Open Public Forum
No public comment was provided.
Consent Agenda
Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion approving the Consent Agenda which included the following: Approval of the agenda; approval of the minutes from the September 25, 2012 Regular Council Meeting; approval of the claims distributed September 18, 2012 through October 22, 2012; Resolution 2012-057: General Election Judges; Resolution 2012-061: Hazard Mitigation Plan; Optional 2 A.M. License: Corner Pub, Inc./Janet Middendorf; Gambling Permit: Heartland Chapter on MN Darkhouse & Angling Association on February 2, 2013; Set Canvassing Board Meeting on November 13, 2012 at 7:00 P.M.; Set Special Meeting on December 18, 2012 at 7:00 P.M (Regular Meeting falls on Christmas Holiday). Motion carried 5-0.
Old Business
No Old Business was presented for discussion.
New Business
Minor Subdivision Request: 211 2nd St NE
Holthaus noted that no utility or easement interference was indicated on the survey. Holthaus reviewed the findings noted in the Resolution which indicated that the minor subdivision request met the conditions of the City’s Subdivision Ordinance.
Resolution 2012-059: Minor Subdivision Request for 211 2nd St NE
Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-059: Minor Subdivision Request for 211 2nd St NE. Motion carried 5-0.
Resolution 2012-060: Data Request Policy
Hennen moved and C. Goebel seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-060: Data Request Policy. Motion carried 5-0.
G. O. Refunding Bonds, Series 2012B
Holthaus distributed copies of the refunding summary for the 2005 G.O. Improvement Bonds issued for the Main Street Improvement Project. A revised copy of Resolution 2012-058 was also provided to allow an additional $300,000 in bonds that may be issued to cover expenses associated with the 2010 Water System Improvement project which could not be refunded through USDA. Atkinson asked about the difference between the amount repaid versus issued. Holthaus explained that the difference could be attributed to issuance costs for the refunding and capitalized interest paid to the escrow account. Holthaus will seek a detailed explanation from Northland Securities and provide an update. Hennen asked if additional outstanding bond issues could be included in this refinance. Holthaus will clarify the requirements with Northland and report back to Council.
Resolution 2012-058: G.O. Refunding Bonds, Series 2012B
Hennen moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion on Resolution 2012-058: G.O. Refunding Bonds, Series 2012B requesting that Holthaus inquire about including additional outstanding debt in this refunding, where feasible. Motion carried 5-0.
Reports
City Engineer, S.E.H. – Dave Blommel
Blommel reported that the new water tower will be online within days. General Construction will be back to take the old tower offline.
Stearns County will revisit the restoration and landscape work in the spring before the warranty on the project expires.
Public Works Report, Jon Stueve
Stueve was absent from the meeting.
City Clerk/Treasurer’s Report, Vicki Holthaus
Holthaus reported that employee reviews had been completed. Holthaus expressed appreciation for staff’s continued progress and dedication.
Holthaus recommended the Council consider changing the administrative assistant position to Deputy Clerk, which would include zoning administration duties and utility billing clerk. Holthaus explained that by designating the position as deputy clerk and allowing Holthaus to cross-train the incumbent, the City has added security in absence of the Clerk. Holthaus explained that she would like to see the Council consider a beginning wage between $13.50 and $14.00 per hour, effective January 1st.
Worms moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion to move into a Closed Meeting at 7:37 P.M. to discuss matters pertaining to an assessment appeal with the City’s legal counsel, Jerry Van Korff. Motion carried 5-0.
Worms moved and Hennen seconded a motion to re-open the Regular Meeting at 7:58 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
Hennen brought forward a matter of Old Business pertaining to the special assessment for the fire hall. Hennen asked if Holthaus had completed research regarding the ownership of the facilities and whether grant proceeds could be used to pay the fire department’s cost of the improvements. Holthaus will review the matter further before the annual meeting with the townships in early 2013.
Worms moved and K. Goebel seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:20 P.M. Motion carried 5-0.
