City Council Meetings

Watertown City Council T Regular Meeting Mayor Michael Walters Adam Pawelk F Fred McGuire Dan Schuette Kay Thul 1. Call To Order And Roll Call A 10/8/2024 - Minutes R 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 6:32 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2024, by Mayor Mike Walters. D Councilmembers present: Mike Walters, Adam Pawelk, Kay Thul and Fred McGuire Councilmember(s) absent: Dan Schuette City staff present: Interim City Administrator Tom Hanson, Administrative Services Director Michael Sommerfeld and City Engineer Philip Schrupp 2. Adopt Agenda COUNCILMEMBER KAY THUL MOVED TO ADOPT THE AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COUNCILMEMBER ADAM PAWELK SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 3. Consent Agenda Discussion And Approval COUNCILMEMBER PAWELK MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. COUNCILMEMBER FRED MCGUIRE SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 3.A. RFA - 2023 Mill And Overlay Pay App 8 Final 3.B. RFA - Kieffer Street Project Closeout 3.C. RFA - Boardwalk Pay App 1 3.D. RFA - 2024-48 Accepting Donations  3.B. RFA - Kieffer Street Project Closeout 3.C. RFA - Boardwalk Pay App 1 3.D. RFA - 2024-48 Accepting Donations 3.E. RFA - SCDP Program Income For Eligible Use 3.F. RFA-License For Utility To Cross State Lands 4. Open Forum T 4.A. Southern Valley Alliance Christine Larson, Director of Southern Valley Alliance came to introduce herself and to share the work they are doing in the community. We are a domestic abuse service provider for all of Scott and Carver counties, and the only provider of comprehensive domestic violence services in the two counties. We F just built and opened out brand new Domestic Abuse Advocacy Center in downtown Shakopee. Last year we also commenced a brand new transitional housing program. Nationally, October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Its a perfect time to spread the word about Southern Valley Alliance and would invite you to connect with us on social media, and share our posts. We have a lot of volunteer opportunities for those interested. Website is: SVAMN.ORG A Also on the Open Forum is Jennifer Ray from Chanhassen, MN to talk about voting and specifically on signature verifications. Ms. Ray presented to the Mayor and Councilmembers that they should pass a resolution or to contact and support all five commissioners on passing a resolution for vetted major party balance in the processes of A to Z on our absentee ballot board for its members. 5. New/Old Business R 5.A. Discussion On Xcel Energy, Hecksel Machine, And Water Tower Project D interim City Administrator Tom Hanson presented on the topic. Myself, City Engineer Schrupp, Mayor Walters, Al and Dan Hecksel and Xcel all came together, sat down and had a very good conversation about a resolution that would appease everyone in this situation, and get our project moving. There was an agreement made and Xcel did agree to move the poles and with the City and Hecksels taking care of some removal of trees, shrubs and some underbrush. Hecksels have said they seemed comfortable with the agreement. Mayor Walters thanked the Xcel representative and the Hecksels for attending tonight and getting that going so we can get our water tower built. 5.B. RFA - 2025 PERA SVF Increase Fire Chief Tom Hanson presented approving an increase to our firefighter retirement benefit levels. COUNCILMEMBER WALTERS MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE INCREASE FROM $3800 TO $4000 ANNUALLY FOR THE FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENT BENEFIT LEVEL. COUNCILMEMBER THUL SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 5.C. RFA - WWTF Sales Tax Exemption COUNCILMEMBER PAWELK MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITATION OF LGN'S ASSISTING IN FACILITATING A SALE TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE WWTF. COUNCILMEMBER THUL SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0  5.C. RFA - WWTF Sales Tax Exemption COUNCILMEMBER PAWELK MOVED TO AUTHORIZE THE SOLICITATION OF LGN'S ASSISTING IN FACILITATING A SALE TAX EXEMPTION FOR THE WWTF. COUNCILMEMBER THUL SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 6. Other Reports Tom Hanson reported that we were awarded a grant for radios for the fire department for the Emergency Communications Network through the State. It was a $30,000 grant. Tom also stated there have been a few inquiries about having a meet the candidate type of event with the T election coming up, so Kyle Jarvis and I have been in contact to try and see if we can facilitate something like that. Councilmember Thul wanted to remind everyone that tomorrow, Oct. 9th is the Gather & Grow Food Shelf Open House from 5:30-7:30. F Councilmember Thul also wanted to share that early voting at the Carver County Government Center was easy to do if someone cannot make it on Election Day. They are open 8:00-4:30 Monday through Friday. 7. Claims A COUNCILMEMBER THUL MOVED TO APPROVE THE CLAIMS ROSTER AS PRESENTED. COUNCILMEMBER MCGUIRE SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 R 7.A. 7A - CLAIMS 8. Adjournment COUNCILMEMBER WALTERS MOVED TO ADOURN AT 7:35 P.M. D COUNCILMEMBER MCGUIRE SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 4-0 309 Lewis Avenue South; P.O. Box 279, Watertown, MN 55388 ________________________________________________________ Michael Walters, Mayor ATTEST:__________________________________________________ Jake Foster, City Administrator