Two representatives of Northland Securities attended the Jan. 12 regular meeting of the Watkins city council. They had been invited to explain to the council what a TIF housing district is, and how it works. David Tysk has requested a TIF housing district be established for his considered development of rental properties within Glenshire Estates in the city. Tysk’s project is multi-phased, and the city would seek funding from the state’s Workforce Housing program to fund Phase 1. Having a TIF (tax increment financing) would essentially delay property tax increases on improved properties, giving the developer a needed financial boost at the beginning of the project.
The council continued their discussion of the new Code of Ordinances and Zoning Ordinance amendments. There are still a few tweaks being made.
The Watkins Fire Department received a 50/50 matching grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The $3,026 grant will be used for equipment.
The council made their 2023 appointments (committees, legal and financial representatives, etc.) at this their first meeting of the year. Alternating year to year, this year the official newspaper of the City of Watkins will be the Eden Valley-Watkins Voice.
The council discussed a proposed Nature Energy project. The City of Benson is also considering such a project. The proposed plant will convert manure from local farmers into biogas (biomethane). The biogas can be added to existing stores of natural gas to be used in local homes and businesses, and the byproducts can be used as fertilizer on local farms. The goal is to reduce transportation costs for farmers, to process local manure into a usable gas, and overall reduce the area’s overall carbon footprint. The Danish company assures that there is no smell involved to the project which would need to be located adjacent to city limits, and which will require water to operate. There would be about 100 trucks/day coming and going from this plant. No decisions have yet been made; it is still under discussion.
The council also discussed the 2023 outdoor swimming pool season, staffing, wages, etc.
Watkins city council meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.