Also in attendance were the following: Jim Schulz, Michael Timp, Rodney Atkinson, Eric Eveslage, and Mark Middendorf.

Staff persons on hand were Paul Hetland and Joel Dasher.

The Pledge of Allegiance was said by those in attendance.

Agenda

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

Minutes

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the December 14, 2005 meeting minutes. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Old Business

Hetland gave a brief update and provided information regarding rugs in City Hall. Goebel moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to table the discussion to a later at which the City Clerk can further question and negotiate the contract with AmeriPride. Dicussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

Open Public Forum

Rodney Atkinson brought forward concerns about the possibility of a dealership and commercial businesses in the land formerly belonging to Ben Fleischhacker and in process of being annexed to the City. Atkinson was concerned about the amount of traffic that would pass along 7th Street SE and the potential impact to residents. Discussion followed. It was noted that no formal action has been requested to zone the property.

City Fee Schedule for 2006

Hetland submitted the current, unchanged fee schedule for Council review. Discussion and history followed regarding liquor permits. Joe Hennen requested information on the possibility of an annual Non-intoxicating Malt Beverage License (formerly known as a 3.2 license). Hetland would investigate and report at a later time. Tim Hennen raised the concern regarding the differential between an on and off sale liquor license.

Worms had a question regarding the potential costs of formalizing a certificate of survey. Hetland would review costs around the area and report at a later point.

Worms mentioned adding an additional amount for water and waste water fees based on financial needs. Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to raised the Waste Water Usage Charge from $1.24 to $1.30 and the Water Usage Charge from $2.88 to $2.95 to take effect on March 1, 2006. Discussion followed. Motion carried 4-1 with Joe Hennen voting against the motion.

Humbert moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve of Resolution 2006-001, as amended. Discussion offered. Motion carried 4-1 with Tim Hennen voting against the motion.

Appointments for 2006

Mayor Worms brought forward his appointments for 2006. Tim Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to approve the appointments effective January 1, 2006. Dicussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Snow Cleaning Process

Hetland brought forward Section 800 for review and direction on enforcement. Council discussed that the ordinance should be amended to reflect current needs and usage. Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to delete the sections of the City potentially covered by the City in the event of a snow emergency. Discussion included waiting to hold the hearing until other ordinance changes can be brought forward at the same time to avoid duplication of costs. Of other concern was the issue of snowmobiles using the sidewalks and encouraging snowmobile riders to be respectful to sidewalks and use the road. Motion carried 5-0.

Blanket Easement Issue

Hetland brought forward a request to vacate the blanket easement on the lot with the address of 215 1st Ave N. Extensive discussion followed regarding the legal obligations of the City and the options available to meet these requirements to deter expenses. It was discussed that vacating the blanket easement is a simple process, the discussion and expense lie within placing the property utility easements for the water and waste water lines.

Joe Hennen moved and Humbert seconded a motion to begin the vacation and easement process on only the lot located at 215 1st Ave N. Discussion followed and included vacating the easement for the surrounding area. Motion failed 0-5.

Goebel moved and Joe Hennen seconded a motion to fulfill the requirement of lifting the blanket easement for the lot and surrounding block of 215 1st Ave N. Discussion included instructing staff to work with the League of Minnesota Cities land use attorney regarding using meets and bounds descriptions for easements around utility lines and using a bidding process for certified surveyors to complete the task. Motion carried 5-0.

Hetland also encouraged legislative action to allow cities to charge a fee to cover the costs incurred for this service. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to request state policy makers to change Minnesota law to allow cities to charge for costs incurred to vacate a blanket easement and add easements for existing utility lines. Discussion offered. Motion carried 5-0.

Consent Agenda

Humbert moved and Tim Hennen seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda which included the following:

  • Claims in the amount of $131,205.72
  • Payroll for employees in the amount of $5645.00, and payroll for the 4th Quarter Council Meetings in the amount of $2544.24

Discussion included the check regarding the fire truck sign that will be placed on the granite sign in front of the fire hall. Hetland was instructed to hold the check until the work is completed. Motion carried 5-0

Report – Jim Schulz, SEH, City Engineer

Jim Schulz reported that the Main Street Project punchlist was sent out to the contractor. Worms asked about the punchlist timeline. Schulz stated that the contractor has 10 days to complete the list, weather dependent for reasonable construction. Worms instructed Schulz that the contractor be informed that the City requests the tasks to be completed as soon as possible in the spring. The ware course would be put down on a later date. Hetland recommended that at some point in the spring there be public weekly progress meetings until final completion. Council and Schulz concurred.

Discussion on the utility line relocation. Council discussed an overview of the easterly and westerly routes. Goebel moved and Humbert seconded a motion to proceed with the westerly route. A roll call vote was requested. Worms voted yes, Humbert voted yes, Goebel voted yes, Joe Hennen voted no, and Tim Hennen voted no. Motion carried 3-2. Worms moved and Humbert seconded a motion that if the westerly route surpasses the limit of $172,000 that the project be moved to the easterly route. Discussion offered. Motion carried 3-2 with Tim Hennen and Joe Hennen noting that they voted against the motion.

Report – Joel Dasher, Public Works Director

Dasher provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.

Dasher brought forward a report regarding those residents with utility bills over 90 days past due and in jeopardy of losing service. Council requested that Dasher call the property owners prior to possible shut off.

Report – Paul Hetland, City Clerk/Treasurer

Hetland provided a verbal report and written report which is on file for review.

Regarding construction issues in the Welle Plat 2 area, Hetland announced that he would be exercising the City's right to the 60-day rule to invoke a schedule as to when to expect repairs to the streets. Schulz responded that the summer would be the timeline. Schulz said that access, maintenance, and public safety were the primary concerns and would be addressed. Worms stated that it is not fair to the residents of the development that there was no progress on the development's conditions in the construction season of 2005. Council requested that Hetland contact the owner of the development, Kent Roessler, to discuss the matter further and to inform him of the City's concerns.

Hetland conveyed the City's appreciation to Tim Hennen for volunteering to maintain the sidewalk on the south side of Main Street E for the 2005-2006 winter season as the City develops a snow removal system for that area. Council further discussed options for maintaining the area.

At 10:09 P.M. Joe Hennen moved and Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn sine die the meeting. Motion carried 5-0.