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Walnut Grove EDA approves $86,810 remodel; council OKs ambulance stipends, equipment and routine business
Summary
The Economic Development Authority will spend $86,810 to finish a remodel of 641 Main Street using a $45,000 Blandin Foundation grant and EDA funds; the council also approved ambulance longevity stipends, a portable suction device purchase and several routine administrative items.
Alex Johnson, president of the Walnut Grove EDA, told the council the EDA purchased the building at 641 Main Street and received bids to complete a remodel that will add a kitchenette, an accessible restroom, a larger meeting room and three offices. Johnson said the combined purchase and remodeling cost is $86,810; funding includes a $45,000 Blandin Foundation grant and $35,751 from EDA improvement funds, with any remaining balance coming from the EDA operating fund.
Council Member Sue West moved and Council Member Yeng Yang seconded a motion to accept the low bids from Trent Baker Construction, Flooring Concepts and G&H Plumbing to proceed with the remodel; the motion passed unanimously. Johnson also reported maintenance needs at Country View — cracked windows and failing AC units — and said he will get repair quotes for council consideration.
On emergency medical services, EMS Coordinator Beth Bjorklund said Ambulance Director Baker was unable to attend and asked for approval of two staffing and equipment items. The council unanimously approved a longevity stipend for ambulance personnel — $150 per year of service for EMT-Bs and $100 per year for first responders — on a motion by Council Member Dale Shannon and a second from Council Member Dylan Albertson. The council also approved purchase of an approximately $1,300 portable battery-operated suction device after a motion by Council Member Dylan Albertson and a second from Council Member Sue West.
In other business, the clerk said a parcel south of the cemetery had been paid off under an older contract for deed but the payoff was not recorded; she will forward documents to the city attorney to complete the deed transfer. Council Member Dale Shannon asked the clerk to send a proposed code update to the city attorney to address monitoring and removal of trees infested by the Emerald Ash Borer. The council approved claims 44947–45011 and minutes for Feb. 10 and Feb. 26, 2025, then adjourned.
Votes at a glance: EDA remodel bids accepted (unanimous); ambulance longevity stipend approved (unanimous); portable suction device purchase approved (unanimous); lead service inventory grant application approved (unanimous); authorization to bid on forfeited tax lot up to $2,000 (approved); claims 44947–45011 approved (unanimous); minutes approved (unanimous).
