City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-11-27-02 The City Council of the City of Pelican Rapids met in regular session Wednesday, 11- 27-02, at 4:00 p.m. in Council Chambers of City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen and Council Members John Waller, III, Denise Magnusson and Paulette Nettestad were present. Council Member Dave Gottenborg was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson, Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie, City Auditor Dan Rollie, Council Member Elect Ben Woessner and Rick Gail of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. There were no additions or deletions to the agenda. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Waller to approve payment of the 11-27-02 Accounts Payable Listing as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Nettestad to deny a donation request to the Chamber of Commerce for fireworks during the Old Fashioned Christmas Event. Motion passed unanimously. Superintendent of Street and Parks Vern Benson reported on the 1998 Snow Maintenance Policy. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to amend the Snow Maintenance Policy as discussed. Motion passed unanimously. Auditor Dan Rollie discussed a 9-30-02 Compilation Report he prepared for the Liquor Store. The gross profit through 09-30-02 shows a change in the trend of decreasing profit. Operating expenses have not fluctuated through the years. The store has increased sales and made improvements to provide better service. Mayor Runningen discussed the City Hall Reuse Committee and the Park Board relevant to the Thompson Estate donation. Council Member Nettestad said the City Hall Reuse Committee has met several times to discuss the building. The committee is in favor of the City retaining ownership and restoring the building because it is a unique part of the community’s history. Ideas for use include art exhibits, visitor center, and an interpretive center. The deck would provide another access from Broadway to the park and would be a place for public celebrations. The City built the building in 1889 and the City has always used it. The cost of the exterior improvements is estimated at $60,000 to $80,000. This could be divided into three or more projects, such as a window project, a steeple project, and exterior restoration project. Council Member Magnusson reported that the Park Board would like to see public bathrooms added to the Peterson Park area. Sprinkler system $8,300 for soccer field. Purchase of land east of City Hall for a soccer field with basketball hoop and skating rink - $25,000. Repair fence by dam at a cost of $3,000. May be a City maintenance expense. New park north of the library - $70,000. Total of all these projects is $142,300. The Thompson Estate Committee includes Fred Thompson and these ideas have been discussed. Fred Thompson seems to favor park projects and would like to keep the Thompson name tied to the project. He also favored the renovation of the former City Hall. Mayor Runningen explained the Council discussed City Hall Council Chambers use in May of 2002, but did not establish a policy. Council Member Nettestad has asked to discuss establishment of policies for use of City Hall meeting rooms. Runningen and Nettestad distributed a proposed policy for Council’s consideration. Runningen pointed out that public use of the building results in people having access to police offices, due to restrooms located in the hallway. The policy will be discussed at the 12-09-02 meeting. Motion by Nettestad, seconded by Magnusson to certify the following unpaid utility bills to Otter Tail County for collection with real estate taxes. The parcel numbers are 068- 001, $88.56; 626-000, $161.13 and 212-900, $139.99. Motion passed unanimously. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson reviewed a list of grants the City of Pelican Rapids has received since 1975. The total amount received is $5,991,220. Budget Hearing will be 12-02-02 at 7:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Meeting adjourned at 5:10 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer