Sonnenberg named full-time city manager

Carl Sonnenberg will no longer be Waseca's interim city manager. Following a work session Tuesday evening, Feb. 7, the city officially extended an offer to Sonnenburg to take the position full time, which he accepted. 

He will continue as director of public utilities, in addition to his city manager responsibilities until a replacement has been found for that position. 

“I’m very pleased with the job Mr. Sonnenberg has done,” councilman Jeremy Conrath stated.

“You’re gonna need a new name plate,” Mayor Randy Zimmerman joked. “You’re gonna be sticking around for a little bit.” 

“I appreciate the vote of confidence,” Sonnenberg smiled. 

Big things are coming to Waseca, it was announced Tuesday, possibly a two- or three-story apartment and retail space at the city’s “marketplace location.” 

Jon Stagman, accompanied by six others, presented the Waseca city council with an exciting venture. The spokespersons with ‘REVocity, an investment group out of Northfield, has raised more than three-quarters of a million dollars for a Waseca Real Estate Fund intended to invest in the city. While the project is in its very early stages, Stagman and others outlined their plans and asked council members to consider giving their blessing, as well as to consider some level of partnership going forward. 

“I had the pleasure to sit in on a meeting with this group last year,” Mayor Zimmerman announced. “I came away ecstatic.”

“I’m ready to proceed with this,” Councilman Conrath said.

“No action should be taken tonight because this was not on the agenda,” Zimmerman stated. “I feel that’s just good practice.” 

Complications and concerns were raised regarding the city’s contract with Walmart. Under the terms of that agreement, the store may have veto rights on the plan in its current form. Stagman stated, however, that the REVocity group does have at least 10 other locations of interest for possible investments. 

No action was taken, but talks with the city will continue and a work session will likely be scheduled for a later date. 

The consent agenda included the approval of the Jan. 17 meeting minutes; payroll and expenditures; offsite gambling for Waseca Sleigh and Cutter; tax abatement for 305 22nd Ave. NW; an amendment to a MnDOT limited use permit; an annual solar report. 

The city authorized seeking bids for a reconstruction project at the intersection of Second St. and Second Ave. SW. Adjacent property owners will not be assessed to cover project costs. 

Council approved authorizing the Heritage Preservation Committee to issue a request for proposals. The committee is seeking a $20,000 grant and the city would act as the fiscal agent of the project if the grant is approved. The terms of the grant require a 30% match; those funds would likely come from the Waseca Area Foundation. 

“Connection,” is the Visitation and Exchange Center located in the Waseca Public Safety building since 2014. The center was founded with and paid for through a “Safe Haven Grant.” The grant process has become considerably more competitive and now is set to renew every year instead of every two years. City Manager Sonnenberg informed the council of this and requested permission for the center’s director, Penny Vought, to apply for the grant when the application window opens. 

The center is open seven days a week, including holidays, and services more than 100 adults and/or children each year. Concerns were raised about whether the center could continue operation if it is not supported by grants this year and in the future. Council members asked whether a non-profit organization could run the center and apply for the grant in place of the city. The council gave a “collective head nod” for the director to apply for the grant. A possible work session was discussed, but not officially scheduled for further examination of the topic. 

The fire department relief association welcomed a new president this month, Eric Cox, and new vice president, Nick Edwards. 

The bidding process for the construction of new t-hangers at Waseca Airport opens Feb. 28. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m.