Photo by Zech Sindt
Wastewater operations, storm warning sirens, park improvements, and new parking restrictions were among the topics discussed as the Wykoff City Council met on March 9. 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.
During the visitors portion of the meeting, Lyman Hare addressed the council regarding advertising tied to Wykoff’s upcoming 150th anniversary celebration. Hare presented an example of a promotional newspaper feature highlighting the city and said a half-page advertisement would cost about $450. In previous years the cost has been shared between the city and the organizing committee.
Committee reports began with an update from the wastewater treatment department. Operator Rick Whitney reported that the facility remains in compliance with permit limits and that recent testing showed no violations. The department recently ordered chemicals, treatment materials, and laboratory reagents as part of its annual supply purchases.
Whitney also reported completing paperwork for a grant application seeking approximately $245,000 to replace lead and galvanized water service lines within the city. Eight homes are currently known to qualify for the program, though that number could increase as additional lines are identified.
Whitney also introduced new charts included in the monthly wastewater reports. The charts track well water pumping totals, wastewater flows entering the plant, rainfall amounts, and treatment indicators such as nitrogen levels and wastewater strength. Whitney said the goal is to give council members a clearer picture of how the plant performs over time and how rainfall events affect system flows.
Fire Chief Mike Lund reported a quiet month for the department, with only one call involving a possible helicopter landing. Lund also said the department’s recent banquet drew a large crowd, estimating roughly 350 people attended.
Lund raised concerns about the city’s outdoor tornado warning siren after residents on the south side of town reported difficulty hearing it during recent tests. Council members discussed whether the siren may not be running long enough during testing to complete a full rotation. The council said it would follow up to determine whether adjustments should be made to the testing procedure.
Lund also told the council the fire department plans to replace the heating system in the fire hall and would like to install a system similar to the one currently in use. The council authorized the department to seek multiple bids and return with recommendations.
Personnel committee members reported there were no current personnel matters requiring action. Council members briefly discussed whether the committee should continue holding regular meetings when there are no issues pending but ultimately left the schedule unchanged.
Street maintenance reports were brief. Council members noted that seasonal work such as repainting parking lines and addressing minor road projects will likely begin as warmer weather returns.
Members of the community outreach committee reported discussing the possibility of starting container gardening projects as an alternative to establishing a full community garden. The idea would involve organizing a community event focused on container gardening with assistance from the local garden club or the University of Minnesota Extension.
Under parks and recreation, committee members reported strong public interest in recent meetings and discussed several possible improvements around town.
One proposal involved creating a tree distribution program for residents. The city has funds available to purchase approximately a dozen trees. Under the proposal, residents could apply to receive a tree to plant on their property. If more residents apply than trees available, recipients would be selected through a drawing. Residents not selected could still purchase trees through the city’s supplier at a discounted rate.
Council members said the program would allow more trees to be planted around town while limiting additional maintenance responsibilities for the city.
The council also approved moving forward with plans to explore installing horseshoe pits near the community center. Committee members said the area between the community center and the water tower could accommodate several lanes and provide another recreational activity for families using the park and playground area. Organizers expect the project would rely largely on volunteers and donations rather than city funding.
In another parks-related item, the council approved purchasing two basketball hoops to be installed near the park parking lot. Supporters said the hoops would provide an activity option for older children who may have outgrown the playground equipment.
Later in the meeting, the council approved a resolution establishing new no-parking zones along portions of North Gold Street and Fillmore Street West. City officials said the change is intended to improve traffic flow and safety in those areas.
The council also discussed several upcoming community events, including planning for the annual city picnic and a children’s Easter bingo event scheduled for later in March.
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