EDA pauses industrial-park planning after sinkhole concerns; mapping and geotech options proposed

City Engineer Brett Grabau informed the Harmony Economic Development Authority on Sept. 4 that sinkholes mapped by Fillmore County have complicated development prospects in the town’s Industrial Park.

Grabau described the park’s history — first phase off Highway 52, second phase extended to the township road in 2003–04 — and said four vacant lots remain (three internal, one external). He said Dairyland Power once considered building on the site but withdrew after encountering organic material; Grabau added he believes the land could still be developed if sinkholes are capped.

He proposed two next steps: a surface mapping and concept-platting exercise to define potential lot sizes (estimated cost $3,200 and deliverable within about a month) or a more detailed geotechnical investigation that would include soil borings of roughly 10 feet or more (estimated cost about $10,000). Board members discussed trade-offs between faster, lower-cost mapping and a more definitive but costlier geotechnical study.

EDA President Kerry Kingsley raised concerns about liability and the need to disclose sinkhole conditions to prospective buyers. Board member Greg Schieber emphasized the need to weigh lot values against infrastructure costs. Board members also noted consultant rates are likely to rise, encouraging earlier action.

After discussion, board member Keith McIntosh moved to table the item for one month; Kyle Scheevel seconded and the motion carried. The board did not authorize the mapping or the geotechnical study at the meeting; members left the item pending further information and possible future action.

What happens next: the EDA will bring the item back at a future meeting with options and cost estimates; no contract or study was approved on Sept. 4.