CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, September 14, 2026, 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holmes.
PRESENT: Council: Ryan Holmes, Eric Dierks, Rebecca Haugen, Stuart Ohr, and Jeremiah Flotterud
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Laure Musselman
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, Brandon Theobald – WHKS, Peter Grimsrud – Zumbrota News-Record, Goodhue County Deputy Caleb Juen, Jacob Vredenburg, Melissa Denckhahn – Hope Coalition, Grace Daiker – Hope Coalition, Olivia O’Connor – Hope Coalition, Jason Grant, Emmett Grant, and State Representative Keith Allen.
ADOPT AGENDA: Ohr motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Haugen motioned, seconded by Flotterud. Mayor Holmes recognized State Senator John Jasinski as the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) Legislator of Distinction. The LMC recognized Senator Jasinksi’s work on MN Department of Transportation policy changes in cost participation for local governments. Mayor Holmes said that Senator Jasinski was a champion for the North Zumbro Sanitary District receiving $12 million in capital funding this past legislative session as well. Boulton stated that he had spoken with Senator Jasinski on the recognition and thanked him on behalf of the City of Wanamingo. Passed 5-0-0.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Bill’s Blacktopping finished the asphalt patches in nine locations around town. First time utilizing Bill’s Blacktopping. They specialize in small patches and provide good pricing.
2) Prairie Ridge Estates Park basketball hoop light was removed. The light has a remote control to turn on/off but does not have the ability to set a timer. It was decided that the light be removed due to basketball hoop usage well past the official park closure time.
3) Replaced a “No Trucks” sign on 2nd Avenue and a “No Motorized Vehicles” sign on the Nature Trail. The “No Trucks” sign was badly faded while the “No Motorized Vehicles” sign had been vandalized.
4) Pool winterized for season. Before the pool was shut down the heater was repaired. There are several projects that still need to be completed, including removing the paint from the bathhouse floor and repainting along with replacing pool drain covers. Replacement pool drain covers are difficult to find as they are no longer manufactured. The pool drains that are currently/commonly utilized would require significant remodel. There is a lead on replacement drain covers. Theobald suggested 3D printing new cover replacements if they could not be found.
5) 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.
6) 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.
B) Melissa Denckhahn of Hope Coalition reported on:
1) Hope Coalition of Goodhue and Wabasha County
2) There is an emergency shelter in Red Wing while there is an outreach office in Wabasha.
3) Wanamingo was the first community to respond with willingness to adopt the proclamation. Hope Coalition appreciates Wanamingo’s willingness to spread awareness of Domestic Violence along with helping those that are victims.
Flotterud asked how many are served. Denckhahn stated that 100-150 are served each year.
C) Goodhue County Deputy Caleb Juen reported on:
1) Asked if there were any concerns that needed to be addressed. No comments or concerns were shared. Holmes thanked Deputy Juen for attending the meeting.
D) Brandon Theobald of WHKS reported on:
1) 2027 Sanitary Sewer & Utility Improvement Project action items are on the City Council agenda, including Professional Service Agreements
2) The City will eventually be part of the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District (NZSSD). The City assigned itself flow allocations. The City chose to allocate only current peak flows with the understanding that they reduce peak I & I to accommodate growth. The City has been working toward reducing groundwater inflow and infiltration (I & I) by conducting smoke testing, implementing the sump pump inspection program, and televising clay sanitary sewer mains.
3) Staff and engineers reviewed the clay sewer line televising. Staff have monitored flows during rain events and have observed significant increases to the flows on the sewer lines between MN TH60/2nd Avenue and 2nd Avenue/3rd Avenue.
4) Staff and engineers recommend that the sanitary sewer lines on the east side of MN TH 60 be replaced. The first phase in 2027 will be replace sewer lines and manholes within the ten blocks of alleys between MN TH60/2nd Avenue and 2nd Avenue/3rd Avenue. The second phase in 2031 will be to fully reconstruct the roadway and utilities on 3rd Avenue between 3rd Street and Beverly Street.
5) The 2027 Sanitary Sewer and Alley Improvements has a roughly $1.5-$1.6 million scope of work
6) The professional service agreement will include Gopher1 call to identify utilities, soil borings, special assessments process preparation, preliminary and final design of plans, construction administration, and providing final as build plans.
Holmes asked how many blocks of clay sanitary sewer lines are there. Theobald stated that there are at least twenty-two blocks of sanitary sewer lines in the core of town, both sides of MN TH 60. The sanitary sewer lines on the west side of MN TH 60 seem to be in better condition, not letting in as much groundwater I & I. Theobald stated that the Street Pavement Condition Plan (PACER) is also being updated. The original Street Pavement Condition plans were completed in 2016 and updated in 2021. Flotterud asked how the City would be billed for sewer flows through the NZSSD. Boulton said that the City would be billed for actual flows, which would include I & I. Flotterud asked if a large amount of I & I can be reduced with the proposed projects. Theobald stated that these lines show the highest flows during rain events. During smoke testing there was no smoking gun for drain tiles or roof drains anywhere around town. Ground water I & I tends to be made up of many little things such as separation of pipes, cracks in pipes, leaking manholes, drain tiles, roof drains, and other items. All these contributions can add up to large increases in volume such as Wanamingo has eight times increase in flow during large rain events. Foundation drains would be next to explore for I & I. We may try to work in televising service lines to check for foundation drains into the project. Holmes said the proposed 2027 sanitary sewer and alley improvement project is not flashy but desperately needed. Flotterud said that we must reduce groundwater I & I before the NZSSD is running and sending flow charges to the City. Flotterud asked if the plan was to wait to do street work until MNDOT completes MN TH 57 reconstruction project. Theobald said that the MNDOT MN TH 57 project is in their 5–10-year plan with no specific date or plans. The City will have opportunity for underground utility replacement and a say in the beautification process.
E) Jason & Emmett Grant reported on:
1) Working on potential apartment ideas for land south of Caseys
2) The ideas would center on if the Council would consider rezoning from I-2 Industrial to a zoning district in which apartments are allowed.
3) Looking at apartments/condos just South of Casey and/or storage units further south next to 9th Street. The apartments could be like those in Kasson, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, and Pine Island. The project could be phased in with multiple buildings. The complex could be 40-60 units.
4) Would like to gauge Council’s thoughts before moving forward with a plan.
5) There is a need for housing in Wanamingo and SE Minnesota. Mayo is looking at adding thousands of jobs in the next decade.
6) Would like to move forward in the next six months.
Ohr asked if low-income housing was being considered. Emmit Grant said they intended to have higher end units or condos only. Jake Grant stated that they did not intend to seek out State assistance for the project. State funds tend to have caveats for providing a certain number of low-income housing units. Ohr said that there is very little desire for low-income units. Emmit Grants stated that there are 8.5 acres of land that they own along MN TH 57 between Caseys, Riverview Services, Decker Power & Equipment, Hader Farms Trucking, and Jeff’s Welding/Concast. Flotterud asked which is more desirable apartments or storage units. Emmit Grant stated that apartments are more desirable. Flotterud stated that commercial space on the bottom floor could be desirable. Holmes said the Groth land along MN TH 60 might be a better location for apartments. Holmes stated that he would provide contact information for an architect, Aaron Thompson, that had been suggesting a similar project. Boulton stated that formal public hearing would be required to consider rezoning. Boulton stated that the Council would need to weigh losing potential commercial tax base and lots for residential usage. Boulton stated that it is extremely expensive to purchase land and put in the necessary infrastructure for commercial/industrial land such as being considered and then utilize it for residential purposes (potentially less tax base). Boulton stated that there are easements from the State along MN TH 57 that would need to be considered but could be utilized as parking lot. Boulton stated that a formal development agreement with the City would be necessary. The Council wished to hear more information, including sketches of site plan and potential tax base considerations.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
26-056 = Adopting 2026 4th Quarter Maintenance Work Plan: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
26-057 = Approving New Hires for the Wanamingo Fire Department: Haugen moved to approve, Seconded by Dierks. Boulton stated that a committee consisting of eight members, including six fireman, Councilmember Ohr and Administrator Boulton interviewed the four applicants. The committee and fire department recommend the hiring of Ariann Gonzalez, Matthew Gallik, Travis Burt, and Joel Benbrooks. Passed 5-0-0.
26-058 = Adopting Petition and Waiver Assessments for the Emerald Valley Phase 2 Roadway & Utility Improvements Project: Flotterud moved to approve, Seconded by Ohr. The project is nearly completed after the installation of the roadway and water/sewer services. There is remaining work to be completed with the installation of stormwater piping into the existing pond once the City receives easements. The total project cost is $30,407.24. The cost is being assessed to sixteen privately owned parcels along with the City paying its share on the two right-of-way parcels. The property owners are being given eight years to pay the assessments with 5% interest being added each year, starting in 2027. The property owners can pay the assessments to the City before November 15th to avoid being placed on the property taxes. There is damage to the cleanout pipes and drainage tile from the private utility installation from Xcel Energy/Minnesota Energy. WHKS and staff on working on repairs from the private utility contractor. Flotterud asked where the assessments came out compared to estimates. Theobald said that the original assessment estimates were $22,879 for the townhome parcels, $25,650.25 for the two larger parcels on the north side of 3rd Street E, and $27,035.68 for south side of 3rd Street E parcels. The actual assessments are $24,294.42 for townhome parcels, $26,585.44 for the two larger parcels on the north side of 3rd Street E, and $27,730.95 for south side of 3rd Street E parcels. Xcel Energy charged $56,600 to install electrical service to the development. The City included the cost with the assessments. Each parcel is eligible for rebate on the share of electrical costs if homes are constructed within three years of installation. The City would then reimburse the property owner once Xcel processes the rebate. Passed 5-0-0.
26-059 = Adopting a Proclamation of Domestic Violence Month: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
26-060 = Approving Professional Service Agreement with WHKS on engineering for 2027 Sanitary Sewer and Alley Improvement Project: Dierks moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
26-061 = Approving Minnesota Public Facility Authority Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Program Lead Water Service Line Replacement Master Agreement: Ohr moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Theobald stated that Levanen is the low bidder on the project. We are working with the State to obtain a master agreement for the Mayor and City Administrator to sign. There was indication that the City would have a copy of the agreement before the meeting, which did not occur. This will be a template agreement from Minnesota PFA. To keep the project moving the Council should provide authorization to the Mayor and City Administrator to sign the master agreement. Passed 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Public Hearing – ORDINANCE #217 – An Ordinance to Administer and regulate the Public Right-Of-Way in the Public Interest, and to Provide for the Issuance and Regulation of Right-Of-Way Permits. Mayor Holmes opened the public hearing at 7:42pm. Boulton stated that the City lacks specific ordinance language to govern private utilities that are not covered by Franchise Agreements for right-of-way work. BevComm will be installing fiber lines throughout the community and the City has no ordinance or agreement to protect City infrastructure. The City Attorney utilized the League of Minnesota Cities sample ordinance language to put together the draft ordinance. Since the August Council meeting, the City Attorney and City staff have worked through BevComm’s concerns on the ordinance and application. Bevcomm is working on installing fiberoptics lines throughout Wanamingo. The ordinance in consideration has those changes incorporated since the first draft was presented to the Council in August. Vredenburg asked if the proposed ordinance would prevent citizens from conducting work within the boulevards. Boulton said the ordinance only regulates private utilities. Flotterud asked what brought on the need for the ordinance. Boulton said that the topic was discussed when Midco installed Fiber years ago but agreed that the existing cable television franchise agreement would cover the installation. Boulton said that the cable television franchise agreement will not legally work to protect the City infrastructure during or after the BevComm fiber installation. Boulton said that the State Statutes and Regulations on franchise agreements are antiquated which has led to several pending lawsuits statewide. No further public comments were offered. Mayor Holmes closed the public hearing at 7:48PM.
ORDINANCE #217 – An Ordinance to Administer and regulate the Public Right-Of-Way in the Public Interest, and to Provide for the Issuance and Regulation of Right-Of-Way Permits – Second Reading: Ohr moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
*Next City Council meeting on 10/19/2026.
Adjourn: At 8:06 PM a motion to adjourn was made by Haugen and seconded by Dierks. Passed 5-0-0.
Signed: Ryan Holmes, Mayor
Attest: Michael Boulton, City Administrator
