City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – 08-29-2001 The City Council of the City of Pelican Rapids met in regular session on Wednesday, 08-29-01, at 4:00 p.m. in the Pelican Rapids Public Library meeting room. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Denise Magnusson, John E. Waller III and Paulette Nettestad. Council Member Dave Gottenborg was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Street and Park Superintendent Vern Benson, Gary Peterson of the Pelican Rapids Press and Ray Martin of Ray J’s Café were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. Added to agenda: Assisted Living Rural Utilities Service Loan Ray Martin of Ray J’s Café requested a change in the wine and strong beer ordinance to permit him to sell wine and strong beer on Sunday. His previous license for 3.2 beer permitted Sunday sales. Council discussed request. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to authorize the City Attorney to draft an ordinance change to permit Sunday sales of Wine/Strong Beer and Sunday Bottle Club operations. Motion passed unanimously. Police Chief Greg Ballard recommended hiring Curtis Markgraf as part time police officer, subject to completion of an exam and psychological evaluation. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to appoint Curtis Markgraf as part time police officer at the union contract wage, subject to successful completion of Police Officer Standards and Training Board exam and contingent on psychological evaluation, effective 08-29-01. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to accept Police Chief Greg Ballard’s resignation regretfully and acknowledge all his years of service to the City. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen thanked Greg for his work and staying with the City through many changes. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson said the 2002 Budget Committee has met. A Truth in Taxation Hearing is not required this year. The hearing notices will not be parcel specific. At their September meeting, Council will need to decide whether or not to have a Truth in Taxation Hearing. Jenson has talked to the City Attorney and City Engineer about improvements to Midway Ave. Council requested estimated cost of the improvement. Financial Statement and Audit for year 2000 is being prepared. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to approve a Cigarette License for Bridges Eatery for 09-01-01 to 12-31-01, subject to receipt of $25.00 fee. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to approve the appointment of Al Grothe to the Library Board to fill the remaining term to 12-31-01,of Jim Hoffe. Motion passed unanimously. Council considered having Otter Tail County conduct the Board of Review. Council was not in favor of the County conducting the Board of Review since it would require residents to drive to Fergus Falls to request changes in property valuation. Jenson will check on setting time of meeting for late afternoon or evening. Rural Utilities Services Loan for Assisted Living Project has been approved. Mayor Runningen explained that the League of Minnesota Cities has established a program to host cities’ individual web sites. This is a cooperative effort between the League, gov.com and Microsoft. Runningen recommends using this program and provided information on the fees. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to authorize payment of a one time license fee of $400, a $50 set up fee to keep domain name and monthly costs of $30 to the League of Minnesota Cities designee for web site. Motion passed unanimously. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson explained the City of Pelican Rapids benefited in the Local Government Aid calculations due to a pre- 1940 housing stock and increases in population. Meeting adjourned at 5:05 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer