CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, September 8, 2025, 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Administrator Boulton. Boulton stated as both Mayor Holmes and Acting Mayor Ohr are not present the meeting is called to order by the City Clerk, which is Boulton. Boulton stated that the Council can approve a permanent chair for the rest of the meeting.
PRESENT: Council: Eric Dierks, Rebecca Haugen, and Jeremiah Flotterud
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Laure Musselman
ABSENT: Mayor Ryan Holmes and Councilmember Stuart Ohr
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, Brandon Theobald – WHKS, Beth Hass – Zumbrota News-Record, Goodhue County Deputy Matt Peterson, Dan McPherson, and Andrew Deziel – Kenyon Leader.
Flotterud moved to approve Administrator Boulton to chair the City Council meeting, seconded by Dierks. Boulton stated that Flotterud should sign the Council minutes and resolutions as longest serving City Council member present. Passed 3-0-0.
ADOPT AGENDA: Haugen motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Dierks. Passed 3-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Flotterud motioned, seconded by Haugen. Passed 3-0-0.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Pool winterized for season. The City hired American Leak Detection to see why the pool leaked significantly more that past years. There was a large leak in the return line to one of the eyes. City staff should be able to cap off the leak and cap off the eye.
2) Worked with Schumacher Excavating to repair watermain leak near the well house and ballfields parking lot area. The cause of the top of the valve leaking appears to have been failure of stainless-steel bolts.
3) Street Shop rehab project is nearly complete. Romans Overhead Door, LLC plan to drop off the two large overhead door and install them later this week. There is some electrical work that Shane Electric will be finishing up for the h-vac and upgrades to new panel into the building.
4) Trimming up retention bonds with rented skid loader attachment. Hand trimmed inlets and outlets of retention ponds.
Sprayed that stump of volunteer growth around the inlets and outlets as well.
5) Started to flush hydrants around town. The plan is to complete all flushing of hydrants by the end of the week.
6) Repairs were made to the leaf vacuum. The vacuum should be ready to go for the fall season.
7) 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.
8) 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) Keith Allen, State Representative 19A reported on:
1) Covering entire district – have attended and provided update at all City Council and County Board meetings
2) Last session ended with a budget bill for July 2025-June 2027
3) The legislature faced a $6 billion projected budget deficit for the July 2025-June 2027 budget. The final budget made cuts without tax increases and held harmless Cities and Counties from aid reductions.
4) A $700 bonding bill was passed in 2025 that focused on State items such as bridges, roads, DNR, higher education, and public safety.
5) 2026 is a regular bonding year. There seems to be consensus that community water infrastructure projects need to be a major benefactor. Allen is a member of the House Capital Investments Committee.
6) The North Zumbro Sanitary District request shows a growing problem of aging infrastructure. The gaining infrastructure affects potential growth, which could help offset some of the cost. Advised Wanamingo to keep telling their story as part of the North Zumbro Sanitary District request. Thanked Administrator Boulton for his effort in getting to the Capitol to tell Wanamingo’s story and help make the case for State funding.
Boulton stated that the Senate Capital investments committee will be at Zumbrota City Hall to hear about the North Zumbro Sanitary District request on Wednesday September 17th at 7:50AM. Flotterud asked if there were any major funding cuts at the County level. Allen stated that much the potential County funding cuts and shifts were halted as part of the budget deal. Allen said that the major shift stopped was one that shift funds from County transportation dollars to the Met Council. Flotterud asked how long Allen’s term was. Allen stated that he was elected in November 2024 to a two-year term. Allen stated that he intends to run for another term in the 2026 elections. Boulton thanked Representative Allen for attending the Wanamingo City Council meeting and providing the update. Boulton stated that Wanamingo officials were be in touch regarding the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District capital request this next session.
C) Goodhue County Deputy Matt Peterson reported on:
1) Asked if there were any concerns that needed to be addressed. No comments or concerns were shared. Boulton thanked Deputy Peterson for attending the meeting.
D) Brandon Theobald of WHKS reported on:
1) Emerald Valley Phase II action items are on the City Council agenda, including two Professional Service Agreements and three petition and waiver agreements
2) Emerald Valley II Addition was platted with the water and sewer mains installed. However, the development failed in 2008 with nearly all of the parcels going into tax forfeiture in 2011. The City has worked with several potential developers over the past ten years looking at ways to move forward to install the remaining infrastructure and get homes constructed.
3) The property owners (Dan McPherson, Patricia McPherson, Christine Lundin, and Shawn Anderson) have worked with Mayor Holmes, Council Member Ohr, and City Staff on a proposal for the City to lead construction on installation of infrastructure for the phase II of Emerald Valley
4) The City will assess out the cost to the benefitting property owners, while the property owners have agreed to sign petition and waiver agreements based upon the engineer’s estimates to complete the infrastructure.
5) The petition and waiver agreement route minimizes overall cost and risk to the City by not going through the MN 429 assessment process
6) The total engineer’s estimate for the sixteen developed parcels along with two city parcels will be $415,500 ($350,500 in construction cost and $65,000 in engineering). The City will cover $15,793.99 for the parcels along Nelson Drive where the path will be located.
7) Having the water and sewer mains in place help to keep the costs down on the project.
Boulton stated that the City has agreed with the property owners that the final bids need to be as close to the engineering estimates, hopefully less, in order for the project to proceed. Theobald stated that the City carries the risk of spending engineering time to put the plans together for bidding if the City rejects the bids for being too high. Flotterud asked when assessments would start. Theobald stated that the infrastructure would more than likely be completed in 2026. The assessments would be adopted before November 15, 2026 with the first assessment to be paid with 2027 property taxes. McPherson stated that he intends to pay cash upfront for assessments rather than the eight years and 5% interest. Flotterud asked how the City would finance the short term $416,500. Boulton stated that the General Fund will cover the short-term expenses. McPherson stated that along with the donation of land for future path along Nelson Drive he has donated four oak trees at Riverside Park, and trees to numerous neighbors. McPherson and the City agreed to Native Landscaping plan that follows State Statute and Wanamingo Code of Ordinances 90.01 and 90.02 (D) in Emerald Valley II Addition parcels owned by him and his sister Patricia. McPherson stated that there is an intentional and maintained plan for Emerald Valley II Addition. This plan includes hundreds of trees planted (requiring trees guards). The plan incorporates Hügelkultur techniques, Organic Biochar for bio-filtration and reduction of harmful runoff from the south, old growth forest techniques incorporating mycelium from mushrooms and fermented organics such as fish. In addition, there is a wildlife plan that incorporates bird houses to spread seeds, rabbit and other wildlife habitat to promote spreading essential mushroom spores and natural fertilizer along with habitat favorable to pollinators. Broadleaf annuals and Sudanese sorghum were seeded to provide cover in the SW corner to provide cover. Miscanthus grasses, Succulents Autumn Joy Sedum, Echinacea Purpura as well as other perennials were planted. In addition, annuals (Marigold) were planted in planters on several lots to provide more opportunities for pollinators. Soils are being enhanced through the use of Biochar, an organic biofiltration technique. This year the subdivision was selectively mowed more than previous years to promote growth of prairie grasses and eliminate noxious weeds. The results of the added mowing and management have produced better clover and well as more natural grasses. This prevents the spread of noxious weeds. Some select areas have been left to go to seed as the plants are healthy (not noxious weeds) and will promote better landscapes for 2026. Additionally, noxious weeds that have been removed were and will be turned into biochar. This process eliminates the spread of unwanted seeds and creates more surface area for biofiltration. The SW corner of the subdivision was not mowed this year in order for some prairie seeding to take hold. This also allows healthy grasses to root deeper in the soil. The soils in the SW corner of the subdivision are much more hydric and susceptible to run off to the north and east. The results so far have been very positive with native grasses overtaking noxious weeds. A substantial amount of tree seedlings has been planted with the taller vegetation providing essential shade. A scheduled prairie burn will take place in the spring of 2026. Flotterud asked McPherson who is his builder. McPherson stated that Bigelow is his builder. McPherson stated that the infrastructure bids are the most important to the petitioners for installing the infrastructure. McPherson stated that there are ways to keep costs down by storing material on site rather than long distance trucking. McPherson stated that he was able to building and sell a home on an Emerald Valley I Addition lot for right around $300,000. McPherson stated that this is one of the lowest cost new homes in SW Minnesota. McPherson stated that being hands on and keeping input costs down help to keep the sales cost down. McPherson stated that he has a dollar amount profit per home rather than a percentage profit that help keep sale costs down. McPherson hopes to market homes on Emerald Valley Phase II for $320,000.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
PUBLIC HEARING – Vacation of Certain Easements in Emerald Valley Addition: Administrator Boulton opens the public hearing at 7:12PM. Boulton stated that David and Sally Fredrickson have requested that the City vacate the easement between lot 18 and lot 19, block 2 of Emerald Valley Addition. Theobald asked if the parcels would be combined. Boulton stated that the owners intend to combine the parcels, but first requested to vacated the easement. Boulton stated that the owner’s relatives plan to construct a single-family dwelling on the combined parcel in the future. Theobald stated that since there would be one single family dwelling over the two parcels that easement would not be necessary unless there are existing utilities in the easement. Theobald stated that drainage easements are a place to shed water from adjoining properties. Kennedy asked if the properties were combined how the Council wishes to address the two water service lines. Kennedy stated that the service lines are a long distance apart. Kennedy stated that it has been past practice to join the two water service lines. Theobald stated that another option would be to remove the water service to the main that is not utilized. Kennedy asked how the Council wished address the services if the easement vacation and lot combination are approved. Council agreed that the services should be joined or the service removed, in order to keep following best practices. No other public comments were provided. Administrator Boulton closed the public hearing at 7:19PM.
25-059 = Vacating Drainage and Utility Easements: Flotterud moved to approve, Seconded by Haugen. Passed 3-0-0.
25-060 = Approving Combination of Parcels: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Boulton stated that the request was for lot 18 and lot 19, block 2 of Emerald Valley Addition. Passed 3-0-0.
25-061 = Adopting 2025 4th Quarter Maintenance Work Plan: Flotterud moved to approve, seconded by Dierks. Kennedy stated that tree trimming all around town will be a priority in the November and December, depending on snow. Passed 3-0-0.
25-062 = Approving Lot Split Request For Goodhue County Parcel ID 70.370.0170: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Boulton stated that Dan Torkelson has requested the split in order to sell five feet to David Davison, the adjoining property owner. Davidson’s garage was constructed roughly a foot from the property line. By acquiring the five feet Davidson’s home would conform to City setbacks and he would have legal access to the back of his property. Passed 3-0-0.
25-063 = Approving a Professional Service Agreement Between the City of Wanamingo and WHKS for the Purposes of Conducting Engineering and Inspection for Emerald Valley Phase II: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Passed 3-0-0.
25-064 = Approving a Professional Service Agreement Between the City of Wanamingo and WHKS for the Purposes of Conducting Re-Platting for Emerald Valley Phase II: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Theobald stated that the replat will include lots 4-9 block 2 of Emerald Valley. Dan McPherson is requesting to replat the south side of phase II from six parcels to seven, while donating land to the City for a wide path along Nelson Drive. McPherson’s parcels will be 65’ wide. Passed 3-0-0.
25-065 = Adopting Assessment - Petition and Waiver Agreement for Biochar Infusions, LLC Improvements: Flotterud moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Boulton stated that each of the three petition and waiver agreements will carry assessments of 8 years and 5% interest. McPherson stated that once completed he plans to pay the costs before they are certified to the County. Passed 3-0-0.
25-066 = Adopting Assessment – Petition and Waiver Agreement for Patricia McPherson: Haugen moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Passed 3-0-0.
25-067 = Adopting Assessment – Petition and Waiver Agreement for Shawn Anderson and Christine Lundin: Haugen moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Passed 3-0-0.
25-068 = Calling for Public Hearing on Development District Program and Tax Increment Financing Plan: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Boulton stated that the City Council has discussed the potential use of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) for the former Kenyon-Wanamingo school building for several months with the Council providing consensus on the need and starting down the process. Boulton provided a calendar for the modification of Development District No. 3 and establishment of TIF 3-2. Boulton stated that the public hearing will be scheduled for the November 17th Council meeting. Boulton stated that the professional service agreement with Northland Securities for setting up the TIF District had been signed by the Mayor and City Administrator. Passed 3-0-0.
25-069 = Approving Change Order No. 3 and Pay Request #10-Final to the Joseph Company, Inc. for the Well House Portion of the 2022 Utility Improvements: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Theobald stated that the project was delayed due to construction material shortage. The project then drug along because of punch list items. Boulton stated that the pay request is for final payment of punch list items and change order #3. The total pay estimate is $36,763.33. Theobald stated that $2,670 was agreed upon to be held back. Kennedy asked what the warranty period will be. Theobald stated that there is a one-year warranty period starting after approval of this final pay estimate. The City will be hiring Zumbro Valley Landscaping to complete the landscaping at the site. Passed 3-0-0.
ORDINANCE #212 = Establishing a Mixed-Use Zoning District in the City – 1st Reading – Boulton stated that City Attorneys at Kennedy & Graven law firm drafted the ordinance. This is in response to the request at the former Kenyon-Wanamingo school building and its intended uses. Boulton stated that the property is unique and does not fit well into any of the current Wanamingo zoning districts. The draft Ordinance creates a new mixed-use zoning district that will fit most commercial uses that the former school building buyers have requested. Boulton stated that the residential use (short-term apartments) request by the buyer is not included. Boulton stated that the attorney stated that commercial and residential uses are non-conforming on the same level of a building that is on the same parcel. Boulton stated that if anyone had questions or concerns to pass them along. Boulton stated if there are no questions or concerns that the Ordinance would be up for a public hearing and potential consideration of approval at the October 20th Council meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Boulton stated that a building permit application has been submitted by Kleese Construction for the pedestrian walking bridge ramp repairs. Kleese Construction plans to have the repairs completed by October 22nd.
*Next City Council meeting on 10/20/2025.
Adjourn: At 8:02 PM a motion to adjourn was made by Haugen and seconded by Flotterud. Passed 3-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
