Upon due and proper notice Mayor Pro Tem David Dinnel called the special meeting of the Ortonville City Council to order at 5:03 p.m. Roll call was taken and the following were present: Dave Dinnel, Mel Reinke, Mary Gustafson, Dan Oakes, Mike Dorry, Lisa Berkner (arrived 6:25) and the following were absent: none. City staff present: Roman Taffe. Media present: Ryan Stattelman. Others present: Mel Ehlert, LaValle Berkner, Jim Larson, Steve Berkner, Randy Mortensen, Drew Hagquist, Dan Shafer, Terry Gere.

Dinnel reminded attendees the purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Water Monitor, Inc. pilot proposal and also to consider the recommendations of the Planning Commission regarding the Berkner variance request.

Randy Mortensen of Water Monitor, Inc. explained the pilot program his company proposed for the reading, billing, and collecting of city utilities for 100 customers for a 90-day period. Council member Dorry left the meeting at 6:05. There was considerable discussion regarding the cost of the service versus existing costs and the potential to displace current employees was also brought up. Mortensen stated the pilot had several goals: to demonstrate it will work, document efficiencies, demonstrate meter management, and to involve residents. Oakes moved and Reinke seconded and the motion failed on a 1-3 vote (with Oakes voting in favor) to direct staff to investigate the proposal further and report findings to council. After further discussion, Dinnel moved and Reinke seconded that a resolution be adopted Approving Water Monitor Pilot Program (RES 01-123). With Dinnel, Oakes, Reinke voting in favor, and with Gustafson voting against, the motion carried 3-1.

At 6:23 the matter of the Berkner variance request was reviewed. Oakes moved and Reinke seconded and the motion carried unanimously, with Berkner abstaining, to deny the variance request of LaValle Berkner as recommended by the Planning Commission. Dinnel moved and Reinke seconded that a motion be adopted approving a variance allowing the construction of a guesthouse on the LaValle Berkner residence which lot width is less than the ordinance requires. With Dinnel, Reinke voting in favor, and with Oakes, Gustafson voting against and with Berkner abstaining, the motion failed to pass and therefore failed.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Gustafson moved that the October 9, 2001 special meeting of the Ortonville City Council be adjourned and with no objections thereto, Dinnel adjourned the meeting at 6:40 p.m.

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Roman C. Taffe, City Clerk-Administrator