Staff persons on hand were Rich Romness of Bolton & Menk, Pete Carlson of SEH, John Gilk, Joel Dasher, and Anton Massmann.
Approval of Minutes
The regular meeting minutes of the December 24 & 31, 2002; January 16 & 28, February 11, 2003; were introduced for review. Humbert moved to approve, seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.
Staff Reports
Harold Desautel from Preferred Controls was present due the councils request from the February 18th meeting. He once again presented his proposal for the well security his total bid is $16,450.28 including a stand alone computer. The system will also be able to be serviced by Trout Wells and comes with a 5 year warranty. After review of the system Humbert motioned to proceed with proposal from Preferred Controls, seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.
Dasher reported on the orange water situation in the city, and stated that he has gone to semi-monthly flushing schedule.
He has obtained information on the additional Christmas decorations for the city. The two best options for decorations are either refurbishing the old ones or purchase of reduced price overstock. This information will be forwarded off the chamber.
Dasher has purchased standard uniforms and is currently waiting on screen printing from Dairyland Graphics.
The council discussed the possibility of purchasing a new lawn mower last fall, due to increased expenses produced last season on repairs. Dasher and Massmann requested that council that the review prices again prior to the summer. The council will consider the purchase of new mower at the next meeting.
7TH St. SW 429 Public Hearing
Mayor Thelen opened the public hearing for 7th Street SW at 8:05pm. Concern was expressed by Jerry Butkowski regarding drainage issues, due to excess water which accumulates behind his property. Romness reported that no additional drainage would affect his property. Romness also addressed the time concern, stating that the project would take more than a few weeks weather permitting. Rodney Atkinson noted that none of the property owners abutting the area in question requested the project to done. The council agreed to take Rodney Atkinson's point under consideration when finalizing the assessments, motion by Humbert to close the hearing seconded by Hennen and carried unanimously.
Public Hearing for Rezoning Ordinance
Mayor John Thelen opened the public hearing at 8:35 pm.
Staff Reports
Carlson presented the corrected the plans and specifications which were reviewed on March 4th at the special meeting, motion by Humbert to approve resolution 2003-06 accepting the plans and specifications for bid submission, seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously. The bids will opened by Carlson and Massmann at 11:00 am on Tuesday April 15th to be presented later that to the council at a special meeting.
The council also reviewed the feasibility study prepared by Carlson on 2nd Avenue NE starting at 3rd Street NE until the streets end. The decided to table the study for two weeks until further information could be collected regarding the wastewater connections on said street.
Carlson also reported on the east dike of pond one, of the wastewater ponds. The MPCA has approved the proposed project to raise the dike 2.5 feet. Carlson will prepare plans to be presented in May.
Public Hearing for Rezoning Ordinance
Motion by Worms to close the public hearing at 8:55pm, seconded by Humbert and carried unanimously, Motion by Worms to approve Ordinance 2003-01 rezoning of properties from A1 to I1 and from A1 to R1, seconded by Humbert and carried unanimously.
EDA
Out of the nine lots which were purchased back by the EDA in the Welle Addition, purchase agreements have been signed on eight. The EDA is also pursuing information on foreclosure of the remaining lots which are in violation of their agreements.
The council had requested that Juran and Moody review the cities available funds for 2003 projects, however Massmann indicated that they no longer exist and he report next month on who currently owns the firm.
New Business
Claims where present to council for approval, motion by Thelen to approve claims as presented, seconded by Humbert and carried unanimously. The city is also in needs of a new fax machine and the cost should be under $200.
Tim Mitchell from Stearns County Assessors office will be present at the local board of review meeting on April 15th and will review the Stearns County Green Acres.
Melrose submitted a letter of protest regarding the proposed 7th Street assessments. The council asks that the letter be submitted to Scott Dymoke for review.
The council requests that Dasher remove the stop sign at the corner of the alley behind the businesses on Main Street East and 2nd Avenue NE.
Motion by Goebel to adjourned at 9:36, seconded by Worms and carried.
