Kunnemann’s housing project gets go-ahead

    It’s now a go for Dennis Kunnemann and his Wellpark LLC housing development in Imperial.
    Four different 3-0 votes were recorded Monday on aspects for the development to get started at the former Wellington football field.
    The plans show capacity for 14 homes in two east and west facing directions with driveways into the homes coming off Wellington and Park Streets.
    Approval came after several weeks of fine-tuning the agreements on drainage and grading.
    In their votes, the three council members present approved the agreement between the city and Wellpark, its final development plat and an ordinance vacating the portion of East 11th Street that was platted to run through the football field property.
    Kunnemann, who was at the meeting with Joshua Shiach from Engineering International, said he was surprised the agreement stated he would be responsible for costs for the city’s engineer—Miller & Associates.
    City officials have asked Miller & Associates to be on site as the groundwork starts to approve aspects like grading so it meets the city’s standards.
    Mayor Dwight Coleman said he believes if the city hires Miller & Associates, the city should pay for that.
    Council member Doug Gaswick agreed.
    “It’s to our benefit that they will be here,” Gaswick said.
    However, council member Chad Yaw wondered if that would open a “can of worms” on future projects.
    Coleman added that it would be disappointing if the project doesn’t proceed after the city paid for its engineer.
    Yaw suggested Kunnemann pay the costs up front, with reimbursement back to him after city officials see that the development will happen.
    In the end, that’s what the council did.
    They voted 3-0 to reimburse Kunnemann, dba Wellpark, up to $5,000 for Miller & Associates’ fees. Kunnemann will pay those costs  initially when they are billed to the city.
    Kunnemann will pay for the city costs of extending utilities to his property. Once in operation, the city will then maintain the utilities as it does throughout the community.
    City Clerk/Administrator Jo Leyland reminded Kunnemann the city has a program to encourage housing development.
    It provides a $5,000 tap waiver per new home, funded by city sales tax funds, and his project would be eligible.
    Kunnemann will also have the option of paying for the utility extension costs himself, or assess those costs to the future lot owners.    
    In other action and discussion Monday, the council:
    Approved a resolution closing streets for the Aug. 13 Car Nutz show during the fair. Wellington from 6th to 8th Streets will close from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    They were told the city’s Farmer’s Market will kick off Saturday, July 9, and continue from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays until October.
    Due to the Independence Day holiday falling on Monday and a council meeting night, the July 4 meeting was cancelled. The mayor and council will meet July 11 for a budget retreat.
    Trophies were presented to the 2022 Imperial Outstanding Citizens—Kendra Burke and Jana Pribbeno (posthumously). Read more about them next week.