The Latest on Pillsbury!

http://owatonna.com/content/what-does-future-hold-pillsbury

OWATONNA — Spurred by a recent letter to the editor published in the Owatonna People’s Press, city officials are considering creating a new commission in the coming weeks that would focus on the future of the vacant Pillsbury Bible Baptist College campus.

“I’m pleased at least someone thought it was a good idea,” said community member Wayne Klinkhammer, whose letter ran on Jan. 22 and included a proposal for a commission made up of members that could provide valuable input on the best use of the “intriguing” facility.

Steve Jessop, chairman of the city’s planning commission, took Klinkhammer’s idea to Mayor Tom Kuntz. Now, Kuntz is expected to talk about the idea of a Pillsbury Commission at the planning commission’s meeting on Tuesday.

“Pillsbury is a gem in our community, and here’s a good way to handle it that puts the issue in the hands of a group that can stay interested and stay focused and act as a crossroads for all the people and information,” Jessop said.

Kuntz said the city’s interest in the future of the campus comes from the concern for vacant buildings in Owatonna.

“Vacant buildings do not benefit the city in any direction, and Pillsbury is a campus that has been a part of city history for many years,” he said. “I would be receptive to having a commission at least brainstorm and look for ideas and make contacts.”

Jessop agreed.

“It’s a practical interest. For one thing, it’s pretty much in the center of town and it’s always been an important part of the city,” Jessop said. “It’s a beautiful property and the buildings have some architectural value and it’s just something we should pay attention to. It’s just being responsible.”

All three men pointed to the pivotal role a West Hills Commission played in the city’s undertaking of West Hills as one example of what they had in mind for the Pillsbury Commission. The exact duties of the commission, however, will be mapped out if the idea moves forward.

What the commission would not be responsible for, Jessop said, is financing.

One focal point of the development of Pillsbury campus has been cost. While the Owatonna school district looked at acquiring the property, they at one point offered $4.87 million. As of late November, the CBRE web site and the Owatonna Partners for Economic Development websites had the property listed for $3.9 million.

“Whatever happens there certainly is going to have a financial component, but this commission would not be looking to fund anything,” he said. “We’re not looking to buy it and give it to anyone or anything like that. The city has the normal mechanisms if there is a developer that comes in with a proposal, and they would be welcomed to visit with the Economic Development Authority.”

In his letter, Klinkhammer suggested members could include officials from the Owatonna school district, City of Owatonna, Steele County, Owatonna College and University Center and the Owatonna Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. Kuntz said he thought having a council member on the potential commission could also be beneficial. Even a planning commission member may make an appearance, Jessop said, although he noted the point will be to have people interested in the future of the campus.

“It will basically be people interested in the property and who have the wherewithal and the interest to follow through,” Jessop said. “Just so somebody’s responsible in Owatonna for providing some direction and some interest there.”

Members of the city’s other commissions have applied, been interviewed, then were appointed by Kuntz with the city council’s approval.

Klinkhammer said he would consider joining the commission if asked, but said that he would prefer to simply watch from the outside.

“I see myself being a very interested bystander at some excitement-filled meetings with about seven or so members who are very into what they’re talking about,” he said.

Under city charter, the creation of a new commission would need to be approved by the Owatonna City Council through an ordinance.