City Council Meetings

Watertown City Council Mayor Steve Washburn Deborah Everson Lindsay Guetzkow Adam Pawelk Michael Walters 11/24/2020 - Minutes 1. Call To Order And Roll Call Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the regular meeting of the Watertown City Council was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2020 in the Council Chambers of City Hall by Mayor Steve Washburn. Council Members present: Washburn, Michael Walters, Deborah Everson, Lindsay Guetzkow, and Adam Pawelk. City Staff present at City Hall: City Administrator Shane Fineran and Clerk Treasurer Lynn Tschudi. The pledge of allegiance was recited. 2. Adopt Agenda EVERSON MOVED, PAWELK SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3. Consent Agenda Discussion And Approval GUETZKOW MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.A. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes Of November 10, 2020 3.B. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Of November 10, 2020 3.C. Adopt A Motion To Approve City Council Special Meeting Minutes Of November 13, 2020 3.D. Consider Resolution #2020-136, Adopting Employee Handbook Revisions 3.E. Consider Resolution #2020-137, Approving Ricoh Machine Rental Agreement 3.F. Consider Resolution #2020-138, Approving 2021 Fire Protection Contract Rates 3.G. Consider Resolution #2020-140, Denial Of Site Plan And Related Improvements At 600 Paul Avenue Submitted By DGOGLLC 3.H. Consider Resolution #2020-139, Accepting Grant Award Funds For The Election  3.F. Consider Resolution #2020-138, Approving 2021 Fire Protection Contract Rates 3.G. Consider Resolution #2020-140, Denial Of Site Plan And Related Improvements At 600 Paul Avenue Submitted By DGOGLLC 3.H. Consider Resolution #2020-139, Accepting Grant Award Funds For The Election 3.I. Approve Pay Application #3 – Final For 2019 Mill & Overlay Project 3.J. Consider Resolution #2020-142, Establishing Polling Place For 2021 3.K. Consider Resolution #2020-135, Accepting Donation For Park Bench 3.L. Approve Pay Application #1 - Well #1 Chemical Feed 4. Open Forum 5. New/Old Business 5.A. Certification Of Delinquent Charges For Payment With Taxes City Administrator Fineran said that all past due utilities and code enforcement invoices will be certified to the resident’s property taxes. Fineran added that there have been no late fees added to utility payments since March 2020. Residents have until December 30 to pay charges at Carver County property taxes to avoid charges being assessed to their taxes. EVERSON MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO OPEN A PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. There were to attendees and no written comment. EVERSON MOVED, GUETZKOW SECONDED A MOTION TO CLOSE A PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION CARRIED. 5-0. GUETZKOW MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-120, ADOPTING CERTIFICATION OF DELINQUENT UTILITY AND OTHER CHARGES FOR SERVICES FOR PAYMENT WITH TAXES IN 2021. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.B. ERU Calculation For Restaurants And Bars City Administrator Fineran said the ERU (equivalent residential unit) calculation was reduced for restaurants and bars and salons back in June after the Governor had closed indoor capacity of these retail shops. The City increased the ERU calculation after the restrictions were removed. Unfortunately, there has been another executive order to close for indoor dining for bars and restaurants due to an increase in COVID-19 cases statewide. Fineran is proposing to reduce the ERU calculation for the bars and restaurants within the City of Watertown. Council Member Walters wishes there was more the council could do to help the businesses of Watertown. Council discussed the importance of shopping local during this difficult time. EVERSON MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION 2020-141 AUTHORIZING THE REDUCTION OF EQUIVALENT RESIDENTIAL UNITS FOR UTILITY BILLING PURPOSES. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.C. Meeting Format Discussion City Administrator Fineran asked Council if they are interested in continuing in person meetings or if they would like to finish the year with virtual meetings. Council Member Pawelk said he agrees with all meetings going virtual through the remainder of 2020 but he supports whatever the council decides. Mayor Washburn supports virtual meetings to keep everyone healthy in the event they would like to self-quarantine prior to the holidays. Walters supports whatever council decides but agrees that going virtual is the safest decision for now. He would like to analyze the meeting structure at the beginning of January in hopes of meeting in person again.  they would like to finish the year with virtual meetings. Council Member Pawelk said he agrees with all meetings going virtual through the remainder of 2020 but he supports whatever the council decides. Mayor Washburn supports virtual meetings to keep everyone healthy in the event they would like to self-quarantine prior to the holidays. Walters supports whatever council decides but agrees that going virtual is the safest decision for now. He would like to analyze the meeting structure at the beginning of January in hopes of meeting in person again. Everson suggested revisiting a hybrid model in the future with the possibility of a live streaming option. Guetzkow agreed with Everson. 6. Other Reports City Administrator Fineran updated the Sunset Ridge Playground is getting installed now. Staff is decorating for Christmas around town and at City Hall. Everson noted the EDA will meet Thursday, December 3. Walters pointed out that there have been 50 building permits issued so far in 2020. Guetzkow updated the EDA will discuss the pandemic business rebate program at their December 3 meeting. Washburn encouraged residents to look for the silver linings in 2020 and have a can-do attitude. The City has created positive good-will this year despite the shut-downs due to COVID-19. 7. Claims PAWELK MOVED, EVERSON SECONDED A MOTION TO APPROVE THE 2020 CLAIMS AS PRESENTED. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 7.A. Approve November 24, 2020 Claims Roster 8. Adjournment GUETZKOW MOVED, WALTERS SECONDED A MOTION TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:21 PM. MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388