By Norma Dittman
Following approval of the consent agenda at the Fulda City Council meeting held on Monday, November 3rd, the council heard from Shannon Sweeney, David Drown Associates regarding the CSAH 2 Utility Reconstruction Project Financing. He stated that the total estimated costs (to be financed based on the bids that have been received) are Projects Costs to be Financed $2,584,234.00; Finance/Lega/ Program Fess - $27,350.00 for a total cost of $2,611,584.00.
The funding sources to be utilized were summarized as:
• 2025B GO Utility Revenue Note - $2,100,000.00 and Water Fund Cash Contribution $500,000.00 and Construction Fund earnings - $11,584.00.
Work on the project began on Monday, November 3rd.
In conjunction with the information presented, David Drown Associates was recommending an application to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority’s Credit Enhancement Program, as it is a condition of the program lender based on the proposed interest rate. The council voted to approve Resolution 2025-15 Authorizing the Issuance, Sale and Delivery of $2,100,000 GO Utility Rev. Bond Series 2025B.
Bollig Engineering Project Engineer, Jordan Odegard, presented a monthly update on the progress of municipal projects. He stated that the Needs Assessment, Facilities Plan for Comprehensive Improvements, and the CSAH 2 Infrastructure Improvements desiging through bidding are all completed.
The water meter improvements project is on hold.
In progress are the city hall and fire hall improvements, Phase 1 Infrastructure Improvements - Design through Bidding, Smart Manhole Cover monitoring, and the CSAH 2 Infrastructure Improvements Construction Services.
Fire Chief, David Baumhoefner, shared information, and photos, from other area fire departments on how their fire halls are constructed. The fire department and city council are discussing possibilities that would allow for a third bay for trucks and equipment. More research will be done to help direct future planning.
Roger Zins, Fulda Ambulance Director, was in attendance asking for direction and approval in spending the Ambulance Emergency Aid that was received. The amount was $75,481.27. Spent to date is $6,127.53. Remaining funds need to be used by December 31, 2025. Proposed are a new furnace, cabinets, jackets, financial bonuses for employees/ volunteers, ambulance hall walk-through doors fixed or replaced, and the possibility of a new air exchange system.
In new business, PowerOn Midwest sent information regarding several informational open houses that they will be hosting throughout the area during the first part of November.
PowerOn Midwest is a series of new electric transmission projects anchored by a 765 kV backbone transmission line being developed by Great River Energy, ITC Midwest, Otter Tail Power Company and Xcel Energy.
The council approved the proposed Fulda-Murray County Central Youth Wrestling Gambling Permit.
Fulda City Hall will be closed the day after Thanksgiving.
The 2026 proposed fee scheduled was tabled until December.
Building permits that were approved included Bruce Beeck, shed; Jim and Sue Beeck, shed; Steven Verdugt, shed and concrete pad; Travis Kramer, fence; and Sharlotte Jass, shed. The Jass deck was approved with certain stipulations set by the council according to city building regulations.
The December meeting will be on Monday, December 1, 2025, 5 p.m. at Fulda City Hall.
