City Council

City of Pelican Rapids Council Meeting Minutes – 08-11-03 The City of Pelican Rapids City Council met in regular session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, 08-11-03, Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members John Waller, III, Ben Woessner, Denise Magnusson and Dave Gottenborg were present. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Assistant Deputy Clerk- Treasurer Julie Lammers, Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson, Utilities Superintendent Brent Frazier, Library Director Pam Westby, David Shaw, Dan Elton, Cecil Femling, Gerald Grefsrud and Rick Gail of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. No. 19 Certify Bills, No. 20 Appoint Budget Committee and No. 21 Codes Plus - items added to the agenda. Motion by John Waller, seconded by Denise Magnusson to approve minutes of 7-14-03, and 7-29-03 as presented. Motion carried. Council reviewed the Accounts Payable Listing of 08-11-03, additions to listing Code Plus 1480.00, Municipal Service Company $8284.00 and Library Accounts Payable Listing. Motion by Denise Magnusson, seconded by John Waller to approve the Accounts Payable Listing of 08-11-03 with the following additions: Codes Plus and Municipal Service Company. Motion includes approval of the Library Accounts Payable Listing of 8-11-03. Voting Yes: Magnusson, Waller, and Gottenborg. Voting No: Woessner. Motion Carried. Dan Elton and David Shaw presented report on the rebirth of the Community Center in Pelican Rapids. They have looked at a different location and have done a survey of the citizens in Pelican Rapids and Erhard areas. Dan Elton explained the lay out of the buildings and activities involved. David Shaw presented the financial situation. They would like the council to consider monetary donations for yearly expenses and vacating a street. Chief Scott Fox explained Chief of Police report. Mayor Runningen thanked Scott and his officers for the hard work on domestic violence and explained to council they had just received an award for this work. Utility Superintendent Brent Frazier reviewed his departments’ activities. Mayor Wayne Runningen asked Brent Frazier to explain agenda item Wastewater Treatment Facility Pumper. Brent explained that the city has had a large number of rags and towels in our pumps over the past three years. The cost of removing these rags is approximately $1000 each time. The City found that West Central Turkeys was a large source and they have corrected their problem. Rags are still coming from the residential areas. They have looked at items to remove rags. The best option seems to be a grinder that chews up the towels. The pump company estimated the cost being $34,000 to $35,000. Brent recommended the City of Pelican Rapids purchase a chewer. Council Member Dave Gottenborg explained that he would come and look at the situation and discuss it at next month’s meeting. Street and Parks Superintendent Vern Benson reported on his departments’ activities. Library Director Pam Westby explained that they have tripled their circulation numbers from last July and reported on activities at the Library. Council reviewed the Liquor Store Manager’s report on liquor store sales found in their packet. Council requested that we ask the Liquor Store Manager to be present at council meetings. Council reviewed the Clerk’s Recap for 07-31-03. The investment schedule will be mailed as soon as it is finished. Richard Jenson explained proposed project for 4th Street SE which includes water, sewer, curb, gutter, storm drain and paving at a cost of $167,600. The City pays 80% of storm drain costs with the rest of the project being assessed to property owners. The next step in process is to accept the report and call for public hearing. Council discussed figures. Motion by Dave Gottenborg, seconded by Denise Magnusson to introduce the following resolution, entitled RESOLUTION RECEIVING REPORT AND CALLING HEARING ON IMPROVEMENT OF 4TH ST SE BETWEEN 6TH AVE SE TO A POINT APPROXIMATELY 600 FEET NORTHERLY THEREOF, setting a Public Hearing for 09-08-03 at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall Council Chambers. Mayor Runningen and Council Members Gottenborg, Magnusson, Waller and Woessner voted yes. Motion carried and resolution declared duly adopted. Wayne Runningen explained possibilities of hiring a replacement for retiring Superintendent of Parks and Streets Vern Benson. Motion by Ben Woessner, seconded by John Waller to authorize the hiring of this position from within the department. Woessner withdrew the motion. Discussed position and pros and cons of hiring from within and/or why we should accepting applications from outside the city employees. Motion by Denise Magnusson, seconded by Dave Gottenborg to open position up to public for application for Superintendent of Parks and Streets. Motion carried. Discussed the need for a personnel committee to oversee the hiring process. Motion by Denise Magnusson, seconded by Ben Woessner to close applications on the 29th of August with John Waller and Wayne Runningen on the personnel committee for Superintendent of Parks and Streets position. Motion carried. Council discussed letter from a student requesting more entertainment in Pelican Rapids. Dave Gottenborg explained that we should respond to the letter and address some issues. Pam Westby explained that it was good to hear that there is an interest and she would look into at the library. Waller asked that the letter be forwarded to the Chamber and other groups. Richard Jenson agreed to write a response letter. Richard Jenson explained that there is a mess now on Mill Avenue but by the end of the week there should be class 5 laid down. The first phase on West Mill is scheduled to be done on September 20th. The bridge work will begin next week. Wayne Runningen explained that our renters at the house located by the airport have decided to move to town and will be ending their contract in November. The house has wood heat and no one on the council or employees present have been in the house for years. Richard will speak with them about touring the home. Richard Jenson explained that the closing is set for August 20 at 2:00 p.m. for the Glendale Manufacturing Building being purchased in the Industrial Park. Wayne Runningen explained that hazardous waste day will be Wednesday, August 13, 2003 from 10 am to 2 pm. This will be run by the county and but we need to provide workers and dinner for employees. Anyone who would like to help please show up at the garage. Motion by John Waller, seconded by Dave Gottenborg to certify Parcel R76000668000 for $180.42 and Trailer Court C8 for $216.41 bills to the county. Motion carried. Mayor Runningen explained that the budget needs to be started and we need a budget committee. Motion by John Waller, seconded by Denise Magnusson to appoint Wayne Runningen and Dave Gottenborg to Budget Committee. Motion carried. Council discussed feelings on the Codes Plus company. Meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Julie Lammers Assistant Deputy Clerk-Treasurer