Council looks at planning, lodging tax

The Waseca city council met the evening of Tuesday, March 17. Since Mayor Randy Zimmerman was not present; councilman Mark Christiansen  led the meeting.

 

During a comment period, members of the public were reminded the Board of Appeals and Equalization will be meeting at 7 p.m. on April 13 at Waseca city hall.  “Anyone who wants to challenge the assessed value of their property should attend. Call the assessor’s number to get your property assessed as proof beforehand if needed at 835-0640. This is for the year 2027.”

 

Cindy Kolander, Executive Director for the Waseca Area Neighborhood Service Center spoke about the 45th annual March Foodshare campaign, which increases the impact of all donations area food shelves receive through April 6. She spoke of the great work that area scouts have done. The food shelf is still looking for donations, food and cash is accepted and cash is tax deductible.

 

The city has been approached by a group of people who would like to see the ice skating area in Trowbridge Park improved and updated. 

 

Regarding city facilities, it was mentioned that people wishing to reserve a park or a facility can use an online resource. Council member Christiansen stated reservations are live online, and are open and inexpensive. “Check it out, all Waseca parks are in there including the water park.” Speaking about the water park, said Christiansen, “We’re currently looking for people to work at the water park for the summer, 15 and 16 years old can apply, we have open positions.”

 

A public hearing was held to receive input regarding the proposed changes to the city’s comprehensive plan, a 60-page summary which covers planning and zoning practices, steps for handling growth, and intended upgrades and improvements. City Engineer Nate Willey was there to answer questions for the public hearing portion of the meeting. The Comprehensive plan can be found at the Waseca City website for those interested.

 

The council also held a public hearing regarding changes to the way the city collects lodging taxes, for example for short-term stays at hotels and other facilities. Alicia Fischer, HR manager and Finance Director was on hand for the public comment portion. Currently Waseca only collects from three places in Waseca. She observed there may be as many as a dozen Airbnb and Vrbo rental places in Waseca which are not paying the tax. The lodging tax would be used toward the city’s efforts to increase tourism.

 

The consent agenda consisted of: Resolution No. 26-15: Coborn’s/Cashwise Liquor Violation and Finding of Facts. Setting a Public Hearing Date for Ordinance No. 1135 City Code Text Amendments, Ordinance No. 1138 Airport & Wastewater Treatment Plant Land Annexation and Ordinance No. 1139 Dennis Steffel Omtvedt Funeral Home Rezoning. Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for the 2nd Ave SW, Sidewalk, & Storm Sewer Improvements Project (City Project No. 2026-01, 2026-04, & 2026-06). Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for the 2026 Concrete Street Repairs Project (City Project No. 2026-10). Resolution No. 26-18: Amending the Master Fee Schedule Waseca Youth Baseball Association Tink Larson Community Field Concession Agreement. Engineering Services for Wastewater Treatment Plant Wastewater Treatment Plant Aeration Blowers, Phase 2.