City Council

City of Pelican Rapids Council Meeting Minutes 08-28-02 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 4:00 p.m., Wednesday, 08- 28-02 in Council Chambers of City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members John E. Waller, III, Denise Magnusson, Dave Gottenborg and Paulette Nettestad were present. No one was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson, Steve Katka of Loretel, Monte Eastvold of Juran & Moody, Chamber of Commerce President James Strand, and Gary Peterson of the Pelican Rapids Press. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. A Street and Parks Request was added to the agenda. Chamber of Commerce President James Strand addressed City Council regarding costs of promoting the Pelican Rapids community, providing visitor information and community beautification. Their total expenses for promoting the community are $28,618.37. Mayor Runningen said the Budget Committee will be meeting again next week and will keep this information in mind. Monte Eastvold of Juran and Moody (J&M) discussed the proposed refinancing of sewer revenue bonds. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to refinance 1994 and 1995 sewer revenue bonds in the amount of $1,010,000 and consider proposals for their purchase. Motion passed unanimously. City is conducting a negotiated bond sale and authorizing J&M to buy the bond issue. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Gottenborg to introduce the following resolution, entitled, RESOLUTION AWARDING SALE OF $1,010,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION SEWER REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS OF 2002, FIXING THE FORM AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREOF, PROVIDING FOR THEIR EXECUTION AND DELIVERY AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PAYMENT. (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk’s office.) Voting yes: Mayor Runningen, Council Members Waller, Magnusson, Nettestad and Gottenborg. Voting no: none. Motion carried and resolution declared duly adopted. Steve Katka was present from Loretel Systems cable television regarding the services offered and addition of Fox News Network and the Outdoor Channel. Council asked questions regarding plans for the community. Katka said the Pelican Lakes Head-In and City of Pelican Rapids Head-In will be combined this fall. Katka stated that Loretel stepped up and made a lot of improvements in the system since they purchased it. They are part of the community and have invested in the community, providing a Rural Utilities Services Loan for the public library expansion. Would like to ask for Council resolution to approve the cable television franchise with Loretel for next 15 years. Council Member Gottenborg requested the addition of Channel 45 to provide Gopher programming and Katka said he would check on availability and cost. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Nettestad to approve the renewal for a five-year franchise agreement for cable television services with Loretel Systems. Katka explained that a five-year franchise agreement does not provide adequate time for capital improvement budgeting. Loretel has stepped above and beyond the Spectrum System that was in place in Pelican Rapids. Council Members Gottenborg and Magnusson voted yes. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Waller and Nettestad voted no. Motion was not carried. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to approve the renewal for a10-year franchise agreement for cable television services with Loretel Systems. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Waller, Nettestad and Magnusson voted yes. Council Member Gottenborg voted no. Motion carried. Mayor Runningen thanked Katka for the service they provide to the school and the community with Channel 5. Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie updated Council regarding the alarm system at the Liquor Store. Bill was $70 for service call and $70 for labor. He requested quotes for updating the system from Detect Alarm, present system, and Northern Security. Northern Security provides services for the library and Library Director Pam Westby has been very satisfied with their work and equipment. Leslie recommended having Northern Security perform the work at the Liquor Store. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve updating the Liquor Store alarm system with Northern Security. Motion passed unanimously. Leslie said he has expanded inventory at the store and recently ordered a new three- door cooler for micro beers. Other improvements include: new carpeting, repairing walk-in cooler, installation of a new computer/cash register scanning system and purchase of a wine chiller. Gail Vallone is new employee at Liquor Store. Council thanked Leslie for his report and his hard work. Regarding the Isabel Thompson Grant to the City of Pelican Rapids, Mayor Runningen reported that the City Attorney recommended the City Council appoint a committee. The committee will include Fred Thompson who needs to approve expenditures. Other committee members could include a representative of Park Board, City Council, City staff, and the Chamber of Commerce. Ideas will include recognition of the family. Jenson and Superintendent of Street and Parks Vern Benson reviewed ideas from the Park Board for a park building to provide restrooms and storage adjacent to St. Leonard’s Church parking lot exit. Council Members liked the idea but wanted to see if a downtown location would be a possibility. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Nettestad to appoint Lucille Tunheim as an alternate election judge. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to approve the application of St. Leonard’s Church to conduct a raffle on 10-16-02. Motion passed unanimously. Benson requested authorization to purchase replacement vehicle for the 1980 Ford F8000 plow truck. The City has $52,000 on hand towards the $92,000 cost. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Nettestad to authorize purchase of a 2003 plow truck through the state bid process at a cost of $92,000. Motion passed unanimously. Council discussed various ideas for park development, buildings and downtown properties. Meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer