The most notable topic was the proposal by a resident, Chris Hanky, to rezone a lot on Gram Street from residential to industrial for the construction of storage sheds. The lot, adjacent to Anderson’s Truck Shop, currently houses a rental property owned by Hanky’s family. Hanky outlined plans to build three storage units to accommodate small businesses or individuals needing space for items such as boats, referencing a similar successful operation in Medford, Minnesota.

The council expressed initial support for the rezoning, recognizing the potential community benefits, including small business stimulation. However, they emphasized the need to adhere to zoning regulations, including consulting with the county and holding a public hearing. There was a particular concern for the long-time resident in the existing house.

Another discussion involved the city’s ongoing water and sewer challenges. The council heard updates on the 2024 Halliday Street sanitary sewer project, noting that manholes were in production and a preconstruction meeting was planned. Additionally, there was disappointment over the failure of the state bonding bill, which affected funding for infrastructure projects, including South Halliday Street reconstruction and a new water treatment facility. The council was encouraged to maintain dialogue with state representatives to advocate for future funding, highlighting the broader impact on smaller communities.

In parallel, the meeting addressed drainage issues at the intersection of Hulk Street and Willard Street, where erosion and water flow concerns were discussed. A temporary solution involving excavation and erosion control was approved.

The city’s water and sewer rates were scrutinized, with a proposal to adjust them to better reflect actual usage and demand. A representative from Rural Water shared insights from an analysis suggesting a slight increase in base rates to improve financial stability and equitable billing. The council acknowledged the importance of this adjustment, particularly in light of the city’s financial standing and future bonding needs.

Additionally, the council deliberated on donating an Itron unit to the nearby city of Milroy, which desperately needed the equipment due to their reliance on manual meter readings. A consensus was reached to donate the unit, contingent on Milroy covering shipping costs.

The meeting also tackled the issue of ATVs in town, with residents expressing frustration over noise and speeding. The council emphasized the need for reporting incidents to enhance law enforcement awareness and response.

Financial management was another focal point, with discussions on city investments, including a Minnesota Municipal money market fund offering a 2.12% interest rate. The council agreed to revisit fund management strategies in July, considering the maturity of a specific fund and the timing of tax receipts.

Operational concerns were also addressed, with the council approving the purchase of a new trimmer to replace aging equipment. Similarly, a malfunctioning computer system prompted approval for an upgrade, emphasizing the necessity for efficient municipal operations.