Development News for Buffalo, Minnesota

Buffalo City Council Considers Adding Second Avenue North Section to Reconstruction Project

The council is considering adding a three-block area of Second Avenue North, from Fourth Street to Fifth Street, to the Northeast Area Reconstruction Project. This addition is proposed as a change order to the existing contract with Keekly Underground, who has agreed to maintain current unit prices. The approximate cost to add this section, including street, sidewalk, storm sewer, and water main improvements, is estimated at $350,000. This addition would be funded from the project's contingency fund, which currently has a remaining balance of approximately $200,000 after accounting for the proposed addition and potential site furnishings. Staff recommends approving this addition for efficiency, as it is more cost-effective to complete now rather than as a separate future project.

Buffalo Area Community Foundation Launches with Endowment, Set to Begin Grant Making

The Buffalo Area Community Foundation has been established with a $100,000 endowment and an additional $15,000 per year for the first three years to facilitate immediate grant making. The foundation plans to begin accepting grant applications in the fall. This initiative was supported by the Region's Initiative Foundation, which seeded the endowment and acts as the overarching parent organization, while the local board manages the foundation's operations. The goal is to foster community improvement through local initiatives.

City Explores Rebates and Energy Audits for Small Businesses with MN Chamber

Councilmember Walsh reported on meetings with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce regarding rebate opportunities and energy audits for small businesses. This is part of ongoing efforts to support local businesses and identify various ways to help them.

MMPA Adopts Policy to Remove Obsolete Wind Turbines, Including Buffalo's

Utilities and IT Director Jason Mooseberger and a councilmember attended the Minnesota Municipal Power Agency (MMPA) board meeting on May 26th. During this meeting, the board adopted a policy to remove obsolete wind turbines from member cities, including Buffalo. The city's turbine, which has been mostly on the ground, will be removed as the cost to repair it was prohibitive. A timeline for removal has not yet been established.