Council OKs $50,000 grant for Jimmy John's renovations

The Worthington City Council on Monday approved providing $50,000 in grant money to assist Jimmy John's with its planned relocation to a portion of the Cenex convenience store at 1710 Humiston Ave.

Jimmy John's had been located at 1300 Humiston Ave., but its lease ended on the conclusion of October. The former Jimmy John's site, as well as space next to it, has been approved for a conditional use permit to operate a cannabis dispensary,

The $50,000 is for necessary renovations and will be reimbursed to the city after the work is completed. An estimated $275,000 in renovations is planned at the Cenex convenience store location. The work will encompass food preparation areas, an order counter, seating, a drive-thru and storage.

The money is originations from funds allocated from Tax Increment Financing District 7 into the spending plan, which may utilized to funds for "projects that will result in expansion of the city’s tax base, and result in the creation or retention of jobs, explained Matt Selof, the city's director of community development.

It's hoped that Jimmy John's will be open inside its new location by mid-March.

Among other business Monday, council members received a report and ordered a required improvement hearing for the planned Third Avenue Street Reconstruction project from 11th Street to 13th Street. A hearing has been scheduled for the council meeting of Jan. 12.

The total estimated cost of the Third Avenue Street Reconstruction Project is $1,318,284.89 and is proposed to be constructed in two phases. A 2026 Utility Phase (including temporary surfacing) carries an estimated cost of $693,700.75 and a Worthington Public Utilities share of $592,366.75. A 2027 Street Reconstruction Phase will entail the remaining project costs.

Also Monday, the city council approved two resolutions authorizing the execution of grant agreements with the Nobles County Opioid Settlement Grant.

One resolution was for a $30,000 grant that will be combined with other reserve funds to purchase 15 tactical ballistic helmets, 15 tactical communication headsets, one rifle-rated ballistic shield and related equipment. This will be used primarily by the Worthington Emergency Response Unit (ERU) and is vital in keeping officers safe while responding to violent, high-risk operations.

The other resolution was for a $2,744 grant that will be combined with other reserve funds to purchase Fatal Vision goggle kits and related equipment.

The goggles are an educational tool used to provide impactful lessons on impaired driving, underage drinking, and substance abuse. These goggles are intended for use by both the Worthington Police Department and the Nobles County Sheriff's Office in the D.A.R.E. and drivers' education courses.

In a separate matter, the council accepted a $10,780 Minnesota Department of Transportation grant to cover 70% of construction management costs for the planned South Taxilanes project at Worthington Municipal Airport.  The city’s share of the cost is $4,620.