SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved a Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) business development infrastructure application (BDIA) and resolution for a 12th Avenue railroad crossing, May 8.

In the resolution, $1,300,626 of non-BDIA fund sources are committed and adequately fund the project that is part of a proposed road north of U.S. Highway 14 at the east end of town. It would connect with an east-west road that would extend west to State Highway 4.

City Manager Mark Kober said the project could be part of the 2020 street and utility projects if the application is approved by the State of Minnesota.

The City Council unanimously approved:

• Setting a building committee meeting at noon, May 22, to set final plans and specifications with architect and Sleepy Eye native Eric Oleson of Mankato for the City Hall renovation project. It includes creating police station space in the former municipal liquor store. A bond financing public hearing was set for the June City Council meeting.

Kober recommended dismantling and storing a 12-door, 39 foot by 10 foot by eight foot freezer in the former liquor store basement. Kober said the freezer will hold 3,000 beer cases.

• Kober’s report that the sanitary and storm sewer reconstruction fund level is now $1.796 million. Kober said the fund, which is a monthly utility deduction, reduces project debt borrowing.

• A city website development proposal from Lime Valley of Mankato. Weebly will be the website platform that will give city departments greater online flexibility and is not expected to cost more than the existing website.

• Local Board of Review property value considerations including Dave and Mardy Vosbeck’s former rental residence at 112 Southdale St. S.E. The building value was lowered to $500 salvage value. Total property value was reduced to $31,069.

• The property value of Charles and Delores Windschitl’s residence at 605 Water St. S.W. was reduced five percent from the previous estimated market value of $120,100. Windschitl said he didn’t agree with a $12,000 market value increase, which he said was more than six percent.

• Keeping the property value of Adam and Trista Barka’s residence at 804 3rd Ave. S.W. at $230,000. Barka said the home sold for $223,000 Nov. 9, 2017, and that should be the estimated market value.

• Reducing Jacqueline Swenson-Hoffmann’s residence at 212 Walnut St. S.E. to a $64,208 building value and $80,684 total value.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.