The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 pm on the 13th day of June 2023 in council chambers. Council members present were Brad Johnson, Roland Ahrendt, Brian Hollenkamp and Chris Browen. There were no council members absent. Also in attendance were John Call, Dan Berscheid and Beth Ramacher, and guests: Mike Berscheit, Dusty Sweet, Tim Ainali, Barb Ainali, State Representative Mike Wiener, Bobby Pallansch, Jr., Anita Sunderman and Alisha Sunderman.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve the agenda. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2023 meeting. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Mike Berscheit was present to discuss the shed on KB Specialties’ property and the property line.
Dusty Sweet was present to request a building permit to place a (shipping) container on their lot. A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the building permit application. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Tim and Barb Ainali were present to discuss the status of their sewer and water hookups. The Council will have a special meeting on the 27th of June 2023 at 7:00 pm to discuss.
An update was given regarding the small claims court hearing vs. Duane Karls. The court hearing is scheduled for the 23rd of June 2023.
The Council reviewed a second bid to replace the streetlight by The Junction. Both estimates and a letter will be sent to Joe Muellner.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the drive-through direction for The Muddy Tailgate with a two-month trial period. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
State Representative Mike Wiener was present to get more information on the grant for the Village Hall. The City will contact him when the architects are in town to do a walk through.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to use the current IRS mileage reimbursement rate for 2023 and use the IRS issued rate going forward. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Placing the International tractor with loader has been tabled until the City receives the mower for their New Holland tractor.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the temporary liquor license for the Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions for the 15th and 16th of July 2023. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The following park items were discussed: pickleball and tennis courts and cement slab for the tractor pull.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve Resolution 2023-05: Accepting a $7000 donation from the Grey Eagle-Burtrum Lions for park maintenance. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-05: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING $7,000 DONATION FROM GREY EAGLE/BURTRUM LIONS CLUB FOR PARK MAINTENANCE
WHEREAS, money has been donated by the Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Club; and
WHEREAS, the City Council feels that the donation will benefit citizens of the area;
1. That the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle formally accepts the donation from the Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Club for Park Maintenance.
2. That the City Clerk is authorized and directed to make the appropriate revenue and expenditure budget adjustments as needed to reflect this donation and its intended use.
Adopted by the Grey Eagle City Council on the 13th day of June 2023.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve Resolution 2023-06: Resolution of Sponsorship for the Community Concern Youth Program with Todd-Wadena Community Corrections. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-06: RESOLUTION OF SPONSORSHIP – RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING PARTICIPATION WITH 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 01/01/24 through 12/31/2024. Barb Becker, 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 $364.00 for the project entitled Todd-Wadena Community Concern for Youth during the period from 01/01/24 through 12/31/2024, which is to be paid on 01/01/24.
It is understood that the Long Prairie – Grey Eagle School Board contributes $3924.00, and the Long Prairie City Council contributes $3358.00, for a total community contribution of $7643.00.
Adopted by the Grey Eagle Council on the 13th day of June 2023.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the voting poll pad upgrade through the Todd County Auditor/Treasurers Office. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The Council has asked the Clerk to get quotes for new voting booths.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the quote from Hennen Floor Covering for $6985.27 for new flooring in the City Hall and Fire Meeting Room. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to increase the bulk water rates to $10/thousand gallons. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A discussion was held on having minnows in the sewage ponds. The Council asked to have Daryl Schmeisser present at the July meeting.
A discussion was held on the maintenance position. Help wanted ads will be placed in various publications.
The Council reviewed a quote from All State Traffic Control for street closure signs. The city will work on getting additional quotes and information and present when available.
Dan Berscheid was present to discuss various items regarding the Fire Department. A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to add Kyle Thieschafer to the Fire Department. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A discussion was held regarding unlicensed vehicles in the City. License plate numbers and/or vehicle descriptions will be gathered and presented at the July meeting.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve payment of Claims #2751-2775, totaling $32,428.16 and include additional payments of the following: MN Power $2209.19 and Quinlivan & Hughes $420.00. 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 adjourn the meeting at 8:18 pm. A second was made by Brad Johnson 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, July 11th, 2023 in Council Chambers.
Beth Ramacher, Clerk