City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – 04/29/03 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 4:00 p.m., Monday, 04-29- 03, in Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Ben Woessner, John Waller, III, Denise Magnusson and Dave Gottenborg were present. No one was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Assistant Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Julie Lammers, Street Superintendent Vern Benson, Police Chief Scott Fox, Rick Gail of the Pelican Rapids Press, Vicki McCollum and Jill Fayio, Jeff Skonseng, Greg Larson of Svingen, Hagstrom, Karkela, Cline & Dirks, PLLP, Library Director Pam Westby were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. Mayor Runningen asked if there were any Agenda Additions or Deletions. There were none. Region IV Domestic Violence committee explained that when they open their office here 3 years ago, they also received a 2-year grant. They will be losing a grant and they are now requesting Cities to help provide for their funding. A packet was handed out regarding what they do within the region and what finances they have. Chief Scott Fox explained how this office helps their office by saving them time. Also since they have been involved a lot more prosecutions have stuck because they see things through thoroughly instead of just the basics are being done. Attorney Jeff Skinseng explained what was done by Vicki and this office to help him prosecute cases. They also do training and help officers to learn about new laws. Mayor Runningen thanked them for coming and said we would discuss it in September at budget time. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to approve the 04-29-03 Accounts Payable Listing. Motion passed unanimously. Vacation Hearing – 4th St. SE 4:30 p.m. Administrative Assistant Richard Jenson said it was published and posted and there was no one here from the public in attendance in regard to the vacation. Motion by Waller, seconded by Woessner to accept the Resolution of the Vacation of 4 th St SE. Motion passed unanimously. Lyle Nesvold and Nancy Muckow of Codes Plus were present with a Housing Inspection proposal. They need office space and someone to help with scheduling. They will be doing one training class at no cost. Discussed options of the Ordinance. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to go with Codes Plus as housing building inspector. Voting yes: Waller, Magnusson, Gottenborg. Voting no: Woessner. Motion Carried. Runningen asked who needed to be at training and was told all building managers and owners of residential rental property. Library Director Pam Westby left bags for council members with flyers for their grand opening. Chief Scott Fox requested a purchase of a new squad car. The 2003 state bid is good through the 16th of May. The 2004 bids will come out on the 16th of July. The current quote is for $22,600 for a Crown Victoria. An additional $4-5 thousand for equipment would have to be added to new squad car. Jenson reviewed some potential bills currently being looked at by state legislature. Council requested waiting a few months on the decision so that we can see how things are going. Fox requested Council reconsider car in September. The Elevator has requested “No Parking” at 4th Ave SW because it makes it difficult for semi’s to deliver to the elevator. Tabled discussion until speaking to the Elevator. Fox will talk with elevator tomorrow. Benson requested that the City of Pelican Rapids hire a flower weeding person for six hours a week. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to hire someone six hours a week for flower care. Motion carried. The Chamber of Commerce has requested a donation for the fireworks on July 3rd. They are raising funds earlier this year so they can decide if they will have this event. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Magnusson to donate $500 to the fireworks. Motion carried. The Chamber of Commerce will be having raffle on Tuesday, July 30 for a community raffle. The City has received two license applications: Bridges Bistro and Bar, Liquor License and Pelican Cash & Dash, Beer Off-Sale License Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approve licenses. Motion carried. Skip Carpenter called Runningen regarding housing grants and Pelican Rapids has been approved for two homes. Runningen brought up the comprehensive plan that was tabled at the last meeting. Gottenborg explained that he is very interested in a land use plan. Gene Miller has put a price tag on a number of areas of the plan. Gottenborg requested a committee to look at the plan and decide what we need and what we want. Discussed why we need a comprehensive plan and what we would like to see accomplished because of it. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to have Dave Gottenborg and Ben Woessner look at a comprehensive plan. Runningen requested they come back with a time frame and cost of what they would like to see happen and how many groups should be involved. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 5:50 p.m. Julie Lammers Assistant Deputy Clerk-Treasurer