City Council

CITY OF PELICAN RAPIDS COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES-06-12-06 The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session on Monday, 06-12-06, at 5:30 p.m., in Council Chambers, City Hall. Mayor Wayne Runningen, Council Members Ben Woessner, Richard Peterson, John E. Waller, III and David Gottenborg were present. Administrator Don Solga, Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert, Utilities Superintendent Brent E. Frazier, Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson and Kelley Gorman of the Pelican Rapids Press were also present. Mayor Runningen called meeting to order. Economic Development Fund was added to the agenda and the Fire Hall was added to the Fire Department Report. Motion by Waller, seconded by Woessner to approve minutes of 04-19-06 and 04- 25-06 Board of Review meetings and 05-08-06 and 05-15-06 as presented. Minutes of 05-30-06 were corrected to read that “Jaycees Street Dance will be open to those 18 years and older.” Motion passed unanimously. Council reviewed the Accounts Payable Listing of 06-12-06. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Waller to approve the Accounts Payable Listing of 06-12-06 as presented with the addition of Wells Fargo Card Services, Norton Anti-virus updates, in the amount of $96.74. Motion includes approval of the Library’s 06-07-06 Bill Listing as approved by the Library Board. Motion passed unanimously. Utilities Superintendent Brent E. Frazier reported on activities in his department and presented the 2005 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report. Mayor Running read a Certificate of Commendation to Brent Frazier from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for outstanding service at the Wastewater Facility. Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson reported on the airport and swimming pool. He commented that street flower planters are in place and the summer workers have been busy with mowing. He said the curbs and crosswalks have been painted and new parking places have been painted on Hwy. 59. Olson explained the applied rates of corn oil and calcium chloride. The calcium chloride would cost $17,000 and would not be available for four weeks. The corn oil is available in three days. Council agreed to put the corn oil on now and consider another application in late summer in heavily used areas. Administrator Don Solga distributed the Library Report. The Library is working on their disaster plan. Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert presented the 05-31-06 financial reports. Administrator Don Solga presented information on the bids received for Improvement Project No. 71. The apparent low bidder for the project is Delzer Construction, Inc., and the contract amount is $64,494.55. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Waller to award the contract for Improvement Project No. 71, by introducing the following resolution entitled, RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BID FOR IMPROVEMENT PROJECT NO. 71. (A complete text of this resolution is part of permanent public record in the city clerk's office.) Motion passed unanimously and resolution was declared duly adopted. Administrator Don Solga reported that the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the Park Board’s request for a special use permit to install equipment in River Park. The Planning Commission recommended approval of the special use permit with the addition of fencing between the playground and the river. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to accept the Planning Commission’s recommendation and grant a special use permit to build a gazebo approximately 30 ft. from the Pelican River, an amphitheater 50 ft. from the River and playground equipment about 25 ft. from the River, with the requirement of appropriate fencing as needed between the play area and the River. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reported that the Planning Commission also heard a request from Cooper Stewart to do a metes and bounds lot split at 1309 N. Broadway. The zoning is appropriate and meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Gottenborg to approve Cooper Stewart’s request for a lot split at 1309 N. Broadway. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the Fire Department’s proposal to purchase a fire tanker. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to authorize purchase of a tanker truck in 2006 with the lease purchase option based on 100% approval from the townships of proceeding with the truck. Motion passed unanimously. Council reviewed the Boy Scout letter from Anthony Osten regarding a new fire hall facility. Mayor Runningen opened discussion on the Fire Hall. Council Member Peterson said he thinks the City should tell the townships that the City is not interested in a joint powers agreement or shared equity in a fire hall. “It is the City’s fire hall and always has been,” Peterson said. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the history of the fire department. The townships have always had a service contract for sharing in the fire expenses. Motion by Peterson, seconded by Gottenborg to establish that the City of Pelican Rapids is not interested in a joint powers agreement. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the Building Official Contract which has a 60 day change clause. Dave Neisen is the current building official and he is willing to go forward with the current fees and arrangements for September, 2006 through August, 2007 contract year. Motion by Waller, seconded by Gottenborg to approve a contract with Dave Neisen as building official for 2006-2007. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga said that some of the emergency plans that council members have are outdated. Solga said he recommends that Emergency Management DirectorVern Benson provide council members with the most up to date version of the plan. Council was reminded of the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference June 28-30 in St. Cloud. Council Members who wish to attend the conference should contact Clerk-Treasurer Glenys Ehlert. Administrator Don Solga reviewed the situation at 40981 Hwy 59 South. The property owners were invited to the council meeting, but were not in attendance. Pelican Township has agreed to annexation of this property. Motion by Gottenborg, seconded by Waller to authorize the city attorney to draft an ordinance for annexation for 40981 Hwy 59 South. Motion passed unanimously. Administrator Don Solga reported that a Public Transit meeting was held earlier this month. Otter Tail County will operate the system as Transit Alternatives. Steve Skauge of Productive Alternatives will have a draft service agreement to the City soon so the City Council can review the agreement at the 06-27-06 Council meeting. Subject to City Council approval, it is possible that service will be available in Pelican Rapids under the new system around the middle of July. Council Member Gottenborg introduced the discussion of ideas for the budgeted funds for economic development money. He said, “Everyone can see that people are making investments in the community and that’s going to make a difference.” Meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. Glenys Ehlert, CMC Clerk-Treasurer