City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-05-30-06 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session on Tuesday, 05-30-06, at 4:30 p.m., in Council Chambers, City Hall, 315 N. Broadway. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Ben Woessner, John E. Waller, III, David Gottenborg and Richard Peterson were present. No one was absent. Administrator Don Solga, Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Police Chief Scott Fox, Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson, Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie, Rob Sandstrom and Dan Skinner, Brandon Tweeton, and Brian Stuvland of the Pelican Rapids Jaycees were also present. Chris McConn of Interstate Engineering attended the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Brooke Ingleman was also present at 5:55 p.m. Meeting called to order by Mayor Runningen. The Park Board Report and Pedestrian Crossing Signs were listed twice on the agenda so items 15. And 18. were deleted. Minnesota Pollution Control Agency meeting report on Well No. 14 was added to item 5. The Jaycee Temporary Beer License and VFW Temporary Beer License requests were also added to the agenda. Liquor Store Manager Bob Leslie spoke to Council regarding the Liquor Store roof repair concerns. Dan Skinner of the Pelican Rapids Jaycees presented the Jaycee’s request for a change in location for their street dance and a request to permit 18 years and older people to attend the dance. The street dance is scheduled for Saturday, 07-15-06, and the location is West Mill. Council Members discussed concerns. Police Chief Scott Fox reported that there would be more noise complaints at this location. He also recommended against permitting 18, 19 and 20 year olds in the beer garden dance area. He said there would be increased potential of under aged drinking. The Jaycees will have additional security people, use a wrist band system along with identification and provide the required liability insurance for the event. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Gottenborg to approve the Pelican Rapids Jaycees request and permit the Street Dance to be open to those 18 years old and older. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Waller to approve the Temporary Beer License for the Pelican Rapids Jaycees for July 15th to 1:00 a.m. of July 16th, to conduct a street dance on West Mill, subject to the agreed upon list of requirements. Motion passed unanimously. Rob Sandstrom reported on the past year as chaplain of the City of Pelican Rapids Police and Fire Departments. Administrator Don Solga reviewed In-Street Pedestrian Crosswalk Signs to locate at the mid-block crosswalk on Hwy. 59, 4th Ave., 5th Ave. and 7th Ave., also on Hwy. 59. Council agreed. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Waller to hire Brooke Lowen as a Temporary Park Employee for 25 hours to plant flowers and weed in the parks at the rate of $6.15 per hour. Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson recommended hiring Brooke Lowen. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to hire the following lifeguards, as recommended by Aquatic Director Jessica Zsedeny: Brandon Haugrud, Jill Hesteness, Alexandra Thorson, Jaclyn Grefsrud, Christa Zsedeny, Kirsten Haugrud and Kelcey Lass. The rate of pay for these experienced lifeguards is $7.33 per hour. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga presented information from the Park Board. The Park Board has approved three park kiosks. The Rotary Club of Pelican Rapids has donated a kiosk for the Rotary Suspension Bridge. The Birding Trail Committee is donating a kiosk about the Birding Trail and Oktoberfest Committee plans to donate a kiosk about Pelican Pete in connection with the statue’s 50th birthday in 2007. City Council discussed the Park Board’s recommendation to temporarily remove the skate park equipment due to vandalism. Council Member Woessner said he didn’t think removing the equipment was the answer. Council Member Gottenborg agreed. Council directed the street department to have the skate park sign repaired and replaced and the police department to move skateboarders out of the area until the sign is reposted. City Council also requested the police department enforce the “no bicycles” rule for use of the skateboard equipment. Pursuant to due call and published notice thereof, the City Council conducted a public hearing at 6:00 p.m. to discuss issues and address all comments related to the City of Pelican Rapids Part 2 Wellhead Protection Plan. Chris McConn of Interstate Engineering reviewed the Part 2 Wellhead Protection Plan. No comments were received at the hearing or submitted in writing prior to the meeting. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to close the hearing at 6:15 p.m. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to adopt the Part 2 Wellhead Protection Plan. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the costs for Well No. 14 and the water fund budget. The Rate Study Committee recommends a base rate increase to $10.00, effective 06-01-06. Mayor Runningen reported on a meeting with Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA). MPCA has taken responsibility for the site as of May 8th. Expenses in the past are not their responsibility. This project is an emergency project by MPCA until July 1. After July 1, the MPCA begins a new budget year and they will put the replacement well out as a bid item. Whatever the Petrofund approves as a reasonable expense prior to May 8th, the City will be reimbursed. However, if it is not a reimbursable expense prior to May 8th, it will not be reimbursable after May 8th. Going forward the City of Pelican Rapids should not have any expenses to mitigate Well No. 14 or for establishing a replacement well. The City will have expenses due to additional maintenance for other wells. The City’s remaining wells are being pumped more than would be required if Well No. 14 was functioning. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Peterson to raise the water base rate by $2.50 for residential, commercial and industrial customers, effective 06-01-06. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reported on the Planning Commission’s Spring Tour. The Planning Commission identified about 50 properties as public nuisances. The process will start with letters from the city administrator. Solga also said seven citations will be issued next week under the public nuisance ordinance. Motion by Waller, seconded by Peterson to approve Wayne Stoa of Stoa Plumbing & Heating for Plumber’s Registration List. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the proposal for Lake Country Service Cooperative to conduct the City’s health and safety training in 2006 at a cost of $5200. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to authorize the contract with Lake Country Service Cooperative and payment in the amount of $5200 for annual health and safety training program. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to require payroll direct deposit for new employees. Mayor Runningen, Council Members Gottenborg, Waller and Woessner voted yes. Council Member Peterson voted no. Motion carried. Administrator Don Solga reviewed a request from Jane Aschnewitz to hire an employee through the Experience Works program. Motion by Waller, seconded by Peterson to authorize participation in the Experience Works program to hire an employee for Historic City Hall. Action on Boy Scout Letter was postponed to 06-12-06 council meeting. Administrator Don Solga said there will be an informational meeting on 06-07-06, at the Senior Center from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon for public transit. The advisory meeting is in the City of Otter Tail on 06-08-06. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Waller to approve VFW Temporary Beer License, subject to the agreed upon list of requirements. Motion passed unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Clerk-Treasurer