The Eden Valley city council met Feb. 8. A good deal of time was spent reviewing the Housing study report done by the Meeker County EDA, as presented by Executive Director David Krueger. The findings were largely similar to other communities in Meeker County: new housing was up before 2010, with 24 households added; single-level housing will be in demand by 2020, as will housing with services.
The average home sale in Eden Valley was priced $91,700, with the ?Äúsweet spot?Äù at $85-110,000. There are 127 rental units in Eden Valley, wth none added since 2010; 35 percent of Eden Valley residents are renters. Rental inventory is a good mix today, but more subsidized rentals will be needed in the future;.
Ninety-three percent of workers in Eden Valley commute, with about 20 percent commuting 10 minutes away, and 70 percent at 20-40 minutes away.
Incentives will be needed to spur housing growth in Eden Valley. Incentives could be from the local EDA, or from USDA or HUD. Potential growth is for 20-30 homes within next five years, if lot prices can be lowered. There is potential for 2-4 moderate- to higher-end homes. Affordable housing is always needed; remodeling older homes can help to meet this need.
Other business
The council approved up to $25,000 in a revolving loan program to help businesses coming to town, either downtown or the Highway 55 corridor; this includes for feasibility studies. These funds can also be used as a $500 credit incentive for new-construction homes, to be applied to water/sewer expenses.
The council is nearing the end of the process of codifying its ordinances.
The council approved immediate announcement of a logo/slogan contest for the city. (See full details on page 3.) A $500 prize will be announced during Valley Daze in June, probably on Friday evening.
Mayor Brent Bengtson wants to get the city onto more social media, to reach younger generations. The city will need a social media policy, which is in the works.
The council will schedule strategic planning sessions this year, the first of which will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.
Council member Troy Huschle visited Minn. Sen. Michelle Fischbach at her St. Paul office to see what she and the state can do to help the city.
Clerk Mona Haag will again apply for a DNR grant which is due March 31 for a splash pad in the new city park. More money will be available this year, and there may be an option to get an early review and help if the application is submitted early.
The council will consider sharing a boom truck with Paynesville; public works director Jim Radamacher will get them more information on which to decide.
There will be a special meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, for the annual Fire, Rescue and Township meeting. The next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday,
March 8. Meetings also are recorded and televised on Arvig cable on Thursdays.