Open Public Forum
City Hall Alley
Several people were present to convey their feelings and ask questions regarding the recent articles in the "Melrose Beacon" and the "Sauk Centre Herald" describing the motion by City Council to no longer maintain the alley area until all of the easement documents were signed.
Hetland provided documentation to Council and the public of the four meetings that took place in which consensus as achieved to move forward with the project.
Scott Hamak, as the land-use attorney throughout the two-year process, was also present to note the legalities of the situation and proposed easement. Hamak stated that an "alley" is not a legal term, but it could be used to describe the area. He noted that streets are created in a number of ways, most common of which are by plats but can also be achieved by deed, gift, eminent domain, or by continuous use of the public in any 6 year continuous period. He stated that by continuous use that a public road, an "alley", currently exists but the size and shape of it is not clear. He, Hetland, Council, and those that had signed the document, understood and agreed through the four meeting process previously held, that an area should be defined to bring clarity to the situation in a civil manner outside of further legal involvement. Of concern in the beginning of the process was that the area could be blocked shut, but that concern was averted because a pubic road does exist, but because the area is vaguely defined, that no building permit could be issued by the City if the "alley" was left in its current vague description.
Most of the confusion in the process was noted in the describing what was learned from the beginning through the four meeting process and the difference between individual beliefs and the facts of the situation.
A summary of the individual comments included the following: the way the project was conducted as described in the newspapers, parking along the "alley" area, desiring to continue snow removal, keeping the situation exactly how it is, the concerns of City Hall's original placement on the lot, City Hall making the alley smaller in this location, not all property owners were invited to recent private meetings held on the subject, one individual stating mistrust with the City regarding this easement project, to support of the proposed easement by those that had previously signed the document. Council heard and addressed each of these concerns.
Hetland noted that 10 out of the 17 property owners had currently signed the easement documents.
Worms concluded Open Public Forum at about 8:15 P.M. It was agreed by Council and those present that the topic would be discussed at the next regularly scheduled Council Meeting.
Consent Agenda
Joe Hennen moved and seconded Balderston a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the October 28, 2008 Regular Council Meeting; approval of the minutes from the November 11, 2008 Regular Council Meeting; claims in the amount of $28,363.32; claims for monthly employee payroll in the amount of $7077.49; claims for Election Judge payroll in the amount of $852.40; and Resolution 2008-024 - 214 3rd Street NE blanket easement vacation. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
Hearing Wood Burning Stoves
Worms mentioned that in a recent "Star Tribune" article, it was noted that the City of Farmington was experiencing concerns regarding wood burning stoves. Hetland stated that he would review the article and contact the City of Farmington.
Proposed Zoning Changes
Hetland mentioned that draft maps have been made describing the proposed zoning changes previously discussed at meetings. Hetland distributing the maps for Council review and without comment will official distribute the maps to Council at a later time.
New Business
None was brought forward.
Reports
City Clerk/Treasurer's Report, Paul Hetland
Hetland provided a written report that is on file for review.
Hetland noted that he was reviewing the annual insurance premiums, which were overall reduced from 2008 to 2009, and noted that the recently erected Freeport Lions Club veterans' memorial was being covered for approximately $495. It was then discussed by Council of what the role of the City and the Lions Club would be in the insurance coverage of the memorial. Humbert mentioned that the Lions can't own property. Humbert stated that he would bring the matter to the Lions Club.
Hetland also distributed a violation letter regarding a nuisance condition for the property belonging to August Schmidt for Council review. Council approved the letter and understood that it could lead to legal action in the upcoming year. The letter described a recent event with rats emanating from the property due to materials being stored in the open around the property. The notice states that the area is to be cleaned by the end of December 2008.
Public Works Director's Report, Keith Koehler
Koehler provided a written report that is on file for review.
Koehler described that the lift station on 7th Street SE was ill-equipped to handle the current waste water usage and would be completely unable to accommodate a moderate-level water usage business in the Industrial Park. The lift station takes waste water from all properties south of Interstate 94. Koehler solicited three bids and reviewed them with Council. They are as follows:
Tri-State Pump and Control in the amount of $14,765.00; Braun Pump & Controls in the amount of $14,418.21; and Quality Flow Systems in the amount of $15,640.00
A representative of Tri-State Pump was present and was asked by Council Member Joe Hennen the recommended frequency of cleanings. The person noted that when the equipment is new, there isn't a need for the first year, but thereafter it is standard to check it on a routine basis, several times per year.
Balderston moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion approving the bid with Tri-State Pump in the amount of $14,765 plus sales tax equaling $15,724. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.
Koehler also distributed a bid specification list for discussion regarding the purchase of a lawn mower. He noted that the cities of Albany and Melrose have similar equipment to maintain City property. Council Member Tim Hennen mentioned the idea of having an attachment to the tractor might achieve the same results. Koehler noted the idea and would check into options. Koehler appreciated the input on the matter and would be bringing forward more information at a later meeting.
City Engineer, S.E.H.
April Bielejeski reported that Hetland, Koehler, Rigdon, Peper, and her recently met with a representative from USDA Rural Development regarding the County Road 11 and Water Tower projects regarding possible funding and financing options. She noted that City Staff is currently working to get information to the USDA for review to determine eligibility and possible funding allocations before any formal action can occur.
She also noted that she would be contacting Tri-City Paving regarding some recent discoveries of cracked sidewalks per the annual warranty inspection recently conducted.
At 9:07 P.M. Worms moved and Balderston seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.
