City council orders hearings on street projects, OKs financial assistance for potential housing

The Worthington City Council on Monday night passed separate resolutions ordering improvement hearings on street reconstruction projects.

Council members first received a feasibility report on the Murray Avenue street reconstruction project, which involves replacement of sanitary sewer services, regrading, curb and gutter, sidewalks, concrete driveways and permanent pavement. The work will encompass Murray Avenue from Nobles Street to the east dead end.

Similarly, council members received a feasibility report on the Sixth Avenue street reconstruction project, which will extend from 11th Street to 14th Street and include replacement of the water main, sanitary sewer main, storm sewer main, regrading, curb and gutter, sidewalks, concrete driveways and permanent pavement.

The reports on both projects provide comprehensive information such as costs, funding, estimated assessment rates and the city’s share, along with related improvements. With council approval Monday, hearings on both projects are now scheduled to take place during the Feb. 10 meeting.

Also Monday, council members approved financial assistance to DeRocher Brothers Construction of Le Mars, Iowa for the development of market rate multi-family rental housing. DeRocher’s right of first refusal extends through April 30; the potential project could result in the development of up to five 12-unit apartment buildings in the Cecilee Addition.

In another matter, the council voted 3-2 to deny a request from Duininck Inc. to consider special assessments on land it owns on Bioscience Drive. Amy Ernst, Larry Janssen and Chris Kielblock voted no, while Mike Kuhle and Dennis Weber voted yes.

Also approved on Monday by the city council was a new Law Enforcement Labor Services #274 labor agreement that represents city patrol and detective supervisors along with the dispatch supervisor.

The previous agreement expired this past Dec. 31. City administration and human resources staff participated in negotiating sessions with LELS #274 representatives and reached an agreement for a three-year contract with a 5.0% cost-of-living adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2025, a 4.0% cost-of-living adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2026 and a 4.0% cost-of-living adjustment effective Jan. 1, 2027. These are in line with other agreements reached recently involving city employees.

Additionally, council members approved the first reading of the city’s cannabis ordinance. In accordance with Minnesota statutes, the city is required to adopt an ordinance regulating cannabis businesses within the city. Regulations stipulated in the ordinance include registration process for businesses, fees, enforcement, penalties, hours of operation restrictions and other requirements.

The proposed ordinance also prohibits the use of cannabis products in public places. A separate ordinance dealing with buffer restrictions and zoning requirements is expected to go before the Worthington Planning Commission in February.

The council also made multiple appointments to city committees, including: Brad Spartz and Melissa Ramirez to the Housing and Redevelopment Authority; Leann Barduson to the Worthington Planning Commission; Chad Nixon and Amy Ernst to the Water and Light Commission; Gail Holinka to the Public Arts Commission; and Jeff Faragher to the Nominating Committee.