Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Council Votes Roundup topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Willmar council authorizes bond sale process and approves a slate of contracts, personnel moves and annexation notice
Summary
Council authorized a negotiated sale for up to $9.2 million in GO tax abatement bonds, approved Bolton & Menk airport pavement services, approved IT department reorganizations (including promotion of Jonah Johnson), referred a property purchase beneath 1st Street Bridge to the planning commission, approved Bolton & Menk feasibility services for 2027 street projects, and authorized notice for a joint orderly annexation regarding a Vaxanova parcel.
At a regular meeting, Willmar City Council approved several fiscal, contract and administrative items after staff presentations and limited discussion.
Bond sale authorization: Staff asked the council to authorize Baker Tilly to conduct a competitive negotiated sale for up to $9,200,000 in general obligation tax abatement bonds; bids will be taken April 6, 2026, and results presented later. The resolution passed by roll call (6 ayes, 2 nos).
Airport pavement services: The council approved a professional services agreement with Bolton & Menk for runway 1331 pavement maintenance, a state-awarded project with an estimated 70/30 state/city split; the professional services fee was described in the packet as roughly $17,000—$17,500. The resolution passed by roll call (8 ayes, 0 nos).
Property referral: The council voted to refer a license agreement and potential purchase/conveyance of property beneath the 1st Street Bridge to the Planning Commission; the commission will consider the property portion and later the full license agreement will return to council. Motion passed (8 ayes, 0 nos).
IT reorganization: Human Resources presented two reorganization items for the Information Technology department: creation of an IT director position (promotion of the current IT coordinator, Jonah Johnson) and an IT security analyst position focused on cybersecurity and compliance. Council approved both items and staff said the positions will be funded by reallocating existing budgeted positions (the multimedia technician position would be eliminated). Both motions passed by roll call (8 ayes, 0 nos).
Streets feasibility services: Public Works presented Bolton & Menk professional services for a 2027 feasibility and preliminary survey program including reconstruction of 16th Street SW and other improvements; fee quoted at $54,200. Council approved the contract (8 ayes, 0 nos).
Annexation notice: City Planner Christopher Corbett reviewed a Vaxanova petition to annex a parcel north of 1st Avenue West; staff said the building under consideration has an estimated valuation of about $20 million and negotiations with the township are ongoing regarding maintenance and revenue-share terms. Council approved publishing notice of intent to include the property in an orderly annexation area (8 ayes, 0 nos). The Planning Commission will consider the annexation resolution on its upcoming agenda and the full license agreement will return to council for action.
