning Districts – 2nd Reading. Ohr moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Passed 4-0-0.
*Next City Council meeting on 7/28/2025 (Budget Meeting) and 8/11/2025 at 7:00pm.
Adjourn: At 7:58PM a motion to adjourn was made by Dierks and seconded by Ohr. Passed 4-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
