Jake Leiser olympic wins honored

The July 21 Waseca City Council meeting was less than 30 minutes long and included only a few matters of business. As the meeting began, a reminder was shared that the Waseca Night to Unite will take place at the city waterpark on Tuesday, Aug. 4 from 5 to 7 p.m. Everyone is invited for free food, water fun and the opportunity to become acquainted with members of the city police, emergency medical responders, fire department. 

 

Mayor Randy Zimmerman issued a Mayoral Proclamation honoring Jake Lieser who was a two-time  Gold Medalist for the 2026 USA Special Olympics held in June in the Twin Cities. Leiser, who brought his medals with him, was present along with members of his family to accept the award. He said, “It was such a great experience up there, seeing all those contestants. It was a fun week that we had, the best experience in my life. I will be competing until I’m gray and old.”

 

Lieser’s medals were earned in the 100-meter solo walk and in shotput; he also has a silver medal in the 100-meter relay walk. Of that accomplishment he observed, “South Dakota beat us by a second. We had a great lead the whole race, but they changed their lineup at the last second. If our anchor had a little more speed, we would’ve gotten it.” Stacy Schroeder thanked Leiser for his work as a member of the Exchange Club. Leiser was handed his proclamation and Mayor Zimmerman joined Leiser and his family for a photo. Leiser turned 29 on July 24.

 

The council approved making final payment of about $42,000 on the $400,000 watermain improvements completed this month in Noetzel’s Addition, a group of about 34 residential lots located north of Clear Lake Park and west of Clear Lake Drive.

 

Council members set a public hearing regarding the city’s stormwater pollution prevention plan for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18.

 

Also approved was a joint powers agreement with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. The agreement, which is renewed every five years, is an arrangement to share information about law enforcement activities with the statewide agency, and so with other local agencies statewide.

 

The Economic Development Authority commission met and received a presentation from Jim Boerboom about his Waseca Coop, said Mayor Zimmerman, “They are now an official entity. This is still in the planning stages.”