City Council

City of Pelican Rapids Council Meeting Minutes - 03-08-04 The City Council of the City of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, 03-08-04, in Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members John Waller III, Ben Woessner, Denise Magnusson and Dave Gottenborg were present. No one was absent. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson, Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Police Chief Scott Fox, Economic Developer Skip Carpenter and Rick Gail of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Mayor Runningen called the meeting to order. There were no additions to the agenda. Mayor Runningen opened the Thompson Park Department of Natural Resources Grant Application public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Economic Developer Skip Carpenter reviewed the project scope and the type of activities involved; implementation schedule; overall cost and the proposed financing for the project. The scope of the project would include a soccer field, hockey rink, ice skating rink, warming house, basketball court, playground area, restrooms, and park furniture and landscaping. The estimated cost is $109,308. Matching funding from the city or half the amount to total $54,654, would be provided by the school district, West Central Turkeys, Green Thumb, the City of Pelican Rapids and funds from the Thompson Estate. No development costs will be assessed to community residents. Carpenter also reviewed the projected Thompson Park operation and maintenance budget for 20 years. No members of the public spoke about the project. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to close the Thompson Park public hearing. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Magnusson, seconded by Waller to file the grant application for Thompson Park with the Department of Natural Resources as reviewed and to authorize the Mayor to sign the application. Motion passed unanimously. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson discussed committee recommendations for JOBZ criteria. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to set the hearing about JOBZ criteria for 03-30-04 at 4:00 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Motion Magnusson, seconded by Waller to approve the minutes of 02-09-04 and 02-24-04 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Council reviewed the Accounts Payable Listing of 03-08-04. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve the Accounts Payable Listing of 03-08-04 as presented with the following additions: Bradco, fire hall brick work in the amount of $1289; All Building Corporation, Old City Hall Exterior in the amount of $39,556. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to approve the library bills as presented, subject to signature of the library board representative after their board meeting on 03-10-04. Motion passed unanimously. Police Chief Scott Fox presented his report. He said the check collection policy has been implemented. Checks that are turned into the department are forwarded to Check Diversion as approved last year. He also reported the department's dog, Justice, is getting older and he requested direction from the City Council concerning replacement costs which can run about $8,000 to $10,000. Fox would like to see what interest there is in the community in purchasing a new dog and request donations. The department's dog has assisted with many searches and helped with public relations for the police officers. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to authorize Police Chief Scott Fox to obtain more information on costs and to send letters requesting donations from the community service organizations. Motion passed unanimously. Utility Superintendent Brent Frazier is currently attending wastewater school in St. Cloud. Administrative Assistant Richard A. Jenson presented a report on the activities in the water and sewer departments. Street and Park Superintendent Tom Soberg is on vacation. There were no items to bring to council for his departments. Council reviewed the Liquor Store Report. Council determined to have a physical inventory of the Liquor Store on 04-01-04. Mayor Runningen discussed a new computer for the city administrator's office. This purchase would also allow the older computer to go to the Liquor Store for use with the security cameras. Funds are available as part of the 2004 Budget. Council Member Woessner requested local vendors be offered the opportunity to provide a quote. Council will consider on 03-30-04 meeting. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert reviewed the 02-29-04 financial reports. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve the Fire Contract with the area townships and cities as reviewed by Jenson. The contract period is 2005 through 2009. A major issue agreed upon by townships and cities was to set up a fund which would accumulate to $90,000. Each township/city would contribute to the fund annually, and when the designated amount is reached, a new fire truck would be purchased. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen reviewed the Health Care Savings Plan Policy with the Minnesota State Retirement System (MSRS). Plan will allow employees with at least ten years of continuous service with the city to save money on a pre-tax basis to pay medical expenses and/or health insurance premiums after retirement. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to approve the CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS HEALTH CARE SAVINGS PLAN POLICY. (A complete text of this policy is part of permanent public record in the City Clerk's Office.) Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reviewed a water engineering project: control system, telemetry to wells and other items at the water plant. Contract for design phase would not exceed $16,850. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Magnusson to approve the water engineering project design phase with Interstate Engineering at a cost not to exceed $16,850. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reviewed a draft agreement with Gordon Gugel approving city payment not to exceed $750, to Marty Hanson, plumber, to connect sewer in the Gugel house to the sewer service line. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to authorize the agreement subject to Gordon Gugel's signature. Motion passed unanimously. Jenson reviewed a proposed resolution supporting legislation to provide improved funding options for city street improvements. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to approve RESOLUTION NO. 3904 - A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE IMPROVED FUNDING OPTIONS FOR CITY STREET IMPROVEMENTS. (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk's office.) Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Running reviewed a resolution regarding proposals to amend the State Constitution to institute tax and expenditure limitations at the state, and potentially local, levels of government. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approve RESOLUTION NO. 3804 - A RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE TAX AND EXPENDITURE LIMITATION PROPOSALS (TaBOR and Similar Proposals). (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk's office.) Motion passed unanimously. Incomplete information was available to certify unpaid utility bill to the county auditor for collection. Matter will be considered at next council meeting. Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer