At their meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 2, the Winnebago EDA received an update that a sign advertising the vacant SuperValu lot at 34 Main Street as available for redevelopment, pictured above, has now been installed at the site. EDA specialist Jennifer Howard informed the EDA she has not yet received any inquiries about the vacant lot, but plans to continue marketing the site for redevelopment.

The Winnebago Economic Development Authority (EDA) gathered for a brief meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 2, at 5 p.m.

At the start of the meeting, EDA specialist Jennifer Howard updated the board on the progress of a housing study which the city has recently commissioned from Bolton & Menk.

The total cost of the study is $22,531. However, Howard shared there is a strong possibility that the study will be entirely funded by outside entities, pending approval from one potential source of funding.

As of now, the city has secured funding from the Bevcomm Foundation in the amount of $5,000 for the project. Additionally, Greenfield Global recently contributed a $2,531 donation to the project, to cover costs which were originally to be covered by the city.

Howard also shared that Winnebago has been approved for a Compeer Financial Rural Feasibility Study grant in the amount of $5,000, which will go toward the housing study as well. However, the city is waiting to officially receive the funds.

All that remains is for the city to find out whether it has been approved for a Strengthening Rural Communities grant in the amount of $10,000.

“If we can get the Strengthening Rural Communities grant, which should be decided this month – and we’ve been told we should be thinking very positively about that – then the entire housing study should be funded,” Howard told the EDA.

Howard also informed the EDA that Bolton & Menk has created and begun to distribute a housing survey which, ideally, needs to be completed by at least 30 percent of Winnebago’s households.

Howard estimated this would equate to roughly 250 households in Winnebago.

The survey is available online at cityofwinnebago.com, and is also available on the city’s Facebook page. Additionally, paper copies are available at Winnebago’s City Hall and at the Muir Library.

“Please pass the survey along, and fill it out yourselves,” Howard urged the EDA. “Help us promote it as much as you can.” 

In another effort to promote the community of Winnebago, the city is also in the process of filming a marketing video with See Me Productions.

Howard informed the EDA that See Me Productions will return to Winnebago on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. The company plans to conduct interviews and get ground footage of Winnebago throughout the day.

Those interviewed for the video will be asked the following questions: Why do you love Winnebago? Why did you move back to Winnebago? Why did you move to Winnebago? 

The EDA also approved two Commercial Exterior Grant requests on Nov. 2. The first grant was awarded to Heidi Stevermer, of Optimal Performance Specialists (OPS) Clinics.

Stevermer requested funding for exterior work which OPS Clinics is planning for the Main Street building previously owned by United Hospital District.

The proposed $8,865.72 worth of improvements would include new signage from Stauffer Graphics and Signs and a new coat of exterior paint. The EDA agreed to fund 50 percent of the project – a total of $4,432.86.

The EDA also approved a  Commercial Exterior Grant request from Johnathon Hynes, owner of John’s Auto Service.

Hynes intends to make exterior improvements to a property he recently purchased at 101 Main Street S to store tow trucks. The improvements, estimated to cost $13,500, include repairing windows on the front of the building, replacing rotten trim and loose bricks, and repairing the garage door.

The EDA awarded Hynes $6,000 to offset the cost of the improvements.

Hynes, a member of the EDA board, abstained from voting.

In other business, the Winnebago EDA: 

• Received an update that a $1,644 bill from KBEW Radio Station, representing the cost of an advertising campaign to promote a fundraiser for Winnebago residents Ron and Carolyn Howe, has been paid.

• Awarded the month’s EDA Business Spotlight to Vets Glass Co.

• Received an update on marketing efforts for the vacant 34 Main Street lot, where Winnebago’s SuperValu building was previously located.

A sign advertising the lot for redevelopment has been placed on the lot and city staff have also created marketing materials for the site.

Howard informed the EDA she has not yet received any inquiries about the site but is hoping it will garner future interest from a developer.

• Highlighted several upcoming events, including a business recognition event which will be hosted by Bob Weerts at City Hall on Nov. 16, during lunch. The Winnebago Community Club will also host a Thanksgiving meal at the Presbyterian Church on Thanksgiving Day.