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Eagle Lake planning commission updates annexation status, hears Xcel routing decision and land-use grant setback
Summary
City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland told the Planning Commission the draft orderly annexation agreement with Mankato Township is under review and a meeting is tentatively planned for April; she also said Xcel Energy will not route a 345 kV transmission line along Highway 14 and that a foundation grant for a land-use plan update was not approved.
At its Feb. 23 meeting, the City of Eagle Lake Planning Commission received updates on a pending annexation agreement with Mankato Township, a transmission-line routing decision by Xcel Energy and the status of a land-use plan grant application.
City Administrator Jennifer Bromeland said the draft orderly annexation agreement and attachments have been sent to Mankato Township and its attorney for review, and the city is tentatively planning to meet with the township board in April. She said the proposed annexation would address land along County Road 17 west of Eagle Lake up to 594th Avenue.
Bromeland told commissioners that, following an inquiry to Xcel Energy, the utility confirmed the 345 kV transmission line will not be installed along Highway 14; the commission received a map of the approved route in the meeting packet. No further action was taken by the commission on the transmission-line issue at the meeting.
On the Land Use Plan update, Bromeland said staff submitted a grant application to the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation to support consultant work but the application was not approved. She said staff will continue to explore funding options and potential consultants with the goal of updating the Land Use Plan in 2026.
Bromeland also asked for volunteers to serve on a subcommittee to draft proposed language for digital signage under Chapter Six of the City Code; she said she would email commissioners with ideas and asked interested members to contact her. Separately, she provided a high-level overview that staff are working with two prospective developers interested in projects in and around Eagle Lake and noted pre-application conversations are typically confidential.
Commissioner Tom Barna moved to approve the meeting agenda; Commissioner Ray Beckel seconded and the motion carried unanimously. Barna also moved to approve the Oct. 25, 2025 minutes, seconded by Commissioner Aaron Stubbs; that motion also carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned on a motion by Beckel, seconded by Stubbs. Minutes were submitted by Deputy City Clerk Kerry Rausch.
Next steps: the city anticipates meeting with Mankato Township in April to discuss the annexation draft; staff will continue pursuing funding and consultant options for the Land Use Plan update and will circulate draft digital-signage code language to commissioners who volunteer for the subcommittee.
