City Council Meeting

Holdingford City Council Meeting and Public Hearing July 11, 2016 The Public Hearing for the proposed business expansion of Opatz Metals and Rolloffs was brought to order at 7:00 p.m. on July 11, 2016. Council Present: Susan Marstein, Eric Berscheid, Mike Odden, and Bob Sanchez. Guests Present: Arnie Berscheid, Don Elfering, Jeremy Freudenrich, Carlena Johnson, John Klein, Sherri Klein, Bob Lane, Dave Lane, Isabelle Lane, Michelle Mader, Jeanette May, Gary Opatz, Jordy Opatz, Janice Paggen, Mason Seeb, and Gordy Sjaaheim. Mayor Marstein reviewed the general business expansion plan. A Special Meeting was held on June 20, 2016 and the council met for an onsite visit at the proposed property expansion, which is south and east of the current Opatz Metals site. The area is currently zoned residential. Residents brought up several concerns and questions: The expansion would have commercial property imposing upon residential property. What kind of regulations are in place to regulate the expansion of this type of business? How much will this affect property values of the land owners around the property? Will the expansion bring in more activity, more drivers and more traffic? Children play on the street and are not paying attention to drivers and cars, what about safety issues with more traffic? With an increase in business and use of Main Street and the speed of traffic, can a 4 way stop at Main and Washington intersection or other safe guard be put in place? There were further concerns with the increase in activity and safety concerns with more traffic. Main Street and Spring Street are already narrower than surrounding streets and parking on the streets would limit thru-traffic. It’s not aesthetically pleasing to look at a scrap yard right next to the ball park. Is all of the property between the residential lots and the ball field bathrooms needed for a driveway? Opatz’s responded: A fence will be put up along Main Street and the gate set back about 33 feet to allow trucks to make the turn onto Main Street. The entrance will be on Washington, as it is now and exit a block further down on Main Street, similar to where the trucks drive now. A fence will run along the south side of the ballpark to trees and to keep it looking nice. Taxes may go up if businesses are pushed out of town. Jordy Opatz was unsure about others property values but when they bought the rental property on west Washington Street, the property value was not affected by the scrap yard being next door. Opatz Metals’ environmental permits are all up to date. The property is needed for storage and a drive through for trucks, but there wouldn’t be much more traffic. Another business owner expressed hope that council would to work to explore all options for this expansion and not lose another business in town. Hearing no further comments, Mayor Marstein closed the public hearing at 7:43 p.m. Mayor Sue Marstein called the Holdingford City Council meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Boy Scout Mason Seeb. Present: Susan Marstein, Eric Berscheid, Mike Odden, Bob Sanchez, Sandra Meer, Keith Hommerding, Dorine Rausch, Jeremy Freudenrich, Steven Horvath, Carlena Johnson, Gary and Jordy Opatz, Janice Paggen, Mason Seeb and Gordy Sjaaheim. Mike Odden made a motion to approve the consent agenda, consisting of claims, checks, electronic transfers and withdrawals, bank reconciliation, special meeting minutes of June 20, 2016 and minutes of the June 13, 2016 council meeting. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. AIF Department Reports Liquor Store Report was read by Mayor Susan Marstein. June gross revenue = $36,645.85. Expenses = $32,397.31. Year to date lottery proceeds = $731.38 Year to date balance =$3,899.52. Gross revenue generated from Holdingford Daze week totaled $21,861.32 and was about $3,000 less than last year. Fire Department report was given by Chief Keith Hommerding. The department has responded to 61 calls, including eight in Krain, six in Brockway, 17 in Holding Township, one City of Avon and 29 in Holdingford. Of the 61 calls; two were fires, six were good intent/canceled in route and 51 were medical calls, one service call, one severe weather call. The Fire Relief Association will benefit from gambling e-tabs and a pull-tab machine located at Rudolph’s Redneck Roost. July training will be a burn trailer and August training will be a house burn in cooperation with the Upsala Fire Department. The Holdingford water ball team took first place in Bowlus and in Holdingford this year. Emergency Managers Report was given by Dorine Rausch who presented the completed Emergency Operations Plan for the city, along with a resource guide. A copy of the Emergency Plan will be kept at the city office, the high school, and at WD Scepaniak, Inc. The next Emergency Managers meeting is scheduled for July 19th in Kimball. She attended a work session for communities within a 50 mile radius of the nuclear power plant in Becker and explored scenarios involving crops, food supply, farmers, etc. Dorine asked about pay for her time working on the Emergency Management plan and will meet with Mayor Marstein to discuss. Maintenance Report was read by Mayor Sue Marstein. Clean-up Day went well. The broom for John Deere was repaired for approximately $1,000. Lawn mower was brought to Little Falls for repair, but problem is still not resolved. The influent sampler refrigerator at the Wastewater Treatment Plant is getting fixed. Streets have been swept and most of the curbs are painted. Insurance covered most of the costs to repair the siding on the Wobegon bathroom building that was vandalized. The siren up by school was fixed and a charger and batteries were replaced. 1,656,000 gallons of wastewater were treated in June and 1,624,700 gallons of water were pumped. Guests Residents’ concerns on property values, truck speed/road safety and location by the park were discussed. Opatz’s suggested a “No Parking during Business Hours” sign on Main Street between Washington Street and Spring Street. Expanding would not necessarily bring more trucks or traffic but would make it more convenient for semi-trucks to get in and out and would give more storage space. Storm water runoff and drainage may affect parts of the property and an expansion permit would be needed. Further information will be gathered for the August council meeting regarding DNR water regulations, zoning requirements and possible effects on property values of surrounding homes. Unfinished Business Ernie Schmit stopped prior to the meeting with tentative plans for the park shelter/bathroom facilities. St. Rosa Lumber will be drawing up building plans. Plans are to tear down the existing bathroom, put in footings and move the fire hydrant this fall, then frame and complete the building next spring. Mayor Marstein met with Jeff Konsor to see area along property lines behind the Museum where he’s expressed interest in planting trees, grass or a natural fence. The council was not interested in selling or swapping land or having trees planted on city property along the road back to the Maintenance Garage. Mayor Marstein will follow up with Konsor’s for other options. New Business Bob Sanchez made a motion to approve the election judges for this year’s Primary and General Elections as Audrey Lange and Sandra Meer (Head Judges), Kathy Gerads, Diane Konsor, Richard Kuehn, Jeanette May, Ruthe Odden, Kathy O’Hara, Lisa Silbernick, and Florence Voss. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. Bob Sanchez, Eric Berscheid and Sue Marstein voted in favor. Mike Odden abstained. The residence at 331 Prairie Street has had significant water issues since the plastic pipe that was installed by Opatz Excavating along Prairie Street a few years ago has filled with sentiment and roots and is not draining properly. Two quotes were received from Tri- County Septic for $1,500 and Opatz Excavating for $1,240. Mike Odden made a motion to award the job to Opatz Excavating if standard sewer pipe is used to replace the old line. Bob Sanchez seconded the motion. AIF An issue with dumpsters for Holdingford Daze was discussed after the Chamber requested a dumpster be placed at City Hall by Opatz Metals instead of Tom’s Refuse, who has provided the service in the past. Dumpsters from Tom’s Refuse are also placed at the softball park, campground and the Legion. The cost for portable toilets and dumpsters has typically been shared by the City and the Chamber. The council suggested that the Chamber pay for the dumpster from Opatz Metals since they requested it. The Legion will cover the cost of their dumpster and the city would take care of the dumpsters at the park. Other guidelines for City and Chamber roles and responsibilities during Holdingford Daze will be discussed and established prior to next year’s event. Three policies relating to data practices were presented to the council on recommendation from the League of Minnesota Cities following a data and technology audit. The policies include a computer use policy, social media policy and Fire Department and EMS social media and digital images policy. The policies will be reviewed and addressed at the August meeting, Admin Reports Councilmember Reports: Mike Odden noted that a grinding mill used at Holdingford Mill in the 1890’s was donated to the Historical Museum by the Mill as well as an engraved sign donated by Two Rivers Enterprises and Everything Signs. A park bench donated by Korean War POW’s was set in place at the Wobegon Trailhead Park. Following a short discussion on purchasing a TV and mount for the council chambers to facilitate presentations and discussion, Mike Odden made a motion to accept an offer from Ernie Schmit to donate $250.00 for a TV for the meeting room. The city will pay for a mounting bracket. Sue Marstein seconded the motion. AIF Clerk Sandra Meer reported that the audit is complete and an auditor from Schlenner Wenner will be at the August council meeting. Laptops for the Maintenance Department and Liquor Store were purchased and are set up. Xtratyme Technologies hardwired the computer in the Mayor’s office and installed a separate router for exclusive city office use. Clean-up day didn’t generate as much revenue or garbage as in the past years, possibly due to the Holdingford Cares Day held in April. Council will consider changing dates for Clean-Up Day to May and/or combining efforts with the Lioness’ to sponsor a community cleanup day. Mayors Report was given by Mayor Sue Marstein. See end of minutes for detailed report. Announcements Residents who are delinquent on their utility payments are: Katie Severson, Scott Henkemeyer, Dave Hagemann, Duane Young, Janice Zarbok, Brian Caruth, Jesse Johnson, Bradley Kronback, Jayme Opatz, Dan Ziemer, Mary Voss and James Taylor. Motion to adjourn was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Bob Sanchez. Meeting adjourned at 9:38p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Meer City Clerk, Holdingford JUNE 2016 Department Gross Pay General $ 5,900.71 Public Works $ 7,077.02 Fire $ Liquor $ 6,862.60 Total $ 19,840.33 2 pay periods ending 6/13, 6/27 City of Holdingford - Equal Opportunity Provider Accounts Payable Check Register Report - STEARNS BANK For The Fiscal Periods Range From 2016-6 To 2016-6 For All Vendors And For Outstanding, Cleared, Voided Checks - Computer Generated Check # Type Date Vendor Name Amount Status 31951 C 6/6/2016 704 AFSCME Council 65 $114.00 C 31952 C 6/6/2016 328 AllSpec Services, LLC $512.96 C 31953 C 6/6/2016 326 Auto Value $22.65 C 31954 C 6/6/2016 9 Bernick's Pepsi-Cola $153.95 C 31955 C 6/6/2016 18 C & L Distributing, Inc $4,189.45 C 31956 C 6/6/2016 48 D & D Beverage $192.40 C 31957 C 6/6/2016 52 E. A. Sween Company $245.63 C 31958 C 6/6/2016 53 Ecolab $77.43 C 31959 C 6/6/2016 70 Frito-Lay, Inc $150.74 C 31960 C 6/6/2016 80 Gopher State One-Call, Inc $33.75 C 31961 C 6/6/2016 787 Granite City Jobbing Co $557.16 C 31962 C 6/6/2016 92 Headley Hardware $717.32 C 31963 C 6/6/2016 614 Holdingford Gas and Grocery $210.48 C 31964 C 6/6/2016 899 Illinois Casualty $3,030.00 C 31965 C 6/6/2016 691 Integra Telecom $286.41 C 31966 C 6/6/2016 140 Little Falls Radio $85.00 C 31967 C 6/6/2016 730 Midcontinent Business Solutions $425.97 C 31968 C 6/6/2016 897 Quill.com $84.21 C 31969 C 6/6/2016 685 Star Publications, LLC $364.62 C 31970 C 6/6/2016 258 The Nut Man $25.50 C 31971 C 6/6/2016 791 Thomas Van Hove $450.00 C 31972 C 6/6/2016 271 UC Lab $1,110.50 C 31973 C 6/6/2016 276 United Systems Technology $13.25 C 31974 C 6/6/2016 360 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655037-5 $754.02 C 31975 C 6/6/2016 358 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655040-0 $2,499.75 C 31986 C 6/27/2016 550 Everything Signs $195.00 C 31988 C 6/27/2016 787 Granite City Jobbing Co $1,335.50 C 31990 C 6/27/2016 91 Hawkins, Inc $1,944.63 C 31991 C 6/27/2016 851 Health Partners $1,016.48 C 31994 C 6/27/2016 841 Holdingford CC Fireworks Account $300.00 C 31999 C 6/27/2016 144 MEDICA $1,292.36 C 32007 C 6/27/2016 465 Sandra Meer $22.68 C 32016 C 6/27/2016 359 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655038-6 $1,318.27 C 32017 C 6/27/2016 361 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655039-7 $654.66 C 32018 C 6/27/2016 383 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655041-1 $827.91 C 32019 C 6/27/2016 519 XCEL ENERGY 51-8242904-3 $45.96 C 31976 H 6/15/2016 877 Two Dog Night $275.00 C 31977 C 6/27/2016 900 Albany Boy Scout Troop 30 $200.00 O 31978 C 6/27/2016 6 AmeriPride Linen $126.68 O Check # Type Date Vendor Name Amount Status 31979 C 6/27/2016 856 Andy Bartkowicz $75.00 O 31980 C 6/27/2016 9 Bernick's Pepsi-Cola $828.25 O 31981 C 6/27/2016 507 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota $345.03 O 31982 C 6/27/2016 18 C & L Distributing, Inc $3,257.40 O 31983 C 6/27/2016 873 CenturyLink $62.89 O 31984 C 6/27/2016 48 D & D Beverage $10.50 O 31985 C 6/27/2016 655 David Yurczyk $10.00 O 31987 C 6/27/2016 70 Frito-Lay, Inc $166.92 O 31989 C 6/27/2016 90 Harry's Frozen Foods $209.25 O 31992 C 6/27/2016 481 Heggies Pizza $358.50 O 31993 C 6/27/2016 901 Holdingford Area Food Shelf $218.36 O 31995 C 6/27/2016 119 Johnson Brothers Liquor C $4,216.58 O 31996 C 6/27/2016 122 Keith R. Hommerding $32.40 O 31997 C 6/27/2016 601 Kevin Feia $90.00 O 31998 C 6/27/2016 472 Laurie Fiedler $568.87 O 32000 C 6/27/2016 553 Melvin Breth $30.00 O 32001 C 6/27/2016 143 M-R Sign Co. $150.12 O 32002 C 6/27/2016 207 Postmaster $102.00 O 32003 C 6/27/2016 476 Preferred Controls Corp $297.32 O 32004 C 6/27/2016 208 Principal Financial Group $106.52 O 32005 C 6/27/2016 893 Rolling Lake Auto $376.70 O 32006 C 6/27/2016 223 S.E.H. $3,572.00 O 32008 C 6/27/2016 242 Stearns Cty Auditor-Treas $4,689.50 O 32009 C 6/27/2016 902 Stone Road Band $1,500.00 O 32010 C 6/27/2016 258 The Nut Man $86.00 O 32011 C 6/27/2016 263 Tom's Refuse $7,171.08 O 32012 C 6/27/2016 804 Toshiba Financial Services $99.12 O 32013 C 6/27/2016 266 Traut Wells $1,768.50 O 32014 C 6/27/2016 339 Verizon Wireless $89.59 O 32015 C 6/27/2016 281 Viking Coca Cola Bottling $1,664.00 O Cleared $25,535.60 Outstanding $32,479.08 Void $0.00