City Council Meeting

Holdingford City Council Meeting March 14, 2016 Mayor Sue Marstein called the March Holdingford City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was recited. Present: Eric Berscheid, Susan Marstein, Mike Odden, Alan Walz, Sandra Meer, Lisa Silbernick, Keith Hommerding, Patrick Meier, Dorine Rausch, Scott Lange, Butch Bauer, Robb Berscheid, Charla Bueckers, Mike Donnelly, Jeremy Freudenrich, Debra Haus, Ron Hylla, George Keirzek, Gary and Jordy Opatz, Aaron and Renee Rudolph, Ernie Schmit, Tony Stalberger, Liz Vos, Tim Winter, and Linda Zapzalka. Alan Walz made a motion to approve the consent agenda, consisting of claims, checks, electronic transfers and withdrawals, bank reconciliation, and minutes of the February 8, 2016 council meeting. Motion seconded by Eric Berscheid. AIF Department Reports Liquor Store Report was given by Manager Patrick Meier. February gross revenue = $28,746.75. Expenses = $23,707.93. Year to date lottery proceeds = $551.59. Year to date balance = -$4,528.55. Pat is still looking for a double door freezer and is asking for quotes for an outdoor deck on south side of the bar. Fire Department report was given by Chief Keith Hommerding. The department has responded to 29 calls, including four in Krain, three in Brockway, ten in Holding Township, one City of Avon and eleven in Holdingford; of the 29 calls, two were fire calls, 22 medical and five good intent/false alarm. Annual fundraiser breakfast was on March 13 th, netting around $3,900. Approximately 680 people ate breakfast which was down about 200 people from last year. Calendar donations amount to almost $4,700. The fundraising efforts will go towards upgrading the infrared camera. A new firefighter has applied and will be hired, provided his background check comes back clean. Training this month will involve new-used air packs. Physicals for all firefighters are being completed tonight onsite at the fire hall. Thanks to fire personnel who replaced leaking valves on the 600 truck, saving the department about $2,000 in labor charges. Other vehicles were serviced this month at the Maintenance Garage. Mayor Marstein thanked the department personnel for helping with kitchen remodeling project including moving equipment, plumbing and cleaning. Following last month’s motion, Mike Odden made a motion to approve Resolution 16-03-14-1 Holdingford Fire Department Increase of Retirement Benefit Pension. Alan Walz seconded the resolution. AIF Emergency Managers Report was given by Dorine Rausch. Dorine received her Emergency Management certification at the Governor’s Conference last month. She is putting together an emergency plan for the city and looking for grant money to help with the plan since it’s not budgeted. Congratulations to Dorine on her Emergency Managers Certification. Maintenance Report was read by Mayor Sue Marstein. Maintenance Supervisor Brian Zapzalka attended the 2.5 day Minnesota Rural Water Association (MRWA) Annual Training Conference. Streets are being swept and hydrant flushing will continue this week. The street sweeper was serviced and the hopper was painted. Quotes for crack filling, pavement and patch are being requested. New crack filling material allows for cold filling versus hot tar, which the county and area cities are also using successfully. Brain Zapzalka sought an additional bid for repairing the main lift station pump impellers, but didn’t get a response. He did, however find a quote from 1989 from Tri-State Pump which was about $2,500 less than current bid for $16,570.38. Eric Berscheid made a motion to accept Estimate #131205 from Tri-State Pump & Control for $16,570.38 for repair of two lift station pumps. Mike Odden seconded the motion. AIF 1,628,000 gallons of wastewater were treated last month and 1,328,000 gallons of water were pumped. The safety grant for an eyewash station and the noxious gas meter was approved from MN Department of Labor & Industry and equipment has been ordered. The grant award shares half of the cost of the equipment with the city. Guests Deb Haus from the Stearns County Assessor’s office reported on home sales in the city in 2015. There were nine home sales in 2015 which didn’t include new construction. New construction, including new homes, a business and remodeling totaled $1,306,928 which will increase the tax base for the city. There were no sales of commercial property or apartment complexes in the city last year. Aaron and Renee Rudolph requested approval for an on-sale intoxicating liquor license and a Sunday Liquor license for Rudolph’s Redneck Roost. The restaurant and bar is scheduled to open in April. The liquor licenses are prorated and renewable in June. Eric Berscheid made a motion to approve liquor licenses for Always 5 O’Clock, LLC, contingent on receiving the Workers Comp insurance policy number and the Certificate of Liability. Alan Walz seconded the motion. AIF Both the Holdingford Fire Relief Association and the Husker Booster Club requested gambling permits for Rudolph’s Redneck Roost. Alan Walz made a motion to approve Resolution 16-03-14-3; Gambling License for Holdingford Firemen’s Relief Association at Rudolph’s Redneck Roost and Resolution 16-03-14-4; Gambling License for Husker Athletic Booster Club at Rudolph’s Redneck Roost. Mike Odden seconded the motion. AIF Mayor Marstein noted to the Rudolph’s, with the upcoming street dance for Holdingford Daze, that normally the cost of the band is divided among the liquor establishments on Main Street. George and Donna Kierzek submitted a variance application request for an enclosed garage storage space on the north east side of the existing garage. The temporary structure that is on the lot will be taken down. The proposed project would encroach into the utility easement by 2 feet. The original variance that was approved for the building on the property included a 13 foot right-of-way (ROW) over the utility easement instead of the 25 foot ROW per zoning ordinance, since the property is abutting the pedestrian road and is an odd shaped lot. Mayor Marstein called three times for a motion to approve a variance application. Variance application was not approved for lack of a motion due to the proposed structure encroaching on the narrow ROW over the utility easement. There was discussion on proposals for garbage and recycling hauling from Waste Management and Tom’s Refuse. Eric Berscheid presented a comparison of proposed costs, updated from Waste Management. City staff also provided a cost comparison with the cost proposals received in February. One of the main differences in cost was in the yard waste pickup; Waste Management offered an optional pickup with a fee; Tom’s Refuse included yard waste pickup in the cost of garbage pickup, which was higher than Waste Management. Tipping fees, brush pickup and recycling sorting, as well as supporting local businesses were discussed. The League of Minnesota Cities advised the council to seek legal counsel if they were considering rescinding the motion that was passed last month at the February council meeting, approving the contract with Tom’s Refuse. Mike Odden stated that he would not rescind the motion unless all the council members were in favor. He was in favor of staying with Tom’s Refuse because of the long standing relationship and good service record with the city. Alan Walz agreed to stay with motion that was made. Bob Sanchez emailed his opinion to stay with a local hauler. Eric Berscheid voiced his opposition to the motion due to the $50,000 difference in cost that the residents would be paying over the life of the contract. The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) permit renewal application is due end of April and SEH submitted an estimate of $2,500- $3,000 to help prepare the application. The WWTP’s permit for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) is a 5 year permit that expires in October with the application due six months prior. Scott Lange noted they didn’t anticipate much change in the permit structure and the phosphorus levels that have been reported on separately in the past. Eric Berscheid made a motion to have SEH complete the Wastewater Treatment Plants NPDES permit renewal application. Alan Walz seconded the motion. AIF Old Business Scott Lange from SEH proposed a consulting agreement for water tower coating project design and bidding for $14,000. Pending an inspection of the water tower, the cost would be over $130,000 to recondition the tower, inside and out. Scott suggested bidding the project this year with two alternate schedules for completion either in Fall, 2016 or late Summer, 2017. The council had discussed completing the project in two phases, but agreed that it would be cheaper and more practical to only drain the tower once. There was discussion on budgeting and paying for the project, either with a loan through Minnesota Rural Water Association or from city funds. Alan Walz made a motion to approve the proposal from SEH to prepare design and bid work for the water tower reconditioning project. Mike Odden seconded the motion. AIF Hydrant flushing began earlier this spring as weather cooperated and the school was experiencing discolored, rusty water. There is an old line that comes from the school and the water tower that may be lined or a replaced when County Road 17 is under construction in 2018, which would help eliminate the problem. Ernie Schmit submitted a design for a new Park Shelter, bathroom, shower facility recommended by the Park Committee. The council was in favor of getting construction estimates for the building, starting fundraising efforts and asking for volunteer help. Community solar garden discussion will be tabled until next meeting. After following up with the Sunshare representative, more direction is needed and the League of Minnesota Cities has been contacted for information. The new website will be live in about a week. Survey respondents asked to see forms on the website and promotion of area businesses. There have been requests for taking utility payments online or over the phone, so low cost options will be explored. New Business Staff from the Minnesota Rural Water Association helped to write a grant for implementing three initiatives identified in the Wellhead Protection Plan for the City of Holdingford. Mike Odden made a motion to submit the grant application for Source Water Protection Plan Implementation Grant period March 2016. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. AIF Helping Hands requested approval for a gambling permit for a cash raffle and bingo to be held during Holdingford Daze. Alan Walz made a motion to approve Resolution 16-03-14-2 for Helping Hands Bingo and Cash Raffle. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. AIF The Holdingford Lions requested a gambling permit for a raffle to be held this summer. Mike Odden made motion to approve Resolution 16-03-14-5 for Holdingford Lions raffle for summer 2016. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. AIF Opatz Metals requested a refund for an unused building permit from 2015. Eric Berscheid made a motion to refund 75% of the building permit fee to Opatz Metals and Rolloffs, as specified in the Refund Policy that was implemented in February 2016. Alan Walz seconded the motion. AIF Admin Reports Councilmember Reports: Minor maintenance, cleaning and staining needs to be done on the Wobegon Covered Bridge. Stearns County Parks Department is working with the Holdingford Lions to take care of needed upkeep. Mike Odden reported on a project of photo shopping the old Holdingford Herald papers that he started several years ago, when he completed years 1908-1922. He is now working on the project again and has completed 1922 -1953. The paper was published through 1973 and he is hoping to start editing the project and completing it for the Historical Society. Clerk Sandra Meer reported on the kitchen remodeling project. A sincere thank you to city staff that helped clean, move and replace equipment. Thanks to Two Rivers Enterprises and Marty O’Hara for shortening the doors. Hennen’s Flooring was contacted about different tile dye lots on the flooring that was laid and the job that was done by their subcontractor. Old dishwasher, heater and disposal were moved to the maintenance garage and will be kept for parts. The office will be closed on Thursday, March 17th; both clerks will be attending the annual MCFOA clerk’s conference in St. Cloud. Thanks to the American Legion for donating the Minnesota State flag and pole for the city office/council chambers. Mayors Report was given by Mayor Sue Marstein. See end of minutes for detailed report. Announcements Residents who are delinquent in their utility payments are: Dave Hagemann, Edward Ehrlichmann, and Dan Ziemer. Motion to adjourn was made by Alan Walz, seconded by Mike Odden. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Meer City Clerk, Holdingford FEBRUARY 2016 Department Gross Pay General $ 5,716.00 Public Works $ 6,744.00 Fire $ Liquor $ 6,480.38 Total $ 18,940.38 2 pay periods ending 2/8, 2/22 City of Holdingford - Equal Opportunity Provider Accounts Payable Check Register Report - STEARNS BANK For The Fiscal Periods Range From 2016-2 To 2016-2 For All Vendors And For Outstanding, Cleared, Voided Checks - Computer Generated Check # Type Date Vendor Name Amount Status 31651 C 2/8/2016 704 AFSCME Council 65 $97.42 C 31652 C 2/8/2016 6 AmeriPride Linen $127.94 C 31653 C 2/8/2016 326 Auto Value $58.11 C 31654 C 2/8/2016 9 Bernick's Pepsi-Cola $74.60 C 31655 C 2/8/2016 18 C & L Distributing, Inc $4,619.65 C 31656 C 2/8/2016 21 Central MN. Alarms, Inc. $128.85 C 31657 C 2/8/2016 24 Central-McGowan, Inc $31.95 C 31658 C 2/8/2016 890 City of Golden Valley $3,200.00 C 31659 C 2/8/2016 48 D & D Beverage $137.40 C 31660 C 2/8/2016 405 DVS Renewal $16.00 C 31661 C 2/8/2016 53 Ecolab $77.43 C 31662 C 2/8/2016 70 Frito-Lay, Inc $72.86 C 31663 C 2/8/2016 316 GERAD'S OIL CO., INC $359.75 C Check # Type Date Vendor Name Amount Status 31664 C 2/8/2016 787 Granite City Jobbing Co $503.47 C 31665 C 2/8/2016 90 Harry's Frozen Foods $107.50 C 31666 C 2/8/2016 92 Headley Hardware $613.89 C 31667 C 2/8/2016 481 Heggies Pizza $394.40 C 31668 C 2/8/2016 614 Holdingford Gas and Grocery $421.63 C 31669 C 2/8/2016 886 Holdingford Hometown Happenings $850.00 C 31670 C 2/8/2016 324 Initiative Foundation $500.00 C 31671 C 2/8/2016 691 Integra Telecom $282.81 C 31672 C 2/8/2016 121 KASM Radio $200.00 C 31675 C 2/8/2016 730 Midcontinent Business Solutions $183.14 C 31676 C 2/8/2016 161 Mike Odden $75.00 C 31677 C 2/8/2016 207 Postmaster $392.00 C 31678 C 2/8/2016 821 RDJ Specialties, Inc $228.02 C 31679 C 2/8/2016 893 Rolling Lake Auto $11.25 C 31680 C 2/8/2016 685 Star Publications, LLC $164.78 C 31681 C 2/8/2016 243 Stearns County Sheriff's Office $6,840.00 C 31682 C 2/8/2016 271 UC Lab $1,226.00 C 31684 C 2/8/2016 360 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655037-5 $1,863.72 C 31685 C 2/8/2016 358 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655040-0 $2,611.23 C 31686 C 2/8/2016 383 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655041-1 $618.25 C 31687 C 2/9/2016 535 Albany Apothecary $490.00 C 31688 C 2/9/2016 370 Dorine Rausch $64.52 C 31689 C 2/9/2016 405 DVS Renewal $16.00 C 31690 C 2/9/2016 894 Generator Power Systems $1,290.03 C 31691 C 2/9/2016 638 MN DNR- Ecological & Water Resources $152.81 C 31692 C 2/9/2016 853 Rosenbauer South Dakota, LLC $1,096.29 C 31699 C 2/24/2016 81 Granite Electronics, Inc $326.20 C 31708 C 2/24/2016 292 Ziegler $122.92 C 31718 C 2/24/2016 519 XCEL ENERGY 51-8242904-3 $32.35 C 31719 C 2/24/2016 550 Everything Signs $189.00 C 31722 C 2/24/2016 787 Granite City Jobbing Co $818.18 C 31673 C 2/8/2016 891 Lisa Silbernick $50.44 O 31683 C 2/8/2016 759 Volunteer FF Benefit Assoc of MN $154.00 O 31693 C 2/24/2016 8 Becker Septic Pumping $130.00 O 31694 C 2/24/2016 9 Bernick's Pepsi-Cola $376.65 O 31695 C 2/24/2016 18 C & L Distributing, Inc $1,266.90 O 31696 C 2/24/2016 48 D & D Beverage $388.90 O 31697 C 2/24/2016 52 E. A. Sween Company $278.97 O 31698 C 2/24/2016 70 Frito-Lay, Inc $30.56 O 31700 C 2/24/2016 84 Granite City Refrigeration $248.19 O 31701 C 2/24/2016 144 MEDICA $1,292.36 O 31702 C 2/24/2016 160 Mies Outland, Inc $122.00 O 31703 C 2/24/2016 207 Postmaster $105.00 O 31704 C 2/24/2016 208 Principal Financial Group $106.52 O 31705 C 2/24/2016 223 S.E.H. $468.00 O 31706 C 2/24/2016 263 Tom's Refuse $5,179.08 O 31707 C 2/24/2016 291 Yes Co. Inc. $165.45 O 31709 C 2/24/2016 316 GERAD'S OIL CO., INC $495.00 O 31710 C 2/24/2016 339 Verizon Wireless $89.61 O 31711 C 2/24/2016 354 MN Dept of Public Safety $200.00 O 31712 C 2/24/2016 359 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655038-6 $1,688.68 O 31713 C 2/24/2016 361 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655039-7 $854.41 O 31714 C 2/24/2016 370 Dorine Rausch $247.30 O 31715 C 2/24/2016 473 Doug Legatt $1,000.00 O 31716 C 2/24/2016 481 Heggies Pizza $66.60 O 31717 C 2/24/2016 507 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota $345.03 O 31720 C 2/24/2016 750 St Cloud Times #1076 $34.00 O 31721 C 2/24/2016 752 MN Valley Testing Labs $434.75 O 31723 C 2/24/2016 804 Toshiba Financial Services $99.12 O 31725 C 2/24/2016 851 Health Partners $1,016.48 O 31726 C 2/24/2016 873 CenturyLink $62.91 O 31674 C 2/8/2016 892 Matt Abraham $1,000.00 V 31724 C 2/24/2016 809 Lisa Burlage $595.00 V Cleared $31,687.35 Outstanding $16,996.91 Void $1,595.00