Tri-County News

Kimball to review WAC & SAC charges, again


By Jean Doran Matua, Editor

Developer Jerome Kuechle and realtor Steve Merten attended the April 6 regular meeting of the Kimball city council in order to request that the city’s water and sewer connection charges (WAC & SAC fees) be lowered in order to spur new construction in town. Council member (and former mayor) Cindy Stelten said it had been raised in 2005 to $2,000 each, and again in 2008 to $2,250 and $2,500. This discussion has come up a few times in the past, with different councils.

The topic of water and sewer capacity also came up. When three housing developments were plotted within city limits about 15+ years ago, it was calculated that the city’s water treatment capacity was at a maximum, taking into consideration each of the lots. Today, 50+ of those lots are not yet built on, but are still calculated into the city’s capacity. Since then, the city has replaced much of the old clay pipe in town, making the system more efficient. So it is time for calculations to be updated using current usage and needs. Once at capacity, the city would need to expand its water treatment capacity before considering additional development.

Both the WAC & SAC fees and water treatment capacity are on the agenda for the council’s upcoming work session on April 22. The city’s engineer Dave Blommel will provide some background information for the council.

The city approved its 2020 audit report as presented by Justin Nilson of Abdo, Eick & Meyers.

Blommel reported that MnDOT will pay 50% of the cost for flashing beacon crosswalks to be installed in the Highway 15 project through town in summer 2022. This will save the city $10,000.

The council approved a pay raise per call for the Kimball Fire Department, from $11 to $12 for next year. Their last pay raise was in 2014. The KFD served 859 at their annual breakfast. And there have been 79 calls for service so far this year, a little behind last year’s record season. Be careful about grass fires, please. The rain has helped, but it’s still very dry out there, warns Fire Chief Dave Traurig.

Public Works will purchase a GIS unit for $1,300 plus $350 year for the license. The GIS maps will be accurate for locates throughout the city, as current paper maps are very outdated and sometimes inaccurate.

The council approved filling the alley behind Knaus Sausage house with patch this year. The plan had been to include that work with the Highway 15 project, but that’s been postponed two years in a row now.

Public Works discovered a manhole near the playground in Willow Creek Park. It needs to be replaced, and the council approved that expense of $1,400.

The council approved hiring seasonal help for Public Works at up to 20 hours/week.

Three ordinances were approved: a new schedule of fees, nuisance ordinance about snow on sidewalks, and golf carts/ATVs etc. being allowed on city streets except Highway 15 and 55.

The subject of a railroad crossing Quiet Zone came up. The council decided to wait and see what Watkins does about it there. It is unlikely to be pursued in Kimball.

The council briefly discussed creating a new comprehensive plan. The last five-year plan was done in 2008. This also will be discussed at the upcoming work session.

The next regular meeting of the Kimball city council will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 4. Meetings are recorded, and videos are available on the city’s Facebook page.

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