SHERBURN — ​​The Sherburn City Council met on Tuesday evening. Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Staci Thompson was concerned about the price of the lot chosen for a house in Sherburn. This large farmhouse will be moved to 211 Prairie Street, a lot the city owns. Habitat for Humanity has a plan with the Martin County West house construction class. The house would be set in a basement and the class would gut it and refurbish it as part of their education. Habitat for Humanity would like the city to waive the price of $6,000 and lower the $13,700+ street assessment. Thompson explained some of the Habitat for Humanity policies such as the family is chosen as to housing need and their income, must have a job/income. The family pays the mortgage and the Habitat for Humanity pays the insurance and other fees. The family must put in 500 hours of sweat equity while working on their house. Habitat for Humanity pays for the installation of moving, electrical, and other services. They have Rural Development and FDA approval. They would like to focus on Martin County–not just Fairmont. There is a need for housing that a young family can afford. The council will discuss the situation.

In other business, The 26 North Main Street owners Dustin and Alicia Schultze explained their planned business ventures. The front of the building would be Blossom and Bud and the back part would be a cannabis store. They would not be open at the same time. All materials for the back store will be prepackaged and the growing and packaging will be done at another location, not in town. They are following the County Cannabis Management ordinances and licensing (not near schools and with police understanding etc.). They are in the planning stages and came to explain to the council what their plans were.

A representative, Tim Stahl, proposed an idea to landscape Exit 87 with evergreen trees and wildflowers. He gave an example of Jackson that landscaped. He suggested that the Minn. Department of Transportation Roadside Landscape Partnership Program be used, and a District 7 Group and Martin County Conservation with possible help from FFA Students. This is just in the planning stage and needs more information.

The clerk’s report included the information she found about the water shut-off and whether the city or the Owner pays. The ordinance says that what is on the owner’s land is paid for by the owner. The shut-off valve is usually near the street or boulevard. This may be put on the owner’s taxes if needed. The city’s job is to find the leak or break and possibly shut off the water as it is fixed.

In other news:

— The council had the first reading of the Zone ordinance proposal for R1 conditional usage which concerned the funeral homes and churches.

— The Public Works reported that the amount of water used in 2023 was 64.5 million gallons and in 2024 it was 54.5 million gallons. Since the rise in Water Rates residents must be watching the water usage more. Two new hydrants are planned and the city has quotes for the price. They also have quotes to have the City Hall professionally cleaned.

— Police Chief, Trevor Yochim, gave his report and reminded the Council that the Police Commission was to meet the next day, Feb. 19. The Council went to a closed session to discuss the property sale.

The Sherburn City Council will meet at 5 p.m. on March 3, at City Hall.