City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MINUTES – 05-29-02 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 4:00 p.m., on Wednesday, 05-29-02, in Council Chamber of City Hall. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Paulette Nettestad, John E. Waller, Denise Magnusson and Dave Gottenborg were present. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Police Chief Scott Fox, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier and Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson were also present. Meeting was called to order by Mayor Runningen. There were no additions to or deletions from the agenda. Police Chief Scott Fox recommended hiring Kindra Larsen-Schultz as a part time police officer. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to authorize hiring Kindra Larsen-Schultz as a part time police officer at the union contract amount, subject to successful completion of various tests and evaluations. Motion passed unanimously. Police Chief Fox discussed traffic concerns on 10th Ave. SW. He would like to assign additional police officer to the area during high traffic periods. Locating the Minnesota State Patrol radar wagon there would also demonstrate to people what their speed is in this 20 mile an hour zone. Council considered applications for beer licenses. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to approve renewal of an On Sale Beer License for GLD Lanes and an Off Sale Beer License for Southtown C Store. Motion passed unanimously. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson reviewed the public nuisances identified by the Planning Commission Tour on 05-21-02. Council Member Nettestad requested the Council review the previously submitted pictures of poorly kept properties in the City. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to authorize Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson and City Attorney Scott Dirks to take appropriate action on public nuisances. Motion passed unanimously. Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie reviewed liquor laws. City ordinance requires employees to be 21 to sell liquor in the Municipal Liquor Store. He said he has an applicant to work in the store who is under 21 in addition to applicant he is recommending for hire at today’s meeting. Council declined to change the age provision of the ordinance at this time. Leslie said repairs have been accomplished at the Liquor Store and they are ready for the summer season. He recommended hiring Julie Rice to work at the Liquor Store. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Gottenborg to hire Julie Rice as a liquor store sales clerk at $6.00 per hour. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reported on lifeguard situation at swimming pool. We have four lifeguards at the present time and are running the ad again. Street and Park Superintendent Vern Benson reported on swimming pool condition. The 25 years accumulation of paint needs to be sandblasted and he recommends removing the plaster as well. It is now recommended to use epoxy paint instead of plaster. Mayor Runningen recommended accomplishing the sandblasting this fall so pool opening will not be delayed next spring. The cost of sandblasting will be $15,000. The City is able to fund the expense this fall and include the money in the 2003 budget to be considered in August. Council Member Nettestad questioned the lesson registration process. Jenson reported that Z & Z Trailer Court has completed the licensing process and he recommended granting the annual license for 2002. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Nettestad to approve the 2002 Trailer Court License to Z & Z Trailer Court, subject to receipt of $10 license fee. Motion passed unanimously. Council Member and Park Board Member Magnusson discussed the Skate Park funds raised to date. The youth of the community have raised $15,965.91 for the Skate Park, leaving a balance of $1769.04. The young people are requesting that the City of Pelican Rapids contribute this amount to complete funding of the Skate Park. They plan to continue their fund raising efforts annually to add new equipment to the park. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Nettestad to contribute the balance of funds needed for the Skate Park in the amount of $1769.04. Motion passed unanimously. Council Member Gottenborg suggested informational signage on Broadway to direct people to the Skate Park. Jenson will check with the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a sign similar to the library sign. Council discussed City of Pelican Rapids logo and approved a new design. The City may copyright the design. Council discussed use of meeting room during business hours. Council agreed the City does not have staff to provide opening and closing services for evening meetings. Council discussed a committee to examine possibilities for former City Hall and economic development ideas for residential areas and business district. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer