McGregor Council discusses riverfront lease agreement
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
The McGregor City Council has approved a resolution authorizing the disposal of an interest in real property for the city of McGregor riverfront lease agreement, paving the way for new McGregor Marina, Boatels and Beer and Bratz Garden buyers Dylan Borglum and Shannon Alber to take over.
“It will be signed as soon as documentation is ready,” said McGregor City Administrator Lynette McManus. “Everyone is very pleased, and the new owners hope to start improvements soon.”
The buyers have proposed over $100,000 in upgrades this year alone, including updating docks and signage, as well as painting and improving accessibility at the restaurant.
The riverfront lease agreement, which will be for 50 years in five-year increments, was discussed during a public hearing at McGregor’s June 16 council meeting. The council later considered the document at a June 21 special meeting.
“We’ve got two guys who are willing to take on our docks, that are willing to put multi-million-dollar improvements into our dock system. I think it’s a great opportunity for a young business to come in,” said council member Deb Scott, a sentiment other council members shared.
Riverfront zoning item moved to July
Another public hearing on the June 16 agenda was going to discuss the rezoning of the former Holiday Shores property, to allow for the construction of condominiums. It was postponed to the July council meeting, however, to address some legal requirements regarding building height.
Utility rate increases proposed
The council approved the first reading of ordinances to amend storm water and sewer service fees. The rate increases, which were suggested by Heidi Kuhl from Northland Securities through a rate study, are in preparation for bonding for the Main Street project.
Monthly storm sewer fees would increase $1.88, from $10.71 to $12.59, effective Sept. 1. They would jump another $1.87, to $14.46 per month, effective July 1, 2022, followed by a 2 percent annual increase after that.
On Sept. 1, the sewer base rate would increase $1.07, to $12.44 per month, along with a flow rate increase of 56 cents per 100 cubic feet. Effective July 1, 2022, the base rate will go up $1.07, to $13.51 per month, and the flow rate would rise 50 cents. A 3 percent annual increase will follow.
Kris Eulberg said McGregor Municipal Utilities, at its latest board meeting, also considered a water rate increase. A public hearing at the next meeting will propose a base rate increase of $3.38 to cover half of the suggested rate increase, plus a $1.44 per month increase to cover the water main, valves and flushing hydrant for the recent Ash Street project and a 0.0039 per cubic foot rate increase.
Outdoor furnace ordinance discussed
The council approved the second reading of an ordinance that would prohibit outdoor furnaces in town, despite objections from residents Jim and Linda Boeke, who own a property that utilizes one. The Boekes—who said they had not been informed of issues at Backwoods Bar and Grill, which complainants accused of burning improper items and sending smoke throughout downtown—asked for time to address the heating situation.
Trailer court discussed
The council gave city attorney Mike Schuster the go-ahead to take legal steps to shut down Knapp’s Trailer Court. Only two of five trailer homes are occupied, and there are issues with the sewer system, said mayor Lyle Troester. “It’s a horrible nuisance and health hazard, and the owner doesn’t want to address it,” he said. “The people there are physically ailing from it.”
