Staff persons on hand were Rich Romness of Bolton & Menk, Pete Carlson of SEH, Joel Dasher, and Anton Massmann.

Mayor John Thelen welcomed Massmann back from his involuntary recall to the Marines. Thelen would also like to any resident who is present at the opening of meeting to be heard. For the start of the new year Humbert would also like see the council start each meeting the pledge of allegiance, and purchase a flag for the meeting hall.

Staff Reports

The new fire chief, John Gilk, presented the following as the new elected officers:

  • Fire Chief: John Gilk
  • 1st Assistant: Tim Hennen
  • 2nd Assistant: Mike Renneker
  • Treasurer: Fritz Hoeschen
  • Secretary: Steve Notch

Motion by Goebel to approve the new officers, seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.

Dasher presented two quotes for a new heater in the AFSA section hall. Midcentral Heating and Air-conditioning was $1,792.00; Ellingston Plumbing and Heating was $1,769.00, motion by Worms to accept the Ellingstons quote for $1,769.00 seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously.

The council discussed the need for uniforms for the Dasher and requested that he obtain rental and purchase prices for the next meeting.

The Minnesota Department of Health returned the results for the lead and copper. The city is currently well within standards and reporting has changed from quarterly to semi-annual.

Lighting fixtures out the hall door and maintenance door remain on 24 hour a day; this has caused the bulbs to burn out quickly. The council would like to see the fixtures changed to photo eye so only to turn on at low light.

The council discussed phone messages. After discussing voice mail options Humbert motioned to set up 2 voice mails for the city seconded by Goebel and carried.

Harold Desautel was presented options for well security. The system would control both well houses and lift stations while being monitored by a central computer in the city hall. The total cost for the system is $15,443.27 not including the computer. The discussed adding a $0.75 fee to the water wastewater billing each month to fund the system. Motion by Humbert to obtain the system presented seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously.

Pete Carlson of SEH presented the feasibility report on 3rd Street NE to council, with an estimated assessment of $52.00 per foot. After review of the report, motion by Thelen approving resolution 2003-01 accepting the report and calling a 429 hearing on February 11th, 2003 seconded by worms and carried unanimously.

Rich Romness of Bolton and Mink reported on the Industrial Park Road. The council discussed reconstructing 7th Street SW from 1st Avenue S until the Industrial Park Road. Motion by Humbert to approve resolution 2003-02 call for a feasibility report on 7th Street SW seconded by Thelen and carried with the following roll call vote: Worms, yes; Humbert, yes; Thelen, yes; Goebel, yes.

Romness also present pay application number 2 the Industrial Park Road to Kuechle Underground Inc. for $15,833.37, motion by Humbert to approve the application seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.

Romness will also revisit the creation of wetlands located at old pond site.

Old Business

Joe Heinen is still in the VA hospital and hopes to return home soon.

The EDA has been looking into re-obtaining the undeveloped lots in the Welle Addition. The council would ask that Massmann attempt to regain the lots as soon as possible. Also regarding the structure on Lot 1 Block 1 the council will have Massmann discuss options with Marthaler.

The council revisited the contract with the Stearns County Sheriff Department, and decided to wait with signing the contract and look for input from the residents.

Motion by Goebel to close the rezoning hearing which was opened on December 30th seconded by Thelen and carried. The council wishes to have the hearing the called again at the earliest possible regular meeting.

Mayor Thelen appoints Joe Hennen to open council seat until the next scheduled election date. Motion by Worms to accept the appointment seconded by Humbert and carried unanimously.

Thelen proceeded with the appointments for 2003.

Appointments for 2003 are:

  • Official Depository Bank: League Bank, League Credit Union
  • Finance Committee: City Council
  • Street Commissioners: David H. Bernard H David H. Matt W.
  • Legal Advisor: Meyer & Meyer/Rinki Noonan
  • Legal Prosecutor: Robert E. Pottratz
  • Meeting Date Last Tuesday Second & (Oct - Apr)
  • Second & Last Wednesday (May - Oct)
  • Park & Rec. Board: Greg Boelter Ken Goebel
  • Economic Dev. Authority: John Thelen Matt Worms
  • Chief of Police: Rodney Atkinson John Thelen
  • Zoning Officers: City Council
  • Acting Mayor: John Thelen Dave Humbert
  • Weed Inspectors: Rodney A. John T. Joel D.
  • Health Officer: Melrose Clinic
  • Assessor: Stearns County
  • Official Newspaper: Melrose Beacon
  • Public Examiner: Schlenner Wenner & Co. Open
  • City Police Officers: Stearns County Open
  • City Engineer: SEH/Bolton & Mink
  • Liaison Fire Dept.: David Humbert Open
  • Liaison Chamber: Anton Massmann
  • Building Inspector: Dan Marthaler

Motion by Humbert to approve the 2003 appointments second by Goebel, motion carried unanimously.

After review of the claims, motion by Goebel to approve claims seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.

Thelen would like the council to consider printing a newsletter.

Thelen and presented the cost of purchasing new chairs at 49.99 each, including rebates. Motion by Humbert to purchase 8 chairs seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.

Thelen also requested that city obtain name plates for each council member and the clerk. Motion by Humbert to purchase name plates seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously.

The also discussed the addition of a $0.75 security fee to monthly water and wastewater bill. Motion by Thelen to apply the fee once the security system is in place seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously.

The contract renewal with Schlenner and Wenner was presented; the council will have Massmann review the fee of $900 per TIF district with Molly and return the information to the council.

Correspondence

There are residents in Welle Addition who are parking semi-tractor trailers on the street. Massmann informs the council that this is in violation of the city code. By order of the council, Massmann will mail the letter and a copy of the Ordinance to the residents.

Motion to Adjourn by Thelen at 9:50 seconded by Goebel and carried.