Mayor David Ellingson called the regular meeting of the Ortonville City Council to order at 7:10 p.m. Roll call was taken and the following were present: Lisa Berkner, Mike Dorry, Mary Gustafson, Dave Dinnel, Mel Reinke, Dan Oakes, and the following were absent: none. City staff present: Roman Taffe, Gary Dinnel, David McLaughlin, Paul Tinklenberg. Media present: Ryan Stattelman. Others present: Mel Ehlert, Mary Ann Ulrich, Scott Simonitch, Jim Foster, Gary Johnson, Rusty Dimberg, Eugene O’Neill, Joan Julius, Roy Bailey, Richard Janke.

Unfinished Business:

12.a Chamber deregulation efforts

New Business:

13.k Golf lease request

Ellingson opened bids received from Burmeister, Wesco, and Border States, for equipment and materials needed on the Hospital remodeling project. Reinke moved and Gustafson seconded and the motion passed unanimously referring the matter to the Utility Committee for review.

At 7:18 Mayor Ellingson declared the start of the public hearing for the purpose of proposed annexation to the City of land abutting Hwy 75. Rusty Dimberg, speaking as his township’s representative stated that the township had no objections to the annexation. Mr. Dimberg in his personal capacity then asked the Council what the plans were for development of that property. Ellingson stated that the owner of the property, EDA, would be able to address those questions better. After all who wished to be heard spoke, Ellingson declared the public hearing closed at 7:25.

At 7:26 Mayor Ellingson declared the start of the public hearing for the purpose of reviewing the SCDP grant and the close out thereof. Arlene Tilbury, UMVRDC, spoke to the Council and provided data reviewing the grant expenditures stating that the total grant award was $1,231,000 and the total spent was $1,230,486 with $514 unspent. After all who wished to be heard had spoken, Ellingson declared the public hearing closed at 7:30.

Eugene O’Neill spoke to the Council regarding reward money the Police Department received for recovering his stolen car. O’Neill asked that the City pay for his golf memberships for 2001 as a sign of appreciation. After O’Neill had spoken Council again stated that there was no public purpose for such expenditures or gifts.

Jim Foster addressed the Council on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce. He voiced his concern that previous Council minutes indicated that the Chamber supported electrical deregulation. Ellingson stated that the state chamber was in fact instigating efforts toward deregulation and that the local Chamber members should write their state affiliate to denounce such efforts. Ellingson further pointed out that money provided by Council for the Chamber’s expenses are available due to the fact the City owns it’s electrical distribution utility.

Next Ryan Stattelman stated that he would be reporting Council proceedings for the local radio stations as well as the newspaper.

At 7:42 Mayor Ellingson asked if there were any additions, corrections, or deletions to be made to the Consent Agenda. Motion was made by Council member Reinke, and seconded by Council member Gustafson to approve the Consent Agenda (excepting therefrom agenda items: 9.a Approve Council minutes, 10.b Approve Planning Commission minutes, 13.a Approve Blandin Grant Application, 13.c Approve Big Stone water agreement, 13.d Approve Nova Consulting invoices) which included the following items:

10 – 11: Motion approving minutes and recommendations of Boards, Committees, & Commissions (Airport Board 3/5/01 minutes, EDA 3/28/01 minutes, Airport 3/27/01 minutes, Safety Committee 3/29/01 minutes, Senior Center Board 3/6/01 minutes).

13.b: Motion approving recommendation purchase of mowers for Parks Department and Golf Course based upon low quote and state bid price totaling $30,461.00 from budgeted capital outlay funds and pursuant to departments’ capital plans.

15: Motion approving disbursements as presented.

With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.

Gustafson moved and Berkner seconded and the motion passed unanimously approving the Airport Capital Improvement Plan as recommended.

Dinnel moved and Reinke seconded that a resolution be adopted Hiring Ambulance Director (RES 01-041). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.

Dorry moved and Oakes seconded and the motion passed unanimously approving the building permit fee schedule as proposed by the Planning Commission and as is on file with the City Clerk.

Council discussed the broadcast quality of the Council proceedings and it was recommended that the audio portion be updated quickly. Dinnel moved and Ellingson seconded that a resolution be adopted Purchasing Audio Equipment (RES 01-042). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.

Council discussed the grant application to the Blandin Foundation for projects determined by the RCAP/BCIP community project. Ellingson moved and Berkner seconded that a resolution be adopted Approving Blandin Grant Application (RES 01-043). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.

Next, Council discussed the water agreement drafted by City Attorney for water sales to Big Stone City. Reinke moved and Oakes seconded that a resolution be adopted Approving Water Agreement (RES 01-044). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.

Next, Council was updated on efforts to hire a meter reader. Dinnel moved and Gustafson seconded that a resolution be adopted Hiring Meter Reader (RES 01-045). With Dinnel, Oakes, Gustafson, Berkner, Dorry, Reinke, voting in favor and none voting against, the motion carried with Ellingson abstaining.

Gustafson moved and Ellingson seconded and the motion passed unanimously approving pay request #2 from Dallas I. Hanson for the Clubhouse Project.

Next, Council discussed the Police Dept. request for increased uniform allowance. Reinke moved and Dinnel seconded and the motion passed unanimously approving the annual uniform allowance for the Police Department at $500; and for Public Works, Street, Parks, Golf Departments at $100 per employee.

Council reviewed a request from Southwest Minnesota Arts Council for a $100 contribution. Oakes moved and Reinke seconded to adopt a resolution Approving Contribution to Southwest Minnesota Arts Council (RES 01-046). With all members voting in favor, the motion carried.

Oakes moved and Ellingson seconded and the motion passed unanimously approving Clubhouse project change order #5.

Reinke moved to approve Clubhouse project pay request #7 and the motion died for lack of a second. Ellingson moved and Oakes seconded and the motion passed 5-2, with Reinke and Berkner voting against, denying Clubhouse change order #7.

Ellingson read a request from golf clubhouse lessee that the April lease payment be waived. Reinke moved and Berkner seconded and the motion passed unanimously referring the request to the Golf Board for review and recommendation.

Council was updated on the steps at City Hall and informed that quotes had been obtained for the replacement of the steps and 30’ of curb adjacent to the steps. Gustafson moved and Oakes seconded and the motion passed with Ellingson voting against approving repair of steps and curb at City Hall and to review quotes for said project.

Quotes were received from Lundberg Construction for $1,200 and from Dallas I. Hanson Construction for $1,370. Gustafson moved and Dorry seconded that a resolution be adopted Approving City Hall Steps Repair Quote (RES 01-047). With Berkner, Oakes, Gustafson, Dorry, Dinnel, Reinke voting for and Ellingson voting against, the motion carried 6-1.

There being no further business to come before the Council, Dinnel moved and Gustafson seconded that the April 2, 2001 meeting of the Ortonville City Council be adjourned and with Reinke voting against, the meeting was adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

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Roman C. Taffe, City Clerk-Administrator