Agenda

Balderston moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the meeting agenda. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Approval of the Minutes

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the meeting minutes for January 31, 2007. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Old Business

Alley Update

Worms gave a review of the last meeting regarding the alley behind City Hall and said that he met with Jim Schulz in the last week regarding the proposal and to review updated maps. Hetland displayed the maps with the projector. Worms reviewed the third proposal that maintained a 20' opening angling from the east to the northwest around the Corner Store property. Hemker asked if the line was 25' opposed to the 20' line and Worms responded that the proposal provided a 20' through way. Hetland outlined his discussion with City Attorney Scott Hamak regarding the creation of a road and utility easement opposed to an alley to avoid platted costs and possible confusion regarding property lines. It was clearly pointed out that the creation of an alley would not change property lines or set backs in both the residential and commercial zones. With a road and utility easement, no one could build over or block the 20' zone, would allow continued access, and would be maintained by the City. Sue Slupe stated that she gives right-of-way for users of the roadway. Hemker stated that he would feel as Slupe conveyed if the City proposed an alley or easement through his building as Council had proposed as the previous meeting. Balderston stated that it was not the City's intention to take down her loading dock only to look toward the City's future needs.Slupe said that she did not feel the support from City Council. Worms asked Slupe if she agreed with the new proposal and she agreed with it. Hetland was asked to check into possible liability issues on a road and utility easement. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to set March 28, 2007 at 7:30 P.M. For a hearing to review and set the proposed road and utility easement for the area behind City Hall maintained a 20' wide roadway from east to west going around the current Corner Store loading dock and building. Discussion was offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Generator Presentation

Kurt Scherping and Joel Dasher addressed the City Council regarding a proposal to purchase and install a PTO generator from Freeport State Bank to operate the lift stations and a well in the event of an emergency. Scherping stated that the generator is in excellent condition, only operated twice, and the sale amount of $1750 is about a fifth of the cost of a new similar generator. He further recommended that a connector cord should be placed at each location rather than bringing a connector cord to each site to help minimize confusion in an actual emergency. He also offered to trade in the value of the single phase generator the City current owns for a value of $1500, bring the total cost to an estimated $2395. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to approve the purchase and installation of the three phase generator and trade in as described and discussed. Discussion included a question regarding what would be needed to make City Hall accessible to the generator and Scherping responded that it would be approximately $1500 to $2000. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

Balderston brought forward the concern of increased police protection in city limits yet the concern by many citizens was not to contract with the Stearns County Sheriff's Department. He further stated that the concern is with the crime wave that has taken place in the last few months and other issues occurring in similar communities in our area. Worms mentioned that many communities are moving away from police protection rather than getting into it. Hetland gave a brief history of police protection and the contracts with the County. Hetland also mentioned that he had contacted the City of Melrose, even addressed their council, and received a positive response. He had contacted the City of Albany's police chief, but the investigation of police services was halted due to the contract with Stearns County and the Council's directive at the time. Jim Hemker mentioned that his positive experience with the Stearns County Sheriff on their response time in recent Community Center break-ins. Hetland mentioned the amount of number of officers now on duty for most of the week compared to just a few years ago, from about 5 officers to over 19 on the busiest parts of the week. Tim Hennen mentioned that the judicial system fails to follow through on the work law enforcement with minor to no sentencing on most crimes committed in our area relating to break-ins and drugs, especially with minor offenders. Joy Balderston stated that their property has been victimized and that juveniles have been seen testing doors and reviewing property for potential crimes.She further stated that the response time for the County has been slow and she thought that a neighboring city would be quicker. Council authorized staff to investigate contracting with other departments regarding law enforcement services.

Reports

City Engineer, April Bieljeski

Worms and Bieljeski reviewed each of the 12 Change Orders for the 2006 Industrial Park Improvement Project. There was much discussion regarding Change Order No. 5 regarding the lowering of valve boxes to the south of 7th Street SW. Balderston moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to approve Change Orders 1-4 and 6-12 omitting Change Order 5 until more information is presented to understand why this is a City expense. Discussion also included the fact that there were also credits to the City that will be accounted in a future payment application. Motion carried 4-0.

Hetland also brought to the Council's attention the desire of Annandale Contracting to exercise their right to have the project retainage withheld in a third party account of which Annandale Contracting would gain the interest. Hetland further stated that the contract was immediately forwarded to Scott Hamak, City Attorney and discussions with the Department of Finance commenced regarding its legality. Hamak conveyed initial concerns that the option would not allow access for the City in the event that the contractor fails to perform its duties of which is the primary reason for the City's ability to retain project funds. Further legal research is taking place and Hetland will update as necessary as information is available.

Public Works Director, Joel Dasher

Dasher presented a written report at the meeting which is on file for review.

Dasher presented a detailed waste water flow meter proposal which is on file for review. Discussion included the location of the exterior box and safety concerns considering its exposure in the ditch. Staff will contact Xcel Energy and Council approved the expenditure contingent upon any safety issues Xcel may see and with the preference of placing a utility pole near the site in which to erect the hardware.

Dasher brought forward two of the three proposals solicited regarding the directional and location signs previously approved and discussed at Council Meetings. Humbert moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion approving of the lowest bid from M&R Signs in the amount of $336.07. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Balderston thanked Dasher for the information in both proposals.

City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland

Hetland presented a written report which is on file for review.

Council authorized Hiltner and Hetland to continue investigating the option to use daytime fire fighters from other departments during the day as done in some Meeker County cities.

Hetland reported that Rich Romness called him earlier that day and sent information that it appears the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is also subject to the 60 day rule which means that it's recent inquiry on the 2002 Waste Water permit cannot come with penalties or disapproval because 60 days has passed. Hetland will confirm this application of the law with the League of Minnesota Cities.

Hetland also distributed the monthly financial reports which were not included in the Council packet previously distributed.

Consent Agenda

Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following:

  • Claims in the amount of $16,199.34
  • Authorization to release check number 12802 a $500 payment to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a water line lease in the old railroad corridor on the east end of the City

Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

A video presentation from the League of Minnesota Cities titled "14 Reasons Property Taxes Go Up or Down" will be shown before the public hearing on March 28, 2007.

At 10:26 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Balderston seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.