The Melrose City Council met in a Regular Meeting on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 5:45 p.m. at the Melrose City Center pursuant to due notice being given thereof. Present were Council Members Dick Christenson, Tony Klasen, Josh Thieschafer, Justin Frieler, and Mayor Joe Finken, Finance Director Tessa Beuning, and City Clerk Patti Haase. City Administrator Michael Brethorst was present via phone. Mayor Finken presided thereat. Also in attendance were American Government students from the Melrose Area Public High School.
The Council then recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
A motion was made by Mr. Thieschafer, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried to approve the agenda as submitted.
Mayor Finken then opened the floor to public comment. Mayor Finken welcomed former Council Member Ron Butkowski. There were no further comments.
The following items were considered for approval under the Consent Agenda:
A. the minutes from the Council’s March 16 Regular Meeting and the March 30 Special Meeting.
B. list of bills in the amount of $415,034.09.
C. list of investments for the month of March.
D. Ambulance Department uncollectible accounts in the amount of $8,461.31 have been submitted to Revenue Recapture, collections, or written off. A complete list of accounts is on file at the City Office. There was also a total of $2,496.86 collected from account holders during this quarter.
E. Fire Department uncollectible accounts in the amount of $775 have been submitted to Revenue Recapture, collections, or written off. A complete list of accounts is on file at the City Office. There was also a total of $200 collected from account holders during this quarter.
F. On May 9, Police Chief Craig Maus will complete three years of service as Chief for the City. City Administrator Brethorst has conducted a review and it is favorable; therefore, recommends approval of a step increase from Step 6 to Step 7.
G. On April 3, part-time Maintenance Worker Allen Wolbeck completed the full-time equivalency of one year of service (2080 hours) with the City. Streets/Parks Supervisor Gary Middendorf has conducted a review and it is favorable; therefore, recommends approval of a step increase from Start to Step 1 on the pay scale which is an increase of $.37 per hour.
H. Donation Resolutions: 1) Resolution No. 2017-24, Donation in the amount of $1,000 from Melrose American Legion Post #101 to the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce – Silver Sponsor for Riverfest.
2) Resolution No. 2017-26, Donation in the amount of $1,000 from the Melrose Lions to the Melrose Area Chamber of Commerce – Silver Sponsor for fireworks for Riverfest.
I. Human Resource Coordinator Diane Gruber has submitted her Notice of Retirement effective May 1, 2017. Ms. Gruber will have 34 years of service with the City of Melrose. As per the historical direction of the Council, a full staff review of the position will be conducted.
A motion was made by Mr. Christenson, seconded by Mr. Frieler and unanimously carried to approve the Consent Agenda items.
Mayor Finken welcomed the foster grandparents and their guests to the meeting. He thanked the foster grandparents for their work in the program and for helping our youth. Mayor Finken presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the volunteers of the Foster Grandparent Program.
Police Chief Craig Maus presented the Police Department’s March report. He noted there were 268 calls for service during that month, compared to 280 for March 2016. A total of 12 citations were written for the month of March 2017. The year-to-date number of calls is 771 compared to 931 in 2016. For the month of March 2017, the Department received 23 agency-assist calls. He reminded pet owners that animal licenses will be issued from May 1-31 at the Melrose City Center for residents who own a dog or cat. Chief Maus stated that Stearns County deputies have been filling in shifts for the Melrose Police Department until they have their full-time roster filled. Chief Maus stated that Stearns County patrolling has been running smoothly and the transition had been better than he anticipated.
City Attorney Scott Dymoke reported on projects he has been working on for the City.
• Community Development, Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS) Project: Worked with City staff and JOTS representatives to prepare and coordinate closing on property sale. Conducted closing on sale of property.
• Community Development, Willow Project: Worked with City staff to prepare revised easement agreements to address additional requirements for JOTS project.
• Community Development, Auditor’s Opinion Letter: Prepared opinion letter for use with annual audit of City accounts.
Mayor Finken stated that at the Council’s February 23 meeting, approval was given to the hiring of a fifth Police Officer. The hiring notice was posted both internally and externally. Fourteen applications were received and interviews were conducted on March 27 by the interview committee consisting of Police Chief Craig Maus, Police Officer Patrick Nechanicky, City Administrator Brethorst, and HR Coordinator Diane Gruber. It is the Committee’s recommendation that Jamie Green be hired to fill the position. Mr. Green graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and is full-time licensed in the State of Minnesota. Mr. Green’s work experience includes working as an Officer for the City of Lake Crystal, MN; Police Reserve officer and Community Service Officer for the City of Mankato, as well as Security Guard for Mankato East High School. The Committee recommends Mr. Green be hired at Start on the pay scale.
Mr. Thieschafer stated that although he is not questioning the hiring selection, he is uncomfortable with the fact that they still have not found a funding mechanism to continue funding this position. Mr. Klasen said that after speaking with a few residents, he is a little less on the fence regarding the need of the fifth Officer; however, he also shares Mr. Thieschafer’s funding concerns.
A motion was made by Mr. Frieler approving the hire of Jamie Green as a full-time Police Officer at start on the pay scale contingent upon successful completion of a background check, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment physical and drug test. The motion was seconded by Mr. Christenson with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Member Justin Frieler, Dick Christenson and Mayor Joe Finken; Against: Council Member Josh Thieschafer and Tony Klasen.
At the Council’s March 16 meeting, approval was given to the hiring of a part-time Officer to fill the vacancy created by Officer Jeff Eggert who filled the full-time position of Officer Aaron Baros.
From the interview process for the fifth full-time Officer hiring process, it is recommended that Kyle Hartigan, who was interviewed during that process, be offered the position of part-time Officer at Start on the pay scale. Mr. Hartigan was a part-time Officer for the City of Melrose from December 2014 through June 2015 at which time he accepted a full-time position with another department. Mr. Hartigan has moved back to the area and is currently residing in Sauk Centre.
A motion was made by Mr. Thieschafer, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried approving the hire of Kyle Hartigan as a part-time Police Officer contingent upon successful completion of a background check, psychological evaluation, and pre-employment physical and drug test.
Mayor Finken noted that the City has hired a seasonal part-time worker to assist with the summer workload. Streets/Parks Supervisor Gary Middendorf is requesting approval to again hire a temporary summer/seasonal worker for 24 hours per week to assist with lawn and park maintenance, cleaning, etc. Caldin Rieland, who filled this position in summer 2016, is interested in filling this position for 2017.
A motion was made by Mr. Frieler, seconded by Mr. Christenson and unanimously carried approving the rehire of Caldin Rieland for the 2017 temporary summer/seasonal worker position.
Planning and Development Director Creelman noted that due to the popularity of the Commercial Deferred Loan Program, several businesses have requested funds. As of April 11, 2017, there is $1,733.98 remaining in the fund; however, one business may be pulling out of the program providing an additional $5,000 to the fund. Currently, we have four additional businesses requesting funding and so City staff feels that it would be appropriate to add an additional $15,000 to the Commercial Deferred Loan Fund.
By consensus, the Council determined to postpone until budget review.
Planning and Development Director Creelman stated that the City of Melrose Comprehensive Plan was adopted November 2011. This Plan is generally revisited every five years and totally reviewed and updated every 10 years. The Planning and Zoning Commission routinely references this document and uses it for guidance when considering actions. This document is also used as reference and proof that the City has taken public comment and held hearing on the Comprehensive Plan. It can also be used as an alternative plan for a regional comprehensive economic development strategy (CEDS) when one is not available.
Region 7 is actively working on updating its CEDS for the region that would cover Melrose. This document is seven years old. The Stearns County Comprehensive Plan can also be used as an alternative to a CEDS; however, the County plan was written 11 years ago. A valid CEDS alternative must be adopted within the past five years to be eligible for federal grants; therefore, it is recommended that the City of Melrose reaffirm the current Comprehensive Plan. By reaffirming the Plan, it will allow the City to apply for the Federal EDA Grant to fund approximately 50% of the Electric Substation. If the Plan is not reaffirmed, the City will not be able to apply for the grant as there are no other CEDS equivalents available. Even if the City reaffirms the Comprehensive Plan, it is recommended that they City plan for a complete review of the Comprehensive Plan in 2020 with an adoption in November 2021.
Mr. Thieschafer introduced Resolution No. 2017-23, Resolution Reaffirming the Adoption and the process used by the City of Melrose 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update. The motion was seconded by Mr. Frieler with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Members Thieschafer, Frieler, Klasen, Christenson, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
Mayor Finken stated that bids were received for the 3rd Avenue West Resurfacing project. Six bids were received. The low bidder for the project was Tri-City Paving in the amount of $157,444. WSB & Associates has reviewed the bid packets and find the bids are all within specifications. It is recommended based on bids to approve the base bid and both alternates to Tri-City Paving.
A motion was made by Mr. Thieschafer, seconded by Mr. Frieler and unanimously carried to award the bid to the low bidder, Tri-City Paving, in the amount of $157,444 including both alternates.
Police Chief Craig Maus noted that animal licenses will be issued from May 1-31 at the Melrose City Center for residents who own a dog or cat. The Melrose City Code requires the following:
• All dogs and cats six months and older, kept or harbored in the City, must be licensed with a City of Melrose license. A maximum of three domestic animals is allowed on the same premise.
• A valid rabies vaccination certificate indicating the animal has been vaccinated within three years must be presented before a license can be issued. The earliest age to vaccinate for rabies is three months old.
• The license fee for all dogs and cats is $15 if spayed or neutered or $20 if not spayed or neutered.
• The dog or cat owner is subject to a penalty of $5 for late registration and costs incurred for impounding the animal. These fees are in addition to the license fee.
• Pet owners are required to clean up animal waste.
• Animals are prohibited from running at large.
Mayor Finken stated that the City has been working with Ryan Consulting on various development projects and Ryan Consulting is currently under contract for the Jennie-O Turkey Store (JOTS) and the 400 Block abatement efforts. Ryan Consulting was also retained for the Melrose Multi-Family TIF; however, that project did not become a reality. With the pending development relating to the special state legislation and potentially other projects that may be spurred in the coming months, it is thought that external assistance would be used to help formally develop these projects.
It is anticipated the City will have many various permitting, development and construction related tasks. It is the intent of the City staff to coordinate initial meetings and initial conversations, but once a development is required formal packaging, City staff would the reach out to Ryan Consulting to bundle the development. It is proposed to contract with Ryan Consulting as is done with MARCO, legal prosecution, SEH and DGR. The City would prepay a set $5,000 fee and it would be drawn down as needed.
Mr. Klasen thought it best not to prepay as the City currently has a contract with Ryan Consulting for the various on-going developments. Mr. Klasen also noted that in some cases, contracts are given a discounted price; however, in this instance, this is not the case.
Due to lack of motion, the proposal did not move forward.
Finance Director Beuning stated that the Stearns County Veterans Service Office located in Melrose may be under renovation this summer for approximately 90 days. The City has been approached to see if there is any temporary space that for them to use. A review of the City Center was completed and the Mel-TV storage room is open and available. No fees have been discussed at this time. It will be determined within the next few months if this will be needed or not. No action is needed at this time.
Mayor Finken stated that on Friday, April 7, St. Cloud Diocese Bishop Donald Kettler published a letter informing the parishioners of the finding and directives of the Diocesan Building Committee for the Church of St. Mary’s. It stated that the Committee’s recommendation to deny approval for the proposed Pure Restoration Project. The Committee further recommended that building a new facility that completely addresses a 21st century parish and the future needs is the direction the Parish needs to pursue. Mayor Finken read a portion of Resolution No. 2017-25, A Resolution Supporting Preserving the Existing Church of St. Mary’s Structure.
Mr. Klasen stated that the building has been in the community for 119 years. From the public standpoint, it is very valuable to the community. Mr. Thieschafer noted that while it is important not to mix state and church, the structure is woven into the fabric of the community.
Mr. Thieschafer introduced Resolution No. 2017-25, A Resolution Supporting Preserving the Existing Church of St. Mary’s Structure. The motion was seconded by Mr. Frieler with a roll call vote recorded as follows: For: Council Member Thieschafer, Frieler, Christenson, Klasen, and Mayor Finken; Against: None.
The following informational items were reviewed:
The Building Permit Summary Log for First Quarter 2017. The total number/value of building permits issued in the first quarter for the past five years were:
2017 2016 2015 2014 2013
23 15 12 7 23
$504,221 $497,792 $297,027 $48,878 $215,560
Utilities Commission’s March 13 Regular Meeting minutes.
2017 Tax Capacity Rates for Stearns County.
A motion was made by Christenson, seconded by Mr. Klasen and unanimously carried that the meeting be adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Patricia Haase, City Clerk
-
-
-
-
-
-
-