Winona, Minnesota Development News
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Development News from the latest meeting
City Recognizes Long-Serving Community Development Director Lucy McMartin on Upcoming Retirement
The City Council acknowledged the upcoming retirement of Lucy McMartin, Director of Community Development, after 38 years of service. McMartin began her career in 1987 and held various roles, including program development director and interim director before becoming director in 2012. Her significant contributions include the construction of a new commercial harbor dock, rehabilitation of housing projects, sale of Port Authority land for development, and downtown redevelopment efforts. She is recognized for her work ethic, knowledge, and mentorship. A brief celebration for her retirement is scheduled before the Port Authority meeting on Thursday.
Council Approves Fire Department's Grant Application for River Rescue Vessel
The City Council discussed the potential acquisition of a river-worthy vessel for fire and rescue purposes and security measures for the police department through a Port Security Grant Program. The grant requires a 25% match, estimated at $200,000 of an $800,000 total. The vessel would be river-worthy and equipped with a 1,000-gallon per minute pump. It would be stored at the Winona Marina or fire station. The need for the vessel was justified by increased river activity, the presence of cruise ships with many passengers, hazardous materials along the river, and the removal of Corps of Engineers boats. The city's ability to deploy quicker than volunteer services like Dive Rescue was highlighted, potentially impacting ISO ratings. The county does not possess firefighting boats, though Dive Rescue and Sheriff's Department have rescue/patrol boats. Concerns were raised about ongoing maintenance and replacement costs and the frequency of use.
City Council Reviews Preliminary 5-Year Capital Improvement Program (2027-2031)
The City Council reviewed the preliminary Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for 2027 through 2031. This program outlines proposed capital expenditures across various city departments, including airport improvements, fire and police equipment, park maintenance, street resurfacing, and facility upgrades like City Hall's HVAC and elevator systems. Staff presented details on specific projects, funding sources, and potential correlations with the city's comprehensive plan. The process is evolving to integrate planning commission reviews more robustly, with future CIPs expected to include more detailed findings on compliance with comprehensive plan goals. The council was advised to work from their provided documents as the presentation may be difficult to read on screen. Specific line items mentioned include repairs to the FBO hangar roof at the airport, taxiway improvements, replacement of trucks and plows, fire engine and hazmat truck purchases, a new Toro mower, trash truck replacement, police squad car purchases, street equipment shed repairs, a new dump truck, transit buses, tree crew pickup trucks, tower truck replacement, water fund pickups, wastewater treatment plant slinger truck, City Hall elevator and HVAC module replacements, annual curb/gutter/sidewalk replacement, fire station design development, tornado siren replacement, aquatic center slide and floor repairs, locker room repairs, ice arena dehumidification, park field upgrades, hardcourt resurfacing, a deferred Latch Park shelter repair/demo, park road repairs, port authority parking lot improvements, a public safety building estimate, ARC elevator repairs, alley reconstruction, and street resurfacing programs. Discussions also touched on the need for increased design dollars for downtown street reconstruction projects due to their complexity and impact on businesses. Funding sources mentioned include general tax levy, equipment replacement funds, equipment certificates, general revenue, utility reserves, state aid, and reserve funds.
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The Winona News archive
WAPS School Board Meeting - 2026-06-18
City Council Agenda
WAPS School Board Meeting - 2026-06-04
WAPS School Board Meeting - 2026-05-21
City Council
WAPS School Board Meeting - 2026-05-07
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