Swearing in, taxes, and an extension

Monday night’s city council meeting began with the swearing in of new council member Stacey Schroeder and was highlighted by a truth in taxation meeting and a completion date extension approved for SX construction, preventing thousands of dollars in fines for the late completion.

The final tax levy, including an effective tax rate increase of 1.5% is expected to be approved at the council’s final meeting of 2022, on Dec. 20. 

The night’s consent agenda included meeting minutes from the Nov. 15 meeting and work session; payroll and expenditures; payment to Met-Con for the Clear Lake Park Improvement project, and a resolution for residential tax abatement for 1121 11th Ave. SE. 

Two representatives were present to discuss the 2022 Sanitary Sewer Pipe and Manhole rehabilitation projects which are behind schedule. The sewer pipe project is expected to be completed by Dec. 16; the manhole rehabilitation is on hold until May of 2023. Controversy arose prior to the approval of the extension of the completion dates. The company HK solutions  was technically violating its agreed-upon schedule and, per the contract, owed the city $1000 for every day past the original completion date of Nov. 25. With the approval of the extension, the city essentially forgave more than $21,000 owed. In exchange, HK Solutions offered an extension on each warranty by 2 years. With a lot of prodding, council member John Mansfield was told the approximate dollar value of the is $25-$30 for each of the 8,000 feet of sewer pipe. Without the deadline extension, HK Solutions claimed the quality of the installation would have suffered because it would have been put in place under detrimental weather conditions. Mansfield voted no on the extensions, which the council approved. The sewer must be done before the end of the year and the manhole completed by the end of May of 2023. 

Council members expressed dissatisfaction that workmen from HK Solutions’ construction crews have blocked streets and driveways. A company representative stated the crews overlooked the inconvenience their work might cause residents, commenting that workers could have taken up less space and been more considerate 

The city received two responses from bidders interested in leasing the city-owned Lewer Farm property for a soybean crop in 2023. The higher bid was $13,328 from the Huber family. In a previous instance when the Hubers farmed the property, there were numerous complaints about corn stalks blowing into the city. Before they would officially accept the bid, council members requested that the Hubers attend the next meeting. Mayor Roy Srp said more than once that he felt the Hubers did not intentionally cause the mess the previous time; he suggested that, having been forewarned, they would not allow it to happen again. 

The city routinely advertises acreage on the city-owned airport farm for corn, soybean, and

alfalfa. The current specifications are for a two-year lease, 2023-2024. Quotes opened on December

6 and the city approved awarding the bid to Pinedale Farms in the amount of $188,000, an amount $50,000 higher than last year’s bid. 

Final payment to Wencl construction for the North State Street trunk water main improvements was approved.

In the city manager’s report, interim manager Carl Sonnenberg shared several updates: 

1. Finance Director Alicia Fischer is the deputy city manager, and should be contacted in his absence

2. There have been no electrical outings

3. Waseca County intends to reinstate its tax abatement program for new homeowners

Council member Jeremy Conrath asked about snow removal and was informed the city bills the county for snow removal provided on county property. There is, however, no billing for leaf pickup. Conrath raised numerous concerns that property owners outside city tax zones sometimes take advantage of city services, including leaf pickup. Conrath also demanded, at least, in the tone of his voice, that the rural townships using the new fire truck pay $10,000 toward its purchase price. Cost to the city after receiving a grant for the purchase is $13,000; Conrath claimed the City of Waseca will only use the tanker “1%” of the time. 

The fire relief board ordered three more friers after a successful test run in November. The department also approved $250 for “shop with a hero.”

The park board report included news that  the Clear Lake Park pavilion project will be completed in spring. Council member Mark Christianson announced that planning for the Gaiter Lake property is “not dead” and will be brought up in the new year. He also said he plans to encourage the city to sell the “downtown walkway.” This presents several obstacles and will be an ongoing discussion in the new year. The next park board meeting will be the second Tuesday of January, instead of the first. 

Congratulations were extended to new council member Schroeder. It was also mentioned that Tuesday, December 7, should be honored for its historic position as “A day that will live in infamy.” 

The meeting closed with a heartfelt message from Mayor Srp regarding his mother. An article  dedicated to his mother, and Srp’s impassioned message can be found in next week’s edition of the Pioneer.