Council Meeting

Regular Council Meeting October 15, 2024 Mayor Stan Townsend called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. In attendance were Darwin Sietsema, Brian Baartman, Chris McCurdy, and Stu Peterson. Also in attendance were Don & Cilla Hughes, Glen Petersen, Kaitlyn Gleis, and Darrin Haroldson. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all in attendance. Minutes of the September meeting were approved by M/Baartman 2/Peterson/cd unanimously. Don & Cilla Hughes from Buffalo Ridge State Agency were here to discuss the renewal application for the city’s insurance. A waiver limit form from LMCIT (League of MN Cities Insurance Trust) for liability coverage was discussed and needs to be signed yearly. It was decided to DO NOT WAIVE by M/Sietsema 2/Baartman/cd unanimously. The renewal application was approved by M/Peterson 2/McCurdy/cd unanimously. Wastewater Supervisor, Darrin Haroldson gave the council his report for the month of September and answered the council’s questions. It was approved to update the Kamstrup meter hardware and software for reading meters for $3190.00 by M/Baartman 2/Peterson/cd unanimously. The back parking lot at the Community Center is in need of replacement. Two (2) bids were received to replace 6342 square feet from Steenstra Brothers Construction for $54,142.50 and from Martinez Contracting for $54,400.00. It was approved to accept the bid from Steenstra Brothers Construction for $54,142.50 by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. A building permit for Brian Bahner for a 21’x 31’ concrete pad with 20’ x 30’ steel carport at 521 Leo Avenue was approved by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. The September bills were presented and approved by M/Peterson 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. Receipts = $24,268.80 Disbursements = $26,693.82 Administrative Notice of Violation of City Codes and Required Action for Abatement of Violations were sent out to Clara Haase & Rodney Hartson for Violation 90.18, 90.20, and 92.16(c) - Junk Motor, Inoperable Vehicles(s) and Public Nuisance Affecting Health; Violation 92.21(a) and 92.21(b)(3) – Building Maintenance and Appearance; Violation of Minnesota Statute 463.15 – Building Maintenance and Appearance at 410 Cleveland Street; and to Byron & Bonnie Stelton for Violation 92.18(H) Nuisance Affecting Peace and Safety to public service vehicles at 451 Evans Street. The notices were sent out on September 11, 2024. Both parties had 20 days to rectify the violations or come to the meeting tonight. Neither of the parties showed up to this meeting. Attorney Glen Petersen was here to discuss with the council the next steps that need to be taken to resolve these issues. It was approved to sign Abatement Order to Clara Haase & Rodney Hartson for Violations 90.18, 90.20, 92.16(c), 92.21(a) and 92.21(b)(3) by M/Sietsema 2/Baartman/cd unanimously. Violation of Minnesota Statute 463.15 was tabled. It was approved to sign Abatement Order to Byron & Bonnie Stelton for Violation 92.18(H) by M/Baartman 2/Sietsema/cd unanimously. These orders will be hand delivered by the Pipestone County Sheriff’s Department. The meeting went into closed session at 6:00 p.m. to discuss issues requested by City Clerk/Treasurer Rochelle VanderWoude. The meeting adjourned at 6:40 p.m. by M/Baartman 2/Peterson/cd. Rochelle VanderWoude Ruthton City Clerk/Treasurer