Grey Eagle City • August 13, 2014

These are unapproved minutes.
The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Jim Gohman at 7:00 p.m., on the 13th day of August, 2014 in council chambers. Council members present were Ralph Muellner, Thom Muellner, Dennis Barrett and Andrea Kraska. There were no council members absent. Also in attendance were Lori Hellmann, Andy Bartkowicz and guests Dave Tschida, Vance Johnson and Matt Zinniel.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Ralph Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the minutes of the July 8, 2014 meeting as written. A second was made by Dennis Barrett and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The Mayor updated the council on the following items:
1. Building permits were issued for St. Joseph’s Church to install a new handicap ramp and for Thom Muellner to install a cement apron in front of his garage.
2. A huge thank you to Harold Rohde for his four years of service through Experienced Works.
Matt Zinniel was in attendance to discuss his building permit application in the hopes of building a shed on his vacant lot on Minnesota Street. If the council is in agreement, Matt would then move forward with obtaining more specific information on size, type of materials, and location on lot. A motion was made by Thom Muellner to allow Matt to build a shed on his vacant lot. Prior to any permits being issued, Matt would be required to return to the council with an exact size for the building as well as the type of materials that would be used. Setback requirements will be met. Mayor Gohman called for a roll call vote. Jim Gohman: aye, Andrea Kraska: aye, Dennis Barrett: aye, Ralph Muellner: aye, Thom Muellner: aye. Motion carried.
Dave Tschida returned to the council regarding the building permit that was approved last fall to move in a house. One of the requirements of the building permit was to establish property lines, and Dave presented a copy of a bill as proof that the property was surveyed. The house will be five feet off the property to the east and twenty five feet off each of Jackson Street East and Woodman Street North as required by ordinance. The house should be moved in within the next couple of weeks. City water will be connected at that time as well as a new private sewer service line. Dave was reminded that City staff would be required to oversee the digging for the water and sewer service lines.
Vance Johnson was in attendance to seek approval to move in a garage from Dave Tschida’s property to his property. The garage will be tied in to the side of his current garage on the north putting it flush on the west side. The siding and the roof will be replaced. The old truck trailer will be moved out. The garage door would be reduced from a twelve foot to a ten foot. They would get any necessary permits for moving the garage. The council asked what the time frame would be for tying the two garages together and replacing the siding and the roof. Vance and Dave informed the council that it would be approximately one month before any of the work would start once the garage was moved.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to allow moving of the garage to Vance Johnson’s property, with work to be started within thirty days after it is moved. A second was made by Dennis Barrett and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The following water/wastewater/maintenance items were discussed:
1. The council would like Andy to obtain estimates on what it would cost to replace sewer pipes with new PVC pipes or line existing clay sewer pipes. 2. Dave and Andy will take over the Fire Hall and Library cleaning duties.
3. Andy discussed the purchase of a blower/vac to be used at the parks to blow off the cement as well as cleaning the leaves from the storm sewer in the fall. He also would like to purchase a small generator to run the shop vac to clean out all the gate valves around the city. Estimated total cost to purchase both items would be $250. A motion was made by Andrea Kraska to approve the purchase of a blower/vac and small portable generator. A second was made by Dennis Barrett and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The clerk shared information with the council regarding a used generator for $18,500. It was the consensus of the council that they would not be purchasing another generator at this time.
The council reviewed the preliminary budget, wages and levy for 2015. Matt will continue on as back-up for Andy through December 31, 2015. The Clerk requested to increase office hours from 25 hours per week to 30 hours per week.
A motion was made by Andrea Kraska to approve wage increases as follows: a dollar per hour for Maintenance Supervisor, and fifty cents per hour for part time maintenance employee, and an increase in clerk office hours from 25 to 30 hours per week, effective January 1, 2015. A second was made by Ralph Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the fall lawn spraying. A second was made by Andrea Kraska and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The clerk informed the council that East Side Glass will be coming in to replace the two library windows within the next week.
A motion was made by Dennis Barrett to approve the election judges for the general elections to be held on November 4th as follows: Lori Hellmann, Jeri Ahrens, Vera Grammond and Marilyn Muellner. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. There were no yard clean-ups for council consideration.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve Resolution No. 2014-11. A Resolution of Sponsorship for the Community Concern for Youth Program with Todd-Wadena Community Corrections. A second was made by Andrea Kraska and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
Resolution No. 2014-11: A Resolution of Sponsorship for the Community Concern for Youth Program with Todd-Wadena Community Corrections
Be It Resolved by the Grey Eagle City Council that Todd County act as sponsoring unit of government for the project entitled Community Concern for Youth to be conducted by Todd-Wadena Community Corrections during the period from 01/01/15 through 12/31/15. Gary Kneisl, Chairperson, Todd County Board of Commissioners, is hereby authorized to execute such agreements and funding as are necessary to implement the project on behalf of the Grey Eagle City Council.
Be It Resolved that the Grey Eagle City Council hereby agrees to contribute $278.00 for the project entitled Todd-Wadena Community Concern for Youth during the period from 01/01/15 through 12/31/15, which is to be paid on 01/01/15.
It is understood that the Long Prairie-Grey Eagle School Board contributes $2,940.00, and the Long Prairie City Council contributes $2,330.00, for a total community contribution of $5,548.00.
I hereby certify that the above resolution was adopted by the Grey Eagle City Council on August 13, 2014.
A motion was made by Dennis Barrett to approve a temporary on sale liquor license for the Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Club Car Show and Tractor Pull to be held August 31 and September 1, 2014. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Ralph Muellner to approve the closing of Woodman Street South from Spruce Street East to State Street and from Minnesota Street East to State Street for the Car Show on August 31, 2014. A second was made by Dennis Barrett and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the 2015 Todd County Attorney contract. A second was made by Ralph Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Ralph Muellner to approve Resolution No. 2014-12, A Resolution Accepting $2,686.10 Donation for Fire Department Equipment from the Big Swan Lake Improvement Association. A second was made by Dennis Barrett and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The above stated resolution may be read in its entirety in the Clerk’s office.
Discussion was held on the additional water service line for a fire sprinkler system for Village View. There is no charge from the city for the additional water service line, but any costs associated with digging in and installing the service line which would include any tar that may be dug up, be paid by Village View. There would be no cost to the City for this project. Ralph Muellner stepped down as council member to discuss a personal matter.
Ralph and Marilyn Muellner submitted a request to vacate a portion of Bovee Street North from North Lake Street West going north through their property. They own the property on both sides of the street with that portion of Bovee Street North being their driveway.
A motion was made by Dennis Barrett to approve Resolution No. 2014-13, A Resolution Verifying Sufficiency of Petition and Ordering Hearing Date and Preparation of Notice. The public hearing date being set for Tuesday, September 9, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. A second was made by Andrea Kraska and a roll call vote was taken, with members voting as follows: Ralph Muellner abstained, Andrea Kraska: aye, Dennis Barrett: aye, Thom Muellner: aye, Jim Gohman: aye. Motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
Resolution No. 2014-13: A Resolution setting a Public Hearing on a Vacation Commenced by a petition of a Majority of abutting landowners.
The City Council of the City of Grey Eagle, Minnesota Does Hereby Resolve as Follows: Whereas, a petition signed by the majority of property owners abutting Bovee Street North (a portion of) street in Grey Eagle city was received by the City Clerk on the 13th day of August, 2014; and
Whereas, the petition requested that the City Council pursuant to Minnesota Statute 412.851 vacate Bovee Street North (a portion of) street between Bovee Street North and North Lake Street West street legally described as: That section of Bovee Street North that begins on the north side of North Lake Street West going north to the northern most end of Bovee Street North. This section of Bovee Street North runs between two parcels owned by Ralph and Marilyn Muellner.
Whereas, the City Clerk has reviewed and examined the signatures on said petition and determined that such signatures constitute a majority of the landowners abutting upon the (portion of) street to be vacated; and Whereas, a copy of said petition is attached hereto.
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved By The City Council Of Grey Eagle, County of Todd, Minnesota:
1. The Council will consider the vacation of such street and a public hearing shall be held on such proposed vacation on the 9th day of September, 2014, before the City Council in the City Hall located at 202 Woodman Street South at 7:30 p.m.
The City Clerk is hereby directed to give published, posted and mailed notice of such hearing as required by law. Passed by the City Council on this 13th day of August, 2014.
A motion was made by Andrea Kraska to approve the various fund transfers as follows: $768.36 from the Fire Fund to the Fire Hall Debt Service Fund, $82.70 from the General Fund of which $24.70 goes to the Water Fund and $58 goes to the Sewer Fund for Fire Hall and Library utilities, and $8,704.13 from the Sewer Fund to the PFA Debt Service Fund. A second was made by Ralph Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Dennis Barrett to approve the payment of bills as listed and to include $1,995.80 to Minnesota Power. A second was made by Ralph Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Ralph Muellner to adjourn the meeting at 9:35 p.m. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The next regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014 in council chambers. Lori Hellmann, Clerk