Ryan Johnson, of Total Package, LLC, presented a potential plan for development to the Nicollet City Council at their meeting on Monday.

Johnson’s plan is to develop twenty-six acres on the south side of Nicollet that currently belongs to Bob Freitag. His plan is to build 320 storage units that are approximately ten feet by twenty feet on the west 2 1/2 acres of the land. With the potential of using up to ten acres for storage units.

The remaining land would be available to be used for other opportunities. Those could be apartments, restaurants, hotels, office spaces, retail spaces, gas stations, or similar businesses that could help Nicollet economically.

“Just want you to be aware, that the developer needs to build the road including curb and gutter,” said Mayor Fred Froehlich. Johnson agreed and said he understands that would be his responsibility.

“My sister and I both agree that if this deal falls through, we do not want the twenty-six acres to be annexed to the city. It should then remain as plow ground,” said Bob Freitag.

Joe Duncan, Bolton and Menk, explained that the next step for the developer would be to prepare a preliminary plat. However, before doing that, Duncan recommended to the council that a committee be created to meet with Johnson to review specifics for the project. Mary Wels and Kevin Ostermann agreed to serve on the committee with Duncan.

James Halbur, KW Commercial, explained to the council that twenty-six acres is a large area to develop so it could take ten years. “Encouraging Johnson, thinking ten years out, and giving him some flexibility will help move things along,” said Halbur.

Tri County Solid Waste

Al Christensen, Tri County Solid Waste Director, brought copies for the council to review of what the future fence will look like around the dumpster area on the south side of Nicollet. The county is preparing to install an L shaped, eight foot green-treated fence, which will be 150 feet north/south and 90 feet east/west.

“There will be two feet of rock and plastic put down next to the property line and then the fence will be built,” said Christensen.

Wrestling in Nicollet

Josh Oldenbourg, Rapid Rick’s Bar & Grill, requested that Pine Street from 2nd street to 3rd street be closed on Saturday, July 13, for the American Wrestling Federation to hold their wrestling event.

“It is being advertised as a family event, not just for adults. Price is $10 for adults with children getting in free. It will be a two hour event with a 35 minute intermission. It will be videotaped and shown on Channel 45,” said Oldenbourg.

“You will want to be sure that the crosswalk is open and leave room for emergency vehicles. You also probably should talk to the neighbors in that area along Pine Street,” said City Clerk Vanessa Drill.

The council advised Oldenbourg to work with the sheriff’s office regarding security, and then approved his request for the road closure for July 13.

Other Council Approvals

The council approved the American Legion’s Friendship Days request to temporarily have a dumpster located close to the alley, near the park, as long as it does not block the alley.

A Public Hearing for Stickney Hill Ingredients was approved to be held on Wednesday, June 26, at 6 p.m. This is for an after the fact variance.

Joe Duncan explained that a pipe that is under the old highway 14 which shoots water toward Hewitt Dock and Lifts, probably needs to be cleaned. The quote for cleaning and televising the pipe was received from Empire Pipe Service for $4,850 which was approved by the council.

“It is probably in your best interest to have this work done and continue to use the existing structure,” said Duncan.

Discussion continued regarding the flashing light for the 6th Street and 3rd Street intersections on Highway 111. The council advised Duncan to prepare a plan and to obtain a permit for the two lights. After quotes have been received, a decision will be made whether to install one light or two.

Ordinance No. 168 – Amending Ordinance No. 79 Concerning Carports, Storage Containers as Well as Commercial and Industrial Interior and Exterior Storage was approved. The definitions in the No. 79 ordinance are from 1986.

Other approvals were the regular meeting minutes from April 8, and the Special Meeting from April 22 regarding considering a resolution calling a public hearing on the creation of a Redevelopment Tax Increment Financing District and for a public hearing for amendment to Ordinance No. 79. Also approved were the bills for $67,604.93.

The next regular meeting will be Monday, June 10, at 6 p.m. The Public Hearing on new TIF will be July 8, 2024, at 6 p.m.