Minutes of the May 28, 2002, meeting were presented and reviewed, with adoption following after a motion by Boelter, s/Thelen, and passage on a vote of 4-0.
Audit & Budget
For informational purposes only, the clerk presented the year 2001 Fire Relief Association financial report. It was noted that the special fund contained $227,853 in assets at the end of the year, with $107,656 allocated in mutual funds. Interest generated for the year was $10,654 while market value losses stood at $3,009. The general fund incurred $9,252 in expenses and after income of $13,307 was generated, the fund balance for this account ended at $12,132. No action was taken on this report.
The clerk also explained that a representative of Schlenner Wenner, Ltd. was to be on hand to present the city's 2001 audit report but due to difficulty in tracking some of the city's investments, they had called earlier today to delay their presentation for a two week period.
Old Business
In the absence of Rich Romness, a brief memo submitted by him and dated June 25th was read aloud. The memo gave the council an update on both the Industrial Park and 7th St. SE improvement projects, announcing also that a bid opening was still set for July 8th at 11:00 AM.
No report was available from Pete Carlson of SEH, Inc. on either the I94 ditch cleanup or the pond dike settlement matters.
Public Hearing
At 8:30 P.M., a public hearing was opened, after due mailed and published notice was given, on the zoning variance request from Rick Leukam, 211 Main St. E, requesting that a front wood deck be built that did not meet the current setback standards. The clerk passed out data packets relating to the request including the application, receipt of $100 fee payment, affidavits, city code excerpts and a staff report. The mayor allowed for comments from the audience and both Rick Leukam and Gene Raeker spoke in favor of allowing the variance. It was pointed out that the request for the 8'x22' deck would result in a 22' setback, when 30' was required. Mayor Atkinson spoke against the variance, stating that such action was consistent with his past feelings about this land use issue. After asking several questions, members of the council felt that some relief was warranted, since other adjacent properties had parts of their structures setting back only 12 feet. As a result, Boelter moved to have staff prepare a resolution granting a variance, citing practical hardship, s/Humbert. On a roll call vote, the motion was adopted after Boelter, Humbert and Thelen voted aye, Atkinson nay, with a 3-1 vote as the outcome.
No action was taken on the Anderson Concrete Homes; however, a letter from the Department of Administration, Building Codes Division, dated June 7, 2002, laying out certain corrections that Anderson was to make to the existing homes in Welle's Addition.
This letter had been introduced by Building Inspector Dan Marthaler, the clerk explained, and should be kept on file and used as a guide when asking questions of Anderson when he again appears to seek additional building permits.
A cover letter written to Steve Johnson of U.S. Cable, asking his presence at this meeting to explain the local public access channel and other equipment options, was given to members, after the clerk had written to the manager of the cable company. Without his attendance, no action could be taken.
The clerk summarized the activity of the EDA Board meeting of June 19th and among the items he addressed were the Industrial Park matters and the Welle's Addition covenants.
It was noted that the land purchase agreement involving Ellingson Plumbing and Heating of Alexandria was directed to be prepared by the law firm of Rinke Noonan and a draft was in the cycle at this time, pointed out Clerk Heinen.
Carrie Pohlkamp appeared to seek relief of her utility bills, after the council had last taken action to deny any adjustments. By consent, the majority of the members asked the clerk to retrieve the past written history and mail the summary to members prior to the next meeting so that more study could be given the matter. Pohlkamp thanked the members for their consideration.
New Business
After earlier being cited by the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations for failing to provide a pay equity report by a January 31, 2002, deadline, the clerk handed out his prepared two page summary that certified that no inequities existed between male and female classes. He stated that he used the city's approved 2002 compensation schedule that included both grades and steps and any wages included in the report were based upon a point system contained in the state job match. Following several questions about the basis of report and the grades in place, Thelen moved to authorize the mayor to sign the report, s/Boelter. By a voice vote, the motion was carried unanimously.
A request for a lot split, involving the transfer of a 58'x51'x58' triangular parcel from Harold Hoppe to Jeff and Rose Austing, was submitted for review, with a survey and site map provided. Although none of the parties was present, the clerk explained that he was told that the Austings' had mowed this area abutting County Road 11 for some time and an existing tree line made this area a natural boundary marker for the parties involved. As a result, Thelen introduced a motion to approve the split, upon the condition that the Austings' provide the city with a copy of the newly surveyed property, s/Boelter. By a unanimous vote, the motion was approved.
The clerk informed the council that he had received word by way of a phone call this week that the city would receive a new voting ballot counter in time for the primary election, after funding announced via a state grant. He stated that both he and the election judges would have to attend a workshop soon that would go over the workings of the machine.
A staff report from Joel Dasher included a written proposal for the purchase of the "Road Boss" grader for approximately $2,570 for a 7 foot wide unit. The matter was deferred for the year 2003 budget file.
Certification of the year 2001 Consumer Confidence Report mailing was introduced, with a copy of the report sent on to the Department of Health. This report on the previous year's water quality, was mailed to all water customers on June 18th, stated the clerk.
After receiving word that the year 2001 Section 312 Tier II reports on hazardous materials stored at the city's wells were delinquent, staff pointed out that the completed
Information was mailed to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety on June 18th.
The clerk informed the council that a contracted Williams Bus Company bus did not appear to pick up some summer recreational students on 6/18/02 and, as a result, several family members had to transport the youngsters to St. Cloud. By consent, the council authorized the clerk to explore the current IRS mileage rate and determine the normal labor/mileage costs of Williams Bus before considering some reimbursement to the families affected. In another recreation matter, it was reported that a participant was injured earlier today and transported to the St, Cloud Hospital. The members asked the clerk to follow up on the boy's status and offer their concerns to the family.
Matt Worms appeared to speak about the need to replace the playground equipment in the Lions Park and asked if the city would seek more information on a grant program through Bob Doyle of Melrose.
Pending claims for approval were presented by the clerk in the amount of $40,722.32 and this prompted Boelter to approve payment, s/Humbert. On a voice vote, the motion was adopted by a 4-0 tally.
Bud Heidgerken appeared at 10:05 P.M.
In a final issue, the mayor asked the clerk to explore the engagement of dust control contractor and report back on the cost at the next meeting.
Thelen moved for adjournment, s/Humbert, and this action was ratified without dissent at 10:15 P.M.
