City Council Meeting

Holdingford City Council Meeting November 14, 2016 Mayor Sue Marstein called the Holdingford City Council meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was led by Boy Scout Simon Meer. Present: Susan Marstein, Eric Berscheid, Mike Odden, Bob Sanchez, Alan Walz, Sandra Meer, Lisa Silbernick, Keith Hommerding, Pat Meier, Dorine Rausch, Rodney Ebnet, Steve Horvath, Simon Meer and Gordy Sjaaheim. Mike Odden made a motion to approve the consent agenda to include October 11th meeting minutes, November 3rd Special Meeting minutes, finance reports, and submitted claims. Bob Sanchez seconded the motion. AIF Department Reports Liquor Store report was given by manager Patrick Meier. October gross revenue =$30,762.73. Expenses =$30,469.38. Year to date lottery proceeds =$1,952.45. Year to date balance =$11,049.71. A quote for replacing the back door will be done this week and compared to quote from St Rosa. Food license tests need to be completed online by employees before year end and a bar training will be scheduled for employees. Cruise Control will play November 26th. Fire Department report was given by Chief Keith Hommerding. Calls to date; one in Avon, 48 in Holdingford, 30 in Holding Township, ten in Brockway Township, and 11 in Krain Township. Of the 100 calls, six were fires, 81 medical, nine good intent, one service call, one hazardous material and two severe weather. Calendar proofs for the annual fundraiser are almost done. The calendar will be printed and sent out shortly. The audit of the Fire Relief Association is complete. The FEMA grant request for self-contained breathing apparatus’ (SCBA’s) and pagers has been finalized. An interview will be set up for a new firefighter applicant. October training involved use of the new infra-red camera. There will not be training in November and December, due to the holidays. A donation will be made by the Relief Association for batteries purchased for annual household fire alarm battery check. All are invited to a celebration on Sunday, November 20th at the Holdingford Municipal Liquor Store for Pat Meier’s 40 years of service to the department. A light lunch will be provided. Emergency Managers Report was given by Dorine Rausch. The annual hazardous mitigation review will be done in January in cooperation with the county. The next Emergency Managers meeting will be January 17th in Albany. The siren by school is working and a radio will be obtained so that emergency sirens can be set off by city personnel, if needed. Recertification classes for EMT’s are now completed online. Maintenance Report was read by Mayor Sue Marstein. 80,000 gallons of sludge that was land applied. A cement pad was poured for the Main Lift Station upgrade which is planned for next week. The 4 th Street Lift Station had a plugged impeller and blew a seal that was repaired. The jetter will be stored at the city shop for the winter since Upsala is building a new maintenance garage. Minnesota Rural Water (MRWA) personnel are working to collect data on an asset management plan for the city’s water & wastewater assets. Minor repairs were done on the plow truck along with the DOT inspection. All snow equipment has been serviced and is ready for inclement weather. Light strings are being replaced on the Christmas decorations before they are mounted. Maintenance guys started working with Stearns County on the 2017 road projects. 1,792,500 gallons of water were pumped and 1,953,000 gallons of wastewater were treated. Guests Simon Meer and members of Albany Boy Scout Troop 30 constructed and painted three sets of voting booths for his Eagle Scout project. The booths were used for the first time at the City Hall for the November 8th General Election. Monetary donations were received from the Holdingford American Legion and materials were donated from Headley Hardware to construct to booths. Mike Odden made motion to approve Resolution 16-11-14-1 Accepting Donation of Voting Booths from Simon Meer and Albany Boy Scout Troop 30. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. AIF Rodney Ebnet, Holdingford Schools Transportation Director, voiced his support and offered to be involved with a committee for safe routes to school in conjunction with the city. As a school district employee he is very aware of the need for safe crosswalks, walkways and/or bike paths for students. The council agreed that the new Listening Sessions at school would be a good opportunity to start the conversation and look at needed changes. Federal and State grant opportunities are available for Safe Routes to School, which is a county led initiative. Unfinished Business Follow up on nuisance properties is continuing; Ed Ehrlichmann has moved a boat trailer off city property and is working on moving other non-compliant vehicles and trailers from his property. A public hearing has been set for Monday, November 21st at 7:00pm to discuss the tax abatement plan for Wm. D. Scepaniak, Inc. for purchasing the old Polar building located at 430 Main Street. New Business The last city staff meeting included discussion on direct deposit and payroll processing changes. There was general consensus that employees preferred direct deposit for their paychecks. The cost of printing checks and using direct deposit is very comparable, at about $275 per year. Currently, time cards are turned in on Monday mornings every two weeks and paychecks are issued the next day. In consideration of holidays, vacation and timeliness of processing payroll, at year end, a change would be made to turn in timecards on Mondays with pay received on Friday of the same week. Mike Odden made motion to approve direct deposit of payroll checks for all employees starting in January 2017 and to extend the payroll processing time. Eric Berscheid seconded the motion. AIF There was discussion on fund transfers and account transfers. Eric Berscheid made a motion to approve three account balance transfers: $10,000 to park savings account from the general account for shelter; $22,383 to Rural Development Savings from general account for annual reserve allotment; and $30,000 to equipment savings account from the general account for future capital equipment expenditures; and two fund transfers: $146,517.50 to Debt Fund 301 from Water & Sewer for RD Bond payment; $18,562.50 to Fire Truck Fund 306 from Fire Fund for Truck Bond payment. Bob Sanchez seconded the motion. AIF For the past year, the council has reviewed and updated the city ordinances at their monthly work sessions. Alan Walz made a motion to accept changes made to the city ordinances and set a public hearing for December 12th following the Truth-In-Taxation hearing at 7:00pm to take public input and comments on the proposed updates and changes. Bob Sanchez seconded the motion. AIF Copies of the ordinance updates and changes will be available at the city office. The City of Holdingford was selected to participate in an asset management program sponsored by Minnesota Rural Water Association (MWRA) that is funded through the MN Department of Health. The asset management program will encompass all water and wastewater assets and help to improve management of utility operations. Teri Osterman from MWRA is working with the city to restructure the utility rates to encourage water conservation and improve fund balances since the 2011-12 Utility Improvements. She will come to the December work session to answer questions and present options. The clerk and mayor will be attending a MWRA sponsored sustainable management workshop on Tuesday, November 22 nd in Garfield. A tentative union contract was submitted by the union representative and discussed. Proposed changes to the union contract included reclassification of the Maintenance Supervisor and Maintenance Specialist to a higher salary range, insurance and benefit changes and a two year contract term. The union contract did not include a cost of living increase. In regards to reclassification, pay equity would need to be examined as well as the job descriptions and responsibilities. The council discussed options for insurance including offering a set amount for employee coverage and setting different amounts for single and family coverage. The complete contract will be requested and an additional meeting with the union representative will be scheduled. A special council meeting may be needed to negotiate the changes and meet insurance enrollment deadlines. Attorney Sarah Jewell from Reichert Wenner, P.A. requested that the city sign and submit an agreement for services for the upcoming year. Eric Berscheid made a motion to accept the terms and conditions set forth by Reichert Wenner, P.A. for legal representation in City matters in 2017. Mike Odden seconded the motion. AIF Following review of the election results, Alan Walz made a motion to canvass the City election results for 2016 General Election. Bob Sanchez seconded the motion. AIF Admin Reports Clerks Report: Congratulations to re-elected city officials, Mayor Sue Marstein and Council member Bob Sanchez and newly elected Council member Steve Horvath. All election results are posted at city hall. Letters for delinquent utility bills that can be certified to taxes will be sent out this week. A hush mount was ordered for the kitchen disposal and should be repaired in the next week. Several residential issues were discussed. The sidewalk at 500 2nd Street was removed and a cement driveway was poured that is at more of a slope than the prior sidewalk which could cause potential problems for snow removal and ADA accessibility. The resident was notified and was working with the contractor. Maintenance raised a manhole on Park Street and a section of the neighboring residents cement skirt had a hairline crack from city equipment. Council will investigate options for repair. The slope of driveways in the North High Court cul de sac was discussed, regarding how water flows and the lack of a curb. The city engineer noted that it was not out of the ordinary for that type of pavement. Also, the ownership and responsibility of the walkway between the Pedestrian Road and the cul de sac was questioned. As far as can be determined, the section of paved “trail” is the adjoining land owners’ responsibility. The League of Minnesota Cities recommended that Holdingford Chamber bucks not be accepted for payment on city utility bills, citing public purpose expenditure issues and other potential concerns. Mayors Report: The mayor proposed ways to get residents involved in community decisions, such as starting a Park and Rec board or reviving an Economic Development Committee and appointing a council liaison for school matters. A portable toilet was placed at Veteran’s Park since the bathrooms have been winterized and the weather has been nice. Thanks to Lonny Thompson from Becker Portables for donating the portable toilet. Councilmember Reports: Bob Sanchez suggested a meeting with the liquor store manager to look at the profitability for HMLS. Office Assistant, Lisa Silbernick has been helping at the HMLS with social media updates and promotions. Minnesota 13: Grass to Glass documentary will have two showings at the Legion on Sunday, November 20th. Tickets available from Helping Hands and Headley’s Hardware. Mike Odden suggested that the city look for someone to clean out some trees and brush along the river to improve visibility when looking at the covered bridge from Veterans Park. Announcements Public Hearing: Monday, November 21, 2016, 7:00AM – 8:00PM at Holdingford City Hall for WD Scepaniak Tax Abatement Next Council Meeting: Monday, December 12, 2016, at 7:00PM, work session 6:00PM. Clerk’s office will be closed Nov. 24th-25th for the Thanksgiving weekend. A live nativity scene, sleigh rides, tree lighting ceremony and caroling will be Friday, December 9th beginning at 5:00pm. Residents who are delinquent on their utility payments are: Dave Hagemann, Brian Caruth, Bradley Kronback, Scott Zehowksi, Barbara Olson, Jesse Johnson, Wayne Johnston, Mary Voss, Mara Glader, Jenny Gunderson and Jayme Opatz. Bob Sanchez made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Eric Berscheid. Meeting adjourned at 10:30p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sandra Meer City Clerk, Holdingford OCTOBER 2016 Department Gross Pay General $ 8,435.07 Public Works $ 10,216.18 Fire $ Liquor $ 10,247.12 Total $28,898.37 3 pay periods ending 10/3, 10/17, 10/31 City of Holdingford - Equal Opportunity Provider Accounts Payable Check Register Report - STEARNS BANK For The Fiscal Periods Range From 2016-10 To 2016-10 For All Vendors And For Outstanding, Cleared, Voided Checks - Computer Generated Check # Type Date Vendor Name Amount Status 32280 C 10/11/2016 704 AFSCME Council 65 $102.41 C 32281 C 10/11/2016 328 AllSpec Services, LLC $243.00 C 32282 C 10/11/2016 6 AmeriPride Linen $132.04 C 32283 C 10/11/2016 326 Auto Value $32.52 C 32284 C 10/11/2016 18 C & L Distributing, Inc $3,037.85 C 32285 C 10/11/2016 21 Central MN. Alarms, Inc. $75.00 C 32286 C 10/11/2016 836 Charles Roth $500.00 C 32287 C 10/11/2016 814 Cruise Control $300.00 C 32288 C 10/11/2016 48 D & D Beverage $224.40 C 32289 C 10/11/2016 370 Dorine Rausch $23.76 C 32290 C 10/11/2016 53 Ecolab $77.43 C 32291 C 10/11/2016 80 Gopher State One-Call, Inc $17.55 C 32292 C 10/11/2016 787 Granite City Jobbing Co $1,106.16 C 32293 C 10/11/2016 92 Headley Hardware $322.51 C 32294 C 10/11/2016 481 Heggies Pizza $155.00 C 32295 C 10/11/2016 312 HENNEN FLOOR COVERING $3,997.00 C 32296 C 10/11/2016 107 Holdingford Fire Relief Assn $200.00 C 32297 C 10/11/2016 614 Holdingford Gas and Grocery $413.75 C 32298 C 10/11/2016 109 Hommerding Plumbing & Heating $111.96 C 32299 C 10/11/2016 691 Integra Telecom $201.52 C 32300 C 10/11/2016 730 Midcontinent Business Solutions $224.90 C 32301 C 10/11/2016 160 Mies Outland, Inc $1,100.00 C Check # Type Date Vendor Name Amount Status 32302 C 10/11/2016 687 MN Dept Hlth, MDH $456.00 C 32303 C 10/11/2016 476 Preferred Controls Corp $248.32 C 32304 C 10/11/2016 697 Randall J. Radziej $16,781.25 C 32305 C 10/11/2016 223 S.E.H. $530.00 C 32306 C 10/11/2016 685 Star Publications, LLC $115.00 C 32307 C 10/11/2016 258 The Nut Man $14.00 C 32308 C 10/11/2016 728 Tri-State Pump & Control, Inc. $4,425.60 C 32309 C 10/11/2016 271 UC Lab $1,290.00 C 32310 C 10/11/2016 276 United Systems Technology $12.48 C 32311 C 10/11/2016 360 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655037-5 $820.77 C 32312 C 10/11/2016 359 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655038-6 $605.37 C 32313 C 10/11/2016 361 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655039-7 $855.98 C 32314 C 10/11/2016 291 Yes Co. Inc. $48.95 C 32322 C 10/26/2016 70 Frito-Lay, Inc $89.55 C 32324 C 10/26/2016 787 Granite City Jobbing Co $809.13 C 32331 C 10/26/2016 333 Kathy O'Hara $80.49 C 32333 C 10/26/2016 144 MEDICA $1,292.36 C 32350 C 10/26/2016 359 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655038-6 $738.29 C 32351 C 10/26/2016 383 XCEL ENERGY 51-5655041-1 $744.32 C 32352 C 10/26/2016 519 XCEL ENERGY 51-8242904-3 $30.13 C 32315 C 10/26/2016 9 Bernick's Pepsi-Cola $869.35 O 32316 C 10/26/2016 507 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota $345.03 O 32317 C 10/26/2016 18 C & L Distributing, Inc $2,392.75 O 32318 C 10/26/2016 21 Central MN. Alarms, Inc. $128.85 O 32319 C 10/26/2016 873 CenturyLink $63.47 O 32320 C 10/26/2016 48 D & D Beverage $135.30 O 32321 C 10/26/2016 56 Emergency Apparatus Maint $1,740.43 O 32323 C 10/26/2016 76 General Rental Center of Albany $50.00 O 32325 C 10/26/2016 81 Granite Electronics, Inc $728.00 O 32326 C 10/26/2016 90 Harry's Frozen Foods $175.50 O 32327 C 10/26/2016 851 Health Partners $1,016.48 O 32328 C 10/26/2016 481 Heggies Pizza $86.20 O 32329 C 10/26/2016 691 Integra Telecom $208.18 O 32330 C 10/26/2016 119 Johnson Brothers Liquor C $1,683.84 O 32332 C 10/26/2016 122 Keith R. Hommerding $40.00 O 32334 C 10/26/2016 553 Melvin Breth $22.68 O 32335 C 10/26/2016 176 MN Rural Water Assn $275.00 O 32336 C 10/26/2016 205 Phillips Wine & Spirits $37.66 O 32337 C 10/26/2016 207 Postmaster $102.00 O 32338 C 10/26/2016 476 Preferred Controls Corp $8,413.00 O 32339 C 10/26/2016 208 Principal Financial Group $106.52 O 32340 C 10/26/2016 821 RDJ Specialties, Inc $139.22 O 32341 C 10/26/2016 223 S.E.H. $660.00 O 32342 C 10/26/2016 465 Sandra Meer $47.52 O 32343 C 10/26/2016 750 St Cloud Times #1076 $39.78 O 32344 C 10/26/2016 263 Tom's Refuse $6,158.08 O 32345 C 10/26/2016 637 Tony Stalberger $36.45 O 32346 C 10/26/2016 804 Toshiba Financial Services $99.12 O 32347 C 10/26/2016 270 Two Rivers Enterprise $555.00 O 32348 C 10/26/2016 276 United Systems Technology $2,305.00 O 32349 C 10/26/2016 339 Verizon Wireless $89.50 O Cleared $42,586.75 Outstanding $28,749.91 Void $0.00