Council Meeting

Regular Council Meeting August 7, 2023 Mayor Stan Townsend called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. In attendance were Darwin Sietsema, Brian Baartman and Chris McCurdy. Absent was Kathy Rupp. Also in attendance were Chief Deputy Sheriff Mike Hamann, Mark Klema, Linda Petersen, Kay Burch, Rebecca Rupp, Kody Burch, and Darrin Haroldson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Minutes of the July meeting were approved by M/Sietsema 2/Baartman/cd unanimously. Pipestone County Chief Deputy Sheriff, Mike Hamann, was invited to discuss dirt bikes and golf carts. He stated that there have been six (6) driving complaints this summer with four (4) dealing with dirt bikes and/or golf carts and kids being underage for driving them. He informed the council that dirt bikes are not allowed on city streets and highways. Deputy Hamann said the Sheriff’s department are trying to be proactive and that parents need to be more vigilant. The departments plan for discipline is to tow the dirt bikes and golf cars and the offenders would have to deal with getting the bike or golf cart back Mark Klema from Bollig Engineering presented the Preliminary Engineering Report (PER). The report recommends replacing the water tower rather than rehabilitating it due to the extensive repair requirements and the presence of lead paint. It was also recommended to replace the water treatment facility due to its aging unit and the concerns of having the current facility in the city shop. The report showed that well replacement was not needed as they have good capacity and are operating adequately. It was also recommended to put auxiliary valves on water hydrants and to add looping. The estimated cost for the recommended projects is $8.6 million. This report has given the council a lot to discuss. Mr. Klema stressed that the PER was a big picture and that any decisions are not made in stone. Minds can be changed. It was discussed to approve and authorize Bollig Engineering to submit the Preli8minary Engineering Report and Environmental Report to appropriate funding agencies by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. Wastewater Supervisor, Darrin Haroldson gave the council his report for the month of July and answered the council’s questions. It was discussed and approved the have Dean Brandt Heating & Air Conditioning replace the air conditioner in the small room of the Community Center for $2100.00 by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. A building permit for Gary Wabeke for a 9’ x 55’ driveway replacement and for a 10’ x 16’ patio pad at 330 Leo Avenue was approved by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. The July bills were presented and approved by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. Renewal of liquor license for Stubb’s Pub was approved pending proof of liquor liability insurance by M/Baartman 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. Ordinance 2023-02; An Interim Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on the Operation of Cannabis Businesses within the City of Ruthton until January 1, 2025, was approved by M/Sietsema 2/Baartman/cd unanimously. A Summary of Ordinance 2023-02 for publication was approved by M/Sietsema 2/Baartman/cd unanimously. Ordinance 2023-03; An Ordinance Prohibiting the Use of Marijuana Products in Public Places and School Zones in the City of Ruthton was approved by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. A Summary of Ordinance 2023093 for publication was approved by M/Sietsema 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. It was discussed and decided to pre-buy LP from Nutrien Ag Solutions for the Well-Site, Lift Station and Community Center 2000 gallons at $1.50/gallon and from Cenex Harvest States up to 4000 gallons at $1.499/gallon for the City Shop and Fire Hall by M/Baartman 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. by M/Baartman 2/McCurdy/cd. Rochelle VanderWoude Ruthton City Clerk/Treasurer