Council grants 90-day option to developer to plan 13-acre mixed‑housing proposal

The Paynesville City Council voted to grant a 90‑day option agreement to developer Jason Fie to produce a full development plan for approximately 13 acres behind Midwest Machinery.

City staff introduced two competing approaches discussed by developers: one developer proposed an apartment-first plan that would require city-funded road work, while the developer represented by Jason Fie offered to prepare a comprehensive plan for the entire 13 acres and to provide the road improvements as part of the development. Councilmembers debated whether to accept a 90‑day exclusivity agreement or instead issue a public request for proposals and risk losing the two developers currently engaged with the city.

Supporters of the 90‑day option said it would yield a full plan for council review. One council member said the city has been discussing development for too long and that allowing a developer time to prepare a complete plan “makes sense,” while others stressed the need for a timetable and assurances that the developer would not simply lock up the land and only build apartments over many years.

After discussion, a motion to sign the option agreement with Jason Fie was made and approved by voice vote. Council members said the option gives the city the chance to review a complete development vision and that the city retains discretion to seek other proposals if the submitted plan is unsatisfactory.

Next steps: city staff will monitor delivery of the developer’s plan within the 90‑day window and return to the council with the proposal for further review or to initiate an RFP if the plan does not meet expectations.