Nicollet is concerned about recent waste handling | News, Sports, Jobs

NICOLLET — During Monday’s Nicollet City Council meeting, City Maintenance Supervisor Darin Drill informed the council that he was taking samples of Stickney Hills’ ingredient waste because it appears it is not being handled properly.

“The samples appear to be milky in color so I’m concerned that the ponds may start to smell as they don’t look their best.” Drill said. “We found the channel clogged, so the flows are high. A woman from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will be checking the ponds at the end of the week to get her rating.”

“We thought we had this under control with the measures we have in place so this can’t happen again,” Council member Mary Wels said. “Maybe we need to check with the lawyer.”

Council member Kevin Ostermann asked if maybe Stickney increased production because things seemed to be cleaned up and now the problems are back.

Council member Matt Anthony added that he drove by the Stickney building recently and said it smelled. The board agreed to wait on how to proceed until the results of the assessment are available.

Mayor Fred Froehlich asked Drill to let the council know when he knows more about what’s causing the problem.

Last month, the council held a public hearing on July 10 to consider Stickney Hills Ingredients’ application for a further variance to allow for alterations, additions and expansions made to the facility at 734 6th Street, Nicollet. Stickney claimed that the facility and operations at it are “grandfather” legal non-conformities.

A special meeting was held on July 25 to consider a resolution commemorating the findings related to the subsequent variance request to expand the use of the Stickney Hill ingredient nonconformity, which the board approved.

Nicollet City Council approves multifamily development agreement

The Nicollet City Council approved an agreement to develop three 4-unit blocks in Nicollet, including establishing a tax increment financing (TIF) district for the project.

On Monday, council received a presentation from Shannon Sweeny of the David Drown Association regarding the private development contract between the city and H&H Development. The plan is to redevelop the former Trinity Lutheran Church care facility at 520 6th Street in Nicollet into multifamily units. The council previously held a public hearing in July regarding the creation of a TIF district.

A TIF captures new property taxes that are generated due to new development occurring within the boundaries of a designated district. For this TIF district, the estimated payback is $11,578 per year for 15 years, or $173,670.

The plan is to begin construction by October 1, 2024 and be substantially complete by December 1, 2025. The developer must make all property taxes and utility payments on time and in full. The developer will pay 50% of the costs of creating the TIF district and the legal fees associated with the TIF contract.

After council approved the deal, Mayor Fred Froehlich said: “Good luck, we wish you success.”

Other business

Bolton and Menk put out a request for bids for the flashing light at the corner of 6th Street and the 111 Freeway to help pedestrians near Trinity Lutheran Church and School.

Mayor Froehlich suggested the council take a tour of the city to look at the city’s needs. Concern was raised about all the ash trees in town and the emerald ash borer. The board asked City Clerk Vanessa Drill to check with other cities about their ash disease management ordinances.

Mayor Froehlich read a letter from Minnesota League of Cities President Justin Miller to Senator Nick Frentz. The intent of the letter was to thank Frentz, on behalf of the 839 member cities, for his efforts during the legislative session. City officials and League staff look forward to continuing to work with Frentz in the future.

Meeting dates

The next meeting will be on Monday 9th September and future meetings are Monday 14th October and Tuesday 12th November, all at 6pm.