Consent Agenda
Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the September 30, 2008 Regular Council Meeting; and claims in the amount of $12,212.40. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0.
Old Business
Fire Hall Insulation Project
John Gilk and Noah Van Beck on behalf of the Department's committee, presented information for Council review regarding the insulation and steel repairs of the Fire Hall. Council reviewed the results of two bids - one for materials in the amount of $15,706 and one for labor for $17,000 totaling $32,706 for the project. The need for the project was to reduced large energy costs that occurred for the building during the previous winter, upwards to $1200 per month for heat. Noah Van Beck confirmed that the $17,000 was expected to be less as a few firefighters are expected to help donate time on the project. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving the project and bids in the amount of $15,706 for Hennen Lumber for the supplies and not to exceed $17,000 for NVB Builders for the labor. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-0 with Tim Hennen abstaining.
Discussion followed with a request to obtain a bid for steel in the front of the building. Van Beck acknowledged that he would bring one to the next meeting.
Building Code Fee Change consideration and recommendation from the City Building Inspector Dan Marthaler
Balderston moved and Tim Hennen second a motion assigning the City Clerk, per his suggestion, to assign a resolution number to the proposal for formal consideration at the next meeting. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
New Business
Melrose Area School District Presentation
Tom Rich, Superintendent and Kathie Dziengel Board Chair of the Melrose Area Public School brought information which is on file for review regarding the upcoming school referendums. Council and those present found the information useful and appreciated the time Rich and Dziengel were able to give in explaining the information.
Hearing: Consideration of Ordinance 2008-05 Amending Section 705 regarding disposal of storm water into the waste water system
Worms opened the hearing at 8:25 P.M. Hetland and Koehler gave a review of the ordinance and the change made to City Code. Koehler noted that the timelines and charges of controlling inflow of ground and surface water into the waste water lines were required by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency's recent list of citations. He also noted that the recommended ordinance was a composite of other cities with some minor adaptations. Discussion included giving one year deadlines after the inspection or violation notice, but the order of the citation would be unequal and unreasonably burden some property owners. It was also suggested that variances could be given in some instances, but it was corrected that variances cannot be made with state statute. It was noted that concerns about public safety such as ice damns or ice slicks on sidewalks or roadway would take special consideration. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion approving Ordinance 2008-05 as written. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0. Worms closed the hearing at 8:46 P.M.
Open Public Forum
No one approach Council with any concerns.
Comprehensive Plan
Hetland noted that staff is working on a estimate of location and costs for Council consideration expected for review at the last meeting of the month. Hetland also noted the revised Zoning Map for consideration. After review of the suggested changes, Hetland was asked to revise the map to indicate the changes being suggested. The completed map and changes would then be personally discussed with the effected property owners before a formal hearing would be called.
Reports
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report that is on file for review.
Public Works Director's Report, Keith Koehler
Koehler provided a written report that is on file for review.
He noted that the lawn mower was in need of repairs totaling approximately $500. A discussion followed regarding the repair and researching other options. Council agreed that the current mower should be fixed to complete the year's mowing and that Koehler should begin researching various mowing machines and multi-purpose, year-round-use machines.
Koehler noted that with part-time Maintenance Worker Mark Middendorf recent resignation that his department was still in need of filling the position. Koehler presented information regarding Justin Voss, a part-time public works employee from the City of Avon that was losing his position due to budget cuts in that city. Koehler had reviewed his resume and application and recently met with Voss. Keith noted that the position was needed for approximately 20 hours per week and recommended Justin Voss to fill the position. Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve Justin Voss as the part-time Maintenance Worker at the hourly wage of $8.50 per hour. Hetland noted that the position has been budgeted since 2004. Motion carried 5-0.
Stearns County Sheriff's Report
The Stearns County Sheriff provided a written report that is on file for review. Deputy Rob Theisen was present to deliver the report. Council stated their appreciation of the Sheriff's service in the City.
At 9:40 P.M. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
