City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-11-13-01 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 11- 13-01 in the Pelican Rapids Public Library meeting room. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Paulette Nettestad, John E. Waller III, Dave Gottenborg and Denise Magnusson were present. No one was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Street and Park Superintendent Vern Benson, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Police Chief Scott Fox, Gene Miller, Cyndi Stotesbery and Larry Svare were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. Larry Svare of the Vision Statement Committee distributed Vision Statement Binders to the City Council. He explained the information includes handouts, worksheets and supporting documents. Mayor Runningen thanked Larry and everyone involved in the process. The Mayor said, “There have been many, many volunteer hours spent on this project. If as much time is spent on doing things as have been donated to developing the vision statement, the community will see many improvements during the next years.” Svare asked if there were any questions about Vision Statement. Council will review in next weeks with plans to adopt the Vision Statement as part of the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier reported on his departments’ activities. Street and Park Superintendent Vern Benson reported on his departments’ activities. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson reported the City has passed the Lead Test. This means the chemical added at the water plant haS been helping making the water less corrosive. Police Chief Scott Fox presented the Police Department Report. He asked if the Council would be replacing the full time police officer to bring the department up to full staff of four full time officers plus the chief. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to authorize hiring a fourth full time police officer and to advertise for the position. Motion passed unanimously. Fox reviewed the department staff assignments he has made. He is having monthly meetings with department members and they are developing a vision statement for the department and a policy manual to be reviewed by the City Attorney and then provided to the City Council. Jenson explained the Civil Defense siren process, which is presently a manual system. This means the police officer looking for a tornado needs a way to activate the siren without driving back to City Hall. In Control, Inc. reviewed the system and provided a quote of $7500 to provide a telephone system. Council asked staff to check on some other possibilities. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Nettestad to approve minutes of 10-8 and 10-31-01 as presented. Motion carried. Council reviewed bills. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to approve payment of the Accounts Payable Listing of 11-13-01 as presented and with these additions: Minnesota Cabin Care, WWTF, $200.00; In Control, WWTF, $1618.40; Municipal Supply/Tim Bohmer, WWTF, Water, Sludge, $1861.00; ERA Lab, WWTF, Lagoon, Water, Sludge, $1122.00 and Paulette Nettestad, Council Salary, $60.00. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Nettestad to approve payment of the Library November Accounts Payable Listing in the amount of $4,663.24 as approved by Library Board and verified by Jack Ralston. Motion passed unanimously. Council reviewed the liquor store report. Mayor Runningen said he and Richard have visited about replacing the liquor store manager position. Council Member Gottenborg said since the Liquor Store contributes about $15,000 to the City General Fund, he has thought that the City could issue one liquor license for $15,000 annually and sell the Liquor Store. It would provide the same income and simplify the process. It was suggested staff investigate the City’s options. Council Members are interested in enhancing the business if it is to continue. A recommendation will be presented at the next council meeting. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert reviewed the City of Pelican Rapids Bond & Interest Payments Due 12-01-01, the Water Fund Bond & Interest Payments Due 12- 31-01 & 12-31-02 and other 10-31-01 Financial Reports. Council discussed wastewater treatment facility expenses and reduced income from West Central Turkeys property in the tax increment financing district. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approve Plumber’s License to Jerome Tofetly for the remainder of 2001. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC