City of Blooming Prairie

The meeting included a review of the Treasurer's Report and a discussion of the calls for service that the Police Department responded to during August. The Police Department had its first body worn camera audit and passed. An update on the Highway 218 project was provided, including potential funding and timeline considerations. There was also a discussion regarding the response time of the Blooming Prairie Volunteer Ambulance Service.

The Blooming Prairie Economic Development Authority meeting included discussions on Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation (SMIF) grant applications for economic development projects. The City Administrator contacted Maxfield Research to request a proposal for a housing study to support potential State and/or Federal funding for a development project. The board discussed the Empowering Small Minnesota Communities Program through the University of Minnesota and the EDA's potential to provide gap financing for projects from the capital investment fund.

The meeting involved a review of building permits issued during July and August 2025. There was discussion regarding the snow fence around the open basement located at 341 Fourth Avenue NE, and the board determined that the property owner needs to secure the fence. Also, there was a discussion concerning the property located at 606 Center Avenue North, and the board determined to allow a small fence in the front yard unless the City receives complaints about the fence. City Administrator Martens introduced himself to the Board.

The commission discussed the fire department's financial reports, new firefighter resignation, new turnout gear order, new batteries for portable radios, and the purchase of LED hand lanterns. The Brat Feed attendance was reported. The commission discussed replacing three sets of turnout gear per year and what equipment should be included in the capital improvement plan. There were eight fire calls since the last meeting. The dispatch center is planning to move in 2026, and a new fire station will be constructed in its place. The Ellendale Fire Department will soon be moving into their new fire station. The Soybean Growers Association has developed firefighting soy foam, and the fire chief has acquired a couple of five gallon buckets of soy foam to test.

The commission discussed fund accounting, the importance of a capital improvement plan, and the meeting time. They also discussed the election of a new chairperson, how funds from the Rural EMS Grant were spent, and the possibility of a full-time EMT on staff. Additionally, there was a discussion regarding adding a monthly fee for ambulance services to the utility billing or tax rolls to help generate funds for a full-time EMT. The City Administrator informed the Commission about the MN Senate Capital Investment Committee's visit to discuss funding to clean up contamination under Highway 218.