Waseca boards meet on zoning, airport, and loans; council to weigh nuisance fees
This week's Waseca meetings covered zoning changes, airport permits, and economic development loans, though no decisions have been published yet. The City Council also has a meeting scheduled for Aug. 18 that includes a proposed ordinance to charge fees for repeat nuisance calls.
City Council (Aug. 5)
The council met to set dates for public hearings on a variance request at 105 17th Ave NE and a rezoning of three Wastewater Treatment Plant properties at 35408 110th Street from RR-S to I-2. The agenda also included Resolution No. 26-56 on the West Interchange Development, Resolution No. 26-57 for a gambling permit for the Waseca Hockey Association, and a temporary liquor license for the Don Eustice Scholarship Committee for Sept. 5-6, 2026. Minutes have not yet been published.
Planning Commission (Aug. 12)
The commission held three public hearings: parking lot setback variances at 105 17th Ave NE (front yard from 10 to 5 feet, corner side from 20 to 15 feet, interior side from 25 to 0 feet), a conditional use permit for the Waseca Municipal Airport at 35493 110th Street, and a rezoning of the three wastewater treatment plant properties. The commission was set to vote on recommendations to forward to the City Council, including draft resolutions 26-54 and 26-55. Minutes have not yet been published.
Economic Development Authority (Aug. 12)
The EDA interviewed Rebecca Prescher for a vacant board seat and discussed appointing a representative to the Waseca Area Food Co-op Steering Committee. The board also reviewed updates on three revolving loans for Barney's Drive-In, Good Game Gaming, and Harty Manufacturing, and heard a budget presentation from Finance/HR Director Alicia Fischer. An audit memo for the 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report was also on the agenda. Minutes have not yet been published.
Upcoming City Council (Aug. 18)
The council will consider an ordinance creating Chapter 98, which would impose escalating fees on property owners or occupants for repeat nuisance calls—four or more in a year. Proposed fees are $100, $250, $750, and $1,000 per call, per a city attorney note. The council will also hear a presentation on the Special Revenue Funds budget, consider awarding a contract for new aeration blowers at the wastewater treatment plant (Resolution No. 26-58), and hold a public hearing on the Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan. Other consent agenda items include setting a public hearing for vacating easements in Fox Meadows 2nd Addition and adopting rules for distributed energy resources (Resolution No. 26-51).
Coming up
- **Mayor & City Council** – Aug. 18, 2026, to act on the nuisance fee ordinance, aeration blower contract, and other items.
All meeting minutes and agendas are available from the city's official records.