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Wanamingo seeks easements and offers $5,000 to secure Emerald Valley stormwater infrastructure
Summary
City staff told the council they have offered $5,000 in nominal compensation to the Amundson family for comprehensive stormwater easements on the former golf course to allow maintenance of ponds and pipes serving the Emerald Valley subdivision; council supported the negotiation strategy and asked for a response by April 15.
City Administrator Michael Boulton updated the Wanamingo City Council April 13 on ongoing negotiations to acquire stormwater pond and piping easements on land that formerly hosted a golf course and now serves the Emerald Valley subdivision.
Boulton said the city is seeking comprehensive easements from property owners Randy and Trish Amundson to secure access for maintenance of stormwater ponds and piping that serve public drainage for Emerald Valley. The ponds were built per subdivision plans and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency stormwater permit remains active, Boulton said.
The city has proposed to draft and record easement documents, survey the easement areas and take on future maintenance liability (including tree and brush removal, sediment and silt removal and repair liability). Because taking on these obligations imposes costs and liabilities on the city, Boulton said staff recommended offering nominal compensation and proposed $5,000 (an increase from an earlier $1,000 offer) as reasonable public‑funds payment. He said the city has asked for a response and possible counteroffer by April 15.
Boulton cautioned that if a simple agreement cannot be reached the city may consider other legal options to secure necessary easements for Emerald Valley Phase II stormwater pipe installation; engineering staff recommended installing the pipe to the property line if no agreement is completed while construction proceeds. Councilmembers agreed with the current negotiation approach.
Why it matters: The easements would give the city legal access to infrastructure that currently sits on private land and would shift long‑term maintenance obligations from the property owner to the city. Without recorded easements, the city may lack legal authority to maintain ponds and piping built to serve the subdivision.
Authorities: Wanamingo Code of Ordinances Chapter 51 (Storm Water Management) was cited as regulating stormwater runoff and property owner responsibilities.
Next steps: City staff requested a response by April 15 and will report back; the council endorsed continuing negotiations under the current terms.
