City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES – 07-14-03 The City Council of the City of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, 07-14-03, in Council Chambers of 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, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson, Exchange Student Frederico and Rick Gail of the Pelican Press were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. Scott Dirks Special Assessment Split was added to the Agenda and the Community Center, Item17, was deleted. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to approve minutes of 06-09-03 and 06-24- 03 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier introduced Frederico, exchange student from Italy. Frederico is staying with Brent and his wife JoAnne. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to approve payment of Accounts Payable Listing of 07-14-03 with corrections and additions. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Superintendent Frazier reported on activities in his departments. Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson reported on his departments’ activities. Mayor and Council Members thanked Benson for his work in the parks. Benson said he has very good summer helpers. Council reviewed the Police Department report. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson presented information on the Safe & Sober Program. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve Safe & Sober Resolution Authorizing Execution of Agreement and appointing Police Chief Scott Fox to execute such agreements. (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk’s office.) Motion passed unanimously and resolution declared duly adopted. Council reviewed the May and June Liquor Store Report. Cary and Elaine Johnson, 210 2nd Ave. NE, were present to discuss their request to vacate the alley in Block 10 adjacent to their property only. Council Member Gottenborg said it makes sense to vacate the alley behind their property. The question is whether to vacate entire alley. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to allow the alley vacation as discussed and to set a hearing date for said vacation of Cary and Elaine Johnson’s portion of the alley. Motion passed unanimously. Council reviewed the June 2003 Clerks’ Cash and Investment Report presented by Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert. Mayor Runningen and Administrative Assistant Jenson reviewed the 2003 Budget Committee Report. The Committee recommends reductions to the budget to various items for a total $57,900. Streets - $14,500; Police - $25,000; Library - ; Clerical - $7900. Next year the City can recoup the cuts in the 2004 Budget. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to accept the Committee’s recommendation to reduce the 2003 Expenditures Budget per the attached committee report. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reviewed Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) resolution for transit funds. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approve the resolution as reviewed. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen reviewed a request from the Chamber of Commerce for $3500 to support visitor information. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Magnusson to transfer $3500 for visitor information. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reported the library project is complete. The City included the improvement of Midway Ave. to the library project at the City’s expense. Change Order No. 1; Adjustments to sidewalks and grades CO 15; CO 18 change in grade. Other change orders included. Council discussed taking funds for street improvement for Midway Ave. and parking area from Street Improvement Funds set aside. City staff will review and bring a recommendation to next Council meeting. Council Member Woessner reported for the Public Works Garage Committee. The committee recommended adding on to existing garage. New part would be storage and office facility and existing garage would remain the maintenance portion of the facility. Committee would like Architect David Schulz to work on some possibilities. Committee will present additional plans, as they become available. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to authorize David Schulz, etc. Motion passed unanimously. Property Owner Scott Dirks requested $652.46 in special assessments to remain with his office building property, parcel number 506.004. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Waller to approve. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer