Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Programs topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Richland Wilkin JPA reviews housing inventory, renovation progress and governance questions
Summary
Board members reported on remaining JPA houses and renovation progress, extended realtor listings for Breckenridge properties, discussed exploring a building-inspector role and asked staff to seek Minnesota State Auditor guidance on whether Wilkin County must approve distributions of Wilkin County funds.
At its Jan. 13 meeting the Richland Wilkin Joint Powers Authority updated the board on housing inventory and renovation work, extended several realtor listings and discussed governance questions tied to the JPA's settlement agreement.
Nathan Berseth reported six houses remain in Breckenridge with one closing next week; he signed consent to allow a garage to be moved onto that property. The JPA still holds some homes in Hankinson; certain Hohenstein twin homes were converted to rent-to-own and are therefore not subject to JPA buyouts. Thomsen Homes is under contract on a Colfax home and multiple other homes in Colfax and Wyndmere are listed for sale.
Amy Clark updated renovation work: a formerly red house is being resided (now beige), windows are expected at the end of the month, and the Rothsay renovation is complete. Clark told the board that reporting from contractors on approved renovation loans is already required by distribution agreements; Perry Miller asked for 30–60 day updates on contractor progress when loans are approved.
Because Miller Realty listings for Breckenridge homes were nearing expiration, Clark and Dennis Larson reported outreach to realtor Andrew Yaggie. Eric Klindt moved to extend the Miller Realty listings to Feb. 10, 2026; Miller seconded and the motion carried by roll call vote among members present. Clark was instructed to contact Lisa Mauch to request the extension.
Berseth asked Shawn Paczkowski to investigate what it would take for Paczkowski to obtain building-inspector authority. Berseth said the JPA could potentially enforce codes, clean up dilapidated properties and offer to acquire them as an interim measure until construction costs decline. Clark also reported she had contacted the Minnesota State Auditor's office to confirm whether Wilkin County must approve distributions of Wilkin County funds; Clark had not yet received a response and was directed to follow up. The board asked that this clarification be added to next month's agenda.
The meeting record shows the board also approved routine bills and minutes and accepted the Wilkin County appointment of Eric Klindt to the JPA. The meeting adjourned with minutes submitted by Amy Clark.
