City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-06-28-05 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session on Tuesday, 06-28-05, at 4:00 p.m., Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members David Gottenborg, Ben Woessner, John E. Waller, III, and Richard Peterson were present. No one was absent. Administrator Don Solga, Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Police Chief Scott Fox and Rob Sandstrom were also present. Mayor Runningen called the meeting to order. The following items were added to the agenda: Park Region Cooperative Billing Penalties, Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License, Application to Conduct a Raffle and Budget Committee. Council reviewed the 06-28-05 Accounts Payable Listing. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to approve the 06-28-05 Accounts Payable Listing as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen explained the Well No. 14 utility bill for Park Region Cooperative. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Peterson to accept payment of $12,850 for the period September, 2004 through June, 2005 and to delete the penalties of $3,484.97 for this billing only. Motion passed unanimously. No library report was presented. The liquor store report was distributed. Administrator Don Solga reported on the public nuisance properties. “Everyone I’ve talked to has been very receptive to correcting the problem. I think this has been a good way to achieve compliance rather than sending the administrative penalty right away. We’re going in a positive direction. I’m going to continue to contact people in person before we send the second letter,” Solga concluded. Administrator Don Solga presented an update on the Park Board. He discussed walking bridge improvements and potential park property. The Park Board recommended the City purchase property along the Pelican River to add to the park system. Council discussed property. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to approach owner and offer $17,000 for the property. Motion passed unanimously. Rob Sandstrom reported on the Police and Fire Department Chaplaincy Program. The program is established to serve the police, fire departments, families and victims. The purpose is to provide a nondenominational presence at times when people are dealing with terrible news. Rob Sandstrom has completed a training period of course work and training with the Minneapolis Police Department. The program is provided on a volunteer basis to the community. It is supported by the Pelican Rapids Ministerial Association. The City of Pelican Rapids received the summary from Otter Tail County of Board of Review meeting of 04-27-05. The County accepted the City Council’s recommended actions. Administrator Don Solga requested Council action to authorize hiring an additional seasonal park employee at $6.72 per hour if necessary. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to authorize above. Motion passed unanimously. Mayor Runningen reviewed the Economic Development Authority’s discussion to have a preliminary design drafted by Gene Miller, engineer, for airport development plan. Motion by Waller, seconded by Peterson to authorize Gene Miller to draft a preliminary design for airport development. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Waller to approve an Off-Sale Malt Liquor License Renewal to Patrick Serquina on behalf of Pelican Cash-N-Dash for the term of one year beginning 07-01-05. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to designate Mayor Runningen and Council Member Gottenborg to be part of the Budget Committee with Administrator Don Solga. Motion passed unanimously. Council discussed the VFW Post’s request for a Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Woessner to approve the VFW Post 5252’s request for a Temporary 3.2% Malt Liquor License to conduct an on-sale beer operation at the VFW parking lot at 29 1st Ave. NW in the City of Pelican Rapids for the term of one day, beginning 07-23-05 at 12:00 noon and ending 07-23- 05 at 12:00 midnight. Motion passed unanimously. Council was notified of an Application for Exempt Permit for St. Leonard’s Church to conduct a raffle on 10-12-05 at 36 1st Ave. NE in the City of Pelican Rapids. Council discussed bus fare for senior citizen trips to the Senior Center for nutrition program and Prism Child Care Program. These passengers will not be required to pay the .50 per ride charge. Motion passed unanimously. Monte Eastvold of Northland Securities, Inc. presented information on sale of street improvement bonds in the amount of $315,000. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to introduce the following written resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION AWARDING SALE OF $315,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION IMPROVEMENT BONDS, SERIES 2005A, FIXING THE FORM AND SPECIFICATIONS THEREOF, PROVIDING FOR THEIR EXECUTION AND DELIVERY, AND PROVIDING FOR THEIR PAYMENT. (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. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to sell the $315,000 General Obligation Improvement Bonds to Northland Securities. Motion passed unanimously. Council discussed possibilities of bonding to construct an additional airport hangar. Administrator Don Solga said the Liquor Store Manager plans to hire a temporary, full time employee for the summer months. Council Member Waller brought up neighboring communities’ ordinances to fence above ground pools. Meeting adjourned at 5:40 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Clerk-Treasurer