City Council

AGENDA Blackduck City Council - Work Session Meeting 6:00 PM - Monday, April 21, 2025 City Hall, 8 Summit Drive, Blackduck MN Page 1. CALL TO ORDER a. Roll Call b. Pledge of Allegiance 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 3. OLD BUSINESS a. PER / ER Widseth b. Kitchigami Regional Library Improvement Project c. Lions Duck Restoration Project 2 Restoration Donations d. Blackduck City Hall Repairs e. ROW Improvement Request - Birch & Beyond Inc. - Tayler Tournigny 3-4 Birch & Beyond ROW Improvement Request Petition-for-Vacating-Street (1) f. Revision of Ordinance 920.04 - Health and Safety; Nuisances - Farm Animals 5 - 13 within the City of Blackduck Ordinance 2025-01 Blackduck Chicken Permit Parkers Prairie Chicken Ordinance - Final Draft g. 2024 Financial Audit - Presentation of Draft - May 5, 2025 h. Boys & Girls Club Funding Request 14 - 28 B&G Club Funding Request Re_ Blackduck B&G Consideration for Funding Donation Policy Guideline for the City of Blackduck RE_ Question regarding municipal funding commitment request 4. NEW BUSINESS a. Donation Request - After Prom 2025 29 - 30 After Prom Donation Request b. Proposed Revision of Ordinance 1150 - Licensing - Rental Licensing - to 31 - 32 provided updates to the manner of registration and renewal of licensing Ordinance 2025-02 Rental licensing periods updated 5. ADJOURNMENT Page 1 of 32  Black Duck Restoration and Rehabilitation Budget updated 4/9/2025 Invoices / Vendors Description of Work Invoice # Date Paid Amount Donations / Contributions to Project Amount Project Balance Jensen Conservation Site Visit and Evaluation of Statue 1052 7/11/2023 $2,286.00 Upper Red Lake Area Association $1,000.00 Public Works Staff Staff time for painting, removal of turf & bench, relocation of library in-kind Beltrami Electric Round Up $1,000.00 Miscellaneous materials paint, landscape fabric, ect. - N. Seitz & C. Wilhelmi repair misc. 10/8/2024 $284.84 Rob & Tammy Ingersoll $1,000.00 KCI Restoration Site Visit and Evaluation of Statue 24-099 12/10/2024 $1,500.00 Anonomous $1,000.00 City of Blackduck $1,000.00 Blackduck Area Chamber of Commerce $3,000.00 Blackduck Art & History Center in-kind Blackduck Firemens Relief $500.00 Blackduck Dental Clinic $500.00 Paul Bunyan Communications $500.00 Shamrock Storage $100.00 Northwoods Lumber $400.00 Zeller's Natural Health, Inc. $50.00 Drake Motel $100.00 Gerit Hanson Construction $100.00 Knife River Materials $200.00 Land o Lakes Wood Preserving $100.00 Juelson Plumbing & Heating $300.00 BLANDIN GRANT $10,000.00 $4,070.84 $20,850.00 $16,779.16 Page 2 of 32 Page 3 of 32 ¥ The information on this map is provided on an "as-is" basis Birch & Beyond Inc. ROW Improvement Request without warranty of any type, expressed or implied, including but not limited to any warranty as to its accuracy, currency, suitability, or Scale 1:870 Date: 3/20/2025 reliability for any purpose. This map is not a substitute for a land survey and should not be used for locating property lines or other boundaries. Lines on this map are approximate. PETITION FOR VACATION OF [A PORTION OF] ROW to Euclid Ave. and Alley ROW IN THE CITY OF BLACKDUC, COUNTY OF BELTRAMI, MINNESOTA. The abutting landowners’ petition is not required to commence a vacation. The City Council may commence a vacation procedure on its own initiative. However, a vacation commenced without a valid petition must be passed by a 4/5 favorable resolution of City Council. When a petition needing multiple sheets of paper is used, each sheet should bear the full heading at the top, so that all signers and the city have a clear understanding of the nature of the petition being signed TO: The City Council of Blackduck, Minnesota The undersigned, a majority of the property owners as set forth opposite their respective names, abutting on platted ROW to Euclid Ave. and Alley ROW, respectfully petition the city council to vacation the aforesaid [portion of] ROW to Euclid Ave. and Alley ROW pursuant to Minnesota Statute, section 412.851. See Section I-A-1, “Starting a Street Vacation” of the memo “Vacation of City Streets” for a discussion of the legal requirements relating to abutting landowners’ signatures. The description of the street to be vacated should be complete enough to prevent any possible uncertainty or ambiguity. In some cases, particularly where only a portion of a public street or grounds will be vacated, a legal description may be necessary Print Name Signature Address or Description of Property _____________ ________________ ____________________________________ _____________ ________________ ____________________________________ _____________ ________________ ____________________________________ ______________ ________________ ____________________________________ Received on the _____ day of _____, 20_____ ______________________________________________ (Signature of City Clerk) League of Minnesota Cities Model Form: 8/13/2024 Petition for Vacating a Street Page 1 Page 4 of 32  CITY OF BLACKDUCK ORDINANCE #2025-01 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 9, HEALTH AND SAFETY; NUISANCES, OF THE CITY CODE AMENDING SECTION 920.04 FARM ANIMALS TO PERMIT CHICKENS IN THE CITY OF BLACKDUCK The City Council of Blackduck, Minnesota, ordains: That Chapter 9 of the City Code is hereby amending Section 920.04, Farm Animals by amending language to read as follows: §920.01 Definitions The following definitions will be adopted to §920.01 and apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Chicken Coop – a temporary structure for housing chickens made of wood or other similar materials that provides shelter from the elements and which meets the other requirements set forth in this section. Chicken run – Is a fully enclosed and covered area attached to a coop where chickens can roam unsupervised. §920.04 Farm Animals Unless otherwise defined, farm animals with the exception of chickens, shall only be kept in an agricultural district of the City, or on a residential lot of at least ten (10) acres in size provided that no animal shelter shall be within 300 feet of an adjoining piece of property. An exception shall be made to this section for these animals brought into the City as part of an operating zoo, veterinarian clinic, scientific research laboratory, or a licensed show exhibition. §920.04 subd. 1 Certain Chickens allowed by permit. Subd. 1.1 Up to (5) female chickens are permitted to be kept on parcels that are within City limits, provided that the owner obtains a backyard chicken permit from the City. (optional number of chickens) Chickens must not be raised or kept for the purpose of fighting. No permit will be granted by the city to keep any chickens within a dwelling or garage, nor on a property, which contains two or more dwelling units. No outdoor butchering of chickens is allowed. No roosters or crowing hens are allowed. 1|Page Page 5 of 32  CITY OF BLACKDUCK ORDINANCE #2025-01 §920.04 subd. 2 Permit Required and Fee Authorized Subd. 2.1 Any person desiring to obtain a backyard chicken permit under this subdivision must make a written application to the City Administrator on a form provided by the City and pay an application fee. Fees to be charged for the issuance of a permit to keep chickens shall be set by the City council on the fee schedule. The application must include a scaled diagram that shows the location of the chicken coop and run. The diagram must show the distance of the coop and run from the adjoining structures and property lines, as well as the actual dimensions of the coop and run. The City shall deny any application that does not meet the requirements of the Section. A maximum of (5) permits at any one time shall be issued. (optional) Subd. 2.2 Chickens can only be kept on single-family residential premises in R-1 zones. The minimum lot size for keeping chickens is 7,500 square feet (50 x 150 ft.) (optional language to consider) Subd. 2.3 All initial permits will expire on December 31st of the following year after their issuance unless sooner revoked. Renewal permits shall expire on December 31st of each subsequent year, unless revoked sooner. (Parkers Prairie allows permits for 2 years and cost for initial permits are higher cost than renewals) Subd. 2.4 A permit is subject to all terms and conditions of this section and any additional conditions deemed necessary by the city to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Private restrictions such as covenants take precedence over the permit. A permit issued to a person whose premises are subject to covenants that prohibit the keeping of chickens is subject to be voided. The interpretation and enforcement of the private restrictions is the sole responsibility of the private parties involved. Subd. 2.5 All chickens will be banded with identification bands, with the cost of the bands to be incurred by the owner. (optional language) 2|Page Page 6 of 32  CITY OF BLACKDUCK ORDINANCE #2025-01 §920.04 subd. 3 Standard for the Keeping of Backyard Chickens Subd. 3.1 All chickens must be kept in an enclosed chicken coop with an appropriately sized chicken run. The maximum height of a run shall be six feet. (optional language) The enclosed coop and run must be maintained in good condition and be sufficient in strength and size to allow the chickens to move about, but also able to prevent escape. Coops shall be constructed in a skillful manner, including being ventilated, insulated, roofed, and constructed of moisture resistant materials. The enclosed coop must have a minimum square footage of four feet per chicken but must not exceed a total of twenty square feet per chicken. The coop height must be between four and six feet to allow chickens to roost above ground. The chicken run must have a minimum square footage of ten square feet per chicken but must not exceed a total of 50 square feet or six feet in height. In the event that the security of the chicken coop is breached, the city shall accept no liability for a fence, which provided access to the chicken coop. Subd. 3.2 Coops and runs are allowed only in a rear yard. The fence around the run enclosure shall be securely constructed with treated wood, ornamental iron, chain line, vinyl or brick. Protective overhead netting or roofing with an approved material is required to prevent predators. Coops and runs must be located at least six feet away from the primary structure on the property. Coops and runs must maintain a minimum setback of ten feet from all property lines and must maintain a minimum setback of 20 feet from all inhabited structures on adjacent properties. (optional distances) Subd. 3.3 The chicken’s living area must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, devoid of all rodents and vermin and free from objectionable odors. Waste must be disposed of on a regular basis. Grains and feed must be stored in a rodent or raccoon-proof container inside of a structure. Manure shall not be permitted to accumulate on the property. Manure shall be removed at least once per week, but while on the property shall be properly stored. Subd. 3.4 At all times a permit holder shall securely confine all hens within an enclosure. The owner or lessee shall not permit any hens to stray or feed upon a public highway, street, alley or public ground nor upon the property of another. Subd. 3.5 Sale of eggs is prohibited. (optional language for consideration) 3|Page Page 7 of 32  CITY OF BLACKDUCK ORDINANCE #2025-01 Subd. 3.6 No person shall allow any chicken under his or her ownership or control to violate the City’s nuisance ordinance. Subd. 3.7 Persons that intend to no longer keep chickens on their premises shall notify the City Administrator. If there is a coop, it must be removed upon expiration of the permit. Subd. 3.8 Dead chickens must be disposed of according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health rules, which require chicken carcasses to be disposed of as soon as possible after death, usually within 48 to 72 hours. Acceptable methods of chicken carcass disposal include these off-site options: incineration, rendering, or composting. Subd. 3.9 The City reserves the right to require property owners to eliminate all fowl and poultry within City limits if a pandemic regarding fowl and poultry is declared. §920.04 subd. 4 Inspections Subd. 4.1 The City may inspect the premises for which a permit has been granted in order to ensure compliance with this section. If the City is not able to obtain the permit holder’s consent to enter the property, it may seek an administrative search warrant. §920.04 subd. 5 Violations and Penalties Subd. 5.1 Any person violating any section of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a petty misdemeanor. Subd. 5.2 If any person is found guilty by a court for violation of this Ordinance, their permit to own, keep, harbor, or have custody of chickens shall be deemed automatically revoked, and no new permit may be issued to them for a period of one (1) year. (optional language time to consider) Subd. 5.3 Any person violating any conditions of this permit shall reimburse the City for all costs borne by the City to enforce the conditions of the permit including but not limited to the 4|Page Page 8 of 32  CITY OF BLACKDUCK ORDINANCE #2025-01 pickup and impounding of chickens. Cost of inspection due to complaint regarding policy violation shall be paid by the owner of the animal(s). Subd. 5.4 In addition to the other penalties described in this subdivision, the City may suspend or revoke a permit for failure to comply with provisions of this section or any of the permit’s conditions. Prior to revoking a permit, the city shall provide the owner with notice of the revocation and an opportunity to appeal the revocation to the City Council. §920.04 subd. 6 Enforcements Duties Subd. 6.1 The Police department shall enforce the provisions of this Part. The police department may inspect private premises and shall make all reasonable efforts to prevent violations of this Part, including but not limited to, obtaining administrative search warrants to gain access to private property when consent to access is not granted. §920.04 Effective Date. This Ordinance shall be effective _____ __, 2025. This ordinance shall take effect upon passage and publication as provided by law. Passed and adopted this ____ day of ________ 2025. ______________________________ Attested: ____________________________ Maxwell Gullette, Mayor Christina Regas, City Administrator First / Final Reading: ______________ 5|Page Page 9 of 32 Permit Fee: $_____ Initial Permit # $_____ Renewal Approved: CHICKEN APPLICATION/PERMIT WITHIN BLACKDUCK CITY LIMITS City of Blackduck 8 Summit Ave. E. PO Box 380 Blackduck, MN 56630 (218) 835-4803 Incomplete applications will not be accepted. The information contained in this application becomes part of the City of Blackduck records upon receipt and is therefore accessible to the public. All permits issued shall be valid only on the premises for which the permit is issued. No transfer of any permit to another location or person shall be valid. Chicken permits shall be issued annually (January 1 – December 31). 1. Applicant Name: Phone: 2. Property Address: 3. Application is a (please check one) NEW RENEWAL 4. Number of Chickens to be kept on Premise (Maximum 5): 5. Chicken Breed and/or Color (if known): ________________________________________________________ 6. Coop and Run: Built for #________ Chickens (5 maximum) Coop Height: __________ (must be between 4 and 6 ft.) Coop Total Square Feet ________ (___x___) (20 sq. ft. maximum, calculated at 4 sq. ft. per chicken) Run Total Square Feet ________ (___x___) (50 sq. ft. maximum, calculated at 10 sq. ft. per chicken) Describe the chicken coop and chicken run on the property and provide a description of the primary enclosure in which the chickens are proposed to be kept. _________________________________________________________________ Manure: Will manure be stored on site or composted on site? ____________________________________ If yes, will the on-site container rodent and raccoon proof? __________ Food: In what kind of structure will the food be kept? ___________________________________________ Will the structure containing the food be rodent and raccoon proof? __________ 7. If this is a NEW application, describe the methods which will be used to maintain the premises in a clean and healthy condition. ______ _____________________________________________________________________________________ 8. If this is a NEW application, draw a scaled diagram on the back of this page that indicates the location of the coop and run, approximate size, and distance from adjoining structures and property lines. 9. If this is a RENEWAL application, have you changed the primary enclosure for the animals from what was shown on your original application? YES or NO If yes, explain the changes and draw a revised diagram on the back of this page. _____________ In submitting this application, I hereby agree to comply with the regulations imposed by the Blackduck City Codes, and Minnesota Statues 346.35 to 346.44 cited as the “Pet and Companion Animal Welfare Act.” I understand failure to obey such conditions will constitute a violation of the provisions of these sections and grounds for cancellation of the permit. I further agree to allow inspection of premises by any Code Official or Peace Officer. Signature: Date: Coop and Run Inspected By: _____________________________ Date: _____________________ Approved By: Date: Page 10 of 32  CITY OF PARKERS PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA ORDINANCE #_2017-03_ AN ORDINANCE FOR KEEPING BACKYARD CHICKENS The City Council of Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, ordains that Chapter V, Municipal Regulations and Licensing, is hereby amended as follows: Section 1, Subdivision 7 is hereby amended to read, “Section 1. Subdivision 7. Other Animals. Except as provided in Section 2, it shall be unlawful to keep or harbor in the City limits any animal other that domestic cats or dogs or chickens.” The following shall be added as a new Section 2: Section 2. Chickens. Subdivision 1. Certain chickens allowed by permit. Up to 5 female chickens are permitted to be kept on parcels that are within City limits, provided that the owner obtains a backyard chicken permit from the City. Chickens must not be raised or kept for the purpose of fighting. No permit will be granted by the city to keep any chickens within a dwelling or garage, nor on a property which contains two or more dwelling units. No outdoor butchering of chickens is allowed. No roosters are allowed. Subdivision 2. Definitions. 2.1. The term “chicken coop” means a temporary structure for housing chickens made of wood or other similar materials that provides shelter from the elements and which meets the other requirements set forth in this Section. 2.2. The term “chicken run” means an enclosed yard for keeping chickens and otherwise meets the requirements of this Section. Subdivision 3. Permit Required and Fee Authorized. 3.1. Any person desiring to obtain a backyard chicken permit under this subdivision must make a written application to the City Clerk on a form provided by the City and pay an application fee. Fees to be charged for the issuance of a permit to keep chickens shall be set by City Council on the fee schedule. The application must include a scaled diagram that shows the location of the chicken coop and run. The diagram must show the distance of the coop and run from adjoining structures and property lines, as well as the actual dimensions of the coop and run. The City shall deny any application that does not meet the requirements of this Section. A maximum of five permits at any one time shall be issued. 3.2. All initial permits will expire on December 31st of the following year after their issuance unless sooner revoked. Renewal permits shall expire on December 31st of each subsequent year, unless revoked sooner. 3.3. A permit is subject to all terms and conditions of this section and any additional conditions deemed necessary by the city to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. Private restrictions such as covenants take precedence over the permit. A permit issued to a person whose premises are subject to covenants that prohibit the keeping of Page 11 of 32  CITY OF PARKERS PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA chickens is subject to be voided. The interpretation and enforcement of the private restrictions is the sole responsibility of the private parties involved. 3.4. All chickens will be banded with identification bands, with the cost of the bands to be incurred by the owner. Subdivision 4. Inspections. The City may inspect the premises for which a permit has been granted in order to ensure compliance with this Section. If the city is not able to obtain the permit holder’s consent to enter the property, it may seek an administrative search warrant. Subdivision 5. Standard for the Keeping of Backyard Chickens. 5.1. All chickens must be kept in an enclosed chicken coop with an appropriately-sized chicken run. The chicken’s living area must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition, devoid of all rodents and vermin and free from objectionable odors. Waste must be disposed of on a regular basis. Grains and feed must be stored in rodent and raccoon- proof containers inside of a structure. The enclosed coop and run must be maintained in good condition and be sufficient in strength and size to allow the chickens to move about, but also able to prevent escape. The enclosed coop must have a minimum square footage of four feet per chicken but must not exceed a total of ten square feet per chicken. The coop height must be between four and six feet to allow chickens to roost above ground. The chicken run must have a minimum square footage of ten square feet per chicken but must not exceed a total of 50 square feet or six feet in height. The coop and run must be located in the backyard and set back at least 20 feet from any residential dwelling on any adjacent lot and at least 10-feet from the property lines. 5.2. No person shall allow any chicken under his or her ownership or control to violate the City’s nuisance ordinance. 5.3. Persons that intend to no longer keep chickens on their premises shall notify the City Clerk. If there is a coop, it must be removed upon expiration of the permit. 5.4. Dead chickens must be disposed of according to the Minnesota Board of Animal Health rules. Subdivision 6. Violations and Penalties. 6.1. Any person violating any section of this ordinance shall be deemed guilty of a petty misdemeanor. 6.2. If any person is found guilty by a court for violation of this Ordinance, their permit to own, keep, harbor, or have custody of chickens shall be deemed automatically revoked, and no new permit may be issued to them for a period of one (1) year. 6.3. Any person violating any conditions of this permit shall reimburse the City for all costs borne by the City to enforce the conditions of the permit including but not limited to the pickup and impounding of chickens. Cost of inspection due to complaint regarding policy violation shall be paid by the owner of the animal(s). Page 12 of 32  CITY OF PARKERS PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA 6.4. In addition to the other penalties described in this Subdivision, the City may suspend or revoke a permit for failure to comply with provisions of this section or any of the permit’s conditions. Prior to revoking a permit, the city shall provide the owner with notice of the revocation and an opportunity to appeal the revocation to the City Council. Section 2. Enforcement is hereby renumbered as Section 3 and is amended as follows: Section 3. Enforcement. Subdivision 1. Enforcement Duties. The police department shall enforce the provisions of this Part. The police department may inspect private premises and shall make all reasonable efforts to prevent violations of this Part, including but not limited to, obtaining administrative search warrants to gain access to private property when consent to access is not granted. Any of the following are a violation of this Part: 1.1. That any dog or cat at any time has destroyed property or has trespassed on the property of persons other than the owner or owners. 1.2. That any dog or cat at any time has bitten a person other than the owner or custodian. 1.3. That any dog of cat is vicious or shows vicious habits or molests pedestrians or interferes with vehicles on any public street, alley or other roadway. 1.4. Failure to comply with any part of Section 2 relating to chickens. Section 3. Fines is hereby renumbered as Section 4. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of passage, approval and publication according to law. Any other ordinance that is inconsistent with this ordinance is hereby repealed. Passed and adopted by the City Council of the City of Parkers Prairie on this 21st day of August, 2017. ___________________________________ Sandra J. Froemming, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________________ (seal) Elizabeth A. Wussow, Clerk – Treasurer Page 13 of 32 Page 14 of 32 Page 15 of 32 From: Nicole Ronchetti To: Christina Regas; Andrea Kent Subject: Re: Blackduck B&G Consideration for Funding Date: Monday, April 14, 2025 2:25:52 PM [EXTERNAL] Hello Christina, Just a quick clarification, Bemidji is not one of the cities/local governments that provide funding to Boys & Girls Clubs (more context provided below, if you're interested). We are pulling together several examples of regional cities that do fund their local Boys & Girls Clubs, however, and once we have more details on those we can happily share contact information and more about how they do it! The context for Bemidji is that they used to dedicate some of the proceeds from their liquor stores to area nonprofits. However, with the Sanford Event Center running a continual (and substantial) deficit, for the past several years they've diverted those funds to directly offset those costs. Apologies for the confusion or if we weren't clear enough! Nicci Ronchetti she/her/hers Resource Development & Grants Coordinator Boys & Girls Club of the Bemidji Area c: 218.966.1427 e: nicole.ronchetti@bgcbemidji.org www.bgcbemidji.org From: Christina Regas <Christina.Regas@blackduckmn.com> Sent: Monday, April 14, 2025 1:41 PM To: Andrea Kent <andrea.kent@bgcbemidji.org>; Nicole Ronchetti <nicole.ronchetti@bgcbemidji.org> Subject: Blackduck B&G Consideration for Funding Good afternoon Andrea, I’m getting ready to put some thoughts into where funding from Blackduck (if approved) can come from for the B&G club. At the council meeting you stated Bemidji contributes funding from their law enforcement budget and health and human services department. Could you please direct me towards your point of contact at the City? I would like to discuss with them how the City’s budget provides funding. Page 16 of 32 Thank you in advance. Christina Regas City Administrator City of Blackduck Minnesota Christina.regas@blackduckmn.com 218-835-4803 Page 17 of 32 Public Purpose Expenditures Guideline for the City of Blackduck Criteria for valid public expenditures In order for an expenditure of public funds to be lawful, it should meet both of the following standards: 1. Public purpose. There must be a public purpose for the expenditure. The meaning of ‘Public Purpose’ is constantly evolving. The MN Supreme Court has followed a liberal approach, and has generally concluded that “public purpose” mean an activity that meets all of the following stands: a. The activity will benefit the community as a body b. The activity is directly related to functions of government. c. The activity does not have as its primary objective the benefit of a private interest. The general objective of a “public purpose” is to promote the following for all of the City of Blackduck’s residents: a. Public Health b. Safety c. General Welfare d. Security e. Prosperity f. Contentment 2. Authorities. There must be specific or implied authority for the expenditure in statute or in the City of Blackduck’s charter. The MN Constitution requires that taxation must be for a public purpose. It also generally prohibits giving or loaning credit of the state to aid any individual, association or corporation. The last consideration in determining the validity of expenditures is that the attorney general has made a distinction between authority to spend money for a specific purpose and authority to give money to an organization generally committed to that purpose. (MN Statute §471.93) Conditions for requesting Public Funds The following procedures are recommended to request public funds from the City of Blackduck: 1. Any person or organization that wishes to request public funds must contact the City Administrator and fill out a Request Form. 2. No money will be appropriated without careful consideration by the City and the City Council. 3. Qualifying requests will be acted upon by the Blackduck City Council on the April, July, October, and December regular council meetings. 4. Requests received less than 7 days before the quarterly meeting date will be automatically held until the next meeting month. 5. Those persons may also make a formal request to the City Council of Blackduck at the April, July, October, and December regular City of Blackduck Council meeting once appropriately placed on the council agenda. The full City Council meeting schedule is posted on the City website calendar at www.blackduckmn.com or can be requested by calling City Hall at 218-835-4803. 1|Page Page 18 of 32 What Qualifies and What Does Not 1. Advertising – There is authority for making advertising expenditures however it may be limited to a particular kind of advertising. A donation under the guise of advertising is not allowable. (MN Statute §469.187-.189) a. Fourth Class Cities – Being a Fourth Class City, the City of Blackduck may annually appropriate money to advertise the city and its resources and advantages if used for: (MN Statute §469.189; §410.01; §469.186) i. To advertise the city. ii. For cooperative programs of promotion for the area by more than one municipality and its resources and advantages. iii. To create a bureau of information and publicity for the purpose of furnishing tourists information and for outdoor advertising, and circulating information and facts concerning the recreational facilities and business and industrial resources of the community. 2. Airports – The City of Blackduck has the power to acquire, maintain, and operate airports. In addition the City of Blackduck may assist other municipalities with powers that those municipalities have under the aeronautics code. (MN Statute §360.032; §360.043; §360.011-.076) 3. Bridges – The City of Blackduck may spend money to assist in the improvement and maintenance of roads and bridges outside the City limits, as long as they lead into the City of Blackduck. The City of Blackduck has the power to acquire, purchase, construct, maintain, and operate bridges and the bridges’ approaches if an ordinance is passed to exercise powers granted by certain state statutes. (MN Statute §441.26; §410.01; §441.48; §441.47-.55) 4. Businesses – The City of Blackduck may provide money or real property for economic development purposes under various programs. The City should contact LMC or DEED for further information. 5. Cemeteries - The City of Blackduck may acquire, hold, and manage cemetery grounds. The City of Blackduck may appropriate up to $10,000 per year to any public or privately owned cemetery located within or outside the City’s boundaries. (MN Statute §412.221 subd. 9; §471.84; §410.01) 6. Community Celebrations – The City of Blackduck may hold or contribute to an organization that will be holding a community celebration in certain circumstances: a. County Fairs – The City of Blackduck may appropriate money to a county and district agricultural society or association if the following conditions are met: (MN Statute §38.12) i. The society or association must be a member of the MN State Agricultural Society. ii. The City of Blackduck must have a County Fair held within its corporate limits or in close proximity. b. Memorial Day Observations – The City of Blackduck has the authority to spend money for Memorial Day observances in commemoration of the noble and valiant deeds of the nation’s dead soldiers. The City of Blackduck may spend up to $300 annually. (MN Statute §465.50) c. Centennial and Historical Celebrations – The City of Blackduck may spend money on local celebrations to commemorate important historical events that occurred in the City. (MN Statute §471.93) 2|Page Page 19 of 32 7. Community Centers – The City of Blackduck may appropriate money to support the facilities, programs, and services of a public or private nonprofit senior citizen or youth center. (MN Statute §471.935; §471.15-.191) 8. Decorations – The City of Blackduck may spend money on decorations, signs, plaques, and attached accessories for public streets, buildings, and parks. (MN Statute §412.221 subd. 34) 9. Donations to Organizations – Without express authority by statutory provision, the City of Blackduck has no authority to appropriate or give away public funds as donations to any person, corporation or private institution. While there is no statutory authority to donate in general, there are some alternatives for Council to consider. And there is statutory authority to donate for some specific causes or situations. (AG Op. 59-a-22) a. Nonprofit Organizations in General – The following public expenditures have been found to be improper due to lack of specific authority to donate: i. To support the Boy Scouts (AG Op. 59-a-3) ii. To sponsor a local bowling team (AG Op. 218-r) iii. To sponsor a local kittenball team (similar to softball) (AG Op. 59-a-22) iv. To help the American Legion build a Legion Hall (AG Op. 476-b-2) v. To help support the Red Cross. (AG Op. 218-r) vi. To support a campaign to stop expansion of a neighboring city airport. (AG Op. 476-b-2) However, if the City of Blackduck maintains a fund created from gambling proceeds, those proceeds may be used for many types of charitable contributions. (MN Statute §412.221 subd.2; §349.213) b. Artistic Organization – The City of Blackduck may appropriate money to support artistic organizations. An “Artistic Organization” is defined as an association, corporation, or other group that provides an opportunity for people to participate in the creation, performance, or appreciation of artistic activities. (MN Statute §471.941) c. Chamber of Commerce – The City of Blackduck may appropriate not more than $50,000 annually to any incorporated development society or organization of the state for promoting, advertising, improving, or developing the economic and agricultural resources of the city. (MN Statute §469.191) d. Community Food Shelves – The City of Blackduck may appropriate an amount to provide grants to nonprofit organizations that operate community food shelves and provide food to the needy without charge. (MN Statute §465.039; §465.037; §469.191) e. Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – If the City of Blackduck were to contain a society for the prevention of cruelty to animals (SPCA), it may appropriate for the maintenance and support of that SPCA “in the transaction of the work for which they are organized” any sum of money not otherwise appropriated. But cannot be for the payment of the salary of any officer of the society. (MN Statute §343.11) f. Solicitation of Donations by Firefighters – The City of Blackduck may by resolution allow full-time firefighters employed by the City while on duty, or volunteer firefighters serving the City while not on duty, to solicit charitable contributions from motorists. (MN Statute §465.90) 10. Dues – The City of Blackduck may appropriate money for memberships in county, regional, state, and national associations of a civic, educational, or governmental nature. The associations must have as their purpose the betterment and improvement of municipal governmental operations. This 3|Page Page 20 of 32  authorization also allows these public entities to participate in the meetings and activities of these associations. (MN Statute §471.96) 11. Economic Development – The City of Blackduck may provide money or real property for economic development purposes under various programs. Some of the more common tools available are: a. Conveyance of city-owned land for a nominal amount to encourage business and industry, under certain conditions. (MN Statute §469.185) b. Business subsidies – including contributions of personal property, real property and/or infrastructure. (MN Statute §116J.993-.995) c. Grants to certain economic development organizations. (MN Statute §469.191) d. Creation of development districts (MN Statute §469.124-.134) e. Economic Development Authority programs (MN Statute §469.090-.1082) f. Economic Development loans (MN Statute §469.192) g. Tax Abatement. (MN Statute §469.1812-.1816) 12. Elections – The City of Blackduck may spend money to hold general and special elections they are authorized by law to conduct. a. Special Elections/Advisory Elections – Special elections that are authorized by statutes are considered a valid public expenditure. But elections on questions the public is not authorized by statute or to answer are considered advisory elections and are prohibited. (AG Op. 472-o; 185-b-2) b. Advocating/Educating on a ballot question – i. Local Ballot Initiatives – The City of Blackduck should consult the City attorney prior to any expenditure associated with efforts to inform voters about any ballot question. (AG Op. 159-a-3) ii. State Constitutional Ballot Initiatives – The City of Blackduck should consult with their City Attorney if the council wishes to spend money to encourage a particular vote on a local ballot initiative. (AG Op. 442-a-20) iii. Local Sales Tax – The City of Blackduck shall not expend funds to promote or otherwise advertise a referendum to support special legislation imposing a local option sales tax. However the City of Blackduck may expend money to: (MN Statute §297A.99 subd 1(d).(e)) 1. Conduct the referendum 2. Disseminate information included in the resolution indicating the City Council’s approval of the local sales tax. 3. Provide notice of and conduct public forums at which proponents and opponents on the merits of the referendum are given equal time to express their opinions on the merits of the referendum. 4. Provide facts and data on the impact of the proposed sales tax on consumer purchases. 5. Provide facts and data related to the programs and projects to be funded with the sales tax. 13. Employees/Staff/Public Officials – The City of Blackduck may expend public funds for the following reasons: a. Pay, Expenses, and Benefits – The City of Blackduck may define the duties of its staff, as well as fix the compensation for those positions. (MN Statute §412.111) 4|Page Page 21 of 32  i. Bonuses – The City of Blackduck may issue a monetary bonus provided it is part of a salary plan to employees who meet performance or longevity standards. (AG Op. 270-d; 107-a-3) ii. Insurance Benefits – The City of Blackduck may pay all or any part of the premium or charges on insurance or protection for their officers and employees and their dependents under group health insurance, life insurance, and accident insurance. (MN Statute §471.61 subd.1; §471.61 subd.2a; §471.61 subd.5) iii. Mileage Reimbursement – The City of Blackduck may pay a mileage reimbursement for staff that travel for city business and use their own vehicles. The maximum amount to be reimbursed must be set by the City Council. In lieu of the mileage allowance, the council may pay a monthly or periodic allowance to any officer or employee for using his or her personal vehicle for city business. However, no allowance in lieu of mileage may be paid to council members. (MN Statute §471.665) iv. Preventive Health & Employee Recognition (plaques, dinners, parties) – The City of Blackduck may establish and operate a program of preventive health and employee recognition services for its employees and to provide necessary staff, equipment, and facilities and to expend funds as necessary to achieve the objectives of the program. (MN Statute §15.46) v. Public Officials’ Expenses – The City of Blackduck may pay the expenses incurred by council members for their official duties relating to their City’s bureau of information and tourism. This does not include trips for lobbying purposes, meetings, and conventions unless they are connected with specific municipal projects pending before the official who is making the trip. (MN Statute §465.54) vi. Severance Pay – The City of Blackduck may pay severance pay to their employees, and adopt rules for the payment of severance pay to employees who leave employment. Severance pay cannot be more than the equivalent of one year of pay. (MN Statute §465.72) vii. Vacation Leave – The City of Blackduck may grant paid vacations to its regularly employed employees and officers. (MN Statute §471.66) b. Miscellaneous Items – i. Bonds – The City Council may pay to provide fidelity or faithful performance bonds for City officers and employees who are required to furnish them. (MN Statute §415.18) ii. Flowers – The gift law prohibits a person from giving a gift to an elected or appointed official if the official has the power to make a decision that is of financial interest to the person giving the gift. Since supervisors could be considered ‘appointed’ officials and could give feedback that directly affects salary raises for the staff they manage, there is a potential for violation of the gift law if staff give the supervisor any gift beyond those authorized by law. There is no specific authority for purchasing flowers for a staff member or city official who is ill or has lost a family member. (MN Statute §471.895) 14. Entertainment (musical) – The City of Blackduck may spend money to provide free musical entertainment. The City of Blackduck may levy a tax for funding a band, orchestra or chorus; however, in order to use this authority, the council must get permission from the City’s voters. In 5|Page Page 22 of 32  order to put the question on the ballot, it must be proposed by a petition signed by 10% of the voters. Once the city received the petition, the council must put the question to the voters at the next general municipal election. If the majority of voters who vote on the question approve it, the tax is levied and the money must be kept in a special fund. The money may be used for maintenance, transportation and employment of a band, orchestra, or chorus for municipal purposes. (MN Statutes §412.221 subd15; §410.33; §449.09; §410.01; §449.10; §449.11) 15. Furniture and Office Supplies – The City of Blackduck may purchase office supplies such as furniture, equipment, and statutory supplies that are necessary for city purposes. (MN Statute §412.221) 16. Garbage – The City of Blackduck may adopt ordinances to regulate or provide for the disposal of sewage, garbage, and other refuse. (MN Statute §412.221 subd. 22; §410.33) 17. Historical – The City of Blackduck may appropriate money for the purpose of commemorating the anniversary of any important and outstanding event in the city’s history. (MN Statute §471.93; §410.01) This allows the City to: a. Collect data and material pertaining to the history of the city. b. Preserve, store, and house data and material pertaining to the history of the City. c. Print and publish data and material pertaining to the history of the City. d. Commemorate the anniversary of any important and outstanding event in the City’s history e. Preserve historic data for future generations. 18. Hospitals and EMS – The City of Blackduck may spend money to provide hospitals. The City of Blackduck which owns a municipal liquor store may spend money from the Liquor Store Dispensary Fund to construct a community hospital. The City must get voter approval before proceeding. The City of Blackduck may make grants for the use of a private, nonprofit, or public hospital or to an emergency medical services agency that service the City. The city council must authorize the grant. The City of Blackduck may issue revenue bonds to finance the acquisition and betterment of nursing homes and related facilities. (MN Statutes §412.221 subd.16; §447.045; §465.037; §447.15) 19. Housing – The City of Blackduck may adopt and develop municipal housing programs that can do the following: a. Make or purchase mortgage or rehabilitation loans to finance the acquisition or rehabilitation of single family housing for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. b. Make or purchase loans to finance multifamily housing developments or the rehabilitation of multifamily housing developments if the program is submitted for review. The City of Blackduck must meet various criteria in order to qualify. 20. Individuals and Public Entities – This section will discuss some of the more common questions the city council would be asked about using city money to help individuals: a. Forgiving Property Taxes and Special Assessments – The City of Blackduck may defer special assessments for property owned by persons 65 years of age or older, persons retired by virtue of permanent or total disability, or members of the National Guard or other military reserve called to active duty if certain conditions are met. (MN Statute §435.193) b. Property Tax Abatement – The City of Blackduck may offer tax abatement in certain circumstances however each taxing authority must approve the abatement and it must be abated for a limited number of years. (MN Statute §469.1812-.1816) c. Aid to Remedy Emergency Situations – There is no specific authority for cities to spend money to help individuals who have suffered losses due to a natural disaster, such as a flood or tornado. The City of Blackduck many not donate money to the Red Cross or to similar 6|Page Page 23 of 32  organizations for the purpose of helping people recover from a natural disaster. The City of Blackduck may provide personnel, equipment, and supplies to another political subdivision that requests assistance because of an emergency. An “Emergency” is defined as an unforeseen combination of circumstances that calls for immediate action to prevent a disaster from developing or occurring. A “Disaster” is defined as a situation that creates an actual or imminent serious threat to the health and safety of persons, or a situation that has resulted or is likely to result in catastrophic loss to property or the environment, and for which traditional sources of relief and assistance within the affected area are unable to repair or prevent the injury or loss. (AG Op. 218-r; 476-b-2; MN Statutes §12.331; §12.03 subd3.2) d. Public Entities – The City of Blackduck may spend money on county extension work. “County extension work” is defined as educational programs and services provided by extension educators in the areas of agriculture; agricultural finance; economic development; nutrition; youth leadership development including 4-H programs; leadership; and environment and natural resources. The City of Blackduck may transfer its personal property to another public corporation for public use. The City of Blackduck should seek legal opinion from their City attorney beforehand. (MN Statute §471.85; §38.345; §38.331 subd.2) 21. Insurance – The City of Blackduck may get insurance against liability of the municipality and its officers, employees, and agents for damages. (MN Statute §466.06) 22. Legal – The City of Blackduck may spend money on legal costs, including hiring attorneys, defending or prosecuting lawsuits, and paying court judgements or settlements. The City of Blackduck must pay to defend and indemnify for damages claimed or levied against their officers and employees if the damages resulted while the officer or employee was acting in performance of the duties of his or her position; and the officer or employee was not guilty of malfeasance, willful neglect, or bad faith. The City of Blackduck may reimburse their officers and employees for legal costs incurred to defend them against criminal charges that arise out of reasonable and lawful performance of their duties. Certain conditions must be met before such costs may be paid. The cost may include reasonable attorney’s fees to defend the person against the criminal charges. (MN Statutes §412.221 subd5; §465.13; §466.08; §466.09; §466.07; §465.76) 23. Libraries – The City of Blackduck may establish and maintain a library and a library fund. (MN Statute §134.07) 24. Local Improvements – The City of Blackduck may spend money to make local improvements. (MN Statute §429.021) 25. Nuisance Abatement – The City of Blackduck may spend money to abate public nuisances. The City of Blackduck may also recover the costs through special assessments to the property in question if they wish. (MN Statute §429.021) 26. Memorials – The City of Blackduck may spend money to erect buildings, monuments, and parks to recognize those who served in the military. (MN Statute §416.01-.06) 27. Park and Recreation – The City of Blackduck may spend money to establish, improve, ornament, maintain, and manage parks, parkways, and recreational facilities. The City of Blackduck may spend money to operate public recreational facilities. The City of Blackduck may spend up to $800 per year for awards and trophies as part of these programs. The City of Blackduck may also join to operate public recreational facilities and programs with other government entities, American Legions, incorporated veterans’ organizations, or nonprofit organizations. (MN Statute §412.491; §471.15- .191) 7|Page Page 24 of 32 28. Parking – The City of Blackduck may spend money to acquire or build automobile parking facilities. Such facilities may be within or outside the City’s corporate limits. The City of Blackduck may acquire, improve, and operate automobile parking facilities and tourist camps. Publicly owned parking facilities can be financed with tax increment revenues. (MN Statute §459.14; §412.221; §469.176) 29. Public Safety – The City of Blackduck has the power to provide for the suppression of vice and immorality, the prevention of crime, and protection of public and private property. The City of Blackduck may create such offices and employment positions for city functions dealing with public safety. (MN Statute §412.221; §412.111) a. Police – The City of Blackduck may contract for police services with another city, town or county. Adjacent cities may establish, equip, and operate joint municipal police departments unless located within a county that contains a first class city. (MN Statute §436.05; §436.06) b. Fire – The City of Blackduck may establish a fire department and provide equipment and apparatus needed to prevent, control, or extinguish fires. The City of Blackduck may appropriate money to defray the expenses of members of the City’s Fire Department for attending: (MN Statute §412.221 subd.17; §439.11) i. The State convention of the MN State Fire Department Association. ii. The MN State Fire School iii. The meetings of regional firefighters’ associations. c. Ambulance – The City of Blackduck has the authority to provide ambulance services. (MN Statute §471.476) d. Animal Pounds – The City of Blackduck has the authority to establish an animal pound. (MN Statute §412.221) e. School Patrols – The City of Blackduck may pay for the cost of training of school patrol members, including attendance at any authorized school patrol camp within Minnesota. (MN Statute §465.69) 30. Real Property – The City of Blackduck has the power to buy or lease land and buildings. The City of Blackduck may spend money to acquire hazardous buildings and real estate using eminent domain. The City of Blackduck may acquire building line easements by purchase, grant, or condemnation. (MN Statute §412.221; §463.152; §463.02) 31. Rewards – The City of Blackduck may offer a reward for information leading to the apprehension, charging, or conviction of an individual who has committed a felony crime with the city limits. The City of Blackduck may fund the payment of a reward that is offered by a nonprofit organization for the same information. The amount must be deemed appropriate by the council. (MN Statue §471.631) 32. Streets & Sidewalks – The City of Blackduck has broad authority to establish, construct, alter, and maintain city streets, sidewalks, and sewers. The City of Blackduck has the power to appropriate and spend reasonable sums of money to assist in improving or maintaining roads outside city limits that lead into the city. The City of Blackduck may choose to pay for the cost of improvements to streets and sidewalks or it may assess benefited properties for these costs. The assessment may not be more than the increase in market value of the benefited property due to the improvement. (MN Statute §412.221 subd.6; §441.26; §429.021) 33. Tourism – The City of Blackduck may establish and maintain a bureau of information and publicity for the purpose of furnishing: (MN Statute §469.186) a. Information for tourists 8|Page Page 25 of 32  b. Outdoor advertising of tourist and city information. c. Preparing, publishing, and circulating information and facts concerning recreational facilities and business and industrial conditions of the community. The City of Blackduck may establish and maintain public tourist campgrounds. The amount of money that may be spent per year for maintenance, improvement, or operation may not exceed .00806 percent of estimated market value. The City of Blackduck may impose a lodging tax to fund a local convention or visitor’s bureau for the purpose of marketing the city as a tourist or convention center. (MN Statute §450.19; §469.190) 34. Utilities – The City of Blackduck may own and operate any utility, including waterworks, district heating system or gas, light, power, or heat plant. The City of Blackduck may build, construct, reconstruct, repair, enlarge, improve, or obtain the following types of water or sewer systems: (MN Statute §412.321; §465.74; §444.075) a. Waterworks – This includes mains, valves, hydrants, service connections, wells, pumps, reservoirs, tanks, treatment plants, and other appurtenance of a waterworks system. b. Sewer Systems – This includes sewage treatment works, disposal systems, and other facilities for disposing of sewage, industrial waste, and other wastes. c. Storm Sewer Systems – This includes mains, holding areas and ponds, and other appurtenances and related facilities for the collection and disposal of store water. (MN Statute §412.221 subd.11; §444.075) 9|Page Page 26 of 32 From: Ippel, Mary To: Christina Regas Subject: RE: Question regarding municipal funding commitment request Date: Monday, April 21, 2025 11:33:27 AM [EXTERNAL] Mn statutes, section 471.935 provides that a city may appropriate money to support the facilities, programs and services of a not- for- profit senior citizen center or youth center. Based on that statutory authority the city is not limited to using only liquor store revenues but can use any available city funds including levying a tax for such purpose. Mary L. Ippel Partner MIppel@Taftlaw.com Dir: 612.977.8122 Tel: 612.977.8400 | Fax: 612.977.8650 2200 IDS Center 80 South 8th Street Minneapolis, MN 55402-2157 Taft Bio Download vCard taftlaw.com Now over 1,000 attorneys strong. Taft has expanded to the Mountain West region with the addition of Sherman & Howard, a prominent 130-year-old law firm. Learn more here. Taft is expanding to Southeast Florida on June 30, 2025, with the addition of Mrachek Law, a distinguished litigation firm. Learn more here. This message may contain information that is attorney-client privileged, attorney work product or otherwise confidential. If you are not an intended recipient, use and disclosure of this message are prohibited. If you received this transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachments. From: Christina Regas <Christina.Regas@blackduckmn.com> Sent: Monday, April 21, 2025 9:09 AM To: Ippel, Mary <MIppel@Taftlaw.com> Subject: Question regarding municipal funding commitment request Good morning Mary, Please provide advisement. The local Boys and Girls Club in Blackduck made a presentation to the City Council on April 7th, 2025 requesting the City Council make consideration on future funding commitment so the organization may remain in town with committed funding. I have attached the flyer provided with the ‘ask’. The only option the City of Blackduck has to my understanding to provide public funds to is by committing funds from our Liquor Store revenues. I would like some feeback on this ‘ask’ please. Christina Regas City Administrator Page 27 of 32 City of Blackduck Minnesota Christina.regas@blackduckmn.com 218-835-4803 Page 28 of 32 Page 29 of 32 Page 30 of 32  CITY OF BLACKDUCK ORDINANCE #2025-02 AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 11, LICENSING, REVISING SECTION 1150 RENTAL LICENSING TO PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE MANNER OF REGISTRATION AND RENEWAL OF LICENSING Findings and Purpose: The City Council of the City of Blackduck finds that it is in the public interest to revise Section 1150 Rental Licensing to assist in Ordinance registration and permitting. The City Council of Blackduck, Minnesota, ordains: Section 1. City Code as Section 1150.01 in Chapter 11 – Licensing - Rental Licensing, is modified as follows, with new language underlined and deleted language struck out. Commented [A1]: I try to avoid highlighting as it does not show up in copies. §1150.01 - Purpose and Findings Subdivision 1 Purpose The City Council of the City of Blackduck finds there is a need for an organized municipal inspection of residential rental units within the City of Blackduck in order to establish minimum standards for residential rental units to meet City and State public health, safety, fire, zoning and welfare codes and to provide more efficient system for compelling both absentee and local landlords to correct violations and properly maintain property within the city. Subdivision 2 Findings The City Council of the City of Blackduck finds that an organizational municipal licensing program is necessary and appropriate to effectively enforce residential rental unit maintenance standards and to effectively correct or prevent law violations, nuisances and other disturbances and disorders involving residential rental units within this City. Subdivision 3 Establishment The City Council of the City of Blackduck finds that the most effective system of implementing the foregoing findings is the creation of a program requiring licensing of all residential rental units within the City of Blackduck and the establishment of an orderly inspection schedule for the enforcement of uniform standards applicable to all residential rental units in the City. Subdivision 4 Schedule The City council of the City of Blackduck finds that to routinely inspect all residential rental units within the city of Blackduck it must be completed on a bi-annual basis in March & April for the enforcement of uniform standards. 1|Page Page 31 of 32 Section 2. City Code as Section 1150.05 in Chapter 11 – Licensing - Rental Licensing, is modified as follows, with new language underlined and deleted language struck out. §1150.05 – Manner of Registration and Renewal Subdivision 1. The owner or designated agent shall make initial registration before offering the Commented [A2R1]: Will strike / update language per dwelling for lease. recommendations. Subdivision 2. The owner or his designated agent shall make initial registration for residential rental property existing on the effective date of this Section by personally filing a registration statement at City Hall no later than January 1, 2004 May 31 of each calendar year. Registered rental property existing on the effective date shall receive an interim license until such time as an inspection can first be made. Subdivision 3. Initial registration for property which is not residential rental property on the effective date of this Section or for licensed residential rental property when there is a change in type of occupancy shall be made by personally filing a registration statement at City Hall before the property is used as residential rental property or before use as a new type of occupancy. Subdivision 4. Each license issued pursuant to this Section shall expire on the 31st day of December May of the bi-annual year for which it was issued. The City shall be required to mail bi-annual renewal statements to the property owner or the designated agent on or before November 1st March 1st of each bi-annual year. Failure to receive a renewal statement from the City shall not excuse the owner from meeting the license requirement. Renewal statements must be returned to City Hall by November 30 May 31st of each bi-annual year. Failure to return renewal form will result in an administrative penalty of $20.00. Statements may be returned by mail at the property owner’s risk, to City of Blackduck, PO Box 380, Blackduck, MN 56630. Subdivision 5. If there is a change in the type of occupancy from the type stated in the registration statement, a new registration statement and license will be required to be filed at City Hall within 30 days of the date of the change. Subdivision 6. Any renter may request an inspection of the rental property, stating the reasons why the inspection is desirable and necessary. If, in the opinion of the city, an inspection is desirable and necessary, and the inspection occurs, the cost of the inspection may be charged to the owner if a violation is found. Section 3. Effective Date. This ordinance shall be effective from and after its passage and publication. Passed by the City Council of Blackduck, Minnesota this ___ day of __________, 2025. ______________________________ Attested:______________________________ Maxwell Gullette, Mayor Christina Regas, City Administrator 2|Page Page 32 of 32