Posted: 8/13/03

Wyoming will seek DTED grant for infrastructure cost

Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Wyoming City Council Aug. 4 unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the city to join with Chisago County to complete a Department of Employment and Economic Development infrastructure grant application.

Chris Eng, Chisago County HRA, told council the DTED grant program was created to assist smaller cities in the development of business properties. Development of the Wyoming Business Park fits the description and purpose of the grants.

Eng estimates it will cost about $800,000 to install storm drains, water and sewer lines, and conduit for telecommunications on the former Bingham property. A grant would pay up to half of the needed infrastructure cost or up to $1 million. The resolution authorizes application for up to $500,000 in grant money.

Eng said companies are more likely to choose an expansion site that already has the infrastructure completed.

ìThere are many green fields, but not many ready-to-go industrial sites,î so this would be an enticement for businesses ready to make a move or expand, he said. Typically these decisions tend to be made rapidly he said. Already there are three businesses interested in locating in the business park. Information from their builders will be used to lay out infrastructure designs.

If the city and county secure the grant, each will only be required to come up with 25 percent of the cost of the infrastructure instead of half. The balance of the cost to complete the work would be paid for by selling assessment bonds. The county and the city would split the costs of repaying the bonds, with semi-annual payments.

Hallberg expansion

Council granted concept approval for a building expansion for Gene Hallberg on property he owns in the industrial park. Hallberg presented plans for an additional showroom to his facilities.

There are already two buildings which serve as sales floors. The proposed building would be located adjacent to the freeway in the industrial park. When completed the building would be about 50 feet by 196 feet, and contain 180 feet of showroom exposure, with large glass display windows, close to I-35.

A white building with red brick facade would keep appearances upscale. He is attempting to expand and put a more appealing face on expansion. An overhead door is planned for each end to allow easy access with large equipment. He plans to begin work soon.

The planning commission has reviewed the proposal and is in favor of the project. Building inspector Jack Kramer has reviewed planned fire doors and other safety features related to construction.

One permit is required to bring the floor of one building 16 inches higher. Another is required to add 28 feet in length to another.

Council member Martin English asked questions about aesthetics. Hallberg said he is interested in giving a better look to the buildings he owns in the area. Hallberg is also negotiating with the DNR to maintain the freeway easement, from the exit ramp, south about one-half mile.

He wants to eliminate brush and scrub and plant grass or landscape with shrubs. A letter of support from the city council for this project is to be sent to the DNR.

Staff reports

City Attorney Tom Miller reported completing a base employee contract for city employees and is preparing the contracts for police, sergeant, and police chief.

He indicated that Mortenson Construction has begun work on its medical office building, to house the cancer treatment center, at the Fairview hospital campus.

City Administrator Dennis Coryell told council that in future, meeting minutes are to be taken by office personnel. This will allow him to participate more effectively in meeting discussions.

Residents are reminded that the cityís lawn watering ordinance permits watering on an odd-even schedule corresponding with odd-even house numbers. No lawn watering is permitted between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

One of the DNR conditions for granting the city permission to drill a third well into the Mt. Hinckley aquifer is the establishment of conservation measures regarding water use. The watering ordinance is one aspect of the compliance.

Other business

In other business, council:

ïDirected Engineer Lee Elfering to attempt to contact Gary Menne again to schedule an appointment to survey pond areas on his land.

ïLearned from council member Ted Phillips the park board did not secure a grant to help with Goodview Park.

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