On the agenda: Waseca meeting — Surveillance Camera (Nov 4)

REGULAR WASECA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4th, 2026, 7:00 PM
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
2. MOMENT OF SILENCE/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
Those wishing to speak must state their name and address for the record. Each person will have three
(3) minutes to make their remarks. Speakers will address all comments to the City Council as a whole
and not one individual council member. The Council may not take action on an item presented during
the Public Comment period. When appropriate, the Council may refer inquiries and items brought up
during the Public Comment period to the City Manager for follow-up.
5. REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS
A. Human Resources Presentation – Alyssa Rands, Human Resources Coordinator
B. Clearwater Preserve Phase 1 Project Update – Nate Willey, Director of Engineering
6. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Minutes: Council Meeting and Work Session – October 20th, 2026
B. Payroll & Expenditures
C. Set Date for City Election Canvassing
7. ACTION AGENDA
A. Resolution No. 26-84: Petition to the Waseca County Drainage Authority for a Project Involving
County Ditch 18
B. Resolution No. 26-86: Authorizing City of Waseca to Submit Information To The Minnesota
Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) And To Enter Into a Grant Agreement with the MPFA- Acquire
Land
C. Resolution No. 26-87: Authorizing City of Waseca to Submit Information To The Minnesota
Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) And To Enter Into a Grant Agreement with the MPFA- Sewer
Infrastructure
8. REPORTS
A. Commission Reports
B. Latest Approved Board and Commission Minutes
9. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. City Manager
B. City Council
10. ADJOURNMENT

Request for City Council Action

Title: APPROVAL OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Meeting Date:
Action:

Originating
Department:
Approved By City
Manager:

November 4th, 2026
MOTION
REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS
RESOLUTION
ORDINANCE
DISCUSSION

Administration

Agenda Item
Number:
Supporting
Documents:

Presented By:

•

6A

October 20th, 2026 City Council Work
Session Meeting
Minutes
• October 20th, 2026 City Council Regular
Meeting Minutes
Consent Agenda

Proposed Action: Staff recommends the City Council review and approve the
minutes as presented or with any necessary corrections.

BACKGROUND: Attached for your review are the minutes from the previous City Council meeting.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 412.151, the City Clerk is required to keep a "minute book" noting all
proceedings of the council. These documents serve as the official record of the City’s actions and satisfy legal
record-keeping requirements under the Minnesota Open Meeting Law (Chapter 13D)
Following approval, Minnesota Statute § 412.191 requires the council to publish the official proceedings or a
summary thereof within 30 days of the meeting. This process ensures that Waseca residents
remain informed and have access to the transparent discussions and decisions made by their elected officials
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council review and approve the minutes as presented or
with any necessary corrections.

MINUTES
WASECA CITY COUNCIL
WORK SESSION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20th, 2026, 6:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER
The Waseca City Council Work Session was called to order by Mayor Zimmerman at 6:30 pm.
ROLL CALL
Councilmembers Present: Mayor Randy Zimmerman
Daren Arndt
Jeremy Conrath
James Ebertowski

Mark Christiansen
Gary Conrath
Stacey Schroeder

Staff Present: Carl Sonnenberg, City Manager/Utilities & Public Works Director
Nathan Willey, City Engineer
Julia Zuehlke, City Clerk
PURPOSE
Governmental Capital Work Session
CONVERSATION
City Manager Carl Sonnenberg presented information on the Governmental Capital Work Session:
• Streets/Roadways/Sidewalks
o 2027 Projects
▪ Annual Crack Seal & Seal Coat - $130,000 (includes $10,000 city engr)
▪ Annual Sidewalk Repair Program - $60,000 (includes $10,000 city engr)
▪ Street Enhancement Projects - $160,000 (no city engr—all asphalt)
▪ 5th Ave SW Concrete Rehabilitation 4th St to S.State - $50,000 (all engr)
• 2028 construction with LRIP grant award—awards are made Spring 2027
▪ City Street Rehabilitation – NW Quadrant - $675,000 (State grant-LRIP)
• Second St. NW, 11th to High School
▪ Downtown Brick Paver Replacement - $70,000 (materials only w/city staff)
• North State—east side and north side planned two-year project
o 2027-2031 5-year Expenditure Average = $992,000
• Facilities/Parking Lots
o 2027 Projects
▪ Library – Wall & Window Replacement - $50,000
▪ Maplewood Park Driveway & Storm Sewer - $50,000
▪ Parks Parking Lot Rehabilitation - $30,000 ($5,000 city engr)
o 2027-2031 5-year Expenditure Average - $26,000
• Parks and Trails
o 2027 Projects
o Clear Lake Trail Rehabilitation - $75,000
o Consultant engr for a 2028 grant project
▪ $875,000 Mill/overlay 3 miles; 80/20 Transportation Alternative Grant has been
awarded at $600,000; city match $150,000 plus $125,000 engineered by RFP selection
o Loon Lake Park Trail & Basketball Court Resurfacing - $13,000
o Northeast Park Trails - $40,000
o Surveillance Cameras - $10,000
o Emerald Ash Borer Management and Forestry Improvements - $15,000
▪ Grant funded
1

•

•

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

▪ Multi-year Project
o 2027-2031 5-year Expenditure Average = $430,200
Water Park
o 2027 Projects
▪ Picnic Shelter - $15,000—Replace pergola—IF Rosenau Park Dedication Funding—ex.
Birthday parties
▪ Funbrella Replacements - $16,000 (2 per year)
▪ Other Waterpark Replacements - $35,000
▪ $20k boiler tubes + $15k interior floor repairs
▪ Facility Condition Assessment - $50,000
▪ Can the pool floor/walls last until the debt is retired?
o 2027-2031 5-year Expenditure Average = $137,400
Where does debt come into play?
o Current Levy Debt Projects
o Public Safety Building - $2,200,000
▪ Through 2035
▪ $149,975 final levied amount
o Ladder Truck Equipment Note - $2,150,000
▪ Through 2042
▪ $80,393 final levied amount (total levy would be $203,963, but approx. $152,000 was
levied in capital in 2026 to partially offset an increase in levy for the first two years)
o 2009 PFA Treatment Plant - $9,603,499
▪ 30% of debt payment
▪ Through 2029
▪ $181,271 final levied amount
o Water Park - $1,375,000
▪ Through 2033
▪ $105,025 final levied amount
Equipment Highlights
IT: $36,500 Server related equipment & server systems protection
ENGR: $13,000 Plotter/scanner for documents
FIRE: $84,500 portable radios, Lucas Device (2017), turnout gear, thermo camera—
PARKS: $80,000 Parks Skidsteer/Bobcat- Replaces 2019 unit
POLICE: $177,953 Radio system (800 MHZ), body cameras, vehicles, taser
o Radios $6,700 each, 26 total, 12 in 2026;$9,800 body camera total 19 + 5 fleet;
PUBLIC WORKS: $543,000 Loader, water truck chassis, asphalt tack distributor, leaf-vac upgrades,
bobcat, mini-excavator, pick-up
o $240k+$80k loader; $55k tack dist.;mini-ex grapple for brush

ADJOURNMENT
With this being a conversation and no action to be taken, the work session adjourned at 6:52 pm.

Attest:
______________________________
JULIA ZUEHLKE
CITY CLERK

______________________________
RANDY L. ZIMMERMAN
MAYOR

2

MINUTES
REGULAR WASECA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20th, 2026, 7:00 PM.

1.

CALL TO ORDER
The Regular Waseca City Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor, Randy Zimmerman at
7:00 p.m.
Councilmembers Present:

Staff Present:

2.
3.

4.

ROLL CALL
Mayor, Randy Zimmerman
Daren Arndt
Gary Conrath
Jamer Ebertowski

Mark Christiansen
Jeremy Conrath
Stacey Schroeder

Carl Sonnenberg, City Manager/Utilities & Public Works Director
Julia Zuehlke, City Clerk

MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER/PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A moment of silence was observed. The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Councilmember Arndt made a motion to approve the agenda, seconded by Schroeder; motion
carried 7-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Cindy Kolander, Waseca Neighborhood Service Center, 203 3rd Ave NW; shared that on Monday,
October 26th, they will be pairing up with the Knights of Columbus, handing out winter coats to
children from infant to grade 12. They are also still taking coat donations and hope to have enough
so no child who needs a coat is left out.
REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS

5.
6.

None
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilmember J. Conrath made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by
Councilmember G. Conrath; motion carried 7-0.
A.
Minutes: Council Meeting – October 6th, 2026
B.
Payroll & Expenditures
C.
Monthly Year-to-Date Financials
D.
Final Payment – 2026 Crack Seal, Seal Coat, & Striping Project (City Project No. 202603)
E.
Authorize release of a Request for Proposals for the 2028 Clear Lake Trail Rehabilitation
Project
F.
Resolution No. 26-74: Authorize Submittal of a Local Road Improvement Program (LRIP)
Grant Application for portions of the 2027 City Street Rehabilitation Project (City Project
No. 2026-02)
G.
Resolution No. 26-75: Authorize Preparation of a Feasibility Report for the 2027 City
Street Rehabilitation Project (City Project No. 2026-02)
H.
Resolution No. 26-76: Support of a Waseca County Local Road Improvement Program
(LRIP) Grant Application for County State Aid Highway No. 4 (CSAH 4)

I.
J.

A.

Resolution No. 26-78 & Resolution No. 26-79: Approve State Grant Agreements for the
Waseca Airport PAPI & REIL Installation Project (City Project No. 2024-08)
Resolution No. 26-82 Authorizing agreement between the Waseca Police Department and
MN Dept of Public Safety for 2026-2027 Traffic Safety Grant Award
ACTION AGENDA
Public Hearing: Resolution 26-73 – Final Assessments for the 2nd Street NW
Reconstruction Project (City Project 2025-01, Assessment Roll #287)
The Public Hearing opened at 7:15 p.m.
City Engineer received a letter reference 313 2nd Street NW, Waseca, MN 56093;
To the Waseca City Council and City Clerk:
I object to the proposed special assessment of approximately $11,000 against my
property in connection with the 2nd Street NW Reconstruction Project.
The existing street was adequate before this project. The project included replacement
of municipal stormwater infrastructure, together with other utility and street
improvements. The need to replace the City's stormwater infrastructure does not, by
itself, establish that my property received a special benefit equal to the amount
proposed to be assessed.
Pursuant to Minn. Stat. §§ 429.051 and 429.061, I request that the City identify the
specific special benefit conferred upon my property and demonstrate the basis for the
amount assessed. I specifically question whether the proposed assessment reflects any
increase in the market value of my property attributable to the improvements and
whether the assessment improperly allocates costs of municipal infrastructure to an
individual property owner without a corresponding special benefit. Specifically, this
property does not use city water or sewer (although it is hooked up to those utilities)
the property is used strictly for storage.
I request that the City provide:
1. The itemized project costs allocated to my property, separating street and curb
improvements from storm sewer, water, sanitary sewer, engineering, and other costs.
2. The City's adopted special-assessment policy and the specific assessment formula
applied to my property.
3. The feasibility report, assessment calculations, and any benefit analysis or
appraisal supporting the proposed assessment. .,,
4. An explanation of the grants, utility funds, and other public funds applied to the
project and how those funds affected the amount assessed.
5. The factual and legal basis for concluding that my property received a special
benefit sufficient to support the proposed assessment.
I request that the City reconsider the proposed assessment and reduce or eliminate it to
the extent that the amount exceeds the special benefit legally attributable to my
property.
Please make this objection part of the official assessment-hearing record.
Respectfully,
Property Owner: Steve Johnson and PR Properties of Waseca, LLC (Perry Berg)
Perry Berg was in attendance and asked for a conversation with the City Engineer regarding
the letter.
The Public Hearing closed at 7:18 p.m.

A motion was made by Councilmember J. Conrath and seconded by Councilmember
Schroeder to approve Resolution 26-73- Final Assessments for the 2nd Street NW
Reconstruction Project (City Project 2025-01, Assessment Roll #287); motion carried 7-0.
B.

7.

A.

City Manager Sonnenberg discussed the change in the request that was in the proposed
resolution: Tonight's Action Agenda Item 7B regarding the West Interchange utilities funding
opportunity, along with needing to work on rezoning the West Interchange area land has
stalled. Landowners along CSAH 2 (County Rd 2) have decided not to support the city’s
intention to create an Industrial 3 zoning district. Main reasons being not allowing retail and
the increase in real estate taxes. Not allowing retail is based on state criteria from the
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) for their grant
program, Business Development Public Infrastructure (BDPI) program. On the plus side, the
four landowners on CSAH 2 have agreed to the rural service district annexation; taxes will
remain the same under this designation. Met with one of the landowners and discussed a
four-acre parcel which could be a prime retail site based on development interest to date for
the current owners, but for the lack of water and sewer, and to jump-start overall
development in the area. In conclusion, pending council questions, I propose the council
votes to authorize the City Manager, by a yes-or-no vote, to determine an internal financial
package to fund this utility expansion project. In general, the internal funding option will
include a review of all possibilities, including General Fund Debt, Utility Debt, and use of
various fund balances to minimize the extent of additional city debt. Over the course of the
next many months, there will be continuing effort to seek outside funding.
A motion was made by Councilmember Arndt, seconded by J. Conrath to authorize the
City Manager to continue; motion carried 7-0.
REPORTS
Commission Reports:
Councilmember G. Conrath reported on the Historic Preservation Commission:
• True Reality is coming to Waseca, and the HPC approved their signage for 208-210
North State Street.
Councilmember Schroeder reported on the Tourism Board:
• They are continuing to work on their marketing campaign.
• Set a budget for a content creator visit.
• Reviewed grant applications.
Councilmember Christiansen reported on the Park Board:
• Reviewed accomplishments for 2026
o Approved another staff member
o Dog Park Shade
o Tree Management
o Outside Skate Park
o Loon Lake Park restroom doors
o Clear Lake Park landscaping
o Emerson Park landscaping
o Maplewood Park, parking lot construction
o Doodle Bug Trail for a bench donation
o Maintenance
• Looking at future projects
• Hanging flower baskets were bid out.
• Park facilities will be closed no later than October 31st
• Tires were painted at the dog park.
• 2nd Tuesday of November will be their next meeting at the Park shop.

Mayor Zimmerman reported on the Economic Development Authority (EDA):
• Had an update from ICS; they received good input on their survey.
• Passed an easement for Northern States Power on an EDA property.
• Good report on the outstanding Revolving Loans.
• Reviewed the 2027 proposed budget.
• A powersports business is coming to Waseca.
8.

A.
B.

9.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
City Manager Sonnenberg
• Received a letter in the mail; A review of the Waseca Police Department was done by
their governing body and they passed their review.
City Council Announcements
Councilmember Christiansen:
• The Art Center luncheon was very nice.
• The Art Center’s biggest fundraiser of the year is Saturday the 24th from 6-9 pm at the
Starfire Event Center.
• Hope the lead pickup is going well with the favorable weather.
• Treats on the Streets will be this Thursday.
• Nice to have Cindy stop by and give an update; all nonprofits are encouraged to stop
in.
Councilmember J Conrath:
• The next meeting is two weeks from tomorrow, due to the election on November 3rd.
Councilmember Schroeder:
• Treats on the Streets is this Thursday from 5-7 pm.
Mayor Zimmerman
• Go Blue Jays Football

ADJOURNMENT
With no further business to be brought before the City Council, Councilmember Arndt moved to
adjourn the meeting at 7:45 p.m., seconded by Councilmember J. Conrath; motion carried 7-0.

_________________________
RANDY L. ZIMMERMAN
MAYOR
ATTEST:
________________________
JULIA ZUEHLKE
CITY CLERK

6B
LIST OF EXPENDITURES
October 20, 2026

City Council
Streets
Parks
Wastewater / Water
Utility Administration
Utility Offices
Electric
Community and Economic Development
Police
Administration
Fire
PEG
Information Technology
Election Judges
Finance
Engineering
Recreation

4,250.00
37,287.90
17,706.65
13,168.70
9,275.60
9,357.49
19,728.16
4,179.27
85,458.87
3,053.90
15,292.31
417.12
4,596.27
10,095.49
18,234.70
293.40

Total Gross Payroll

252,395.83

*Less- Payroll Deductions

(419,655.33)

Net Payroll Cost

$

(167,259.50)

*These costs are included in Accounts Payable totals below
Accounts Payable
Utility deposit refunds dated: 10/21/2026
Includes check #'s 163318-163328
1,467.55
Expenditures dated:
October 16, 2026-October 29, 2026
Includes check #'s 163329-163354
Bank ACH Withdrawals……………………………………...………….
GRAND TOTAL EXPENDITURES

476,620.65
$

310,828.70

A detailed listing of all claims and disbursements is on file at City Hall and may be
reviewed upon a formal data request.
Reference: Waseca Data Practices Procedure and MN Statute §13.03

Request for City Council Action

Title: SET DATE FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTION CANVASSING BOARD
Meeting Date:
Action:

Originating
Department:
Approved By City
Manager:

November 4th, 2026
MOTION
REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS
RESOLUTION
ORDINANCE
DISCUSSION

Administration

Agenda Item
Number:
Supporting
Documents:

Presented By:

•

6C

None

Consent Agenda

Proposed Action: Staff recommends that the City Council set the date and time for
the Municipal Election Canvassing Board for November 10th, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

BACKGROUND: The 2026 General Election was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Following the
election, the City Council is required to convene as the Municipal Election Canvassing Board to review and
certify the official results of the municipal election.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 205.185, Subdivision 3, the governing body of a city conducting an election
shall serve as the canvassing board, canvass the election returns, and declare the results.
For the November 3, 2026 General Election, the canvassing board must meet between Friday, November 6,
2026, and Friday, November 13, 2026, in accordance with the applicable statutory timeframe.
Staff recommends holding this public meeting on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026, at 6:00 pm, in the Waseca
City Council Chambers at 508 South State Street.
The purpose of the meeting is to review the election returns, verify the results, and formally declare the
candidates elected to municipal offices.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the City Council set the date and time for the Municipal
Election Canvassing Board for November 10th, 2026, at 6:00 pm.

Request for City Council Action

Title: RESOLUTION NO. 26-84 – AUTHORIZE A PETITION TO THE WASECA COUNTY DRAINAGE
AUTHORITY FOR A PROJECT INVOLVING COUNTY DITCH NO. 18
Agenda Item
Meeting Date: November 4, 2026
Number:
MOTION
Action:
Supporting
• Resolution No. 26-84
REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS
Documents:
• Project Location Map
RESOLUTION
• County Ditch No. 18 Petition
ORDINANCE

7A

Originating Department: Engineering

Presented By: City Engineer

Approved By City Proposed Action: Approve Resolution No. 26-84 authorizing a petition to the Waseca
Manager:
County Drainage Authority for a project involving County Ditch No. 18.
BACKGROUND: City staff are moving forward with plans to complete a 2027 storm sewer improvement project
at, and across, State Hwy 13 just south of 22nd Avenue (see the attached “Project Location Map”). This project
has been named the “TH13/CD18 Drainage Consolidation Project” and was added to the City’s Capital
Improvement Plan (CIP) in 2025. The primary purposes of this project are to replace the over 100-year-old
County Ditch No. 18 (CD18) pipe crossing Hwy 13 and mitigate further erosion of the Hwy 13 east side
embankment caused by a 36” storm pipe outlet and failures in the CD18 pipe. Because this project also benefits
Hwy 13, MnDOT has awarded the City up to $300,000 in Local Partnership Program (LPP) grant funding.
The project scope of work will consist of reconfiguring the storm sewer and CD18 tile just west of Hwy 13 and
consolidating two (2) City storm pipes and CD18 into a single 48” diameter pipe crossing Hwy 13. That new
pipe will outlet into the open ditch on the east side of Hwy 13, which is County Ditch No. 44 (CD44). The old
storm pipes will be removed and/or abandoned.
Because this project involves the modification and consolidation of the CD18 tile outlet to CD44, the attached
“County Ditch No. 18 Petition” for the project is required to be made to the Waseca County Drainage Authority
(Board of Commissioners) for authorization to proceed.
If approved, the City would design, bid, and administer the project. The County Drainage Authority would
participate in a portion of the cost that exceeds the awarded MnDOT grant amount and be responsible for all
future maintenance of the CD18 pipe and outlet. The project cost participation and future maintenance details
would be part of a cooperative agreement presented to City Council for approval at a later meeting.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no cost associated with submitting the petition. Total project construction cost is
currently estimated at $450,000. As noted above, $300,000 in LPP grant funds have been awarded by MnDOT.
The County Drainage Authority cost participation percentage has yet to be determined. The City portion of this
project would be 100% funded by the Storm Sewer Utility.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Waseca City Council approve Resolution No. 26-84
authorizing a petition to the Waseca County Drainage Authority for a project involving County Ditch No. 18.

RESOLUTION NO. 26-84
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A PETITION
TO THE WASECA COUNTY DRAINAGE AUTHORITY
FOR A PROJECT INVOLVING COUNTY DITCH NO. 18

WHEREAS, the City of Waseca wishes to modify and consolidate the County Ditch No. 18
(CD18) outlet located at State Highway 13 just south of 22nd Avenue; and
WHEREAS, said modification and consolidation are proposed to be completed through a
proposed 2027 joint City/County/MnDOT project named the “TH13/CD18 Drainage
Consolidation Project” (hereinafter “Project”); and
WHEREAS, the proposed Project has been deemed necessary to maintain functional
stormwater drainage, mitigate erosion, and provide a consolidated City/County/MnDOT
connection that will effectively serve all the beneficiaries of CD18; and
WHEREAS, the proposed Project requires a petition be made to the Waseca County
Drainage Authority requesting their authorization to proceed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Waseca that the
Mayor and City Manager are hereby authorized to execute a petition to the Waseca County
Drainage Authority for the aforementioned Project involving County Ditch No. 18.

Adopted this 4th day of November 2026.

____________________________________
RANDY L. ZIMMERMAN
MAYOR
ATTEST:

_________________________________
JULIA ZUEHLKE
CITY CLERK

Project Location Map:
TH13/CD18 DRAINAGE CONSOLIDATION PROJECT
(will require temporary closure of State Hwy 13)

26th Ave NE

375th Ave

2nd St NE

State Hwy 13
22nd Ave NE

22nd Ave NW

an Ct
Ptarmig

bW
Bo

e
hit

Ct

4th St NE

W
2nd St N

3rd St NE

19th Ave NW

19th Ave NE

2nd St NW

18th Ave NE

0

150

300

±
600
Feet

STATE OF MINNESOTA
BEFORE THE WASECA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
SITTING AS THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY FOR WASECA COUNTY DITCH NO. 18
In the Ma er of:
The Pe on of the City of Waseca to Modify and Consolidate the Municipal Drainage Connec on to County
Ditch No. 18 at State Highway 13 just south of 22nd Avenue.
PETITION FOR MUNICIPAL USE OF A DRAINAGE SYSTEM AS AN OUTLET AND MODIFICATION OF A
MUNICIPAL CONNECTION PURSUANT TO MINN. STAT. § 103E.411
TO THE HONORABLE BOARD OF THE DRAINAGE AUTHORITY:
The Pe oner, the City of Waseca, a municipal corpora on under the laws of the State of Minnesota,
respec ully represents and states the following:
1. Authority & Request: This Pe on is brought by the City Council of the City of Waseca pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes Sec on 103E.411, Subdivision 1, to con nue using Waseca County Ditch No. 18
(“CD18”) as an outlet for the City’s municipal drainage system and reques ng permission to modify
and consolidate the City’s exis ng connec on to the CD18 outlet for the municipal drainage system or
the overflow from the system through the proposed common outlet at State Highway 13 south of 22 nd
Avenue, as shown on the a ached plans and specifica ons.
2. Exis ng Condi on & Proposed Project: The City and the Minnesota Department of Transporta on
(“MnDOT”) are exis ng beneficiaries of CD18 and presently have separate drainage connec ons at, or
near, the proposed project loca on. The exis ng drainage facili es at the State Highway 13 crossing
are more than 100 years old and are deteriorated. The proposed project would coordinate
replacement of the exis ng facili es and consolidate the City’s and MnDOT’s exis ng individual
connec ons into one common outlet and connec on to CD18, as shown in Exhibit A (the “Project”).
3. Necessity: Use of CD18 remains necessary as an outlet for the City’s municipal drainage system or
overflow from that system. The modifica on of the aforemen oned drainage system as an outlet is
necessary to maintain a func onal municipal drainage outlet to handle stormwater runoff and urban
drainage, address the deteriorated facili es at the State Highway 13 crossing, and provide a prac cal
and coordinated connec on among the City’s municipal drainage system, MnDOT drainage facili es,
and CD18. There are no other feasible or prac cal natural outlets available to effec vely serve the
beneficiaries of CD18, including the City’s municipal drainage system.
4. Public U lity & Health Benefit: Con nued use of CD18 and the proposed consolidated connec on will
be of public u lity and health benefit by maintaining reliable conveyance of stormwater and municipal
drainage, reducing the risk of failure and overflow at the State Highway 13 crossing, and safely rou ng
stormwater away from residen al, commercial, and transporta on infrastructure.
5. Plat & Specifica ons: A ached as Exhibit A is a preliminary plan and plat showing the loca on of CD18,
the loca on of the City’s municipal drainage system, the exis ng connec ons, and the proposed
consolidated connec on and common outlet at State Highway 13, as required by Minn. Stat. §
103E.411, subd. 1(3). Exhibit A also serves as engineering plans and specifica ons showing the
1

proposed plan of connec on from the City’s municipal drainage system to CD18, including the
proposed connec on point and the size and configura on of the common outlet, as required by Minn.
Stat. § 103E.411, subd. 1(4).
6. Regulatory Compliance: Pursuant to Minn. Stat. § 103E.411, Subd. 2, the plans and specifica ons for
modifying the public drainage system have been, or will be, submi ed to the Minnesota Pollu on
Control Agency (MPCA) for formal approval.
REQUEST FOR RELIEF
WHEREFORE, the Pe
1. Accept this Pe

oner requests that the Drainage Authority:
on and order a public hearing regarding the request.

2. Provide no ce of the public hearing by publica on and as required by Minn. Stat. § 103E.411, subd.
3(b).
3. A er receipt of evidence of MPCA approval or con ngent on receipt of such approval, and following
the hearing, determine that a necessity exists for the City’s use of CD18 as an outlet, that such use is
of public u lity and promotes the public health, and that the proposed connec on conforms to MPCA
requirements and provides for the construc on and use of proper disposal works, as required by Minn.
Stat. § 103E.411, subd. 4(a).
4. Authorize the City to con nue using CD18 as an outlet for its municipal drainage system and to modify
and consolidate the City’s exis ng connec on to CD18 in accordance with the approved plans and
specifica ons, subject to condi ons the Drainage Authority determines are necessary and proper, if
any.
5. Grant such other and further relief as the Drainage Authority determines appropriate under Minn.
Stat. § 103E.411 and other applicable provisions of Minnesota Statutes, chapter 103E.
Dated: November 4, 2026
CITY OF WASECA
By: ________________________________
Randy L. Zimmerman, its Mayor
By: ________________________________
Carl Sonnenberg, its City Manager

2

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT A

EXHIBIT A

Request for City Council Action

TITLE: WATER TOWER SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS PROGRAM (SPAP) APPLICATION AND
GRANT AGREEMENT
MEETING DATE: November 4, 2026
AGENDA ITEM
NUMBER:
ACTION:
MOTION
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS
• Attached Resolution 26-86

7B

RESOLUTION
ORDINANCE
DISCUSSION

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WEB LINK:
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Utilities
APPROVED BY THE
CITY MANAGER:

PRESENTED BY: City Manager

PROPOSED ACTION: The City Council votes to approve Resolution 26-86
authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute all related documents to secure
the $1,000,000 State Bond (Gant) Award for the West Water Tower.

BACKGROUND: The State of Minnesota awarded Waseca a $1,000,000 bond to begin work related to a West
Water Tower. Required information within Resolution 26-86 requires authorization by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council votes to approve Resolution 26-86 authorizing the Mayor and City
Manager to execute all related documents to secure the $1,000,000 State Bond (Grant) Award for the West
Water Tower.

RESOLUTION NO. 26-86
A RESOLUTION OF THE WASECA CITY COUNCIL
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WASECA TO SUBMIT INFORMATION TO THE
MINNESOTA PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY (MPFA) AND TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE MPFA
WHEREAS, under the provisions contained in Minnesota Session Laws 2026,
Chapter 130, Article 1, Section 24, subd. 69, $1,000,000 was appropriated to the MPFA
“For a grant to the city of Waseca to acquire land or permanent easements and to
predesign, survey, and design a new water tower in the city of Waseca.”.
WHEREAS, to receive this money, the City of Waseca must submit required
information and enter into a Grant Agreement with the MPFA; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Waseca has the legal authority to apply for the
grant, and the financial, technical, and managerial capacity to ensure proper
construction, operation, and maintenance of the project for its design life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grant Agreement shall be executed on
behalf of the City of Waseca by the signature of its City Manager and its Mayor. In the
event of disability or resignation or other absence of either such officer, the Grant
Agreement may be signed by the manual signature of that officer who may act on behalf
of such absent or disabled officer. In case either such officer whose signature shall
appear on the Grant Agreement shall cease to be such officer before delivery of the
Grant Agreement, such signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all
purposes, the same as if he or she had remained in office until delivery.
I CERTIFY THAT the above resolution was adopted by the City of Waseca on
November 4th, 2026.

SIGNED:

WITNESSED:

Signature:

Signature:

Name:

Randy L. Zimmerman

Name:

Julia Zuehlke

Title:

Mayor

Title:

City Clerk

SEAL

Request for City Council Action

TITLE: SANITARY SEWER SPECIAL APPROPRIATIONS PROGRAM (SPAP) APPLICATION AND
GRANT AGREEMENT
MEETING DATE: November 4, 2026
AGENDA ITEM
NUMBER:
ACTION:
MOTION
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
REQUESTS/PRESENTATIONS
• Attached Resolution 26-87

7C

RESOLUTION
ORDINANCE
DISCUSSION

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS WEB LINK:
ORIGINATING DEPARTMENT: Utilities
APPROVED BY THE
CITY MANAGER:

PRESENTED BY: City Manager

PROPOSED ACTION: The City Council votes to approve Resolution 26-87
authorizing the Mayor and City Manager to execute all related documents to secure
the $8,900,000 State Bond (Grant) Award for the Sanitary Sewer infrastructure.

BACKGROUND: The State of Minnesota awarded Waseca an $8,900,000 bond to continue work related to
Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) and reconstruction of the Nelson Lift Station. Required information within
Resolution 26-87 requires authorization by the City Council.
RECOMMENDATION: The City Council votes to approve Resolution 26-87 authorizing the Mayor and City
Manager to execute all related documents to secure the $8,900,000 State Bond (Grant) Award for the Sanitary
Sewer infrastructure.

RESOLUTION NO. 26-87
A RESOLUTION OF THE WASECA CITY COUNCIL
AUTHORIZING THE CITY OF WASECA TO SUBMIT INFORMATION TO THE
MINNESOTA PUBLIC FACILITIES AUTHORITY (MPFA) AND TO ENTER INTO A
GRANT AGREEMENT WITH THE MPFA
WHEREAS, under the provisions contained in Minnesota Session Laws 2026
chapter 130, article 1, section 24, subd. 68, $8,900,000 was appropriated to the MPFA
“For a grant to the city of Waseca to design, engineer, and construct improvements to
and replacement of sanitary sewer infrastructure to reduce inflow and infiltration into the
system and increase sanitary sewer system conveyance capacity, including
reconstruction of the Nelson Lift Station. This appropriation includes money for
reconstruction of streets, roadways, sidewalks, and other infrastructure within the
project areas.”.
WHEREAS, to receive this money, the City of Waseca must submit required
information and enter into a Grant Agreement with the MPFA; and
BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Waseca has the legal authority to apply for the
grant, and the financial, technical, and managerial capacity to ensure proper
construction, operation, and maintenance of the project for its design life.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Grant Agreement shall be executed on
behalf of the City of Waseca by the signature of its City Manager and its Mayor. In the
event of disability or resignation or other absence of either such officer, the Grant
Agreement may be signed by the manual signature of that officer who may act on behalf
of such absent or disabled officer. In case either such officer whose signature shall
appear on the Grant Agreement shall cease to be such officer before delivery of the
Grant Agreement, such signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all
purposes, the same as if he or she had remained in office until delivery.
I CERTIFY THAT the above resolution was adopted by the City of Waseca on
November 4th, 2026.

SIGNED:

WITNESSED:

Signature:

Signature:

Name:

Randy L. Zimmerman

Name:

Julia Zuehlke

Title:

Mayor

Title:

City Clerk

SEAL

Information for City Council

Title: LATEST APPROVED ADVISORY BOARD AND COMMISSION MINUTES
Meeting Date:
Action:
Originating
Department:
Approved By City
Manager:

November 4th, 2026
INFORMATION

Administration

Agenda Item
Number:
Supporting
Documents:
Presented By:

•

8B

HPC

Reports

Proposed Action: No action is required by the City Council. This item is for
information purposes only.

BACKGROUND: Approved minutes from meetings are provided by the various City Boards and
Commissions
These documents are provided for informational purposes to keep the City Council and Waseca residents
informed of the discussions and activities occurring at the advisory level. Per standard procedure, minutes are
included in the Council agenda packet once formally approved by their respective boards; therefore, they will
typically reflect meetings from the preceding month.
RECOMMENDATION: No action is required by the City Council. This item is for information purposes only.

MINUTES
HERITAGE PRESERVATION COMMISSION MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15th, 2026, AT 5:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER/ROLL CALL
1.

Chair Ebertowski called the Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting to order at 5:09 p.m.
Commission members Present: Chair, ShaLee Ebertowski
Councilmember Gary Conrath
Jeff Fette
Steve Jes
Vacant Seat
Staff Present: Jon Froke, City Planner
Alicia Fischer, Finance Director/HR Director
Julia Zuehlke, City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA

2.

Conrath made motion to approve the agenda. Seconded by Jes. Motion carried 4-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT & REQUESTS

3.

None
CONSENT AGENDA

4.

Motion to approve the consent agenda, which consists of the Minutes from the May 19th, 2026 HPC meeting
and the year-to-date HPC Attendance Roster, was made by Conrath, seconded by Jes. Motion carried 4-0.
ACTION AGENDA

5.

The Board reviewed the application for board membership and interviewed Julie Froke. A motion to approve the
application and recommend to City Council the board membership of Julie Froke was made by Fette, seconded
by Jes. Motion carried 4-0.
REQUESTS AND PRESENTATIONS

6.

A.

B.

C.

Finance Director Alicia Fischer presented the 2026 review and plans for the 2027 budget. Because
the fund balance is substantial, no funds are expected to be moved to the HPC in 2027. Funds used
this year are projected to be for the Historic Preservation meeting to maintain the Historic
designation. When the fund balance is lowered, they will review reinstating the current deposits.
City Planner Jon Froke shared information from attending the PreserveMN Forum in July 2026. They
took a very informative tour of Minneapolis and St. Paul; approximately 40 attendees were on the
tour. They had lunch in the skywalk and learned about Gov funding.
Heidi Swank, Executive Director from RETHOS spoke on RETHOS’ Main Street Program.
• Began in 1981
Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting September 15th, 2026

•

•
•
•
•
•

•

What RETHOS does
o Historic Preservation
o Minnesota Main Streets
o Community Engagement
o Heritage Tourism
Program goes through Main Street America to help with economic development and
Historic support.
o Local communities they have helped are New Ulm, Kasson, and Winona
They support about 20 communities across Minnesota
RETHOS is there to give directions on buildings and community engagements
They work with the State Legislature
They will help put together a reference guide, toolkit, and a snapshot of the readiness of
Waseca.
o Walk
o Listen
o Learn
o Assess
o Recommend
Downtown Waseca Recent Investments noted by RETHOS
o Downtown Walkway
o New Business Locates
o Bakery
o Commercial Kitchen
o Restaurant
o Salon
o Storefront Improvements
o Murals on Grain Silos
o Building Reconstruction
o Sidewalk Improvements
o 2nd Avenue SW Road Improvements
INFORMATION EXCHANGE

7.

B.

•

City Planner Jon Froke presented information in the packet on project updates
NEXT MEETING DATE

8.

The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 20th, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. in the Waseca City Hall Council
Chambers.
ADJOURNMENT

9.

Jes moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:48 p.m., seconded by Conrath. The Motion carried 4-0.

Respectfully submitted,

Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting September 15th, 2026

Julia Zuehlke
City Clerk

Heritage Preservation Commission Meeting September 15th, 2026