Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Winsted sets goals, gives awards



WINSTED, MN – The year 2017 seems to be off to a good start for the community of Winsted.

A few special recognitions were presented at Tuesday’s city council meeting, honoring recently retired Council Member Bonnie Quast, Lucas Morang, Jamie Stotko, and AWI Manufacturing.

The council meeting also included approval of the city’s top 13 priorities for 2017.

The number-one goal – to make improvements to the wastewater treatment facility – is a continuation from last year. Construction began Oct. 10, and the sale of $4.865 million of general obligation waste disposal bonds to support the first phase of the project was approved Oct. 18.

Phase two of the project is awaiting contested case hearing results. Oral arguments for the appeal were heard Nov. 10, and the court has 90 days to make a final decision.

“Basically, until then – to use the city engineer’s phrase – we’re waiting as fast as we can,” City Administrator Dan Tienter said.

The city’s other 2017 priorities, in order, are summarized as follows:

• complete the Winsted Municipal Airport environmental assessment and consider a runway improvement project;

• continue development of a hotel property in Winsted;

• explore programs and strategies to improve and protect water quality in Winsted Lake;

• begin pavement improvements in the McLeod Avenue area;

• rehabilitate downtown area light poles and underlying electrical service;

• redevelop the city’s website and revise all online content;

• encourage development of new housing in Winsted;

• continue rehabilitation of the water tower;

• replace the parking lot for the Winsted Volunteer Fire Department and public works buildings;

• install generators at various city facilities;

• review the composition and mission of the Winsted Municipal Airport Commission; and

• begin the process of implementing an officer-worn body camera program and purchasing appropriate equipment.

Odds and ends

In other business, the council:

• accepted the resignation of Krystal Fair as a part-time police officer, effective Jan. 20;

• approved a large assembly permit, off-site gambling (pull-tab) permit, and temporary on-sale liquor license for Holy Trinity’s Winstock Country Music Festival June 8-10.

• authorized the city administrator to execute an easement agreement and other necessary documents for a land exchange agreement with Millerbernd Manufacturing for a project that includes: installation of a 250-foot-by-8-inch watermain along County State Aid Highway 1, installation of a 320-foot-by-6-inch watermain in an easement on the property of Millerbernd Manufacturing, installation of one fire hydrant, turf restoration, and other miscellaneous items. The tentative project schedule is for pricing to be received this winter, and for the city council to consider awarding the project in April.

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