The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 p.m., on the 11th day of October 2022 in council chambers. Council members present were Brad Johnson, Roland Ahrendt and Brian Hollenkamp. Council member Bill Pohlmann was absent. Also in attendance were John Call, Lori Hellmann and guests Alisha Sunderman, Greg Stang, Wes David and Nikki Deyle.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve the minutes of the September 13, 2022 meeting as written. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Joe Arnzen to approve the minutes of the October 4, 2022 work session meeting as written. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Greg Stang from People Services was in attendance to discuss the following items:
1. Reviewed the proposed contract up for renewal effective January 1, 2023.
2. The transferring of water at the ponds for winter storage. It was also reported that the new sanitary sewer system is working well.
3. Getting needed supplies through City accounts when possible to reduce administrative fees to People Services.
4. The updated controls at the water plant are complete and everything is working well.
5. Made a recommendation to the council to explore the possibilities of a location for an additional well.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the renewal of the contract with People Services for three years. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve Resolution No. 2022-11, Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property from David Properties, LLC. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
Resolution No. 2022-11: Resolution Authorizing the Purchase of Real Property from David Properties, LLC
WHEREAS, David Properties, LLC owns certain real property located in the City of Grey Eagle described as:
The W 26 feet of Lot 9 and all of Lot 10, Block 2, McNamara’s Addition to the City Grey Eagle a revised plat of Blocks 12 and 13, Original Townsite, according to the plat on file and of record in the office of the County Recorder in and for Todd County, MN; and
WHEREAS, the City of Grey Eagle (hereinafter “City”) is authorized by Minn. Stat. Section 471.64 to purchase the above described real property; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has authorized a Purchase Agreement for the purchase of said real property.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City:
1. The purchase price for the property is approved at $17,500.00. Buyer shall pay for all closing costs pursuant to the Purchase Agreement.
2. The Mayor and City Clerk are hereby authorized to execute any and all documents necessary to complete the closing for the purchase of said real property in accordance with the Purchase Agreement executed by the City and for the amount set forth herein.
ADOPTED by the City on this 11th day of October, 2022.
The power to the sign by the Veteran’s Memorial will need to be put in the City’s name.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve a building permit for Wes David to build an exterior staircase on the east side of the old bank building garage with a cement base. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
John reported on the following maintenance items:
1. It is time to mark storm sewers for the upcoming snow season. The clerk will check into the possibility of taller poles.
2. The water has been drained at the park bathrooms.
3. The truck is in need of front tires. John was instructed to obtain a quote from Eagle Auto Repair.
4. The dock has been taken out at Bass Lake.
The council discussed a low fence that was put up on a property on Maple Street South. The fence was put up without council approval and without following the required setback requirements. There is a $100 fee for building without a permit. A letter will be sent to the property owner requiring that the fence be removed, the fine be paid and if they wish to discuss the matter further be put on the agenda for a future council meeting.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the quote from JDL Gutters for $2,775 to install new rain gutters on the south east side of the Fire Hall and reroute the water so that it drains on the north east side of the building into the road ditch on Spruce Street. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve Ordinance No. 2022-01, Ordinance Establishing the Salaries of the Council Members and Mayor. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The Ordinance is as follows:
Ordinance No. 2022-01: Ordinance Establishing the Salaries of the Council Members and Mayor
WHEREAS, The Council of the City of Grey Eagle recommends salary adjustments and clarification of per diem allotments and
WHEREAS, by law under MN Statute 415.11, Subd. 2, changes in salary must be approved prior to regular City elections to take effect January following said elections,
NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Grey Eagle, Todd County, State of Minnesota, hereby ordains as follows:
Section 1. The salaries of the Council shall receive per council and special meetings attended $100.00 per council and $50.00 per special meetings for serving on the council and performing all duties associated with the office.
Section 2. The salary of the Mayor shall receive per council and special meetings attended $175.00 per council and $50 per special meetings for serving as Mayor and performing all duties associated with the office.
Section 3. This Ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and publication as provided by MN Statute 415.11.
Adopted by the Grey Eagle City Council this 11th day of October, 2022.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the Double R liquor license for 2023. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The council discussed the upcoming snow removal season. Residents and businesses are reminded that you are responsible for removing your own snow on your property. It is illegal to push snow across any public road or pile on someone else’s property. The snow cannot be piled on any City street. If you do not have a place to pile your snow, it is up to you to make arrangements to have the snow removed at your expense. Any violations will be turned over to the Todd County Sheriff’s Department for enforcement.
Discussion was held in regards to property clean up. The remaining unlicensed or junk vehicles now have current registration or have been towed.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to pay $20.00 per hour for the assistant clerk. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve a three percent COLA increase for city staff annually. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
Annual reviews will be held in June each year for budget purposes.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve $400 per month increase in wages in place of health insurance for the Clerk beginning in December. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the following wage increases for 2023: $1.00 per hour for the Clerk, $1.00 per hour for maintenance and $1.50 per hour for season part time. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
The Clerk was instructed to obtain quotes for the tennis courts as follows: one to just strip both tennis courts to incorporate pickle ball courts and one to turn one tennis court into two pickle ball courts.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve to lengthen the tractor pull area as requested to accommodate larger tractors. A couple of trees will need to be trimmed or removed. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve to proceed with the grant application for the old Village Hall at no cost to the City. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve Resolution No. 2022-13, A Resolution Declaring Vacancy on City Council. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
Resolution No. 2022-13: A Resolution Declaring Vacancy on City Council
WHEREAS, Bill Pohlmann was duly elected to a four year term as City Council member for the period January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2024; and
WHEREAS, Bill Pohlmann has submitted a letter of resignation effective October 4, 2022; and
WHEREAS, a vacancy now exists on the Council and State Law requires the position to be occupied; and
WHEREAS, the appointment to the position of Council member shall be made until the regular elections to be held in November 2024.
NOW, THEREFORE, by the Council of the City of Grey Eagle, Minnesota declares that a vacancy exists for Council Member of the City of Grey Eagle.
Adopted this 11th day of October, 2022.
The council encourages residents who are interested in being on the City Council contact City Hall. You must live within city limits in order to be considered.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve vacation for the Clerk October 21st and 22nd. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the Todd County Attorney Contract for 2023 for $500. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve Resolution No. 2022-12, A Resolution Accepting $5,500 Donation from the Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Club towards the purchase of Property. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried. The resolution is as follows:
Resolution No. 2022-12: A Resolution Accepting $5,500 Donation from the Grey Eagle Burtrum Lions Club Towards the Purchase of Property
WHEREAS, money has been donated by 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 to be used towards the purchase of property on which the Veteran’s Memorial is located.
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 this 11th day of October, 2022.
A motion was made by Brad Johnson to set the Truth in Taxation meeting for Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m., in council chambers. A second was made by Joe Arnzen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to set the annual Fire Board meeting for Tuesday, November 22, 2022 at 7:00 p.m., in the Fire Department 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 Brian Hollenkamp to approve Andrew Mareck to park a couple of RV’s at the park October 20th through October 23rd. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.
A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the payment of claims #2536-#2559 for $69,930.93 and to include the addition of $21,604.69 to Grey Eagle Volunteer Relief Association. 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 8:51 p.m. 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 Wednesday, November 9, 2022 in council chambers.
Lori Hellmann, Clerk