City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – 07-09-01 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, 07- 09-01, in the Pelican Rapids Public Library meeting room. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Denise Magnusson, Paulette Nettestad and John Waller III were present. Council Member Dave Gottenborg was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Street and Park Superintendent Vern Benson, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Gary Peterson of the Pelican Press and James Strand of the Chamber of Commerce were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. No items were added to or deleted from the agenda. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to approve the minutes of 06-11-01 and 06- 27-01 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to approve payment of the 07-09-01 Accounts Payable Listing as presented with the addition of Municipal Service Co., WWTF Labor & Materials - $2,117 and Super Sucker Septic Service, Haul Sludge, Clean Scum Boxes - $861.60. Motion passed unanimously. Payment of Library bills is subject to receipt of approval by the Library Board. Chamber of Commerce President James Strand addressed Council and expressed personal appreciation for Council’s leadership in the Vision process initiated by the Blandin Group and Council’s work on the City’s comprehensive plan. He reviewed the Chamber’s goals to reach various community groups. He said it is difficult in a volunteer organization to devote the necessary time to develop programs. Based on these goals the Chamber is exploring possibilities to hire a full time executive director. Strand outlined the reasons for this decision. He explained that an executive director would serve as public relations officer and focus on membership growth and retention, strategic planning and fundraising. The Chamber can raise a substantial portion of the necessary funding. Strand requested City Council include an additional $15,000 in the 2002 Budget as a contribution to the Chamber of Commerce to help fund this position. Mayor Runningen thanked Strand for his presentation and said the Budget Committee would consider the request as part of the budget planning process. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson reviewed the need to dedicate property adjoining the library addition to provide open space required by building codes and to provide space for new entry. City Attorney Scott Dirks reviewed the process for the City to vacate Midway Ave. in order to create the open space and meet need for new entry. A dedicated street does not meet the need for open space. The City Council can vacate the street and dedicate a permanent easement. Neighboring property owner Gary Peterson expressed concern about closing Midway Ave. He said he would be opposed to losing the access for semi- trucks provided by Midway Ave. Dirks explained a permanent easement for road purposes could be dedicated to preserve this condition. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to introduce the following resolution, entitled RESOLUTION FOR HEARING TO VACATE STREET and calling for a special meeting on Monday, 08-06-01 at 7:00 p.m. in the Pelican Rapids Public Library or on the regularly scheduled meeting date of 08-13-01 at 7:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier reported on activities in his departments. Street and Park Superintendent Vern Benson reported on activities in his departments. Council Member Waller expressed appreciation to young people who painted the park picnic tables. The Park Board will write letters of thanks to the volunteers. Benson reviewed his request to purchase a 773T Bobcat with winterized cab, snow blower, broom, blade, snow bucket and low profile work bucket. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to authorize purchasing a Bobcat at a cost of $26,000 plus tax instead of replacing the 1996 plow pickup as listed on the Vehicle Replacement Schedule. Motion passed unanimously. No liquor store report was available for June. Police Chief Greg Ballard reviewed his report. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert reviewed the June financial reports including the Clerk’s Recap and Year to Date Budget and Actual Expense Comparisons. Council discussed proposed state legislative changes in city funding. Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer