Willmar City Council Meeting 7/20/26

The Willmar City Council meeting on July 20, 2026, included significant discussions on economic development and capital improvement projects. The council reviewed a proposal by Kandiyohi County Economic Development (KCED) to investigate options for revitalizing the Uptown Mall, including applying for grants and negotiating purchase terms. Bids for major repairs such as parking lot replacement, roof, HVAC, and mechanical systems were still pending, with an emphasis on not increasing taxes or seeking abatements. The council also approved the award of $7.525 million in general obligation bonds (Series 2026B) to finance street improvements, a bike path, and wastewater treatment plant projects, with a true interest cost of 3.6818%. Additionally, the council set a public hearing for assessments related to 2026 street improvements and discussed the 2027 street reconstruction and stormwater projects, including funding sources and project costs. An in-kind donation of exterior painting on a city-owned building was accepted, and an amended city administrator hiring process was approved. The meeting concluded with a brief update on concerns regarding Flock cameras in the community.