Minutes
January 4, 2010 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE MINNEOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PURSUANT TO CALL AND DUE NOTICE
THEREOF, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MINNEOTA, COUNTY OF LYON,
STATE OF MINNESOTA, MET IN REGULAR
SESSION IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ON MONDAY, JANUARY 4, 2010 AT 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT:
Acting-Mayor Anthony Esping
Councilman Timothy Koppien
Councilman Lyall Gislason
Councilman Todd Bretschneider
STAFF: Daniel A. Canton, M.J. Hennen
COMMUNITY: Rodney Stensrud (Chairman, Lyon County Board of Commissioners)
MINNEOTA MASCOT: Byron Higgin
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
Acting-Mayor Anthony Esping asked for a moment of silence to remember Mayor Paul Larson who passed away on December 20, 2009. At conclusion of remembrance, Esping called regular monthly meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
ITEM 2: CALL FOR AGENDA ADDITIONS
Acting-Mayor Esping called for agenda additions.
ITEM 3: ADOPT AGENDA
Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to adopt agenda with following addition: a) Sunday Beer Sales. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 4: APPROVE MINUTES
Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to approve minutes from November 30th, December 7th and 15th. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 5: REPORTS
Council reviewed reports: a) November Police, b) 2009 LMCIT Insurance Dividend, c) 2009 Recycling Report.
ITEM 6: CONCERNED CITIZENS
Lyon County Commissioner Rodney Stensrud talked to council about Minneota Library and proposed 2010 Jefferson Street Sanitary Sewer Project. He stated that Minneota might want to consider becoming a part of Marshall-Lyon County Library System now that improvements are being made to the Big Store for a future library. Minneota, like Tracy, currently operates as an independent municipal library and could benefit from county tax dollars rather than rely exclusively on city tax revenues. Mr. Stensrud said joining the Marshall-Lyon County System could mean enhanced library services at a lower cost for Minneota residents.
Stensrud also informed council that Lyon County would be able to contribute approximately $225,000 to city’s Jefferson Street Sanitary Sewer Improvement Project slated for 2010.
At conclusion of comments council thanked Mr. Stensrud for the information and stated they would investigate library matter further.
ITEM 7: APPROVE BILLS
Gislason, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to approve payment of monthly bills in amount of $121,664.65 as per itemized check register. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 8: APPROVE ENGINEERING PAY REQUEST
Gislason, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to authorize payment to DeWild Grant Reckert & Associates (DGR) in amount of $16,266.10 for engineering fees related to proposed 2010 Sanitary/Storm Sewer Improvement Project. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 9: STATUS OF PROPOSED 2010 SEWER PROJECT
Engineer Trent Bruce indicated by memo that total costs for proposed 2010 Sanitary Sewer Improvements are currently estimated at $2.59M. Minneota share of proposed costs are estimated at $1.1M although there are several grants pending. Most significant pending grant is from Public Facilities Authority (PFA) through Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Program and could be as much as $675,000. Bruce noted that cost estimates are on high side and that actual bid prices should be less than anticipated. He concluded by stating that DGR would proceed with project preparation and continue to finalize details with MnDOT and Lyon County.
ITEM 10: CITY ENGINEER SLATED FOR MILITARY DUTY
City engineer Trent Bruce submitted letter of military obligation explaining his scheduled deployment to Afghanistan as part of South Dakota Army National Guard. Bruce will be mobilized with his unit in May of 2010 and will return to U.S.A. in May of 2011. He also noted that DGR engineer Justin Christensen would be his replacement during the absence.
ITEM 11: APPROVE ADVERTISEMENT FOR SWIMMING POOL EQUIPMENT
Administrator stated that as part of 2010 Budget council planned to replace obsolete water filtration system in swimming pool and install a new Auto Water-Fill for main pool as required. Estimated improvements were expected to cost approximately $55,000. At conclusion of comments, Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to proceed with Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for swimming pool equipment as discussed and advertise RFP in official city newspaper. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 12: PROPOSED CAPX 2020 TRANSMISSION LINE
Council discussed one (1) of three (3) proposed CapX 2020 Brookings Transmission Power Line routes that could pass just south of Minneota along 340th Street and extend in an easterly direction north of Ghent. It was noted that placement of huge steel transmission towers and attached cables that close to Minneota could be detrimental to future residential housing and commercial development. It was agreed that most small towns have limited areas of growth due to infrastructure feasibility and could lose potential development sites in the future if massive 150’ power poles are built that close to city limits.
At conclusion of comments, administrator was instructed to write a letter to Judge Richard C. Luis in opposition to proposed CapX2020 Power Line route stating that a path that passes further from towns and fewer housing sites would be more appropriate.
ITEM 13: STATUS OF FLOOD LEVEE CERTIFICATION
Administrator stated that engineering firm of Mead & Hunt (M&H) was wrapping up their initial analysis of Minneota Flood Levee. While not yet complete, Final Report will show that levee system has only a couple of minor deficiencies. It appears that south end of levee will likely need to be raised approximately 6” to meet free board requirements and grouting a septic system pipe that currently passes through the dike wall are main items that need to be addressed. Along with noted levee improvements, some maintenance work in interior drainage areas would need to be done as well. Once final report is received an action plan would be developed to facilitate M&H recommendations and subsequently achieve FEMA flood levee certification requirements.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 14: TEMPORARY LIBRARY STAFFING
Acting Librarian Elana Nomeland indicated that with a little help from Herb Pagel and Audrey Timm she would be able to cover the hours of operation while head librarian Mary Buysse is recovering from surgery.
ITEM 15: APPROVE ZONING PERMIT
Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to approve zoning permit application from Minneota Building Materials to remove old entry roof and install new 5’x60’ roof overhang on front of main building. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Zoning permit requirements for improvements made by residents of the trailer park were discussed. It was decided to obtain opinion of attorney Engels as to whether trailer park owner or trailer owner should be submitting a zoning permit application for decks and entries that are to be attached to mobile homes.
ITEM 16: APPROVE PAY REQUEST TO MEAD AND HUNT
Koppien, seconded by Gislason made motion to approve payment to engineering firm of Mead & Hunt in amount of $10, 692 for work related to Recertification of Minneota’s Flood Levee System. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 17: AUTHORIZE LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT FOR 2009 FINANCIAL AUDIT
Gislason, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to authorize letter of engagement for auditing firm of Gerber & Haugen, P.L.L.P. to prepare 2009 Financial Reports for city of Minneota. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 18: REVIEW SNOW REMOVAL/PARKING ORDINANCE
Council received memo from patrol officer Ben Standahl regarding current snow removal ordinance and asking for clarification of parking restrictions after a snowfall event that requires street plowing. Review was made of existing Ordinance Section 803.12 Weather Emergency/Snow/Street Repairs/Street Cleaning. Subd. 2. Snow Removal in Residential District. Timetable for issuing first notice, writing a parking ticket and subsequent towing protocol was talked about. After lengthy discussion, it was decided to leave ordinance language as is and have police department follow a common sense approach when issuing parking citations and/or initiating vehicle towing.
ITEM 19: DESIGNATE 2010 OFFICAL CITY NEWSPAPER & CITY DEPOSITORIES
Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to make following 2010 designations: a) Minneota Mascot as Official City Newspaper, b) Bank of the west (BOW), State Bank of Taunton, LMC 4M Fund & RBC, State Farm Bank (SFB) and Edward Jones as Official City Depositories. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 20: DECLARE COUNCIL VACANCY/APPROVE MAYORAL APPOINTMENT
Upon review of Minnesota Statute 412.02, Subd. 2a. and 2b. regarding city council vacancies, motion was made by Koppien, seconded by Bretschneider, to Adopt Resolution No. 01/04/2010-A Declaring Council Vacancy and Appointing Tony Esping as Mayor. Voting Aye: Koppien, Bretschneider. Gislason. Abstain: Esping. MOTION PASSED.
Administrator stated the council would need to fill council position that is now vacant as a result of Esping being appointed Mayor. After various suggestions were considered, it was decided to advertise position in official city newspaper to obtain a list of candidates that might be willing to serve. Administrator was instructed to post vacancy notice in Minneota Mascot on January 13th and 20th and set a January 22nd deadline for receipt of applicants.
ITEM 21: ANNUAL EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS
It was decided to meet in special session on January 25, 2010 at 6:00 P.M. to conduct annual employee performance evaluations for Street Superintendent Scott Holien and City Administrator Dan Canton.
ITEM 22: SUNDAY OFF-SALE BEER ORDINANCE
Question was asked about city Beer Ordinance as it relates to off-sale of beer on Sundays. State statute apparently allows sale of 3.2 beer beginning at 10:00 A.M. on Sundays while Minneota ordinance states 12:00 noon. Administrator stated he would verify state statute requirements as well as city beer ordinance language and report back to council at next meeting.
CLOSED MEETING
ITEM 23: UNION NEGOTIATIONs
Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to close meeting to discuss on-going AFSCME Union negotiations.
ADJOURNMENT
At conclusion of closed meeting session, Koppien, seconded by, Bretschneider made motion to adjourn. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ______________________________
Anthony Esping, Mayor Daniel A. Canton, City Administrator
Date Approved: February 8, 201
December 15th, 2009 Minutes
MINUTES OF THE MINNEOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PURSUANT TO CALL AND DUE NOTICE
THEREOF, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MINNEOTA, COUNTY OF LYON,
STATE OF MINNESOTA, MET IN SPECIAL
SESSION IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 15, 2009 AT 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT:
Councilman Anthony Esping
Councilman Tim Koppien
Councilman Todd Bretschneider
Councilman Lyall Gislason
COUNCIL ABSENT: Mayor Paul Larson
STAFF: Daniel A. Canton, M.J. Hennen, Jeff Sussner
COMMUNITY: Byron Higgin (Minneota Mascot)
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
Acting-Mayor Anthony Esping called special meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
ITEM 2: ADOPT AGENDA
Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to adopt agenda as submitted. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 3: REVIEW PROPOSED 2010 BUDGET
City administrator again reviewed budget numbers and the proposed property tax levy amount of $431,173 for 2010. He indicated that council would need to make adjustments in amount of $45,398 to balance the budget using a 5.0% property tax increase as previously submitted to Lyon County Auditor back in September. It was suggested that a combination of expense reductions and capital outlay transfers could be implemented to reach the $431,173 tax levy figure. Acting-Mayor Esping recommended that council: a) Reduce Fire Find Levy amount by $5,000, b) Reduce General Fund transfers to the Capital Outlay Fund by $8,500, c) Increase transfers from Capital Outlay to the General Fund by $25,398, and d) Reduce expenditures for Industrial Park Development by $6,500. At conclusion of discussion and comments, it was agreed to leave the final property tax levy at 5.0% as proposed and authorize budget adjustments as suggested by Acting-Mayor Esping.
ITEM 4: ADOPT FINAL 2010 PROPERTY TAX LEVY AND 2010 BUDGET
Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to Adopt Resolution No. 12/15/09-A Approving Final 2010 Property Tax Levy in amount of $431,173. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Administrator stated that he would certify Final Property to County Auditor by December 28th as required.
Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to Adopt Resolution No. 12/15/09-B Approving 2010 Budget as discussed. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 5: APPROVE TRANSFER OF CAPITAL OUTLAY FUNDS
After consultation with Fire Chief Jeff Sussner and careful examination of past Fire Fund Budgets/Levies, 2008 Fire Fund Balance Sheet and 2010 Budget, Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to transfer a total of $50,000 to help pay for 2009 Fire Pumper Truck using $31,862.19 from Capital Outlay Fund currently designated for Fire Equipment and an additional $18,137.81from Capital Outlay undesignated funds. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. It was noted that upon completion of 2009 Audit in March, council would again review balance in Fire Fund to ensure adequate working capital.
ITEM 6: PROPOSED CAP X TRANSMISSION LINE
Administrator distributed information regarding proposed CAP X 2020 Brookings Power Transmission Line that could be constructed approximately One (1) mile south of Minneota. Also examined was a letter from city of Ghent written in opposition to an alternative route that could place transmission cables and towers less than a mile from the Blue Bird Residential Sub-division located on south edge of Ghent. Final transmission line route has not been determined although placement in Minneota/Ghent vicinity is a strong possibility. Various individuals, farmers, townships and municipalities have opposed the proximity of such transmission towers to farms and homes. Written comments are to be sent to appropriate administrative law judge by January 15, 2010. It was decided to discuss matter again at next regular meeting on January 4th.
ITEM 7: APPROVE SALARY ADJUSTMENT
Upon completion of a successful performance evaluation for Parks Superintendent Jeff Yeo, council reviewed current employee wage scale. Gislason, seconded by Esping, made motion to move Yeo to Step 6 of his job classification effective on the anniversary date of hire of November 1, 2009. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. It was noted that no cost of living increase was implemented for any city employees in 2009 and that proposed cost of living adjustments for 2010 are still pending.
ITEM 8: EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVLAUATIONS
Administrator distributed appraisal forms for conducting annual performance evaluations with Street Superintendent Scott Holien and Administrator Dan Canton. Special meeting will be held in January to review evaluations.
ITEM 9: APPROVE APPOINTMENT TO POLICE COMMITTEE
Acting-Mayor Esping temporarily appointed Bretschneider to the council police committee during Mayor Larson’s absence.
ADJOURNMENT
Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to adjourn. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ATTEST:
___________________________________ _____________________________ Acting-Mayor, Anthony Esping Dan Canton, Administrator
Date Approved: January 4, 2010
December 7th, 2009, Minutes
MINUTES OF THE MINNEOTA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
PURSUANT TO CALL AND DUE NOTICE
THEREOF, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF MINNEOTA, COUNTY OF LYON,
STATE OF MINNESOTA, MET IN REGULAR
SESSION IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2009 AT 6:00 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT:
Councilman Anthony Esping
Councilman Timothy Koppien
Councilman Lyall Gislason
Councilman Todd Bretschneider
COUNCIL ABSENT: Mayor Paul Larson
STAFF: Daniel A. Canton
COMMUNITY: Charlie Hettling, Royal Hettling, Scott Josephson
MINNEOTA MASCOT: Byron Higgin
ATTORNEY: John A. Engels
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
Acting-Mayor Anthony Esping called regular monthly meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
ITEM 2: CALL FOR AGENDA ADDITIONS
Esping called for agenda additions.
ITEM 3: ADOPT AGENDA
There being no additions, Koppien, seconded by Gislason, made motion to adopt agenda as presented. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 4: APPROVE MINUTES
Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to approve minutes from November 2nd and 16th. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 5: REPORTS
Council reviewed reports: a) October Police, b) Big Store Building Improvement Grant Received
ITEM 6: CONCERNED CITIZENS
None
ITEM 7: APPROVE BILLS
Koppien, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to approve payment of monthly bills in amount of $148,824.73 as per itemized check register. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 8: APPROVE PAY REQUEST FOR REAHB GRANT APPLICATION
Gislason, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to approve pay request to Development Services Inc. (DSI) in amount of $1,486.79 for Minneota’s share of cost to prepare Small Cities Residential/Commercial Rehab Grant Application. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Joint grant application was submitted by Minneota, Ghent and Ivanhoe in 2008 and subsequently approve by DEED in 2009.
ITEM 9: APPROVE REHAB PAY REQUEST
Gislason, seconded b y Koppien, made motion to approve pay request to DSI in amount of $154.69 for administrative fees related to Small Cities Rehab Development Grant. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 10: APPROVE ENGINEERING PAY REQUEST
Koppien, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to authorize payment to DeWild Grant Reckert & Associates (DGR) in amount of $27,094.00 for engineering fees related to proposed 2010 Sanitary/Storm Sewer Improvement Project. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 11: ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PREPARATION OF FINAL PLANS/SPECIFICAITONS FOR PROPOSED 2010 SANITARY SEWER PROJECT
Gislason, seconded by Koppien, made motion to Adopt Resolution No. 12/07/09-A Authorizing Preparation of Final Construction Plans and Specifications for Proposed 2010 Sanitary/Storm Sewer Improvements. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
PUBLIC HEARING
ITEM 12: TRUTH-IN-TAXATION PUBLIC HEARING
Acting-Mayor Esping closed regular council meeting and opened Public Hearing at 6:30 P.M. Administrator Canton was called upon to review proposed 2010 Property Tax Levy and Budget. Using an overhead projector the Administrator displayed proposed Budget Summary for all to examine. Explanation was given as to how the property tax levy is determined and how it fits into the overall budget process. Projected revenues for each of the five (5) levied funds were listed along with corresponding proposed expenditures. Summary page also itemized fund transfers and projected fund balances for year-end 2010. General Fund was used as an example in explaining how each of the fund numbers was determined and what impact the budget has on the levy. Total property tax levy for 2010 was proposed at $431,173 or an increase of 5.0 % more than 2009. Administrator finished his presentation by saying that the final tax levy would be no higher than the number proposed although council could make adjustments or expenditure changes to operating budget that would reduce final property tax levy to less than a 5.0% increase. He also stated that council would need to set a special meeting date prior to December 28th to adopt the final property tax levy and budget.
At conclusion of comments, Koppien, seconded by Bretschneider, made motion to close public hearing and re-open regular meeting at 7:00 P.M. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 13: PROPOSED MEMORIAL FOR MEMORIAL PARK
Charles and Royal Hettling discussed proposed placement of a Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Memorial Park. C. Hettling displayed several 12” black marble tablets that depict Minneota soldiers that served in the military during the Vietnam War. The Hettlings stated that there were seven (7) servicemen from Minneota that died during that war and that a tribute to those dead and living would only be appropriate. C. Hettling said the marble plaques as shown were actually made in Vietnam from old photographs and would need to be on display inside a small building in the park. R. Hettling stated that they would like the structure to be easily assessable and they didn’t want the “The Minneota Seven” to be faceless names. C. Hettling also noted that other Vietnam War information would also be on display in the proposed memorial, including a replica of the ‘Vietnam Wall’, maps and historical items. The council was receptive to the proposed memorial and urged the Hettlings to proceed with the project.
At conclusion of comments, councilman Gislason and Bretschneider agreed to represent the city in future discussions with the Hettlings about the memorial.
ITEM 14: APPROVE ZONING PERMITS
Gislason, seconded by Esping, made motion to approve zoning permit applications from following property owners for construction of noted improvements. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Etien Laleman Move-In 12’x16’x8’ Building
Wade Myhre Construct 26’x58’ House/Garage Addition
ITEM 15: APPROVE PAY REQUEST TO MEAD AND HUNT
Koppien, seconded by Gislason made motion to approve payment to engineering firm of Mead & Hunt in amount of $1,458.00 for work related to Recertification of Minneota’s Flood Levee System. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 16: LIBRARY ROOF REPAIR
Administrator stated that roof of library building is apparently in need of minor repair as noticed by roofing contractor Bob Buysse prior to recent snowfall. Mr. Buysse indicated that roof work would cost no more than $500 and would prevent leaks from developing in near term. It was decided to proceed with work as proposed when weather is suitable.
ITEM 17: REMAINING INDUSTRIAL PARK LOT
Administrator noted that on February 2, 2009 city council established $5,755.50 as the selling price for remaining improved lot in Minneota Industrial Park. The following terms were also established as part of the sale at that time:
1.) Purchase price of $5,755.50 would be due and payable at time of closing.
2.) The City would subsequently refund cost of the lot in amount of $2,169.00 if the building is substantially constructed within one (1) year from date of closing.
3.) If for some reason the building is not erected during agreed upon time frame, property would revert back to the city of Minneota and total sum of $5,755.50 and any other fees associated with the real estate transaction would not be returned to the buyer.
4.) An Ernest Money Contract Agreement describing the terms of the sale would need to be prepared and authorized by both the buyer and seller to initiate the real estate transaction.
After brief discussion, council confirmed that terms of sale as established was still acceptable and authorized administrator to proceed with preparation of an Ernest Money Contract should someone want to purchase the single remaining lot.
ITEM 18: CONSIDER SALARY ADJUSTMENTS
Upon completion of successful performance evaluations for Patrol Officer Ben Standahl and Parks Superintendent/Maintenance Worker Jeff Yeo, council reviewed salary structure for both employees as noted in the MAPE Patrol Officer Labor Contract and Maintenance Staff Wage Scale. After brief discussion, it was decided to table action until next meeting.
ITEM 19: ANNUAL EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE REVIEWS
It was decided to establish a special meeting date at next regular council session for conducting annual employee evaluations for Street Superintendent Scott Holien and City Administrator Dan Canton.
ITEM 20: SET SPECIAL COUNICL MEETING DATE TO ADOPT FINAL 2010 PROPERTY TAX LEVY AND BUDGET
It was decided to meet in special session on Tuesday, December 15th to consider and Adopt Final 2010 Property Tax Levy/Budget.
ADJOURNMENT
Gislason, seconded by, Koppien made motion to adjourn. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ATTEST:
_________________________________ ______________________________
Anthony Esping, Acting-Mayor Daniel A. Canton, City Administrator
Date Approved: January 4, 2010
Mayor Larson loses battle for life
By Byron Higgin, Mascot Publisher
“Paul was quite an advocate. How many people give that much time to the community?” said Minneota Police Chief Eric Johnson after the death of Minneota Mayor Paul Larson.
“He had thousands of hours helping this community. How many people step up like that? added Johnson.
“Dad passed away peacefully this afternoon (Sunday) at 3:10 p.m. with Wendy (his wife), Breanne (daughter) and Jerry Teigland (friend) at his bedside,” said the message on CaringBridge announcing the mayor’s death.