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The plan authorizes installation of a digester machine to convert methane gas into electricity at Winona’s wastewater plant, more-efficient traffic signals, exterior and interior lights, and digital temperature controls in city facilities.
Some residents and City Councilwoman Deb Salyards questioned the project — particularly its most costly element, the $1.15 million digester — arguing the renovations may have environmental benefits but won’t pay for themselves quickly enough. Still, Monday night’s measure passed by a unanimous council vote, with supporters like City Manager Eric Sorensen arguing the renovations are justified on an economic basis — their environmental benefits notwithstanding.
“We aren’t into global warming ... this is basically a financial argument,” Sorensen told the council.
The consultants that helped draft the proposal, McKinstry Co., have guaranteed the renovations will pay for themselves in 15 years through reduced energy costs, though they project the plan actually will pay for itself in 11 years if energy costs don’t increase.
A proposal advanced in September would have issued debt to pay for the renovations, but the plan approved Monday night will borrow internally, primarily from the city’s sewer fund. The city will pay about $1.35 million of the project cost; the city has secured a $337,500 grant and a $60,889 rebate to pay the remainder.
Arena study officially on hold
A unanimous council vote on Monday night confirmed what was apparent two weeks ago: the city will delay planning a $30 million event center for at least six months amid one of the worst fiscal crises in the history of Minnesota government.
Mayor Jerry Miller has been a vocal advocate for the proposed event center, which would host Winona State University sports and local arts events. But Miller announced on Dec. 22 that he believes now isn’t the time to ask state lawmakers for $25 million to build the facility.
Most members of a committee that was overseeing design of the event center said last week they concur with Miller’s decision, and said they may resurrect the project at a later date or examine other ways to fund it.
