City Council

City of Pelican Rapids Council Meeting Minutes – 06-09-03 The City of Pelican Rapids City Council met in regular session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, 06-09-03, Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Ben Woessner, Denise Magnusson and Dave Gottenborg were present. Council Member John Waller, III, was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Library Director Pam Westby, Viking Library System Director Peg Warner, Library Board Member Lucille Tuneheim, Marlys Johnson, John Gorton and Rick Gail of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. No. 17 – Wine Permit and No. 18 - Mosquito spraying were items added to the agenda. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Woessner to approve minutes of 5-12, 5-20 and 5- 27-03 as presented. Motion carried. John Gorton of the Pelican Rapids Jaycees spoke on the Beer Garden to be located at Bridges Parking Lot and Roger Schleske’s lot on July 11 & 12th. Everything remains the same except a change in location. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve a temporary beer license to Pelican Rapids Jaycees, subject to receipt of fee, list of rules and regulations and proof of liability insurance. Motion carried. Library Director Pam Westby discussed the Library’s request for a temporary wine license for a Donor Appreciation Event on 06-14-03. Peg Warner of Viking Library System and Library Board Member Lucille Tuneheim were also present. Request was discussed. The Liquor Store’s Wine Tasting in December was cited as a City entity conducting an event offering wine. City staff will check into the Liquor Store event. Mayor Runningen explained that the ordinance changes required to permit the Library Temporary Wine License would need to be passed and published before the license can be provided and if the event is to take place on 06-14-03, there is not time to publish the ordinance. Council reviewed the Accounts Payable Listing of 06-09-03, additions to listing and Library Accounts Payable Listing. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve the Accounts Payable Listing of 06-09-03 with the following additions: Advanced Engraving, name plates, $116.00; Domain Name, 2 year renewal, $90.00; Municipal Service, water and sewer service, $2643.70; In Control, water and sewer service, $1961.06; and Hawkins Water Treatment, water, sewer and lagoon service, $2,732.47. Motion includes approval of the Library Accounts Payable Listing of 06-05-03. Motion carried. Council reviewed the Police Department Report and discussed abandoned cars. Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson reported on his departments’ activities. Council discussed the bike path paving, shaping the shoulders of the bike path, dust guard service and tree inspection survey. Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier reviewed his departments’ activities. Council reviewed the Liquor Store Manager’s report on liquor store sales. Mayor Runningen explained the liquor store did not show a profit in 2001, and showed a small profit in 2002. The State of Minnesota Auditor’s office requires liquor stores showing no profit in two out of three years to conduct a public hearing. Council reviewed the Clerk’s Recap and Investment Schedule for 05-31-03. Mayor Runningen discussed the Local Government Aid loss of $95,159 in 2003 and $95,159 in 2004. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson explained that the City of Pelican Rapids is under 2500 population so it is possible to make up the 2004 loss by increasing the levy. Ehlert reported on interest rates and sale of investments to maintain cash balances until levy payment is received from Otter Tail County later this month. Jenson reviewed the petition to pave the gravel portion of 4 th Street SE and improve with water and sewer service. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Woessner to recognize the adequacy of the petition and order the preparation of plans and specifications. Voting yes: Mayor Runningen, Council Members Gottenborg, Woessner and Magnusson. Voting no: none. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson discussed the Street Reconstruction Bonds eligible for refinancing. City will be able to save about $80,000 over the life of the bond due to reduced interest rates. Monte Eastvold of Northland Securities will be at the City Council Meeting on 06- 24-03 to discuss issue of refinancing bonds. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to adopt Resolution 609.03, ADOPTING THE ATTACHED UPDATED VISION STATEMENT AS REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DESIRES OF THE GREATER PELICAN RAPIDS COMMUNITY AND THAT THIS VISION STATEMENT BE A PART OF THE PELICAN RAPIDS COMPREHENSIVE PLAN. Motion passed unanimously and resolutions declared duly adopted. Jenson reviewed the Planning Commission Tour of 06-05-03. The Commissioners found a few instances where general clean-up was required. Locations with cars with expired license plates were referred to the police department. Locations with long grass and/or weeds were referred to Weed Inspector Benson. Jenson reviewed the request by Wrigley Mechanical for a Plumbing License. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Woessner to approve license subject to receipt of the license fee. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen requested Council Members consider ideas for use of Old City Hall. Mayor Runningen suggested that the Council consider spraying for mosquitoes. Street Superintendent Vern Benson discussed plan used in neighboring community. The city purchased the sprayer and hires two employees to spray weekly. Total cost is about $25,000 to $30,000 per year and one proposal is to add on a $3.00 per month fee per utility billing. The only complaint was if the sprayer was broken down. Council agreed the concern about mosquitoes is increasing. Benson will inspect and meet with neighboring city to survey procedure. Council Member Woessner questioned collecting the $60 rental housing inspection fee over a period of three years. Mayor Runningen said the intent was for the City to carry the fee. Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer