Vergas Planning Commission discussing building permit fines

By Robert Williams

Editor

Vergas was awarded two grants from the Central Regional Sustainable Development Partnership (CRSDP) Grant and Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program to aid in making the village’s municipal buildings more efficient.

“These programs are both aligned through the University of Minnesota that operate under their Extension service,” said Mayor Julie Bruhn.

Grants are available June 1 and will be used for energy audits on the four municipal buildings this summer through Otter Tail Power. The audit includes lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, process systems and building controls.

The city will also be collecting one year of energy consumption data analysis, supported by West Central Initiative (WCI).

The end result is a community energy action report and plan to serve as a blueprint for making improvements to the municipal buildings and gaining fiscal benefits for the community and the environment.

“We’re really in a good position to move forward on some of these items for climate and clean energy,” said Mayor Julie Bruhn. “There really is a lot of money out there.”

West Central Initiative also created the Municipal Solar Cohort to support multiple communities in developing project proposals for small-scale municipal solar projects. This is a free program for city staff and elected officials to explore solar opportunities for their community at no cost or obligation. The goal is to save taxpayer money by using available financial incentives and energy savings after project completion. 

West Central Initiative will support participating communities with technical assistance, coordination with a solar developer, regularly scheduled meetings, and more.

Planning Commission

The Planning Commission recommended approval of an interim use permit with standard conditions for Mark Sand and Gravel.

The 2024 Vergas Gravel Pit Report, completed by Widseth, was also submitted.

“They are making a good effort on establishing and meeting their compliance from where they had to start,” said Widseth Civil Engineer Blaine Green.

The permit was approved unanimously by the council.

The commission also recommended a $1,000 penalty plus the double fee penalty to commercial businesses who do not get a permit before starting construction.

The planning commission does have the authority to wave the penalty.

Council Member Natalie Fischer spoke in favor of business owners against the penalty due to not all business owners being aware of the permitting process.

Council Member Bruce Albright suggested tabling the issue and researching how many permits are issued per year to go back to Planning for more discussion.

Clerk-Treasurer Julie Lammers clarified the research being done to: how many permits are issued per year; how many are late/fined, and what other cities do in that case.

Vergas Community Fund/Park Fundraiser 

Fundraising has begun for the park bathhouse, as described in Phase 1 of the Long Lake Park Master plan. The goal is to raise funds from June 8 to September 28 with a goal of $200,000. The Park Board is requesting the City apply for the 2025 Department of Natural Resources Recreation Grant.

City Center Parking

Widseth provided a preliminary engineer’s estimate on construction and paving of the City Center parking lot at a total cost of $181,557.50. No action was taken.

Baseball

Members of the Baseball Committee approached the board about constructing a sign and naming the baseball area the Fred Meyer Complex and the field after longtime caretaker Jerry Johnson. Meyer was a donor to both the city and the baseball community. The action will be moved to the Park Committee for referral back to the council for approval.

Council meetings

The Aug. 13 City Council meeting will be moved due to the primary elections being held. The move day will be selected later in the summer.

Household Hazardous Waste 

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day in Vergas will be held Thursday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 121 W. Linden ST (Behind the Event Center). A Household Hazardous Waste Mobile Collection is coming to Vergas.

Residents can dispose of hazardous items free of charge such as batteries, latex and oil paint, cleaners and solvents, lawn and garden chemicals, fluorescent light bulbs (limit 10), sharps in puncture-resistant containers and more. 

What is not accepted?

No business waste accepted.

The HHW facility does not accept business waste except for fluorescent bulbs from businesses which are accepted for a fee. Please call ahead. Cash or Check only.  

Business bulbs are not accepted at mobile collections, no exceptions.

Prescription medication – Take it to the Box!

Vehicle batteries – take these to a transfer station.

Electronics or appliances – take these to a transfer station.

For more information, fee schedules or a complete list of acceptable products visit Household Hazardous Waste on ottertailcounty.gov/