City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES - 03-27-02 The Pelican Rapids City Council met in regular session at 4:10 p.m., on 03-27-02, in the Pelican Rapids Public Library meeting room. Mayor Wayne Runningen and Council Members Denise Magnusson, John E. Wailer III and Paulette Nettestad were present. Council Member Dave Gottenborg was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehiert, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Park and Street Superintendent Vem Benson, Chamber of Commerce Director Jane Aschnewitz and Julie Tunheim of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Mayor Runningen called meeting to order. A Chamber of Commerce matter was added to the agenda. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson reviewed the Economic Development Authority’s recommendation of approval of a Rural Economic Development Loan Application with Loretel Systems, Inc. to assist in financing the development of a Multi- Cultural Learning Center. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to introduce a resolution entitled CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS RESOLUTION APPROVING LOAN AGREEMENT. (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk’s office.) Mayor Runningen and Council Members Magnusson, Waller and Nettestad voted yes. No one opposed the resolution. Motion passed unanimously and resolution declared duly adopted. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson read a letter from the Hospital Board requesting a recommendation from the City Council regarding a Hospital Board vacancy. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to recommend Sue Bruggeman to serve as City Representative for the remaining term of Gary Olson on the Hospital Board. Motion passed unanimously. Superintendent of Parks and Streets Vern Benson reviewed changes in the sidewalk policy. Benson assigned a funding percentage to priorities included in policy. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to adopt the funding changes recommended by Superintendent Benson to the Sidewalk Policy. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reviewed a request to install a temporary private dock in the Mill Pond during Art in the Park for use by a food vendor. Council requested written recommendation from Art in Park committee. Superintendent of Parks and Streets Vern Benson reviewed a request for a utility fork and tree grappling attachment for the bobcat This equipment will save time and be a safety help in cleaning up fallen trees. Can also use for removing concrete during sidewalk replacement projects. Benson said the state bid is $3265 for the attachment and a local company, Attachments International, Inc. quoted a price of $2451. Benson said he has $610 in the street capital outlay budget and $2,000 in the parks capital outlay. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to purchase the utility fork with grapple from Attachments International. Motion passed unanimously. Brent Frazier of the Chamber of Commerce reviewed plans for the Flea Market on 7-13- 02, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The Chamber is requesting permission to block 1 st Ave. NE east of the alley entrance and 1st St. NE south of Good Samaritan alley entrance. Council expressed concerns about downtown parking and impact on the churches. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to deny the request to locate the Flea Market on 1st Ave. NE on 07-13-02. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Waller and Nettestad voted yes to deny the request. Council Member Magnusson is opposed to denying the request. Motion carried. Chamber of Commerce Director Jane Aschnewitz requested use of the Peterson Park Shelter during the summer months for a Farmers’ Market. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to authorize use of Peterson Park Shelter for Farmers’ Market on Tuesday mornings in connection with Minnow Days. Motion passed unanimously. Aschnewitz reported the city float is used to promote the community in area parades. It needs some repair and a fresh design. The FFA is willing to rebuild the float if materials would be provided. The Chamber is requesting a contribution from the City of up to $2,000 for materials. Mayor Runningen and Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson said this would be covered under the economic development budget for promoting the community. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to approve purchase of materials up to a cost of $2,000 for repair and redesign of the community float. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reported the library construction bids came in about $200,000 under the engineer’s estimate. Woessner Construction of Fergus Falls is the apparent low bidder. Meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer