ORTONVILLE CITY COUNCIL
COUNTY OF BIG STONE, STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
DIALYSYS BUILDING 435 EASTVOLD AVENUE
MONDAY, MAY 7, 2007
7:00 P.M.
CALL TO
ORDER AND ROLL CALL:
Mayor Blair
Johnson called the regular meeting of the Ortonville City Council to order
at 7:00 P.M. Roll call was taken with the following present: Mayor Blair
Johnson, Nick Anderson, John Cunningham, Bob Meyer, and Dan Oakes, with
the following absent: Artie Arndt and Mike Dorry. City Staff present:
David Lang, Tim Scherer, Craig Ash and Travis Strasser. Media Present:
Julie Gruber. Others Present: Greg Giese, John Sovell, Sue Christensen,
Lisa Merritt, Jan Nordick, Jim Larson, and Pat Reisnour, Interstate
Engineering.
AGENDA
AMENDMENTS:
Add:
Recommendations of Citizen Boards, Committees and Commissions
10.g
Senior Center Name Change
Unfinished Business:
12.b Deer
Hunt
New
Business:
13.d Class
II Utility Vehicles
13.e
Ronglien Excavating Invoice Spark Street Project
13.f
Drawings for Lakeside Park Restrooms and Concession Facility
Motion
by Meyer, second by Cunningham to approve the
Agenda as amended.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU (Motion
Carried Unanimously)
CITIZENS
TO BE HEARD:
Dirt
Bikes in the Ravine: Greg Giese spoke on behalf
of himself as well as John Sovell and Sue Christensen, who were also
present. He stated dirt bikes in the ravine are raising concerns regarding
noise levels as well as trespass issues. Discussion and questions
followed. The City Attorney will review existing ordinances for
applicability of enforcement of noise, licensure, and proof of insurance
similar to snowmobile regulation. City Administrator Lang will review
existing police enforcement with Chief Hormann. It was suggested the Park
and Recreation Board consider the feasibility of creating a dirt bike park
on the former Strege Property.
Barrel
Planters: Representing the Big Stone Area
Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Merritt described the Chamber project of placing
approximately 37 barrel planters around town.
Motion
by Cunningham, second by Oakes to allow the
Big Stone Area Chamber of Commerce to place barrel planters around town.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
Ortonville
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 2 of 6
CITIZENS
TO BE HEARD: (continued)
Housing
Revitalization: Jim Larson of Ortonville
Property Partners distributed a 3-page handout discussing the benefits to
the Ortonville community of housing revitalization. Discussion and
questions followed.
Motion
by Johnson, second by Cunningham to authorize
the Mayor to send a letter to Big Stone II power plant officials
expressing an interest in working with them to prepare for the needs of
the influx of construction workers anticipated to commence in the spring
of 2008. All in favor. 5-0. MCU
Central
Park Restoration:
Marcie
Stotesberry spoke on behalf of the Central Park Restoration (CPR) group.
She thanked Mayor Johnson for his recent walk-through of the park with
group members. Johnson suggested contacting Vince Robinson of the Big
Stone County EDA to work on obtaining a grant to address the multiple
needs of Central Park. Stotesberry expressed concern about uncontrolled
park water erosion. Discussion and questions followed. Because this is a
storm water drainage issue, it was the consensus of the Council to refer
this matter to the Street Committee for further consideration.
Five-Year Plan: Jan Nordick stated she worked
with Citizens For Big Stone Lake, and the Arts Council. She indicated she
is trying to gain a clearer understanding of what the Citys priorities
are, noting the five-year plan seems to be focused upon public works
projects. Discussion and questions followed. It was noted the new City
Administrator is now on board, and the 2008 budget process will begin in a
few weeks. This will provide an excellent opportunity for the City to
review priorities.
CONSENT
AGENDA:
Johnson
asked if there were any additions, corrections, or deletions to be made to
the Consent Agenda.
Motion
by Anderson, second by Cunningham to approve
the Consent Agenda, which included the following items:
9.a
Proposed April 16, 2007 Regular Council Meeting Minutes
10.a
Personnel Committee Recommendation: Rebecca Zahrbock - $11.09/hr.
10.b
Personnel Committee Recommendation: Michael Radermaher - $11.09/hr.
10.e
Golf Board Recommendation: Ronald Taylor Grade 1 Step 1 - $6.84/hr.
10.f
Golf Supt. Recommendation: Jason Smith Grade 1 Step 1 - $6.84/hr.
10.f
Golf Supt. Recommendation: Jacob Lindahl Grade 1 Step 1 $6.84/hr.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
Recommendations of Citizen Boards, Committees and Commissions:
10.c Park Board Recommendation: Ask Big Stone County
for assistance in funding pool
Motion
by Oakes, second by Johnson to request Big
Stone County and surrounding communities for assistance in funding the
municipal swimming pool, with the Park Board to develop the specifics of
the proposal. Discussion and questions followed.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
Ortonville
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 3 of 6
Recommendations of Citizen Boards, Committees and Commissions:
10.d
Golf Board Recommendation: Give lifetime membership to Steve Barr & Mike
Barr
In view of ongoing negotiations
regarding a land transaction, it was felt this recommendation was
premature. No action was taken due to the lack of a motion.
10.g Senior Center Board
Recommendation: To change the name of the Ortonville Senior Center to the
Ortonville Community Center.
Motion
by Meyer, second by Cunningham to change the
name of the Ortonville Senior Center to the Ortonville Community Center.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
Unfinished Business:
12.a
Proposed Revision 2 to Exhibit C Contract Between City and WAPA
Craig Ashe
explained this is a revision to the risk sharing of line loss between the
City and WAPA. Discussion and questions followed. Anderson offered to
follow up with Dave McLaughlin on this item. It was the consensus of the
Council to refer this matter to the Utility Committee for further
consideration.
12.b
Deer Hunt
Motion
by Johnson, second by Anderson to conduct the
2008 deer hunt under the same terms and conditions as last year, except
the application deadline will be August 20, 2007, and all applications
will be turned in at the Ortonville City Hall. Discussion and
questions followed.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
New
Business:
13.a Mutual
Aid Agreement Minnesota Municipal Power Association
It was
noted the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would no longer
reimburse costs arising from a city or municipal utility assisting another
city/utility unless there is a prior, written agreement between the
damaged party and the assisting party.
Resolution 07-038, Resolution Approving Mutual Aid Agreement Between the
City of Ortonville and the Minnesota Municipal Power Association.
Motion
by Oakes, second by Cunningham to adopt
Resolution 07-038, Resolution Approving Mutual Aid Agreement Between the
City of Ortonville and the Minnesota Municipal Power Association.
Roll
Call: Aye: Johnson, Anderson, Cunningham, Meyer
and Oakes. Nay: None
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
13.b
Alternate Delegate Missouri River Energy Services (MRES)
It was noted the agreement with MRES
requires a primary and an alternate representative. Nick Anderson will
continue as the primary representative. Dave McLaughlin has agreed to
serve as the alternate.
Resolution 07-039, Resolution Approving Designation of Authorized
Representation Missouri River Energy Service
Ortonville
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 4 of 6
New
Business: (continued)
13.b
Alternate Delegate Missouri River Energy Services (MRES) (continued)
Motion
by Cunningham, second by Anderson to adopt
Resolution 07-039, Resolution Approving Designation of Authorized
Representation Missouri River Energy Services.
Roll
Call: Aye: Johnson, Anderson, Cunningham, Meyer
and Oakes. Nay: None
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
13.c
Municipal Bank Resolution MinnWest Bank
Lang
explained this is required whenever the signatories on deposit accounts
have been changed.
Resolution 07-040, Resolution Approving Municipal Banking Resolution
MinnWest Bank
Motion
by Anderson, second by Meyer to adopt
Resolution 07-040, Municipal Banking Resolution.
Roll
Call: Aye: Anderson, Cunningham, Meyer and
Oakes. Nay: None. Abstain: Johnson.
Motion
Carried. 4-0-1. MCU
13.d Class
II Utility Vehicles and ATVs
It was
noted State law now allows for the operation of Class II Utility Vehicles
on the shoulder or extreme right side of city streets, if not prohibited
by other local laws. Discussion and questions followed. It was the
consensus of the Council to have the City Attorney research this issue
with respect to both Class II Utility Vehicles and the possible licensure
of golf carts. Craig Ash noted an ordinance change might possibly be
required.
13.e
Ronglien Excavating Invoice Spark Street Project
It was noted the original bid prices
were not adhered to because the City decided to not approve the change
order. The total amount of the additional charges is $4,321.17. Discussion
and questions followed. It was the consensus of the Council to refer this
matter to the Street Committee for further consideration.
13.f
Update: Drawings for Lakeside Park Restrooms and Concession Facility
Pat Reisnour of Interstate
Engineering presented the drawings for this proposed project. If
implemented, he noted the approximate project budget would be: building
construction $150,000, Utilities & Infrastructure $30,000, and Engineering
Fees $18,000 for a total of approximately $198,000. Discussion and
questions followed. It was the consensus of the Council to refer this
matter to the Park and Recreation Board for further consideration.
Ortonville
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 5 of 6
14.a Amend Budget City
Administrator Department
Lang
requested Council approval to shift dollar amounts among three different
line items within the City Administrator Department budget. He noted this
does not increase the total 2007 budget amount. The adjustments are as
follows: Salary from $61,384 to $54,600. Food/Lodging/Travel Expense
from $250 to $3,042. Conferences and Training from $200 to $3,592. Dues
from$100 to $700.
Motion
by Johnson, second by Anderson to approve the
above adjustments to the 2007 City Administrator budget as noted above.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
14.b Amend
Budget City Office
Lang
requested Council approval to shift dollar amounts among three different
line items within the City Office Department budget. He noted this does
not increase the total 2007 budget amount. The adjustments are as follows:
Furniture and Fixtures from $41,805 to $30,000. Computer Updates and
Equipment from $0 to $10,000. Telephone System from $0 to $1,805.
Motion
by Oakes, second by Cunningham to approve the
above adjustments to the 2007 City Office budget as noted above.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
14.b Purchase Computer Equipment
City Office
Resolution 07-041, Resolution Approving Purchase of Up Computer Updates
and Equipment in an Amount Not to Exceed $10,000.00.
Motion
by Oakes, second by Cunningham to adopt
Resolution 07-041, Resolution Approving Purchase of Up Computer
Updates and Equipment In An Amount Not To Exceed $10,000.00.
Roll
Call: Aye: Johnson, Anderson, Cunningham, Meyer
and Oakes. Nay: None
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
14.f Hiring of Interim Part-Time
Financial Staff City Office
Resolution 07-042, Resolution Authorizing Hiring of Interim Part-Time
Financial Staff For City Office
Motion
by Johnson, second by Cunningham to adopt
Resolution 07-042, Resolution Authorizing Hiring of Interim
Part-Time Financial Staff For City Office. Lang explained his
recommendation to hire former Clerk-Administrator Char Grossman at Grade
5, Step 10 at an annualized average schedule of 12 hours per week to focus
on financial administration. He will have an updated staffing
recommendation for Council consideration at the end of 90 days.
Roll
Call: Aye: Johnson, Anderson, Cunningham, Meyer
and Oakes. Nay: None
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
Ortonville
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 7, 2007 Page 5 of 6
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion
by Oakes, second by Cunningham to adjourn the
Meeting at 8:40 P.M.
All in
favor. 5-0. MCU
_____________________________
______________________________
David A.
Lang Blair Johnson
City
Clerk-Administrator Mayor