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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 City’s 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