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Council discusses 'Milaca Junction Addition' and water-line extension to support development
Summary
Councilors discussed renaming the Pearson Property to 'Milaca Junction Addition,' extending a water line from the liquor-store parking area to the development edge, platting options and timing for selling lots; staff said development is likely a year away and the city may assess infrastructure costs to buyers.
During the Aug. 12 special meeting the Milaca City Council discussed potential development of the property previously referred to as the Pearson Property and options to fund utility and road work.
Councilmember Ken Muller proposed renaming the parcel the "Milaca Junction Addition," a suggestion that councilors supported. City Manager Tammy Pfaff said the water line in the liquor-store parking lot could be extended to the edge of the development and that the city has included the extension in the capital-improvement plan. Public Works Superintendent Gary Kirkeby noted work to skirt a wetland area and said one option is to install a temporary dirt road with utilities under it and pave later.
Pfaff said TSG told staff the property may not be developed for about a year and that the city’s survey is in progress. The council discussed whether to plat 1–2 acre lots for sale immediately or wait for interested buyers; Councilmember Norris Johnson recommended waiting because many businesses need specific footprints. Pfaff explained the city must issue an RFQ for realtors and that the council would select a broker if it pursues marketing.
Council discussion also touched on financing options: Pfaff said infrastructure work for new lots could be assessed to buyers, as was done previously for Fieldstone Green and Boulder Ridge, or the city could fund initial work and recover costs upon sale. The council did not authorize any immediate construction; staff will continue platting and outreach work.
Police staffing and other budget items discussed elsewhere in the meeting—such as the water-rate study and larger 2027 capital needs—will influence the timing and financing of development, Pfaff said.
