New Ulm council approves permits, property transfers, contract and donations; declines DNR shooting-range grant

The New Ulm City Council on June 16 approved a package of routine licenses and permits, accepted Park and Recreation donations totaling $9,590, authorized two property acquisitions, awarded a security-upgrade contract, scheduled public hearings for summer events, and unanimously declined a $100,000 Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) shooting-range grant.

Licenses and permits Council approved a temporary on-sale intoxicating liquor license for the Brown County Agricultural Society to sell alcohol at the Brown County Fairgrounds for several 2026 events, including the Citizens Bank 150th event (July 21), the Brown County Free Fair (Aug. 12–16) and the annual demo derby (Oct. 3), subject to city and state requirements. The council also rescinded previously authorized Crazy Days liquor-license extensions on Minnesota Street after the Chamber revised street-closure plans, and approved 2026–27 kennel, tobacco and tree-service license renewals.

DNR grant declined Park and Recreation Director Joey Shugol asked the council to decline acceptance of a $100,000 Minnesota DNR large-shooting-range grant after the city rejected bids for the proposed trap-range project and decided to rework plans. "Here before you to ask you to decline acceptance of the large shooting range grant from the Minnesota DNR in the amount of $100,000," Shugol said. Council voted unanimously to decline the grant and directed staff to revise plans and continue lease discussions with the Sioux Valley Gun Club.

Property acquisitions and contracts Council authorized quitclaim deeds from the Minnesota Department of Military Affairs for the New Ulm Armory (205 N. Broadway) and a field maintenance shop (1523 S. Washington St.) for a purchase price of $1 per parcel and directed staff to record the deeds and begin evaluating future uses, including an RFP for the armory.

The council awarded a low bid from R. W. Karlstrom for a City Hall administration-office security upgrade in the amount of $100,715. Mr. Pautzke introduced the item and said the recommendation came after three bids were received; the council approved the award.

Donations and other business Park & Rec Director Joey Shugol reported donations totaling $9,590: a $225 tree from River Creek Nursery and Tony Guggisberg (Arbor Day), $5,500 from the New Ulm Baseball Association for a Miller Park backstop, and $3,865 from Prairie Lakes Regional Arts Council for Concerts in the Park; council unanimously accepted the donations.

Elections and hearings Council adopted a resolution requiring write-in candidates who want their write-in votes individually recorded to file a written request with the finance director no later than 19 days before the election. The council also set public hearings on July 7, 2026, to consider noise-variance requests from the New Ulm Chamber of Commerce for Crazy Days (July 24–25) and Spikin' in the Street (July 31–Aug. 1).

Land-use first reading Planner John Neisely presented a rezoning request to change Lot 1, Block 1 Wells Addition from AOS (agricultural/open space) to R3 (medium-density residential). Neisely said the Planning Commission and prior Council unanimously recommended approval with conditions including screening, a stormwater plan and cross-easements; Council approved first consideration of the ordinance.

Next steps Multiple items were advanced on first reading and will return for future consideration; staff will proceed with deed recording, bid contracting, and bringing any ordinance amendments back for second reading and final votes.