City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MINUTES-10-09-00 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session on Monday, 10-09-00, at 6:30 p.m. in the Pelican Rapids Public Library. Present: Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members John Waller III, Paulette Nettestad, Dave Gottenborg and Denise Magnusson. Absent: None. Also present: Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, City Attorney Scott Dirks, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Gorden Gugel and James Strand of Chamber of Commerce. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. Tax Increment Financing Resolutions were added to the agenda. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to approve the minutes of 8-30-00, 9-11-00 and 9-27-00 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to approve payment of the 10-09-00 Accounts Payable Listing with the addition of Super Sucker for WWTF - $355.00 and In Control for WWTF, WTR, TWR, Lagoon - $2280.86. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier reported on his departments’ activities. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson reviewed Superintendent Vern Benson’s report on his departments’ activities. Council reviewed the Liquor Store Report of 9-30-00. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert reviewed the 9-30-00 Clerk’s Recap, 9-30-00 Investment Schedule and 9-30-00 Budget to Actual Comparison Report. Jenson reviewed two resolutions recommended by Tax Increment Specialist Michele Hartman. Hartman has been reviewing the City’s tax increment funds and agreements. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to introduce a resolution entitled, RESOLUTION TO DOCUMENT THE EXISTENCE OF A LOAN BETWEEN TIF-4 “TOWNHOMES” AND THE PELICAN RAPIDS GENERAL FUND. (A complete text is part of permanent public record in the city clerk’s office.) Voting yes: Mayor Runningen, Council Members Waller, Magnusson, Nettestad and Gottenborg. Voting no: none. Motion passed unanimously and resolution declared duly adopted. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad Waller to introduce a resolution entitled, RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE TAX INCREMENT FINANCING DISTRICT NO. 4 “TOWNHOMES” AND APPROVING THE AMENDED TAX INCREMENT FINANCING PLAN RELATING THERETO. (A complete text is part of permanent public record in the city clerk’s office.) Voting yes: Mayor Runningen, Council Members Waller, Magnusson, Nettestad and Gottenborg. Voting no: none. Motion passed unanimously and resolution declared duly adopted. Mayor Runningen explained that the Library Board has appointed Jack Ralston as library board member. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Nettestad accepting Jack Ralston to serve on the Library Board, replacing Jim Raisenen for years 2000 and 2001. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen said the Budget Hearing is 12-05-00 at 7:00 p.m. at the Pelican Rapids Public Library meeting room. Chamber President James Strand thanked the City Council for work done at the City Park, rip rapping along the river. He said it looks very nice and it is a real asset to the community. He also thanked Council for their support of the Hiking/Biking Trail. Strand explained that the Chamber requested funding in the amount of $5,000 in 1999 and $3,500 in 2000 because they carried over some funds. In 2001 the Chamber is requesting $5,000 to assist in staffing the Tourist Information Center. Council explained that the budget amount has been certified to the County and cannot be increased but the Budget Committee will consider the request at their next meeting. Jenson updated Council on the Street Lighting Project. Four poles were received today. More are expected next week. Library Director Pam Westby reviewed the Library Rural Utilities Services (RUS) Loan Application for a federal loan in the amount of $359,340. State funding is anticipated to be $632,000 with $500,000 for a multicultural center and $132,00 for accessibility. Local funds necessary are approximately $321,000. Total project cost is estimated at $1.3 million. Westby said Economic Developer Skip Carpenter compiled the loan application and he did a very good job. She expressed appreciation for his work on this project. The RUS loan would be paid back over 10 years starting after the second year with a balloon payment at the end. The library anticipates continuing their fund raising efforts and having the money available for paying back the loan. The library may not need to borrow the full amount of money because contributions continue to be received daily. If the library is not successful in raising funds, the City will be responsible for repayment of the loan. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Nettestad to authorize Library Director Pam Westby to file the Rural Utilities Services Loan through Loretel Systems. Motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Scott Dirks has reviewed the City of Frazee Public Nuisance Penalty Ordinance. City presently has two of three public nuisance remedies available. One is the Abatement Procedure for weeds, snow, ice, trash, public safety and health nuisances where the city has the right to assess the costs to the property. Another method of enforcement is along criminal lines by ticketing the property owner for abandoned vehicles or too many vehicles. This implies involvement of the court. A third way to go after nuisances or other violations is the Administrative Procedure such as the City of Frazee has. Dirks recommends the addition of a possibility of a court hearing and a local hearing. He has reviewed information from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding Administrative Procedures. Gorden Gugel spoke about items that need cleaning up at the city shop. He said he called City Hall about a fire at Attachments International this fall, but the fire department did not come. He said he runs a handy man business out of his home. Propane tank is connected to serve the house. Council Member Gottenborg spoke on how Gugel’s property affects his neighbors’ property values. Roger Schleske asked about his shop cars and questioned why those cars needed to be licensed. Mayor Runningen said Schleske has had a hearing process about the unlicensed cars and City Attorney Krekelberg will be handling the matter now. City Attorney Scott Dirks said the majority of cars at shops are licensed. Mayor Runningen said the problem is 20 to 25 unlicensed cars that are not moved for two or three years. At that point the business resembles a junk yard rather than a repair shop where cars are repaired and are in and out in a few days. Council agreed that they would like City Attorney Scott Dirks to continue developing the Administrative Procedure for Council’s consideration. Council directed Jenson to proceed with police procedures for unlicensed cars identified during the year 2000 tour and others as they appear. Council discussed Off-Sale Beer Requests and the mix of young people with sale of alcoholic beverages. Council tabled the requests for Off-Sale Beer for the 10-25-00 meeting. Council reviewed Police Department report. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer