City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-06-29-04 The City of Pelican Rapids Council met in regular session at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, 06- 29-04, in Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Ben Woessner, Denise Magnusson and John E. Waller, III, were present. Council Member David Gottenborg was absent. Deputy Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Police Chief Scott Fox, Street and Park Superintendent Tom Soberg, City Attorney Greg Larson of Svingen, Hagstrom, Karkela, Cline & Dirks, Gary Nansen and John Green of Larson-Peterson Ulteig, David Shultz of Shultz Torgerson Architects, John Gorton of the Jaycees and Marion Kershner of Otter Tail County Public Health Department were also present. Mayor Runningen called meeting to order. Additions to the agenda: Park Tobacco Free Policy, E.L. Peterson Park Signage and Weeds/Long Grass. City Engineer Gary Nansen presented a report to the City Council regarding the seal coat bids received on 06-22-04. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to accept the low bid of Morris Sealcoat & Trucking, Inc., in the amount of $65,665.50 and award the contract in this amount as bid for the 2004 Seal Coat Project. Motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Greg Larson reviewed options regarding the proposed scooter or go- ped Ordinance. One option is to pass an ordinance that would not allow use of go- peds on any public street, walkway or any other publicly owned land, including school grounds, park property, etc. A second option would allow use on any public street and publicly owned land, excluding Hwy 108 and Hwy 59, and also excluding walkways designated for pedestrian travel. A third option would be for the City to wait for clarification by the state before regulating within the city limits. Larson said, “The third option would best prevent exposing the City to questions that are unable to be answered at this time. It is my recommendation that the City hold off on regulating the use of go-peds until the state legislature has established proper guidelines for doing so.” Police Officers would use the Public Nuisance Ordinance or other laws to address problems that might arise. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Waller to accept City Attorney Greg Larson’s recommendation and use officer discretion to regulate use of motorized scooters. Motion passed unanimously. Nansen introduced John Green of Ulteig Corporation who has joined the Detroit Lakes office. John Gorton addressed City Council regarding the Jaycees’ request to hold a Beer Garden and Dance on Saturday, 07-10-04, during the Turkey Festival. Mayor Runningen noted that any complaints about noise would need to be addressed and may require them to reduce the band’s volume. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Magnusson to approve the Jaycees request for a Temporary Beer License, subject to rules and regulations submitted with the application and attached to the license and receipt of liquor liability insurance. Motion passed unanimously. City Attorney Greg Larson reviewed the statutorily established road north of the 1st St. NW bridge. Crane Johnson Lumber and 1st Christian Church of Jesus Christ are neighboring property owners who are served by the road. Motion by Waller, seconded by Woessner to have Larson make a determination of ownership of the road in question. Motion passed unanimously. Architect David Shultz, Shultz Torgerson Architects, reported on discussions with Cleary Building, the apparent low bidder on the Public Works Garage, regarding bid specifications and contract obligations. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to request City’s legal council, Svingen, Hagstrom, Karkela, Cline & Dirks, to examine documents and report back to the City Council by 07-12-04 or earlier if possible. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to authorize Police Chief Scott Fox to interview candidates for a part time police officer position. Motion passed unanimously. Street and Park Superintendent Tom Soberg provided information on the state bid for a public works pickup. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Waller to authorize purchase of a public works pick-up at the state bid price of $17,858 from Elk River Ford. Motion also authorizes purchase of a Boss V Plow at a cost of $4,300 from Burt’s of Fargo. Motion passed unanimously. Soberg provided a quote of $770 for design, removal of old decals and installation of the new ones. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Waller to authorize Art Trim of Fargo to accomplish decal work at a cost $770 as described. Motion passed unanimously. Soberg said LaVonne Benson has offered to come in a couple of days a week to help with the park flowers. Soberg recommends paying Benson $7.00 per hour based on her experience. Motion by Waller, seconded by Magnusson to hire Lavonne Benson as temporary park help at $7.00 per hour to help with flower beds. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen reviewed project to provide signage to the E. L. Peterson Park. The Park Board has approved the project. A $200 donation from VFW Post 5252 Auxiliary and $200 from Fire Department will cover half of the $811 cost. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Waller to approve project and pay for balance of the signs. Motion passed unanimously. Council Member Magnusson reviewed the Park Board’s recommended Resolution Establishing Tobacco-Free Policy. Marion Kershner of the Public Health Department spoke in favor of the Tobacco-Free Zone in city parks and recreational facilities. Motion by Waller, seconded by Woessner to introduce the following resolution, entitled RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING TOBACCO-FREE POLICY. (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 discussed complaints of weeds and long grass with Superintendent Soberg. He said letters have been mailed to correct problem. Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Deputy Clerk-Treasurer