City Council Meeting - 2026-01-05

Public hearing opened and continued to January 20, 2026 due to two absent council members. Amendment would shift responsibility for preparing capital improvement lists from Planning Commission to City Council and clarify Planning Commission's advisory role for comprehensive plan consistency review.

Public hearing opened and continued to January 20, 2026. Amendment would eliminate requirement for Planning Commission approval before city real estate transactions and restore advisory review role consistent with state statute.

Public hearing opened and continued to January 20, 2026. Amendment would authorize City Council to assign Board of Zoning Appeals duties to Planning Commission by future ordinance, addressing difficulty filling BZA seats.

Approved ordinance codifying the Willmar zoning ordinance number 1060 along with all amendments into Chapter 14 Article 1 of the city code. This is a formal process to organize and integrate ordinances without changing zoning code language.

Council selected Alternative A for 4th Street reconstruction project based on survey results (83% of 18 respondents preferred this option). Design includes 11-foot driving lanes, 8-foot parking lanes, existing 5-foot concrete sidewalks maintained, and 14-foot boulevards on each side.

Approved new position in Planning and Development Department to replace vacant Main Street Coordinator position. Salary range $61,000-$82,000, funded from existing budget allocation. Position will focus on business outreach, grant writing, downtown pilot program, and industrial park development.

Approved Sunday liquor license renewal for El Tapatio Mexican restaurant after police department approval.

Approved off-sale intoxicating liquor license for new ownership of Westside Market located on County Road 5. Background check completed by police department.