Tony O’Donnell took the oath of office after being appointed to the Winnebago City Council last week. O’Donnell took the spot of council member Jean Anderson, who had been appointed mayor following former mayor Scott Robertson’s resignation.
The Winnebago City Council held a special meeting on Tuesday, March 26, to review Tony O’Donnell’s application for a vacant City Council seat.
The council declared the seat vacant at its Feb. 13 meeting. When former mayor Scott Robertson resigned from his post and council member Jean Anderson was appointed mayor in his stead, her seat on the council was left open.
After interviewing O’Donnell on March 26, the City Council appointed him to Anderson’s former seat. He will serve the remainder of her term, which expires on Jan. 1, 2025.
O’Donnell was born and raised in Hampton, Iowa, but he moved to the Faribault County area about a decade ago to work at I-90 Grain Systems, in Blue Earth.
He opened his own small business, Tony’s Grain Systems and Buildings, in 2018. It is a bin dealing business which is located on Sixth Avenue S.E., in Winnebago.
O’Donnell explained his experience owning a small business would be an asset to the City Council, particularly when the council works to balance the city’s budget.
O’Donnell, a veteran, also said that his time as commander of the Blue Earth American Legion Post 89 has taught him a lot about managing finances.
“I did a lot with the monies with the American Legion out in Blue Earth,” he said. “Navigating that is more difficult, but I’m more educated on it now.”
When asked what short and long-term challenges Winnebago faces, O’Donnell suggested that, apart from finances, curb appeal plays a big role in a city’s ability to attract businesses and residents.
“Curb appeal is quite important in inviting in businesses and taxpayers,” he said. “If the city doesn’t look nice, people are probably going to drive right through.”
He also said it is important for a city to invest in future generations by maintaining its parks and pools.
“None of us will be here in 100 years, but our kids and grandkids will be,” O’Donnell explained.
He added, “Long-term, I hope Winnebago’s here 100 years from now. Obviously, bringing in industry and employers, businesses – we need to do that to grow.”
O’Donnell concluded that he has a vested interest in Winnebago’s future, and he wants to see the town succeed.
“I care about this town,” he said. “I’ve been here for a short time, but the things that are going on here really intrigue me. If I can step in and help, that’s what I’m trying to do.”
In other business, the Winnebago City Council:
• Approved a purchase agreement with MacQueen Emergency for a new ambulance.
The vehicle will cost $299,856, to be paid upon its delivery. The ambulance is expected to arrive in approximately 24 to 30 months.
Its purchase will be funded through the Winnebago Ambulance’s 401 Capitol Fund, as well as through the city’s 890 Fund and through contributions to its Capital Account in 2025 and 2026. The department’s old ambulance also has some trade-in value.
City administrator Judi Hynes said the city could receive one-time ambulance aid from the state, and the city could potentially receive a USDA grant, although that is unlikely.
The council discussed the possibility of taking out a loan to fund the remaining cost of the ambulance.
• Approved an engagement letter with Northland Securities to secure a bond for the street portion of the Cleveland Avenue West Improvement Project.
“We’re getting PFA bonds for the water and sewer portion, but the city has to pay for the street portion,” Hynes explained. “We do have to get another bond to cover the street section of the project.”
Hynes said the original estimate for that portion of the project was $1,830,566.
• Approved several changes to City Council members’ appointments to various boards and committees.
Paul Eisenmenger, who has been appointed acting mayor following Anderson’s appointment as mayor, was accordingly appointed to the Economic Development Authority (EDA) Board, the Planning Commission and the Personnel Committee.
Eisenmenger was removed from the Parks and Recreation Committee and Library Board. O’Donnell will take Eisenmenger’s place on those boards, and he was also appointed to the Community Trust Fund and Improvement Committee.
• Was reminded that the city’s Board of Appeals meeting is scheduled for April 23, at 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Winnebago Municipal Center.
