City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – 05-13-02 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 6:00 p.m., on Monday, 05- 13-02, in Council Chambers of City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members John E. Waller III, Paulette Nettestad, Denise Magnusson and Dave Gottenborg were present. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk- Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Library Director Pam Westby, Chamber of Commerce Director Jane Aschnewitz, Lake Region Electric Cooperative General Manager Dave Weaklend, Judy Knoll and Gary Peterson of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. An application for water improvement funding and Tax Increment Financing Hearing were added to the agenda. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to approve the minutes of 4-8-02 and 4-24-02 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Council considered the Accounts Payable Listing of 5-13-02 with additions. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to approve payment of the Accounts Payable Listing of 5-13-02 with the addition of Cottage Care, $1277.03 for painting at the WWTF and Water Plant, and Municipal Service Co., $1089.00 for sludge, water and WWTF service. Motion includes library bills approved by Board Representative Alan Grothe. Motion passed unanimously. Pat Risenour of Interstate Engineering presented the application for water plant improvement loan through the Public Facilities Authority (PFA). Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approve application to submit a letter to the Minnesota Department of Health requesting PFA monies to fund Water System Improvements. Motion passed unanimously. Judy Knoll addressed City Council regarding public nuisance concerns. She brought pictures of safety issues, vehicles, deteriorated buildings and garbage. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson said most of the properties are on the Planning Commission’s list to tour next week. Council discussed possibilities to notify building owners about unsightly buildings. Library Director Pam Westby reported the Library Board is recommending Gary Lage is appointed to the Board. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to appoint Gary Lage to the Library Board to serve the remaining term of Jack Ralston. Motion passed unanimously. Westby discussed plans to temporarily move library services to former City Hall. She thanked the City for allowing the library to use the building. Council reviewed the Police Department report. Jenson said that Police Chief Scott Fox has requested authorization to add a third part time officer. Police Officer Scott Wellnitz is absent on medical leave for approximately two months due to back surgery. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to authorize the police department to hire an additional part time police officer. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier reported on his departments’ equipment and activities. He reported that Kayla Thompson has been awarded a $250 scholarship from the Minnesota Water Federation. Jenson reviewed Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson’s departments’ activities. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to hire summer street and park employees Austen Miller and Brent Magnusson at $6.00 per hour. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Waller, Nettestad and Gottenborg voted yes. No one voted against the motion. Council Member Magnusson abstained. Motion carried. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to accept Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie’s recommendation and post 15 minute parking signs for three parking spaces on the north side of the liquor store building. Motion passed unanimously. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert reviewed the financial reports for 04-30-02. Jenson reviewed the Planning Commission’s recommendations. The planning commission heard a request for a variance on door swing and vestibule. Jenson said the building code permits a one-foot swing on the public sidewalk and requires a seven- foot separation between vestibule door and second door. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to deny the variance request to permit a three-foot swing on the public sidewalk and to deny the vestibule because this is a code requirement. Council Member Nettestad voted yes. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Waller and Magnusson voted no. Council Member Gottenborg abstained. Motion failed. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and grant the variances. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Waller and Magnusson voted yes. Council Member Nettestad voted no. Council Member Gottenborg abstained. Motion carried. Jenson said the Planning Commission considered a request to allow a residential use in a commercial zone. The Planning Commission did not recommend changing the ordinance. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation to not allow residential uses in a commercial zone. Motion passed unanimously. Ehlert reviewed applications for a Club On Sale Liquor License and a Off Sale Beer License. Council Members discussed requirements for admission of a non-member to the VFW. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Gottenborg to renew the VFW’s Club On Sale Liquor License and the Holiday Station’s Off Sale Beer License. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson explained that off site paving is Alternate No. 1 to the Library contract. Change Order No. 1 would include curb and gutter on Midway Avenue. There is 518 total feet on both sides with the City owning 75% of the assessable property. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approve Alternate No. 1 and Change Order No. 1. Motion passed unanimously. Skateboard Prohibition. The prohibited area can be extended according to City Attorney Scott Dirks. Council suggested Jenson outline areas to be included for review at June meeting. Council Member Magnusson excused herself from the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Dave Weaklend welcomed the City Council to the Lake Region Professional Building. He explained the Property Manager is Dan Elton. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson expressed appreciation for all the building improvements Lake Region Electric Cooperative has made. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to introduce a resolution entitled, RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING A SHARED POLLING PLACE. (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk’s office.) Motion passed unanimously and resolution was declared duly adopted. Jenson announced the Mill Pond Fountain Dedication will be 05-23-02, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to set a hearing for TIF business subsidy plan for 7:00 p.m. at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting on 06-10-02 in Council Chambers, City Hall. Motion passed unanimously. Council discussed economic development. A possibility is to hold a brain storming session with the public and the Economic Development Committee. Mayor Runningen said he attended a meeting with the State Historical Society regarding the former City Hall. Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer