On the agenda: Olivia Minutes - August 3, 2026 — data center (Aug 3)

REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, August 3, 2026
CALL TO ORDER AND DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM

The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Olivia, Minnesota, was called to order by Mayor
Hawkinson at 5:30 P.M.

Council Members Present: Matt Baumgartner, George Ebbers, Blanca Ferguson, Mayor Jon Hawkinson,
and Todd W. Howard

Others Present: Elizabeth Torkelson, City Administrator; Pamela Whitmore, City Attorney (Zoom); Ross
Okins, Renville County Register (Zoom); Jason Krumheuer, Police Chief; Tim Tydlacka, BOLD
Superintendent; Jasmine Miller, City Clerk.

PUBLIC FORUM

Mayor Hawkinson recessed the regular meeting and opened the public forum at 5:30 P.M.

No public comments were offered. Mayor Hawkinson reopened the regular meeting at 5:31 P.M.
AGENDA

Motion by Howard, second by Ebbers to approve the agenda. Motion carried.

CONSENT AGENDA

Motion by Baumgartner, second by Ferguson to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried.

A) Regular Meeting Minutes of July 20, 2026

B) Resolution 2026-72, Authorizing the City of Olivia Municipal Liquor Store to Dispense
Intoxicating Liquor at the 2026 Third Thursday Community Festival Events

Cc) Resolution 2026-73, Authorizing the Purchase of Underground Electrical Wire from Wesco

D) Resolution 2026-74, Calling for a Public Hearing to Consider the Use of Program Income Funds
for the Downtown Streetscape Improvement Project

E) Resolution 2026-75, Calling for a Public Hearing on the Certification of Delinquent Utility
Accounts to the County Auditor for Collection with Property Taxes

F) Resolution 2026-76, Calling for a Public Hearing for the Final Assessments for Unpaid Fire Call
Charges for Service

G) Resolution 2026-77, Calling for a Public Hearing for the Final Assessments for Unpaid Lawn
Mowing Fees

H) Resolution 2026-78, Approving Acquisition of a Permanent Utility Easement

a0) July Disbursements

DISCUSSION ITEMS
BOLD School Update — Superintendent Tim Tydlacka

Tim Tydlacka provided an update on the school construction project. Work is progressing on the special
education suite and district offices, and the district has transitioned out of the temporary trailers. Tydlacka
reported that the gym floor will be replaced using long-term facilities maintenance funds, without an
impact on the general fund or taxpayers. The district also plans to replace aging pipes under the
elementary classrooms over the next three years using the same funding source. The school year is
expected to begin on September 14.

Tydlacka reported that food service plans are still being finalized, with a portable kitchen currently the
preferred option. The district is also evaluating locations for student meals and is working to ensure
students have adequate time to eat.

Mayor Hawkinson offered the City's assistance and encouraged continued communication between the
City and School District. Council Member Baumgartner asked about the anticipated property tax impact
of the school referendum. Tydlacka did not have the projected figures available. City Administrator
Torkelson indicated she would contact the County Auditor to obtain tax impact projections for a future
budget work session.

Council also asked about the anticipated completion date and reasons for the project's delays. Tydlacka
stated that the project has experienced significant delays due primarily to structural issues discovered
during construction, discrepancies between the plans and existing conditions, change orders, and delays in
obtaining revised plans. He noted that the project is currently not expected to be completed by the original
October timeframe, resulting in additional unbudgeted costs for financial oversight and facility rentals.

Council Member Ferguson noted that concerns about the building's structural condition and the potential
for significant additional costs had been identified in the original facility study. Tydlacka acknowledged
the challenges and stated that the district is focused on completing the project and working through the
issues rather than looking backward.

Resolution 2026-79, Authorizing the Purchase of a Commercial John Deere Mower and Attachments
from Kibble Equipment

Torkelson reported that the Public Works Department is seeking authorization to purchase a new mower
using existing Capital Improvement Plan funds, with no additional budget impact. The proposed mower
has a six-foot cutting width, compared to the City's current 11-foot mower, providing greater
maneuverability around trees and other areas. The smaller mower is expected to save approximately
$9,000 compared to replacing the existing 11-foot mower on the City's five-year replacement cycle. The
new equipment will also include a year-round cab, snowblower attachment, and broom attachment,
allowing the equipment to be utilized throughout the year rather than being used solely as a mower.
Torkelson noted that City departments are evaluating equipment needs carefully during the budget
process to ensure purchases meet the City's current operational needs.

Motion by Ferguson, second by Baumgartner to approve Resolution 2026-79, Authorizing the
Purchase of a Commercial John Deere Mower and Attachments from Kibble Equipment. Motion carried.

REPORTS

Torkelson reported that Corn Capital Days was successful and thanked staff, volunteers, committee
members, and the community for their participation. The Corn Capital Days Committee held its annual
debrief and discussed potential improvements for next year. Torkelson also reported attending the League
of Minnesota Cities Improving Local Economies Policy Committee, which is reviewing potential
legislative priorities related to data centers, local zoning authority, downtown commercial development,
housing, and childcare. Torkelson reported meeting with MnDOT regarding airport matters and noted
upcoming Park Board and EDA meetings. Torkelson stated that progress continues on the proposed
development at the former hospital site and on resolving access to the Western Clinic.

Mayor Hawkinson reported that the EDA is considering a study to assess regional childcare needs. He
noted that the City has previously operated under the assumption that the area is a childcare desert, but
recent information indicates the need may not be as significant as previously understood. The EDA will
continue evaluating the need before committing resources to a childcare initiative.

No additional reports were presented.

NOTICES AND COMMUNICATIONS

Airport Work Session: August 3, immediately following the regular meeting

Budget Work Session: September 3

No additional notices or communications were presented.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Ferguson, second by Howard, to adjourn the meeting at 5:54 P.M. Motion carried.

Approved by the City Council of the City of Olivia this 17th day of August 2026.

fion Hawkinson, Mayor

iM
Attest: (pans Miller, City Clerk