SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously consented to a tax abatement agreement related to construction of a 44-unit, market rate, multifamily housing project Tuesday.

Action came on a motion by Councilor Scott Krzmarzick, seconded by Doug Pelzel. Sleepy Eye City Manager Bob Elston said the resolution assigns the tax abatement to a bank and the abatement is the same as it was a year ago when the city council approved it.

Last April, the city council unanimously approved an $861,172 property tax abatement for up to 15 years for the apartment complex being built on the east edge of town. The abatement agreement with Sleepy Eye Multifamily, LLC, approved a year ago rescinded an earlier approved $580,204 abatement. The higher abatement was created due to increased construction costs.

In other business, no comments were made at a public hearing for a resolution vacating the east 15 feet of the previously dedicated 30 foot drainage and utility easement in Out-lot B, Sleepy Hollow Fifth Addition.

The city council determined the vacation will benefit the public interest because it will lead to and continue property development underlying the previously dedicated drainage and utility easement.

After the public hearing, the city council unanimously approved a resolution vacating a portion of the easement, motion by Nate Stevermer, seconded by Christine Andres.

The council approved accepting donations including $10,000 from the Sleepy Eye Sportsmen’s Club for a new lake aeration system, $4,000 from the Sleepy Eye Sportmen’s Club to Sleepy Eye Ambulance and $5,000 from Mathiowetz Construction to the Sleepy Eye Fire Department and $5,000 to Sleepy Eye Ambulance, motion by Councilor Gary Windschitl, seconded by Stevermer.

Councilor Doug Pelzel said Mathiowetz Construction also recently made a $5,000 donation to the Post 7 American Legion for Veteran’s Park.

Mayor Wayne Pelzel proclaimed Friday, April 28 as Arbor Day in Sleepy Eye. A program begins at the Dyckman Free Library, 345 W. Main Street at 1 p.m.