Skip Langer and Angela White, Olmsted County SWCD, reviewed plans for the Whalen Valley Drainage Improvement Project at the city council’s July 27 meeting. Councilor John McBroom was absent.
White explained they are proposing two projects on the 247 acre watershed. Two fully grassed storage basins (earthen retention ponds) will be built; the north one on 14 acres and the south one on 10 acres. They will hold water back and meter it out so there is not an intense flush during a heavy rain event. This will benefit the downstream watershed slowing incoming water.
The basins will be built to the SWCD’s design, so they will be eligible for cost share. The total cost for both basins is estimated to be $27,680. The usual cost share program allows financial assistance up to 75%. Through the Root River One Watershed, One Plan (1W1P) the cost share financial assistance could be up to 90% of eligible items.
The city will be responsible for some minimal maintenance, including assuring that the tile is functioning properly. Brian Burkholder said for a maximum of $8,800 from the city (mobilization plus 10% of eligible cost share) problems down stream could be mitigated.
Langer, SWCD district manager, said the 90% cost share is probably doable for eligible items. The city hires the contractor and the SWCD board approves the contract. Work will not start until after the crop has been harvested. He expects the work can be done later this fall. Approval was given to go ahead with the construction of two retention ponds on city property on County Rd.10 at a maximum cost of $8,800 to the city.
Eagle Scout project
Jack Martinka described his Eagle Scout project. He plans to build five or six bat houses and wants to place two of them on city property, one at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and the other on a pole somewhere near Mill or Groen Park. The council approved placing two of the bat houses on city property as recommended by the Park and Recreation Committee.
Other business in brief
•The Park and Recreation Committee recommended the installation of hydrants in both Mill and Groen Parks. The hydrants with assist kits will allow water to drain from the lines eliminating freezing of fountains and lines. Rowland Well Co., Inc. will install the hydrants with assist kits for $1,270 each. Another hydrant will be replaced in the horse arena for $275. The hydrant work was approved as presented.
•Mayor Russ Smith spoke about the city’s day to day operations and the desire for some normalcy. City Clerk Joel Young said everybody understands the desire to open the Thurber Building. He recognizes how it can affect people’s personal security. Young said everyone who works in the building has their own lane. People are capable of working remotely.
•Young said there is an updated Preparedness Plan for the Thurber Building and the swimming pool. The updated plans were approved.
•Household Hazardous Waste Collection hosted by Olmsted County in September has been canceled.
•Young explained that due to an error made by Fillmore County, the city only received about 60% of the normal amount of the tax increment proceeds that the city receives each year. The city has increment financing agreements in place in regard to the Lone Stone TIF District and the EZ Fab TIF District. The city is required to pay the developers of these districts a certain amount of the proceeds it receives by August 1. Young said the city could pay the developers the full amount of its obligation before the county reimburses it. Fillmore County is in the process of recapturing money it sent out in error to other government entities. A motion was approved to make the full August 1 payment to the developers using some city reserves, assuming the county will reimburse the city.
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