Jon Willford gave a report for the Lanesboro Historical Museum at the March 1 Lanesboro City Council meeting. Sandy Webb has been the museum director for 10 years now, but is stepping down to retire and will transition out of the role. “She’s done a tremendous job,” Willford noted. “We’re really fortunate for a small community to have such a great museum.” Dan Rooney was hired to replace Webb as the director and was present at the meeting via Zoom to introduce himself to the council. Mayor Jason Resseman welcomed Rooney on behalf of the City of Lanesboro. “We look forward to interacting with you in your new role,” he said.
Chris Goodwin with Ayers Associates shared a time lapse video of the dam project with the council. “We appreciate you editing and putting that together for us,” Mayor Resseman said. The total cost of the project came to $3.9 million, which was approximately $150,000 under the expected cost. Goodwin said that the council can expect to see another pay request from Icon Construction at the April council meeting and then one more at the May meeting, which will be for the project’s final costs. “We have nothing but wonderful things to say about the crew with Icon and their interactions with the city,” Mayor Resseman said. A change order request for the project was approved.
Pay request #3 for the wastewater treatment facility project was reviewed with city engineer Brian Malm and approved by the council. He noted that work on the project will pick up once the weather improves.
Ambulance Director Deane Benson recommended that Mindy Albrecht-Benson be appointed to the ambulance crew. Albrecht-Benson, who also serves on the city council, was unable to attend the meeting as she was in EMT training. The council approved the appointment.
Geoffrey Griffin, a civil engineer and housing developer from Chatfield who recently moved to Lanesboro has recently begun discussions about the possibility of a housing development in Lanesboro in the Hillside Avenue area, with Mayor Resseman and City Administrator Michele Peterson. Mayor Resseman stressed that the city has not made any verbal or contractual commitments or agreements with Griffin at this time, but will make sure that all the proper avenues are followed throughout the process.
Griffin reviewed his housing development proposal with the council. He would like to build a variety of homes in different styles, sizes, and lots on the land. There is a road in the area, but he needs a commitment from the council that it will be improved before he can go ahead with the purchase. “If I’m going to close on the property, I’m going to need good access to it,” he explained. “My plan is that everything in this is to be served by city sewer and water.” He proposed using a pay-as-you-go financing system for the project, which will include approximately $500,000 of infrastructure. Doing so would mean that rather than the city footing the bill, Griffin would pay all of the costs upfront and make his money back as houses sell. He asked the council to allow him to work with City Engineer Brian Malm on the engineering for the road improvements and infrastructure and city financial planner Mike Bubany on the financial aspect of the project. Mayor Resseman noted that the housing development would increase Lanesboro’s tax revenue as that whole area would be annexed into the city. He also pointed out that there has been a persistent need in the community for more housing and growth which the housing development would address. While other requests have been made for changes to that area, they have all included costs to the city except for this one. “That’s what makes this opportunity unique in my opinion,” he said.
The development proposal was approved as well as a motion to begin negotiations with the township for the annexation process.
Mayor Resseman noted that there have been a number of comments and concerns from Lanesboro residents about people selling Kirby vacuums in town. The council tabled a review of the city’s peddler ordinance until Police Chief Blaise Sass can look into the matter first.
The council approved a motion to sign off on a letter of support for the SF50/HF212 bill.
Jane Kansier from Bolton and Menk presented the Imagine Lanesboro comprehensive plan to the council via Zoom. Approximately 200 responses were received from a community survey which were used to help create the plan. Areas of focus in the comprehensive plan include transportation, housing, utilities, short-term rentals, environmental resources and sustainability, and future potential growth. Implementation of the plan involves goals, timelines, and action steps. The council approved the plan as written.
The council reviewed the city’s COVID response plan. All meetings will continue to take place in a hybrid model of in-person with a Zoom option. No changes were made to the plan.
The proposed Rural Taxing District was amended and approved to include a property that had been inadvertently omitted in the original document.
A survey has not been able to be completed for the debris removal on Ron Amdahl’s prop
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