FAIRMONT– On Tuesday evening the Fairmont City Council considered a property tax abatement request from Cress Refrigeration, as the business intends to build a new facility in order to grow. The Fairmont Economic Development Authority had previously recommended approval of the request.

“The proposed project includes adding additional staff, two service technicians and an office manager to the company’s existing workforce and payroll,” Koppen said.

He said that Cress is seeking a five year tax abatement and that they will be working with the county and school district regarding their respective portions of the abatement.

Koppen clarified that he was not asking for action on the abatement, but rather a resolution from the council for a public hearing on the matter at the next city council meeting.

“After that public hearing we would come back and ask the council for some kind of action,” Koppen explained.

The council unanimously approved of the resolution calling for a public hearing on the tax abatement request. It will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8.

The council also considered a Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) application for a single-family rental property at 1428 North Elm Street. FEDA had also previously recommended approval of the application, which came from Mike Schutz.

“The 10 year forgivable loan application was found to have merit… the amount, based on the quotes that Mr. Schutz got, after completing all the work, paying it in its entirety, submitting his proof of payment, the amount that we would cover out of the Local Housing Trust Fund is $19, 772, that would be forgivable over a term of 10 years,” Koppen said.

Council Member Randy Lubenow pointed out that the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) has been trying to revitalize some houses but that some of them are too far in a state of disrepair. He made a motion to approve the application so that new life can be given to a house. Council Member Jay Maynard seconded it and the motion passed.

In other news:

— The council will hold goal-setting workshops at 4 p.m. on June 3 and June 17 at the Southern Minnesota Educational Campus. The next regular council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. on June 8 at Fairmont City Hall.

— City Administrator Jason Baker said that a candidate was offered the open Community Development Director position but ultimately turned down the offer. He said the city is considering going with a firm for recruitment of the position.