New housing development inches ahead
Following a proposed schedule for developing financing for the proposed Gorecki Housing Project on Monroe Street, the Minneota City Council Monday night accepted a proposal from Mike Bubany, associate of David Drown Associates, Inc. of Spring Valley.
He recommended the council accept General Obligation Tax Increment Financing Bonds. The council authorized the Drown staff to submit an application for the funding and will continue to develop the Tax Increment Financing District.
A public hearing has been set for 6:30 p.m., Monday, June 11. “If tax increment revenues are expected to cover more than 20 percent of project costs, the city can offer its general obligation pledge without the need for a special election,” he indicated.
The major component costs and sources of funds include $596,657 in construction costs; engineering at $90,000 and contingency of $59,666 for total capital costs of $756,323. By subtracting insurance expenses and private activity the recommended size of the bond issue is $698,000.
City Attorney John Engels asked the council to approve the final plat of the Gorecki Addition. This includes all conditions, easements and dedications contained in the plat. The final plat will be filed with the Lyon County Recorder’s office.
Following the June hearing, the council can move ahead with development of the housing project. Utilities will be complete and building of housing in the area could begin by this coming August.
Natural Gas for Minneota?
We’re looking at potentially bringing natural gas to you guys,” said Jack Leighty of Minnesota Energy Resources.
“I can to ask if you think Minneota would support having gas here,” said Leighty. “It is a very large investment to make, so we want to look at it,” he said. Minneota has never had natural gas so bringing the product to the community is speculative at this time.
“We’re kind of in the preliminary stages. We really haven’t done cost studies,” said Leighty.
“The more support you have, the less the numbers (cost) would be for the customers,” he said.
“Right now, we are really in the very early stages of things. We will reach out to the school district just to see what kind of interest there is,” added Leighty.
“We need to get a gauge on interest in the community,” said Operations Manager Bob Danner. “We will try and get more numbers (to study). We just want to give you an overview of what we’re doing,” said Leighty.
Minnesota Energy Resources considers natural gas one of the most efficient and convenient ways to warm the home or business in the winter and to heat water, cook your meals and dry clothes year-round.
Steve Traen of Farmers Cooperative Association (FCA) told the council FCA has made a considerable investment in the community with its propane sales.
However, he indicated if the council decides to go to natural gas, “We would be like, ‘if you can’t lick ‘em, join em’, and we’d try to get involved.” Traen said his company would consider, “Being a partner in the natural gas business.”
He wanted the council to know where FCA stood on the possible sales of natural gas in Minneota.
If Minnesota Energy Resources determines there is a market, they would possibly move ahead with a feasibility study.
IN OTHER action the board:
•Was told by Police Chief Bill Bolt that warmer weather has brought a significant increase in alcohol-related incidents.
•Noted the Memorial Day Program and Veterans Park dedication will be held at 8 p.m., Monday, May 28.
•Approved hiring Gerald Bot as a part-time mower for the city. •Approved hiring pool employees: Head Lifeguard Kim Gades; assistant head lifeguard Kalley Kloos; certified pool operator Barb Knutson and lifeguards:Nolan Boerboom, Ali DeVlaeminck, Lizzy Gillingham, Anna Gruenes, Jared Josephson, Baily Kaas, Morgan Kockelman, Laura Knutson, Sydney Larson, Brooklyn Nelson and Emily Pohlen.
•Approved hiring Austin Buysse as groundskeeper for the summer recreation program.
•Approved zoning permits for:
—Amber Rodas of 402 East Third St. for a deck addition;
—St. Edward convent building for a parking lot and sidewalks;
—Abby and Joe Thostenson of Second Street for a front deck; —Richard Nuytten of 303 N. Adams Street for a four-unit Apartment Building.
•Approved a request to spray at the Sportsmen’s Club.
•Approved a liquor license for beer sales for the Minneota Mudhens at K. P. Kompelien Park.