ORTONVILLE CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
COUNTY OF BIG STONE,
STATE OF MINNESOTA
REGULAR MEETING
DIALYSIS BUILDING
435 Eastvold Avenue, Ortonville, MN
Monday, May 19, 2008
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, Craig Randleman, Steve Berkner, Mike Dorry, John Cunningham, Nick
Anderson. Absent: Bob Meyer. Staff Present: City Administrator David Lang.
Others Present: Marcy Stotesbery, Alice Radermacher, Mary Ann Ulrich, Jo
and Clyde Weros, Wilfred Adelman, Dennis Spanton and other interested
citizens.
AGENDA
AMENDMENTS/APPROVAL:
Add Item
6.b. Electric Rate Study
Motion
by Randleman, second by Cunningham to approve
the Agenda as amended.
All in
favor. 6-0. MCU (Motion Carried Unanimously)
RECOGNITIONS/PRESENTATIONS/INTRODUCTIONS:
6.a. Minnesota Townhouses
Association – Mary Ann Ulrich representing the
Minnesota Townhouse Association stated a letter was received by the
Association from Steve Barr regarding a sewer issue. Mrs. Ulrich believes
that the sewer issue is between Steve Barr and the City of Ortonville not
between Steve Barr and the Association. The issue, as stated in a letter
from Barr to the Association, states “the City has never reimbursed Barr
Brothers for sewer installation. They have been charging each household
the $17.00 instead of the single connection fee per month. The home owners
there have paid the city the sum of $32,640 for something they don’t own.”
Barr billed the Association for sewer installation and gave them two
options to pay as follows: 1) Pay $32,000 for the sewer installation, or,
2) Pay $200 per month rent from the Association and back payment of
$24,000 until installation is paid for (plus interest). The City Council
believes that the sewer line is the property of the City.
Motion
by Dorry, second by Berkner to refer the
sewer issue to the City Attorney.
All in
favor. 6-0. MCU.
6.b.
Missouri River Electric Services Rate Analysis-Karen
Weeden, Senior Rate Analyst.
Rate
Analyst Karen Weeden reported coal shipping rates have doubled. The
Ortonville electric utility will experience a net loss for 2008 and an
actual cash deficit by 2010 unless rates are increased. Implementing the
proposed rates would result in an overall increase of 9.5% in June 2008.
Residential rates will go up approximately 10%, or $6.00/month with this
increase. MRES also recommends that Ortonville consider additional
increases of 9.5% in January 2009 and 8% in January 2010. A controlled
central air conditioning program will also be considered.
Ortonville
City Council Regular Meeting Minutes May 19, 2008 Page
2 of 6
CITIZENS
TO BE HEARD:
7.a.
Cartwright Addition- Wilfred Adelman.
Wilfred
Adelman of 553 North Minnesota Street asked what will the City do with the
Cartwright Addition land. The Council thought that Tim Scherer was cutting
hay there. City Clerk-Administrator Lang will check with Tim regarding the
plans for cutting hay on this property.
CONSENT
AGENDA:
8.a.
Approve Expenditures
Motion
by Johnson, second by Anderson to
approve the expenditures.
5-0-1.
Abstain: Berkner. MC. (Motion Carried).
8.b. Approve Liquor License
Applications as follows:
Alley Cat Lanes Inc.-On Sale,
Sunday, Bigstone Lake Post VFW 3964-On Sale, The Clubhouse-On Sale,
Sunday, Headwaters Grill & Bar-Off Sale, On Sale, Sunday, Holiday Station
Store #105-Off Sale, Lakewood Lodge Supper Club-On Sale, Matador Supper
Club Inc.-On Sale, Sunday, Moose Lodge #407-On Sale, Ortonville
Liquors-Off Sale, Ortonville Pizza Ranch-On Sale, Sioux Historic
Pavilion-Off Sale, On Sale, Sunday.
Motion by Randleman, second by
Cunningham to issue liquor licenses as
stated.
4-0-2. Abstain: Berkner, Dorry.
MC.
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CITIZEN
BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS:
9.a.
Planning Commission Recommendation: Resolution: To Approve Resolution of
the City of Ortonville Approving the Variance Request of Ronald and Betty
Williamson.
Resolution 08-032, Approving Resolution of the City of Ortonville
Approving the Variance Request of Ronald and Betty Williamson.
Motion
by Cunningham, second by Anderson to adopt
Resolution 08-032,
Approving Resolution of the City of Ortonville Approving the Variance
Request of Ronald and Betty Williamson.
Upon roll call vote the following
Voted Aye: Berkner, Randleman, Cunningham, Johnson, Dorry, Anderson. Nay:
None.
All in
favor. 6-0. MCU.
9.b. Street Committee
Recommendation: Resolution: To Approve Overlay of Maple Street -
$21,903.00 and Overlay of East Service Road Along U.S. Highway
75-$21,903.00.
Resolution 08-033, Approving
Overlay of Maple Street - $21,903.00 and Overlay of East Service Road
Along U.S. Highway 75-$21,903.00.
Motion by Anderson, second by Randleman
to Approve Resolution
08-033, Approving Overlay of Maple Street - $21,903.00 and Overlay of East
Service Road Along U.S. Highway 75-$21,903.00.
Upon roll call vote the following
Voted Aye: Berkner, Randleman, Cunningham, Johnson, Dorry, Anderson. Nay:
None.
All in
favor. 6-0. MCU.
Ortonville City Council Regular
Meeting Minutes May 19, 2008 Page 3 of 6
RECOMMENDATIONS OF CITIZEN
BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS: (Cont.)
9.c.
Street Committee Recommendation: Consider Including $100,000 to Re-Pave
the City Shop Parking Lot in any Future Improvement Bond Issue
By
consensus,this recommendation was referred to the Budget Committee.
9.d. Street Committee
Recommendation: Consider Including $200,000 to Build an Addition to the
City Shop in a Future Improvement Bond Issue. By consensus, this
recommendation was referred to the Budget Committee
Reports From Council Committees
10.a.Planning Commission –
John Cunningham reported on the Williamson variance, the Jurgen’s steel
garage issue, the Comprehensive Plan Update and the Council discussed the
building permit process. City Clerk-Administrator Lang was asked to
publish a quarterly newspaper ad stating that building permits are
required in the City of Ortonville. He was also asked to order “Building
Permits Required” signs.
10.b. Heritage Preservation
Commission – Craig Randleman reported that the Committee continues to
meet twice per month. There is a special meeting scheduled this month for
historic rehab guidelines following the Northfield model. Rosemary
Fagrelius of Minnesota Housing Partnership will be here this month to work
with city staff on an RFP for the Columbian Hotel. The Council discussed
other historic districts in addition to downtown.
10.c. Economic Development
Authority - John Cunningham reported that wages at Fairway View were
acted upon. Day care sponsors have picked up a loan application. Golf
membership incentive is offered to a new businesses such as Snortums
Nursery.
10.d. Utility Committee –
John Cunningham reported the Bigstone County Family Services transformer
and electrical service relocation was completed at cost.
NEW BUSINESS:
12.a. Resolution: Increase
Electric Rate 9.5% Effective with the June 2008 Billing.
Resolution 08-034, Resolution
Increasing Electric Rates an Average of 9.5% Implementing the Proposed
Rates on Page 5-3 of the Electrical Rate Study Effective with the June
2008 Billing.
Motion by Anderson, second by
Berkner to adopt Resolution 08-034,
Resolution Increasing Electric Rates an Average of 9.5% Implementing the
Proposed Rates on Page 5-3 of the Electrical Rate Study Effective with the
June 2008 Billing.
Discussion: The Council accepted the
recommendation of Missouri River Energy Services to commence with the
first step for electric rate increases of 9.5% in 2008. This translates to
an approximate increase of $6.00/month for residential customers, 1.7
cents per KWH over the next 18 months.
Upon roll call vote the following
voted Aye: Berkner, Cunningham, Randleman, Johnson, Dorry, Anderson. Nay:
None.
All in favor. 6-0 MCU
12.b. Resolution: Resolution
Approving Electric Surcharge of $0.0025 Per KWH Sold to all Customers
Effective with the June 2008 Billing.
Ortonville City Council Regular
Meeting Minutes May 19, 2008 Page 4 of 6
NEW BUSINESS: (Cont.)
Resolution 08-035, Resolution
Approving Electric Surcharge of $0.0025 Per KWH Sold to all Customers
Effective with the June 2008 Billing.
Motion by Cunningham, second by
Randleman to approve Resolution 08-035,
Resolution Approving Electric Surcharge of $0.0025 Per KWH Sold to all
Customers Effective with the May 2008 Billing Discussion and
questions followed.
Upon roll call vote the following
voted Aye: Berkner, Cunningham, Randleman, Johnson, Dorry, Anderson. Nay:
None.
All in favor. 6-0 MCU.
12.c. Resolution: Approving
Creation of the Storm Water Utility Enterprise Fund
Resolution 08-036, Resolution
Approving Creation of the Storm Water Utility Enterprise Fund
Motion by Randleman, second by
Berkner to adopt Resolution 08-036,
Resolution Approving Creation of the Storm Water Utility
Enterprise Fund. Discussion and questions followed.
Upon roll call vote the following
voted Aye: Berkner, Cunningham, Randleman, Johnson, Dorry. Nay: Anderson.
5-1. MC.
12.d. Resolution: Approving a
$1.00/month Storm Water Utility Fee for all Customers Effective with the
June 2008 Billing.
Resolution 08-037, Resolution
Approving a $1.00/month Storm Water Utility Fee for all Customers
Effective with the June 2008 Billing.
Cunningham moved, Berkner
seconded to adopt Resolution 08-037,
Resolution Approving a $1.00/month Storm Water Utility Fee for all
Customers Effective with the June 2008 Billing. Discussion and
questions followed regarding storm sewer projects. It was noted road
rebuilds may require new storm sewers.
Upon roll call vote the following
voted Aye: Berkner, Cunningham, Randleman, Johnson. Nay: Dorry, Anderson.
4-2. MC.
12.e. Western MN Revolving Loan
Fund 2008 Corporate Board Membership Appointment
Motion by Randleman, second by
Berkner to appoint John Cunningham to the
Western MN Revolving Loan Fund 2008 Corporate Board.
All in favor. 6-0. MCU
Councilor Dorry left the meeting
at 8:10 P. M.
12.f. Resolution: Resolution
Approving Creation of a Full-time Community Development Coordinator
Position-Grade 3
Resolution 08-038, Resolution
Approving Creation of a Full-Time Community Development Coordinator,
Position-Grade 3.
Motion by Cunningham, second by
Randleman to adopt Resolution 08-038,
Resolution Approving Creation of a Full-Time Community Development
Coordinator, Position-Grade 3. Discussion and
questions followed. It was estimated that 2009 salary and benefits for the
Community Development Coordinator would be $39,000.
Ortonville City Council Regular
Meeting Minutes May 19, 2008 Page 5 of 6
NEW BUSINESS: (Cont.)
Resolution 08-038, Resolution
Approving Creation of a Full-Time Community Development Coordinator,
Position-Grade 3. (cont.)
Motion by Cunningham, second by
Randleman to adopt Resolution 08-038,
Resolution Approving Creation of a Full-Time Community Development
Coordinator, Position-Grade 3.
Upon roll call vote the following
voted Aye: Cunningham, Randleman, Johnson, Anderson. Nay: Berkner.
4-1. Motion Carried.
12.g. Resolution: Resolution
Approving Creation of Two Part-Time Deputy Clerk/Finance Officer Positions
12 to 16 Hours Per Week Grade 5.
Resolution 08-039, Resolution
Approving Creation of Two Part-Time Deputy Clerk/Finance Officer Positions
12 to 16 Hours Per Week Grade 5.
Motion by Randleman, second by
Cunningham to adopt Resolution 08-039,
Resolution Approving Creation of Two Part-Time Deputy Clerk/Finance
Officer Positions 12 to 16 Hours Per Week Grade 5.
Upon roll call vote the following
voted Aye: Cunningham, Randleman, Johnson, Anderson, Berkner. Nay: None.
All in favor. 5-0 MCU.
12.h. Adjust City Administrator
Salary to Reflect Additional Responsibilities as City Administrator/EDA
Director. Discussion and questions followed. By consensus, the City
Administrator Job Evaluation was scheduled for the June 16, 2008 City
Council Meeting.
City Clerk-Administrator Reports & Recommendations
13.a. Update: Small Cities
Development Grant Program
Lang stated the Historic Preservation
Commission is working on rehab guidelines.
13.b. Update:
Upper MN River Regional Park Improvement Project Grant
With grant approval, efforts will be
made to finalize the plans.
13.c. Update:
Ortonville & Big Stone County Housing Study
The Study is underway, and will
complete in September 2008.
13.d. Update: MN Housing Finance
Agency 2008 MN Cities Participation Program Grant
Funding has just become available
under this program.
13.e. Update:
Planning Commission Blog Web Site
This project is on hold, pending an
addition to staff.
13.f.
Government Center Space Needs Survey – Architects Next Meeting 05-21-08
The first rough draft of the survey
will be available next week.
13.g.
Potential Bond Funding Requirements – Ehlers & Associates, Inc. Workshop
05-20-08
A special meeting is scheduled for
tomorrow regarding the OAHS bond financing.
13.h. Update:
Library Steps Replacement
With the late winter-like weather,
construction will be delayed.
Ortonville City Council Regular
Meeting Minutes May 19, 2008 Page 6 of 6
City Clerk-Administrator Reports & Recommendations
(cont)
13.i.
League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference
Registration – Rochester MN June 11-13, 2008
Lang noted
the LMC Conference coming up next month.
13.j.
Update: Wellhead Protection Plan – Phase II Next
Meeting 05-20-08
Lang stated
progress is being made, and the meetings continue the second Wednesday of
each month.
13.k.
Update: 2007-2008 Sanitary Sewer Rehab Project – Hilltop & Lakeshore Drive
Lang
indicated the project is going well, and should finish on schedule.
13.l.
Upgrade of Remote Desksets Connected to Base
Radio on City of Ortonville Radio Channel
Lang stated
this upgrade will be completed next month.
13.m.
Big Stone II Transmission Certificate of Need and Routing Permits
Lang noted
the MN Public Utilities Commission will hold a public hearing on June 3,
2008
13.n.
Update: Local Government Aid for 2009
Lang noted LGA will increase
approximately $20,000 in 2009, from approximately $760,000 in 2008 to
approximately $780,000 in 2009.
ADJOURNMENT:
Motion by Anderson, second by
Cunningham to adjourn at 8:40 P.M.
APPROVED:
ATTEST:
__________________
______________________
Blair
Johnson
David A.
Lang
Mayor
Clerk-Administrator
