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 November 12 & 26, December 19, 2002; were introduced for review. With the appropriate corrections noted, Humbert moved to approve, seconded by Thelen and carried unanimously.
Staff Reports
Kathleen Murphy from Murphy consultants was present to discuss the process of hiring a new clerk. The council approved to have the same ad ran from 2000, and to publish in the ad in the same papers. There will a special council meeting held to interview the top 5 candidates.
John Gilk and Tim Hennen presented the 2004 AFSA budget. After review, Humbert motioned approve the budget for AFSA review and to set the annual meeting for March 4th, seconded by Worms and carried unanimously.
7TH St. SW Informational Hearing
The hearing was opened by Mayor Thelen at 8:00 PM. The purpose of the hearing is to review and inform the property owners of the purpose reconstruction of 7th St. SW. The estimated cost according to the feasibility study prepared by Romness is $140,000. After a discussion with the property owners the council decided to take their concerns under advisement. Motion by Humbert close the public hearing, seconded by Worms and carried unanimously. Motion by Humbert to approve resolution 2003-05 calling for a public hearing on March 11th for 7th St. SW, seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously.
Dasher reported on the iron and discoloration of water in sections of the city. Tim and Stephanie Hennen were present as well to discuss the coloration in there neighborhood. After discussion regarding possible causes Romness suggested that the city evaluate the lines in order create a flushing schedule. Romness will send the updated maps with the utility lines for Dasher's review.
EDA
The EDA has been presented with plans for possible future city hall. The current donations include plans and engineer, building sight, portions of the furnishings and between $150,000 and $200,000 for construction costs. The EDA is advising that council agree to allow the donors to more forward. Motion by Humbert to have the donors move forward with obtaining plans, seconded by Hennen and carried unanimously.
The wastewater reports need to be signed by the mayor unless stated in writing and signed by the mayor to appoint another. Thelen will sign the letter transferring signing of the reports to Dasher.
Quality Flow submitted their quote for a security system at $24,882. This is over $8,000 higher than a comparable system quoted by Harold Desutel from Preferred Controls. The council requested to have Harold present at the next regular meeting.
Minnesota Rural Water is holding a wastewater class in St. Cloud which counts towards Dasher's annual requirement. Motion by Thelen to have Dasher attend the class, seconded by Hennen and carried unanimously.
The USDA does an annually evaluation on cities wastewater city and requests information on the cities plan to decrease out side infiltration. Dasher will report back regarding the cities current plan to raise man holes and the plan to eliminate clay lines.
New Business
Claims were presented for approval, motion by Humbert to approve claim minus Bolton Menk until further clarification, seconded by Goebel and carried unanimously.
Humbert presented to idea for the city purchase an indoor flag, in order to begin each meeting with the pledge. Motion by Thelen to purchase and flag, seconded by Humbert and carried unanimously.
Motion by Humbert to adjourned at 9:48, seconded by Worms and carried.
