City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-08-08-05 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 5:30 p.m., Monday, 08- 08-05, in Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Ben Woessner, John E. Waller, III and Richard Peterson were present. Council Member David Gottenborg was absent. Administrator Don Solga, Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Police Chief Scott Fox, Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson, Utilities Superintendent Brent E. Frazier, Library Director Pam Westby, Gene Miller, Wayne Johnson and Tom Hintgen of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Meeting called to order by Mayor Wayne Runningen. Agenda additions: Pelican Press-Street Parking, Zoning Codes, Go-Peds Motion by Waller, seconded by Peterson to approve the minutes of 07-11, 07-15 and 07-26-05 as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Waller to approve the 08-08-05 Accounts Payable Listing as presented. Motion passed unanimously. Police Chief Scott Fox reported on activities in his department. He explained that the Police Department usually assists the Sheriff’s Department eight to ten times a month and in July they assisted the Sheriff’s Department 17 times. Fox is reviewing the assists to assure the City is not responding unless it is necessary and in accordance with policy. He also reviewed the state law regarding go-peds. Utilities Superintendent Brent E. Frazier reviewed the water and wastewater departments. Monitoring wells have been drilled on Park Region Property to continue testing for benzene. Thein Well Company has drilled two test wells to replace Well No. 14. The first site in the Industrial Park appears to be the most favorable site. Frazier reported that the lagoon experiment of re-circulating water to reduce odors is not working. Pat Risenour of Interstate Engineering will continue checking on fixed aerators as a solution. Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson reported on activities in the departments. Trees have been removed in the park and on the boulevards. Corn oil has been used instead of calcium chloride to dust guard the gravel streets. Pool was closed from noon Friday through today due to a sewer backup. That has been cleared and the pool has reopened. However, there is a break in the service line that needs attention. The park fence has been installed. Council Member Woessner said he has received positive comments on the park fence. Library Director Pam Westby reported on the increase of Interlibrary Loans. The entire library system had a virus that shut down the computers for four days and may affect circulation for the month. “Net tax capacity looks to increase 15% translating to an increase in non-resident reimbursement for the library. The City’s funding support helps the library secure a larger portion of the pie,” Westby said. Gene Miller presented information on airport land development for a residential use with airplane hangars, taxiways and roads. Chairman of the Scambler Township Board Wayne Johnson was present for discussion. The airport is located in Scambler Township. Council Member and Airport Committee Chairman Peterson said he thought the Council needed to think about the process more. Administrator Don Solga will continue to check on legal process. “Sales are up and inventory is down,” said Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie. He reviewed year to date sales that are up $40,000 from 2004 and $76,000 from 2003. Administrator Don Solga reviewed information from financial advisors at Northland Securities regarding bonding costs to build a hangar. The recommendation is to pursue a bank loan locally for hangar construction. Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert presented the 07-31-05 financial reports. Hazardous Waste Collection Day will be held in the City of Pelican Rapids on Wednesday, 08-10-05, by the City Hall garage. Administrator Don Solga has met with other regional cities including the City of Fergus Falls, the City of Perham and Otter Tail County. City Council Members are invited to a program on 09-20-05 at the Bigwood Event Center in Fergus Falls. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the amendment for the Mn/DOT Agreement No. 87292. Motion by Waller, seconded by Peterson to authorize the mayor and administrator to sign the amendment. Motion passed unanimously. Council discussed the letter from Barb Maack, owner of the Pelican Rapids Ambulance Service indicating that the service is available for sale. Council discussed the proposal. Council Member Woessner discussed parking problems on Midway Ave. near the Senior Citizen Center. Motion by Woessner, seconded by Peterson to designate no parking on the south side of Midway Ave. Motion passed unanimously. Council Member Peterson reviewed the residential zoning requirements for a garage. Planning Commission may consider reviewing metal roofing requirements. Council discussed various budget considerations. Meeting adjourned at 8:08 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, Clerk-Treasurer