Willmar approves reapproval of Jennie‑O site purchase, authorizes signature and clarifies Cura care‑center conveyance

Willmar — The Willmar City Council on Dec. 2 reapproved two separate property actions: a purchase agreement covering about 29 acres south of the Jennie‑O site and an amendment to a previously approved care‑center purchase agreement.

Planning and Development Director Christopher told the council the 29‑acre purchase price remains $854,145 with renegotiated terms around intended use; the city retains a right of first refusal to reacquire the property. The council approved reapproval of the purchase agreement by roll call and then separately authorized the mayor and city administrator to sign a final version and schedule closing before year‑end. Representatives from the purchaser addressed the council during discussion.

On a separate item, City Attorney Robert Scott presented an amendment to the Cura purchase agreement that allows conveyance of the care‑center real estate to a holding company created by Cura while ensuring the service commitments in the original purchase agreement remain enforceable against the affiliate. Scott said the amendment makes explicit that Kira (the nonprofit operator named in the original agreement) and any related holding company remain bound by the five‑year operation requirement and a prohibition on transferring title to third parties for that period. The council approved the amendment by unanimous roll call.

Both property items passed with unanimous recorded votes (7–0). The council instructed staff to finalize documents and proceed with the closing process outlined in the approved motions.

What's next: Staff will finalize the purchase agreement documents for signature and report back on closing timelines; deed language will reflect the service commitments required of Cura/Kira and affiliated entities.