City Council Meetings

Watertown City Council Regular Meeting Mayor Michael Walters Kay Thul Adam Pawelk Fred McGuire Dan Schuette 7/25/2023 - 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 in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, by Mayor Mike Walters. Councilmembers present: Mike Walters, Adam Pawelk, Fred McGuire, and Kay Thul. Councilmembers absent: Dan Schuette. City Staff present: City Administrator Jake Foster, Administrative Services Director Margaret Reisdorf, Fire Chief Tom Hanson, and Carver County Deputy RJ Cripps. Others Present: Minnesota State Senator Glenn Gruenhagen, and Minnesota State Representative Bobbie Harder. 2. Adopt Agenda COUNCILMEMBER THUL MOVED TO APPROVE THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COUNCILMEMBER MCGUIRE SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3. Consent Agenda Discussion And Approval COUNCILMEMBER MCGUIRE MOVED TO ADOPT THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. PAWELK SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0. 3.A. 3A - July 11, 2023 City Council Meeting Minutes 3.B. 3B - July 11, 2023 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes 3.C. 3C - Rails To Trails Street Use 2023 3.D. 3D - American Legion Donation 3.E. 3E - June 12, 2023 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes  3.C. 3C - Rails To Trails Street Use 2023 3.D. 3D - American Legion Donation 3.E. 3E - June 12, 2023 City Council Workshop Meeting Minutes 3.F. 3F - Lions Club Temp Liquor License 3.G. 3G - Admin. Services Dir. Resignation And Dep Clerk Reclass 3.H. 3H - Immaculate Conception Church Temp Liquor License 3.I. 3I - Changes To Official Signatories 3.J. 3J - Accept Lions Donation 4. Open Forum Mayor Walters introduced Minnesota State Representative Bobbie Harder and Minnesota State Senator Glenn Gruenhagen and welcomed them to the City of Watertown. He thanked them for their integral work during the most recent legislative sessions to help pass a one-time public safety aid allocation of about $200,000 and a $3 million state grant to help fund the City’s upcoming water tower project. He stated that they were instrumental in obtaining these funds for the city and that their efforts were very appreciated. Minnesota State Representative Bobbie Harder Representative Harder thanked the City Council. She informed that the most recent state legislative sessions were challenging and there were many bills introduced in 2023. She stressed the importance of an efficient and fiscally responsible government. She discussed important and new funding in the amount of $300 million that will support nursing homes throughout the State of Minnesota. She reviewed several concerns about the legislative session. She expressed appreciation for the citizens of the City of Watertown. Minnesota State Senator Glenn Gruenhagen Senator Gruenhagen thanked the City Council. He thanked law enforcement for their dedication. He reviewed the legislative session and items that came out and didn’t come of that session. He stressed local participation at the capital. Carver County Sheriff’s Office Monthly Update Deputy RJ Cripps updated the City Council on an ongoing issue related to vandalism at a local park. He stated that they believe that they have found out who has been doing the vandalism and continue to monitor. He said that there haven’t been any charges yet, but that crime has gone down at that location. Cripps said that he is currently training in a new deputy. Pawelk thanked Cripps for the update and stated that the updates are very appreciated. Walters expressed the desire to reduce warnings and the need to “get tougher” on people. He discussed a recent concern that came to his attention regarding a local resident and then calling the sheriff’s office on “terrorism” against their family. He also referenced cases of illegal ATVs. He thanked Cripps for the proactive work being done and that public safety is a top priority for the community. He expressed appreciation for the sheriff’s office work.  Walters expressed the desire to reduce warnings and the need to “get tougher” on people. He discussed a recent concern that came to his attention regarding a local resident and then calling the sheriff’s office on “terrorism” against their family. He also referenced cases of illegal ATVs. He thanked Cripps for the proactive work being done and that public safety is a top priority for the community. He expressed appreciation for the sheriff’s office work. Cripps informed that the Sheriff’s Office is always listening, takes information seriously and appreciates the support. Fire Department Monthly Update Hanson stated that total calls for the year total 294. Hanson mentioned a specific incident that involved a resident bringing a wet battery inside after a rainfall and how the battery started to flame. He said that the resident was lucky to have placed the battery on a metal tray. Hanson stated that if charging batteries, make sure they are being monitored and that correct chargers are being used with batteries because fires are continuing to be a concern with batteries. 5. New/Old Business 5.A. 5A - LSU Trailer Hanson introduced this item to the City Council. He said that at the April 25, 2023 City Council meeting, the City Council authorized the purchase of a new LSU trailer because of the age of the old (existing) trailer. Hanson stated that the new trailer is in the process of completing its upfitting and will be available for pickup at the end of the month. Hanson explained that the City of Watertown owns and maintains the trailer and that the Carver County Fire Chief’s Association will be reimbursing the city for the initial purchase. Hanson discussed plans for the disposal of the old trailer. He said that the public works department expressed interest in taking and using the trailer to house/transport barricades and other traffic control equipment. He stated that this equipment will be significantly less in weight than what the fire department used it for. He also explained that the trailer would generally stay within city limits and not go long distances like it did before. He said that these two changes in use would reduce the continued wear and tear on the equipment significantly. Hanson informed that the Fair Market Value of the equipment was valued at $3,000. He explained that if it was determined to transfer the trailer to the public works department, that the Fire Chiefs Association would simply reimburse the city of the new trailer minus the $3,000 of the old. Pawelk expressed some concern about the public works department using it at first, but agreed that the department would be using it for less strenuously activities and within city limits. THUL MOVED TO DECLARE THE OLD LSU TRAILER AS SURPLUS EQUIPMENT AND TRANSFERRING THE TRAILER FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND VALUING THE EQUIPMENT AT $3,000. PAWELK SECONDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Pawelk summarized that if a transfer between departments would not have been approved, that the trailer would have been sold and that any revenue from the sale would have gone towards the purchase of the new trailer. 5.B. 5B - Mullen Property Park Naming Foster introduced this item to the City Council.  of the new trailer. 5.B. 5B - Mullen Property Park Naming Foster introduced this item to the City Council. He stated that at the July 17, 2023 Park Commission meeting, the commission considered different options for the name of the park to be located on the recently acquired Mullen property located off of Stevens Point and Grove Ave, adjacent to the Crow River. He informed that the commission considered alternatives submitted by the previous landowner that referenced the original owners, but that due to past practice of not naming parks after people, commissioners considered other options. He informed that the Commission decided and recommended to the City Council naming the park “Prairie Meadow Trails” as it is a trail recreation space. Walters asked if a sign would be constructed and installed with the name of the park. Foster confirmed that a sign would be placed at an entrance near Stevens Point and Grove Avenue. HE said that there will also be a recognition plaque that states that the project was funded by a grant by the MN DNR. Walters said that he liked that the MN DNR would be recognized for their contribution. He expressed gratitude for the project and the support of the monetary grants that made it possible. Pawelk stated that there was great discussion at the Park Commission meeting and happy with the name the Commission recommended. WALTERS MOVED TO APPROVE THE NAMING OF THE MULLEN PROPERTY PARK TO PRAIRIE MEADOW TRAILS, PAWELK SECONDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0. Walters stated that is a great and very fitting name for the park. McGuire asked when the park would be open to the public. Foster informed that it is open now, but that the trails are not mowed yet. He explained that the planting process for wildflower is three years, but that people are able to visit and utilize the site. 6. Other Reports Foster informed that the Carver County Board just approved a housing study in which the City of Watertown and other cities would be included in the study. Foster stated that the Sugarbush playground installation is finished and open for use. Foster stated that the first layer of the pickleball courts is complete and that the second and final layer would be completed at end of the week. Foster thanked Reisdorf for her time with the City of Watertown. The City Council thanked Reisdorf for her time with the City of Watertown and wished her well. Pawelk explained that the Park Commission is continuing to review the Highland Park bathroom and press box renovation projects. He informed that staff has been trying to get quotes for some time and that only one complete bid was received back. He said that it will come back to a future meeting for continued discussion on if staff could do some of the work and what could be done by the contractor. Walters mentioned the upcoming City Festival, Rails to Trails. Walters mentioned the Carver County Housing Study and the hope that it will review different housing types, including the topic of senior housing and needs around that.  one complete bid was received back. He said that it will come back to a future meeting for continued discussion on if staff could do some of the work and what could be done by the contractor. Walters mentioned the upcoming City Festival, Rails to Trails. Walters mentioned the Carver County Housing Study and the hope that it will review different housing types, including the topic of senior housing and needs around that. 7. Claims 7.A. 7A - Claims Packet 7.25.23 PAWELK MOVED TO APPROVE THE JULY 25 th, 2023, CLAIMS PACKET. MCGUIRE SECONDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0. 8. Adjournment MCGUIRE MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING AT 7:21 PM. WALTERS SECONDED. MOTION PASSED 4-0. 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388 ________________________________________________________ Michael Walter, Mayor ATTEST:__________________________________________________ Jake Foster, City Administrator