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Minnesota City Council cuts temporary sewer charge for vacant property, accepts street-repair bid and other routine business
Summary
The council reduced the monthly sewer charge for 120 Bridge Street from $154 to $80 while the building remains vacant, approved an Iowa Street repairs bid for $9,576, accepted the Treasurer's Report and bills totaling $7,551.64, and directed follow-up on sewer-feasibility options and signage. Other routine items included issuing reimbursement for ball-field dugouts and scheduling the next meeting.
At its June 9 meeting, the Minnesota City Council approved several routine financial and infrastructure actions, including a temporary reduction in the sewer charge for a vacant commercial property and acceptance of a street-repair bid.
Michelle McCorquodale approached the council to request a reduced sewer payment for 120 Bridge Street, noting the bar on the property has been closed since December and is not expected to reopen. Council members discussed the need for continued revenue to maintain the sewer system and agreed that while homes remain charged $40 per month, the council would reduce the bar portion to $40 per month for as long as the building is not operating as a business. Council member Joe Pellowski moved to reduce the monthly sewer charge for 120 Bridge Street from $154 to $80; Emily Conners seconded. The motion passed unanimously. The minutes state the reduced rate is effective June 1, 2026 and that the rate will revert to $154 if the usage of the building changes.
The Treasurer’s Report for May was accepted and the council approved payment of listed bills totaling $7,551.64, including routine utility and contract payments (Xcel Energy entries and a $1,660.00 payment to People Service Inc. for wastewater plant contract). The council accepted a bid from Asphalt Armor Sealcoating & Paving LLC for Iowa Street repairs for $9,576.00 on a motion by Joe Pellowski seconded by Emily Conners; the motion passed unanimously.
On sewer infrastructure, the council reviewed feasibility reports for two properties. For 16723 Forgotten Lane the council preferred a Forcemain option and agreed to explore state grant funding to move the project forward. For 118 Bridge Street the council favored a Gravity option as requiring less maintenance and Mayor Penrod will check property-owner interest.
Other actions: the city will install two 5-ton-per-axle signs on Wenonah Road (ordered and installed by Mayor Penrod); the ball-field dugouts were completed under budget at $1,405 and a check will be issued to Hollis Donehower who originally paid for them; and the city will send a letter to 17079 County Road 23 requesting cleanup of erosion from a sewer-line installation. The council set its next meeting for Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 7:00 PM at City Hall and adjourned at 9:21 PM.
