Resolution on open city council position to be considered Monday

The Worthington City Council will consider approval of a resolution during its meeting Monday declaring a vacancy for a Ward 1 seat on the council.

Council member Larry Janssen resigned his seat effective May 27, resulting in the opening. In accordance with the city's charter and Minnesota statute, the council shall pass a resolution declaring a vacancy. A special election is not needed since there are less than two years remaining in Janssen's term, which ends Dec. 31, 2026.

Council members will have the choice of appointing any qualified person to the Ward 1 Council post to serve in that capacity the remainder of the unexpired term. To be eligible for consideration of this appointment, a candidate must be a U.S. citizen, a resident of the city, a qualified city voter, be at least 21 years of age, and be a resident of Ward 1 for the past 30 days.

Among other items on the agenda, the council will consider a conditional use permit request from Mexicano Properties Inc. to allow for the development of a warehouse center along with office space on the east side of Research Lane. Fertilizer Dealer Supply Inc. is also requesting a conditional use permit to allow for the development of a fertilizer equipment parts retail center on property located south of Gateway Drive and immediately adjacent to U.S. 59/Minnesota 60. The city's Planning Commission has already voted unanimously to recommend approval of both CUPs.

Also Monday, council members are expected to award the contract for the North Ray Drive Extension Project. A total of four bids were received, with the lowest bid submitted by McCuen Construction in the amount of $198,572.50. That total is approximately 28% below the engineer’s estimate.