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The Wyoming City Fire Hall alterations site plan came before the city council and won approval last week.  The new footprint calls for a setback variance on the Felton Avenue side. The building will  need minor additions and also will feature a hose drying tower,  when the fire department takes over use of the whole structure, as city offices relocate south to the new city hall. 

The east side ends up 10 feet from Felton Avenue, and the code now is 20 feet from right-of-way.  Most of the construction/remodel work is being done in the interior of the facility.

Fred Weck, city building official, told council the east direction was preferred for adding space, so existing parking doesn’t get reduced.  

The plan also calls for planting nine trees and 12 shrubs for improving the parcel. 

Council approved the site plan (see graphic) and variance 4-0 with member Brett Ohnstad absent.

In other business last week, council approved doing a feasibility study for 2027 street improvements.  The study is the first step in doing the projects.

Engineer Mark Erichson told council the upcoming work is in the range of $1.7 to $1.9 million.  Property owners affected should expect a communication on the process “relatively soon” Erichson added.  Wyoming’s engineering consultants meet with property owners, hold council sessions and gather local input extensively in the designing phase.

The streets included in the 2027 work area are 259th, Finch Court, Flint Trail, Floral and Glen Oak.

History Walk signage was approved for payment. Vacker Sign will fabricate the informative placards for $2,700 and Peterson Companies quoted $6,525 to install them at the Railroad Park public improvements.  The signs are etched with scenes from the history of the city and fun facts.

Historian Neil Gatzow attended the city council meeting and asked if he could meet with the signage text writer and suggest some corrections or clarifications. Staff said they would facilitate this prior to the signs being set in place.

The park amenities are funded with private donations from individuals and corporate entities.

In another agenda item Rosenbauer manufacturing plants in the Wyoming industrial park needed the city to participate on a grant that the state requires a public hearing for, before the city administers the financial part. Nobody had any public comment on the grant from the MN Investment Fund and council consensus was in support.  There also is a Job Creation Fund grant that did not require a public hearing and council also supported the application for this aid from Dept of Employment & Economic Development.  The expansion projects will result in Rosenbauer employing about 700 in total when complete.

A resident asked during an open microphone if the city was prepared for cyber-attacks along the lines of those that crippled water systems in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Steve Reeves, public works supervisor, said the city telemetry (remote data) vendor is known for providing a very secure product,  and staff check on the utilities operations at frequent intervals and he doesn’t anticipate hacking problems.

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