By Robert Williams

Editor

The City of Vergas selected a bid of $5,500 from Sonnenberg Excavating to remove a garage at 350 South Pelican Avenue, after a referral by the Planning Commission, during the city council meeting Tuesday, May 19.

The removal of the garage was decreed in court years ago, according to Council Member Bruce Albright.

The demolition remained in conversation at Planning and Zoning meetings. The landowner signed an agreement that he had until May 15 to remove any personal property. After May 15, the garage would be removed at the owner’s expense, according to the agreement.

The demolition was approved unanimously.

At Planning and Zoning, Clerk/Treasurer Julie Lammers reported on the long-standing nuisance property at 350 Pelican Avenue, specifically the unpermitted garage that has been subject to enforcement action for approximately 12 years. 

The city attorney drafted the aforementioned legal paperwork, which the property owner voluntarily signed. The owner has until September to remit payment for the removal costs, with any remaining balance subject to being assessed against the property taxes at the Council’s discretion. 

Railway Switch

According to the Streets Department report, the committee was informed that the City of Vergas and Otter Tail County are jointly pursuing the relocation of a railroad switch that currently causes significant traffic delays downtown. 

The railroad has completed engineering analysis and determined that moving the switch is the preferred solution. The county is applying for grant funding in collaboration with the railroad, with grant awards expected in 2027, engineering to follow, and the switch relocation projected for 2028. 

The city has submitted supporting letters from the mayor, fire chief, EMS, and the school. The committee noted that the frequency and severity of train blockages appears to have improved compared to prior years. Photographic documentation of train delays was requested urgently to support the grant application, which has a deadline at the end of the month

The last official discussion about the railway crossing was in March of 2025 when Canadian Pacific Kansas City Railway (CPKC), Otter Tail County, the city of Vergas, and Hobart and Candor townships officials met at Vergas City Hall to discuss ongoing delay issues.

Budget

The committee’s minutes also included an overview of the preliminary five-year budget through 2031 for the streets, recycling and shop departments. 

Items currently identified for inclusion are: grapple costs (to be split between the recycling center and streets budgets), a skid steer and a future snowblower replacement. DuFrane indicated that more detailed conversations with staff are needed to refine the numbers. 

Thecommittee discussed the potential purchase of a grapple attachment for the city tractor, which is compatible with tractor attachments. A new unit was estimated at approximately $4,500–6,000, though Utilities Superintendent Mike DuFrane noted that used units are frequently available on the secondary market for approximately $2,000–2,200. The committee agreed that a used grapple would be appropriate and that the item should be brought to council with a price comparison once a suitable unit is identified. The grapple was noted as particularly relevant to yard waste management and potential structure demolition activities. 

Lammers also reviewed the current bond schedule and investment accounts.

Outstanding bonds include approximately $147,000 for the parking lot and $740,000 for the 2019 street project (original principal $985,740). A 2015 bond has approximately $33,000 remaining. Dedicated accounts are maintained for seal coating, sidewalks, yard waste, street improvements, and bond payments.

No sales tax

The city council had previously discussed a sales tax to pay for construction upgrades at Long Lake Park, as noted in the park’s master plan from 2022. The $1.27 million project will be built in phases, which include new restrooms, landscaping, mulch, limestone, bike racks, tables, trash receptacles, rubber surfacing, benches, and a stage pavilion.

The restrooms have emerged as the top priority, with multiple board members emphasizing the poor condition of current facilities.

“The sad news is the taxes committee did not end up writing the bill for sales tax, so we will not be going to vote in November,” said Lammers.

The house had introduced bill HF 4718, with Tom Murphy presenting the introduction and first reading. For the senate, Lammers testified before the committee on bill SF 4727. 

The timeline required approval by the end of May to meet September ballot requirements for the November election.

The city could reapply next year, but Vergas only holds elections every other year. The city would have to pay for an election for the sales tax if it was approved. Otherwise, it would be 2028 before a sales tax could be approved and entered into the tax bill to be voted upon by Vergas residents.