The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 p.m., on the 13th day of August 2019 in council chambers. Members present were Roland Ahrendt, Bill Pohlmann and Thom Muellner. Council Member Brian Hollenkamp was absent. Also in attendance were Chico Hellmann, Lori Hellmann and guests Lori Loscheider, Sheriff Steve Och, Nancy Bitz, Dan Berscheid, Romie Gessell, Pastor Mike Bitz, Beth Gessell, Wes David and Kevin Bitz.
A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Bill Pohlmann and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Bill Pohlmann to approve the minutes of the July 9, 2019 regular meeting as written. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt 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 29, 2019 special meeting as written. A second was made by Bill Pohlmann and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Bill Pohlmann to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2019 special meeting as written. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Matthew and Lori Loscheider submitted a building permit application to install a 13’ x 20’ temporary storage shed on the south side of the home. Since the property is owned by Larry and Pat Kerzman, the Loscheider’s submitted written approval from the Kerzman’s to allow the installation on the property. A motion was made by Bill Pohlmann to approve the building permit application for the temporary storage shed and abiding by all setback requirements. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Romie and Beth Gessell were in attendance to inform the council that they were interested in selling a portion of their property that runs along State Highway 287, which includes the existing driveway and small shed in line with the Dollar General property. This sale would include approximately 1.75 acres. Wes David, the potential owner of the property discussed what his intentions were regarding the use of the property. Water and sewer connections would need to be reinstalled at property owner’s expense.
Sheriff Steve Och was in attendance to discuss the policing contract that the City has with the Todd County Sheriff’s Department. Currently the city pays $35 per hour for a total of 44 hours per month. The Sheriff’s Department is requesting an increase in the rate from $35 per hour to $42 per hour effective January 1, 2020 and would like a minimum of a two year contract.
The council discussed electronic speed limit signs with Sheriff Och. Todd County has one electronic speed limit sign and they have to move it throughout the county.
Sheriff Och reported that the Sheriff’s Department has one drone that is currently operational and they are working on getting the second one up and running in the next couple of weeks.
Member Brian Hollenkamp joined the meeting at 7:35 p.m.
Fire Chief Dan Berscheid was in attendance to request that Matt Zinniel and Cynthia Zinniel be added to the Fire Department roster. A motion was made by Bill Pohlmann to approve the recommendation to add Matt Zinniel and Cynthia Zinniel to the Fire Department roster. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Fire Chief Dan Berscheid discussed the 2020 Fire budget. He is not recommending any changes at this time, but discussed the need to increase the amount set aside each year for vehicle replacement.
The following water/wastewater/maintenance items were discussed:
1. The rubber roof on the old city shop is cracking and allowing tree seeds to grow. Removing and killing the seedlings will have to be done before any repairs can be made.
2. During the annual lift station inspections, it was noted that one of the pumps at the west lift station has a loud bearing noise. Due to the sewer rehabilitation project moving forward, the council has opted to take a chance on the pump rather than spending money on more costly repairs.
Tom’s Refuse has agreed to provide satellite recycling in the city the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. There is no charge for this service however any items that are not deemed recyclable will be charged a small fee to dispose of them. A Tom’s Refuse employee will be on site each month. The council will need to approve the satellite recycling program and must find a location for Tom’s Refuse to set up.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve the satellite recycling program with Tom’s Refuse with the location set up at the equipment storage shed on Woodman Street South next to Bob’s Woodcraft. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Clerk reported that computer equipment in the office will need to be updated before January 1st as the operating system will no longer be supported after that time. It is possible that the purchase can be a reimbursable expense for the sewer project but three quotes for new equipment will need to be obtained.
The Clerk was instructed to advertise for the Maintenance Supervisor position.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to set the Truth in Taxation meeting for Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., in council chambers. A second was made by Thom Muellner and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Clerk reported that the work in the Old Village Hall is still moving forward. ServPro is waiting on test results from the ceiling before they continue.
The Clerk attended a meeting in Todd County regarding election equipment. The Automark was scheduled to be replaced in 2019 but the Legislature has not approved the Equipment Choice Bill. This bill would have been for the ExpressVote equipment option to begin certification procedures for use in Minnesota precincts. The legislature is set to review this proposal during the 2019-2020 session, with the plan to have it in place for the November 2020 General election. It is now the intent of the Todd County Auditor’s Office to move forward with the PollPad in 2019. The PollPad would not be covered under any equipment grants should any become available. It was estimated that a precinct our size would need two PollPad devices at the cost of approximately $1,300 per unit with $125 yearly maintenance fee per unit. If this change is approved by the Todd County Commissioners, the Council would be asked to submit an Intent to Purchase form by September 19th to the Auditor’s Office.
Brian and Lori Hollenkamp submitted a building permit application to install a 24’x32’ cement slab to the back of their attached garage. This will allow them to move the daycare items to the back of the house. A motion was made by Thom Muellner to approve the building permit application as submitted. A second was made by Bill Pohlmann and upon vote, with members Thom Muellner, Joe Arnzen, Bill Pohlmann and Roland Ahrendt voting in favor, motion carried. Member Brian Hollenkamp abstained.
The Clerk was instructed to proceed with delinquent utility bills as allowed by ordinance.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the following fund transfer: $148.12 from the General Fund of which $31.12 goes to the Water Fund and $117 goes to the Sewer Fund for Fire Hall, Old City Hall and Library utilities. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the payment of bills as listed and to include the payment of the additional following items: $200 to Central Minnesota Credit Union, $207.14 to First State Bank of Swanville, $1,807.48 to Minnesota Power, $19,285 to Bayer Truck Equipment, $56 to Todd County Recorder, $459.92 to Eagle Auto Repair and $31 to Plumbing on the Side. A second was made by Bill Pohlmann and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Clerk was instructed to obtain a quote to remove the practice wall by the tennis courts.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to adjourn the meeting at 8:53 p.m. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp 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 10, 2019 in council chambers.
Lori Hellmann, Clerk
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