Council approves zoning request for new business construction

The Worthington City Council on Monday night approved a change of zoning request for property south of Gateway Drive and immediately adjacent to U.S. 59/Minnesota 60.

Fertilizer Dealer Supply Inc. requested a change of zone from ‘TZ’ Transition Zone and ‘B-3’ General Business District to ‘M-1’ Light Manufacturing. The applicant is purchasing one parcel and a portion of another and plans to construct a new business on the property. 

In an additional community development matter, council members approved a purchase agreement from Efrain Patino of Mexicano Properties Inc. for approximately 8.7 acres of land in the city’s Bioscience Industrial Park for a new warehouse center with office and storage space. 

Patino submitted a letter of intent to the council to purchase the property in September 2024. His offer included four parcels of land at the city’s asking price of $247,034.  The acquisition is subject to a conditional use permit and other necessary steps to fulfill the city’s obligations in selling property.

In public works business during Monday's meeting, council members approved a pair of agreements pertaining to use of city fields. 

An agreement between the city and the Worthington Soccer League will allow for the continuation of the WSL's adult soccer league for the 2025 season. The annual fee for 2025 will be $275 per team, which is a 10% increase from 2024. The WSL will utilize the outdoor soccer fields at Buss Field for the games and shall also be responsible for cleanup of the facilities in a timely manner. It also may use the restroom facilities at the field.

Another agreement approved Monday allows the Worthington Girls Softball Association to have exclusive use of the Centennial Softball fields for games and practices. The association will pay the city a fee of $35 per field to cover the cost of preparing the infields on the days that there are games scheduled.

The council also approved the donation of two new concrete cornhole boards from the Early Risers Kiwanis. The boards will replace two of the existing horseshoe pits and be installed by the city when time permits.

Additionally, the city council approved multiple engineering-related items during its Monday meeting.

Council members approved the plans and specifications for the North Ray Drive Extension Project, which is scheduled for construction during the 2025 season. Advertisement for bids was authorized; they will be received until 2 p.m. June 2 and will be considered at the June 9 council meeting.

After a public hearing, the council passed a resolution to order improvements and preparation of plans for East Flower Lane extension.

The contract for Service Drive and Service Road improvements was awarded to Ideal Construction Group Inc. in the amount of $1,936,468.75. Council members by a vote of 3-1 opted for a concrete surface option rather than bituminous. Councilman Mike Kuhle cast the no vote; councilman Larry Janssen was not present. A resolution pertaining to the city's intent to bond for the cost incurred in making these improvements was approved as well.

A public meeting was also scheduled for the review of the city's storm water pollution prevention plan, as required by federal law. This plan must address public education and outreach, public involvement and participation, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction site stormwater runoff control, post-construction stormwater management, and pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations. A public meeting on the plan will take place during the June 23 council meeting.

Council members also approved a grant agreement and supporting documents for the East Okabena Lake Trail Project. The city has been awarded $1 million in Active Transportation (AT) funding from the State of Minnesota for this project.