NICOLLET — During Monday’s Nicollet City Council meeting, City Maintenance Supervisor Darin Drill informed the council he was taking samples of Stickney Hills Ingredients waste because it appears it is not being properly handled.

“The samples appear to be milky colored so I am concerned that the ponds might begin to smell as they aren’t looking the best,” Drill said. “I have found the flume plugged so the flows are high. A woman from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) will be checking the ponds at the end of the week to get her assessment.”

“I thought we had this under control with the measures we have in force so this couldn’t happen again,” Council member Mary Wels said. “Maybe we need to check with our attorney.”

Council member Kevin Ostermann questioned if maybe Stickney has ramped up production because things had appeared to be cleaned up and now the problems are back.

Council member Matt Anthony added that he recently drove by the Stickney building and said it did stink. The council agreed to wait on how to proceed until after the assessment results are available.

Mayor Fred Froehlich asked Drill to notify the council when he knows more of what is causing this issue.

Last month, the council held a July 10 public hearing to consider the application by Stickney Hills Ingredients for an after-the fact variance allowing the modifications, additions and expansions made at the facility at 734 6th Street, Nicollet. Stickney claimed the facility and operations at it are “grandfathered” legal non-conformities.

A special meeting on July 25 was held to consider a resolution memorializing findings related to after-the fact variance request for expansion of a nonconformity use with Stickney Hill Ingredients, which the council approved.

Nicollet City Council approves multi-family development agreement

An agreement to develop three 4-unit apartment buildings in Nicollet was approved by the Nicollet City Council, including the establishment of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district for the project.

On Monday, the council received a presentation from Shannon Sweeny of David Drown Association on the contract for private development between the city and H & H Development. The plan is to redevelop the former Trinity Lutheran Church day care facility at 520 6th Street in Nicollet, into multi-family units. The council had previously held a public hearing in July regarding the creation of a TIF district.

A TIF captures new property taxes that are generated because of new development that occurs within the boundaries of a designated district. For this TIF district, the estimated reimbursement is $11,578 per year for 15 years, or $173,670.

The plan is to start construction by Oct.1, 2024, and substantially complete construction by Dec. 1, 2025. The developer must make all property tax and public utility payments on time and in full. The developer shall pay 50% of the costs of creating the TIF district and legal expenses associated with the TIF agreement.

After approval of the agreement by the council, Mayor Fred Froehlich said, “Good luck, we wish you well.”

Other Business

Bolton and Menk has sent out a request for bids for the flashing light at the corner of 6th Street and Highway 111 to help with pedestrians near Trinity Lutheran Church and School.

Mayor Froehlich suggested that the council take a tour of the city to review the needs of the city. Concern was raised about all the ash trees in the city and the emerald ash borer causing the trees to die. The council requested City Clerk Vanessa Drill to check with other cities regarding their ordinances on handling the ash tree disease.

Mayor Froehlich read a letter from Justin Miller, the President of the League of Minnesota Cities, that he sent to Sen. Nick Frentz. The letter’s intent was to thank Frentz, on behalf of the 839 member cities, for his efforts in the legislative session. City officials and the League staff look forward to continuing to work with Frentz in the future.

Meeting Dates

The next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 9, and future meeting dates are Monday, Oct. 14 and Tuesday, Nov.12, all at 6 p.m.