The former SuperValu store on Winnebago’s Main Street is for sale for $1, by the Winnebago EDA.

The Winnebago Economic Development Authority (EDA) continued moving forward with plans to try and find a developer for the property located at 34 Main St. S., commonly known as the site of the former SuperValu grocery store.

“We are ready to go ahead with our Request for Proposal (RFP) to solicit bids for development,” Winnebago EDA specialist Angie Stier told board members at their meeting last Wednesday. “The project goal is to have a new building constructed on the site.”

Stier provided some more background information on the property.

“It was a former grocery store which has been empty for nearly seven years and is currently owned by the city,” she explained. “It was originally two separate buildings but is now a joined location. Presently the building is in disrepair due to falling brick and a leaking roof. The structure needs demolition and redevelopment. A phase one site assessment has been completed. Asbestos and a 55-gallon drum, which is located in the crawlspace, will have to be removed before demolition can occur.”

The purchase price for the entire site was set at $1 and the EDA authorized spending up to $1,000 to advertise the RFP.

“Minneota Builders Exchange (MBEX) would be a good place to start advertising,” board member Brad Wolf said.

He explained MBEX is a member association of contractors and those in the construction industry.

“It would reach the people you are trying to get interested in this type of project,” Wolf offered.

Stier also gave an update on the Corn Plus plant.

“Things are going slow. Greenfield Global, the new owners, cannot send anyone from Canada to Winnebago right now because of the travel restrictions Canada has in place,” Stier commented. “But we are staying in contact and working to keep things moving forward.”

Stier also told board members work is being done to update the city’s ‘welcome packet.’

“It has been some time since it has been changed and it needs some refreshing,” Stier noted. “It is the packet new residents receive when they move to the city and gives them information on the city government, utilities, garbage removal, telephone, Internet and television services as well as information on local ordinances. It also has information on local churches and schools.”

The possibility of conducting a housing study was discussed but the board decided not to spend money on something they already know.

“We are well aware we have a shortage of housing in town,” mayor Scott Robertson said. “When Corn Plus resumes operations it will get worse.

In other business:

• The EDA voted to apply for a Paint the Town grant offered by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation.

• It was reported the Malchow loan had been paid off in full.

• Nominations were opened for the 2021 Winnebago Hall of Fame. Nomination forms should be turned into City Hall no later than April 7.