John Harren News Today

Willmar public works staff on Monday removed sidewalk panels and conducted exploratory digging in front of the building at 309 Benson Avenue Southwest to explore the cause of the stormwater issues at that location.

The commission will hear an update on the well field in the south Swansson Field Recreation Complex, as well as potential topics for a joint meeting between the city and Willmar Municipal Utilities.

The council in a 7-1 vote approved a motion terminating the proposed sale of parkland in the south Swansson Field Recreation Complex.

Although the Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission late Friday afternoon called a special meeting for Monday at noon, there was not a quorum and no business was conducted.

Due to the inability to create a site plan that will preserve the southwest well field, the Municipal Utilities Commission on Monday unanimously approved a memo to the Willmar City Council opposing the sale of the parkland.

The Minnesota Department of Health has submitted a letter to Willmar Municipal Utilities cautioning it about a potential development and associated stormwater pond in the southwest well field.

Stakeholders in the city of Willmar continue to question why the city is pursuing the development of 5.54 acres of parkland in the south Swansson Field Recreation Complex when it may risk the city's water supply.

The city attorney said Monday that the Willmar City Council will not take action April 15 when two public hearings on the sale of city-owned property to Cura are scheduled. The required ordinances are not ready.

The Willmar City Council on Monday was informed by City Attorney Robert Scott that the sale of the city's care center and parkland, both to Cura, will now be part of one purchase agreement.

The Willmar Municipal Utilities Commission on Monday, March 25, 2024, heard a summary of the memo submitted by the well field consultant regarding the preservation of Willmar's southwest well field.