Photo by Zech Sindt
Wykoff’s wastewater system, a possible new fire station, downtown improvements, and questions over city procedures were among the topics discussed during the May 11 Wykoff City Council meeting. Mayor Ryan Breckenridge chaired the meeting with council members Jeffrey Hare, Barbara Fate, Jane Baker and Missy Musel present. City Administrator Becky Schmidt also attended. The meeting drew a packed audience.
During public comment, one resident explained frustrations surrounding an RV parked behind the Gateway Café following last year’s fire. She said she believed the city had granted permission for the RV to remain until reconstruction of the building was complete, but later learned no formal variance had ever been issued. She told the council the business is now open and estimated they could move out of the RV and into the upstairs apartment space within 60 to 70 days.
The RV issue later resurfaced under old business. Breckenridge said he reviewed recordings and minutes from a June 2025 meeting and found the council had previously approved allowing the RV to remain until renovations to the café and upstairs were complete. He said if the council wishes to impose a deadline or change the arrangement, it would need to formally amend or rescind the earlier motion.
Residents also raised additional concerns connected to sewer backups discussed at previous meetings. One resident asked whether a sewer hookup under a dirt floor could be permanently sealed or concreted over to avoid future accusations of improper hookups. Breckenridge responded that inspections had already confirmed the plumbing connection was properly glued PVC and had passed multiple inspections.
Wastewater Superintendent Rick Whitney gave an extensive utilities report, including details about emergency preparations during a recent power shutoff involving MiEnergy. Whitney said the wastewater plant’s backup generator developed fuel sludge problems, forcing the city to borrow a generator from the city of Rushford at no cost while repairs were made.
Whitney reported that April wastewater numbers continued trending in the right direction. The city recorded roughly 780,000 gallons of well water pumped and approximately 790,000 gallons of wastewater flow for the month. Nitrogen, ammonia, and biological oxygen demand levels all remained well below permit limits.
Whitney also discussed maintenance needs at the city water tower, including replacement of a deteriorating screen and cleaning accumulated sediment from inside the tower. The council approved spending about $4,500 for the cleaning project.
Residents were advised the city plans to flush the water system Saturday morning. Whitney encouraged residents to run faucets afterward until the water clears and suggested homeowners flush their water heaters to extend their lifespan.
Councilor Hare publicly praised Whitney and his crew for staying overnight at the wastewater plant during the recent power outage to protect pumps and equipment from electrical fluctuations.
The fire department shared news that Wykoff has advanced to the second stage of a congressional spending request that could provide approximately $1.5 million for a possible new fire station. Fire officials said the request will now move forward for possible consideration in 2027.
Discussion then shifted to bids for installing new heating units in the fire hall. Fire Chief Mike Lund said Southeast Mechanical submitted the lowest proposal at $7,095 and was recommended by the fire department.
However, Mayor Breckenridge raised concerns about whether the bidding process had been handled correctly, noting that council-member Jeffrey Hare works for Southeast Mechanical and his name appeared on the proposal. He recommended tabling the matter until the city attorney can review possible conflict-of-interest and procedural concerns. After lengthy discussion, the council agreed to seek legal guidance before moving forward.
The Parks and Recreation Committee delivered an upbeat report highlighting several community projects already underway. Committee members recently organized a new Facebook page, announced a tree lottery for residents, and are exploring plans for a multi-sport recreation area that could include basketball, volleyball, pickleball, shuffleboard, hopscotch, and agility ladder activities.
Breckenridge also announced that the pavilion at the community center now has new concrete, eliminating old cracks and tripping hazards. The committee is also exploring horseshoe pits and fundraising efforts for athletic field lighting, with a current estimate of roughly $64,700 for the lighting project.
On the streets report, the council thanked Scott Nicholson for repainting downtown parking lines and crosswalks at no charge to the city. The council also discussed correcting a handicap parking designation near a downtown business after concerns were raised by a property owner.
Under zoning matters, the council denied a fence permit application tied to a property dispute, stating the matter would likely need to be resolved through the courts.
The council also approved a permit for another new construction home project, with officials noting both existing housing units in the development have already been sold.
The meeting also included discussion about nuisance ordinance enforcement tied to the old fertilizer building. Schmidt explained that several city ordinances were never properly uploaded into the judicial system, preventing Fillmore County deputies from issuing citations. She said the city is now working to correct that issue so enforcement actions can move forward.
The council adjourned following additional discussion of upcoming city projects and community picnic planning.
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