Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a City Council Meeting was duly held in the City Council chambers at 7:00 p.m. on the 13th day of September 2022. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Henke.
The following members were present: Mayor Doug Henke, Council Members Dan Rechtzigel, Kim Helgeson, and Mary Bailey
Absent: Molly Ryan
Also, present: Administrator Mark Vahlsing, Engineer Derek Olinger, Finance Clerk Kathy Flikke, Administrative Assistant Holli Gudknecht, Public Works Director Wayne Ehrich, Police Chief Jeff Sjoblom, County Commissioner Todd Greseth
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
CITIZEN COMMENT
County Commissioner Todd Greseth gave an update on the happenings in the County.
ADOPT AGENDA
Motion by Bailey, second by Henke to approve the agenda.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Rechtzigel, second by Helgeson to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes payment of check numbers 74007 through 74126; 4164E through 4212E.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
PRESENTATIONS/PUBLIC HEARINGS/RECOGNITIONS/PROLAMATIONS
ENGINEERING
North Street Drainage Improvements Updates
City Engineer Olinger stated that Decook has completed the North Street Drainage Project.
Approve (Partial) Pay Application 1
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Bailey to approve partial pay application No. 1 to Decook in the amount of $45,533.55. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Pearl Creek Sanitary Improvement Project
City Engineer Olinger stated that the sanitary sewer mains in the Pearl Creek and Forest Street areas are both in need of improvements. However, the Pearl Creek sanitary main is the highest priority and should be ready for bidding in spring of 2023. Forest Street sanitary improvements are currently scheduled for 2025 and 2028.
Final Design Proposal
Motion by Helgeson, second by Bailey to approve Bolton & Menk’s proposal for final design and bidding services at an estimated cost of $118,135.00. Motion carried 4-0-0.
LEGAL
Nuisance Property Violation – 1 Langford Avenue
Attorney Riggs stated that the process has been started to enforce action against 1 Langford Avenue for cleanup. Their attorney did respond and was to have a plan submitted by now, but did not follow through. If the plan is not received by the end of the week, Riggs will proceed with enforcement.
Lot Split and Combination Application – 413 Skogen Dr – Elden
Attorney Riggs stated that Elden and Eileen Ehrich requested approval to split the lot at 413 Skogen Drive into two halves and then combine each half with the adjacent lots on each side.
Resolution 2022-20 Authorizing Minor Subdivision and Lot Combination Property at 413 Skogen Drive
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Helgeson to adopt Resolution 2022-20. Motion carried 4-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Resolution 2022-19: Adopting the 2023 Preliminary Budget and Levy
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the proposed budget and levy were reviewed at the Council work session on September 7. It was decided to set the maximum levy at 6.8%. The preliminary maximum levy certification resolution must be submitted to Goodhue County by the end of September. The final levy must be adopted by the end of December. The levy can be lowered between now and the end of the year, but it cannot be increased.
Motion by Henke second by Rechtzigel to adopt Resolution 2022-19 adopting the 2023 preliminary budget and levy, which is a maximum of 6.8%. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Motion by Henke second by Helgeson to recommend setting the Truth in Taxation meeting for December 6 at 6:30 pm. Motion carried 4-0-0.
2023 City Hall Roof Replacement
Administrator Vahlsing stated that the roof of City Hall needs to be replaced. It was inspected after sustaining damage from storms in June and found to be in poor condition. Replacement will be scheduled for 2023.
Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails Liquor License Renewal
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Helgeson to renew Lacey’s Kitchen & Cocktails liquor license including Sunday and outdoor service area sales. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Wastewater Treatment Plant – Replace Sludge Mixing and Loadout Pump System
Public Works Superintendent Wayne Ehrich explained his request to order a new sludge pump and mixing system to replace the existing pump. This item is in the 2023 budget, but the cost is $5,000.00 cheaper if ordered now. The estimated delivery time for the pump is 20 weeks or longer.
Motion by Rechtzigel second by Bailey to approve replacing the sludge pump and mixing system at a cost of $48,600.00. Motion carried 4-0-0.
Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
KMU Meeting: Monday, September 19th @ 2:00 p.m.
City Council Meeting: Tuesday, October 11 @ 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL AND STAFF GENERAL COMMENTS
Administrator Vahlsing thanked everyone involved with Rose Fest. The committee did a great job and attendance was up.
Councilman Rechtzigel commented that a lot of people came to together to make Rose Fest happen
Motion by Bailey second by Henke to adjourn the meeting at 7:41 p.m.
Motion carried 4-0-0.
Holli Gudknecht, Administrative Assistant
Douglas Henke, Mayor
