Open Public Forum

No public comment was provided.

Consent Agenda

K. Goebel moved and Hennen seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following:  Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the July 31, 2012 Regular Council Meeting; and approval of the claims distributed July 24, 2012 through August 20, 2012.  Motion carried 5-0.  

Old Business

Public Hearing: Vacation of 6th Street Northeast (continued from 7/31)

Roering indicated that he and his neighbors had discussed access rights and were in the process of working out a formal agreement.  Council discussed the fact that formal right of way had never been acquired and the roadway was not used or needed by the general public.

Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion to close the Public Hearing: Vacation of 6th Street Northeast (continued from 7/31) at 7:09 P.M.  Motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2012-046: Vacation of 6th Street Northeast

Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-046: Vacation of 6th Street Northeast.  A roll call vote was taken; Worms – aye, Hennen – aye, K. Goebel – aye, C. Goebel – aye, Ritter – aye.  Motion carried 5-0.

New Business

2013 Proposed Budget & Tax Levy

Holthaus reviewed the updated figures provided by the Stearns County Auditor for 2013 tax capacity, market value and the preliminary 2013 tax rate.  Holthaus noted several budget adjustments from the preliminary report provided and recommended a preliminary levy of $390,000 which would produce an estimated tax rate of 80%, a reduction from the 2012 tax rate of 86.37%.  Holthaus explained that the increased market value provided by the decertification of Tax Increment Finance District 1-3 allowed for an increase in the levy without an increase in the tax rate paid by residents.  Holthaus explained that the increase in the levy was needed to support debt service payments on the City’s bonds.  Holthaus explained that further discussion on the 2013 levy and budget would be scheduled for the November 27th meeting.

Resolution 2012-051: Preliminary 2013 Budget & Tax Levy

Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-051: Preliminary 2013 Budget & Tax Levy and set November 27th as the date for the final budget hearing.  Motion carried 5-0.

Reports

City Engineer, S.E.H. – Scott Lange, Dave Blommel

Blommel reported that the items listed on J.R. Ferche’s punch list were almost complete, with the apron behind 121 1st Avenue North to be repaired before the first frost.

The contract with Preferred Controls to install the telemetry system at the water tower had been signed and work was estimated to be complete by mid-October.

Resolution 2012-052: Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed, and Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessment

C. Goebel moved and Ritter seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-052: Resolution Declaring Cost to be Assessed, and Ordering Preparation of Proposed Assessment.  Motion carried 5-0.

Resolution 2012-053: Resolution for Hearing on Proposed Assessment

C. Goebel moved and Ritter seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-053: Resolution for Hearing on Proposed Assessment setting the Hearing for 6:00 P.M.  Motion carried 5-0.

Public Works Report, Jon Stueve

Stueve was not present at the meeting.  

City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, Vicki Holthaus

Informal Detachment Request – Everette Scherping

Holthaus reported that during the Local Board of Appeals meeting in April, Everette Scherping requested the consolidation of two of his parcels of land.  The request resulted in an informal request for detachment from Scherping so that the parcels could be consolidated.  Attorney Scott Dymoke provided a history of the parcel and an opinion on the need to retain the parcel in the City limits for the future improvement of Rimcrest road.  

At 7:35 P.M. Worms moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the regular meeting.  Motion carried 5-0.