The August 12 Peterson Council meeting held discussion of several topics affecting residents, including amendments to the city code and an update to the lead service line replacement project. In addition to the council and Public Works Director Jeff Rein, there were three in attendance: resident Loren Rue, Planning Commission member Steve Paulson, and engineer Scott Huneke, representing WHKS. Absent from the meeting were Councilors Gail Boyum and Justin Simon.
The night prior to the council meeting, the city’s Planning Commission hosted a public hearing in regards to the code changes, which include revisions to the city’s Floodplain Management Ordinance and Zoning Ordinance. These revisions include, “amendments to allow campgrounds as a Conditional Use within the Agricultural (AG) District, along with related ordinance updates necessary to implement the proposed regulations” read the public notice of the hearing. The notice went on to stress the purpose of the hearing was to receive public comment on the proposed amendments and encourage interested persons are encouraged to attend and have opportunity to be heard. City hall also welcomed written comments submitted to the city clerk ahead of the hearing.
At the August 12 meeting, Rue asked what the process would be to get feedback from citizens regarding the campground, particularly whether or not a questionnaire would be sent to all households.
“You missed the public hearing last night,” responded Grindland. “We have a city council meeting every month. We advertise for the public hearing for citizens to come up and give their comments. Along with that, we said written comments could be submitted to city hall.”
He added that at this time, there were no plans to send a formal survey. Just five citizens attended the hearing. However, the Planning Commission will hold another meeting since it is not ready to present the final proposed amendments to the council for a decision.
“We’re going to collect a little more about the ordinance changes and have more information on what effect it would have on the city,” said Councilor and Planning Commission member Tracy Seelbinder.
“We would like more citizen comments, more input from people. We haven’t really heard much either way,” added Grindland. “We’re trying to make the best decision for the town, but nobody’s really given us their input. Please, contact city hall. Contact the council.”
“Overall, the comments I’ve received, from people I’ve met in town, have been positive. There have been a few concerns, but as expressed, please come to any meetings and let us know,” said Mayor Chris Stenzel.
Following the meeting, Grindland provided notice that the city sent out a questionnaire with utility bills this month, hoping it will further encourage people to voice their opinions.
In other news, the city is moving forward with seeking bids for the 2026 Lead Service Line Replacement project. The project is receiving grant funding from the state to cover all related costs so there is no cost to property owners.
According the Huneke, former Mayor Tim Hallum verified 75% of the towns connections himself. He’s proposing sending letters to the remaining residents to verify the remaining connections. The letter would include a service replacement agreement to allow the city to access the property and do the replacement. The intention is that advanced notice would be sent out for these properties, noting when the work would be done and to make appointments for those that would need them due to scheduling. It’s anticipated this would happen around the last week of August.
The replacement project is part of the state’s Lead and Copper Rule law. However, homeowners are able to refuse to have the connections replaced. In this instance, refusal would be documented and kept on file at city hall.
“Once this funding is through, there’s not going to be funding for people to come back and replace later. If you don’t do now and sell your house, it’s something you may have to do to sell your house. We’re just trying to encourage people to do it,” stressed Huneke. “I don’t think it’s a law right now, but I’m thinking it could very well become a requirement in the future.”
“That makes sense because there’s a lot of discussion about this topic throughout the state,” added Grindland.
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