Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, December 8, 2015. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Jay Bartkowicz, Jim Molitor, Norm Carlson, and Tony Maciej. Also present: Julie Zupko, Pat Zeis and Jenna Peterson, Mark Hallen, Lonny Hutchins, and reporter Sheila McCoy.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held Wednesday, November 4, 2015 were reviewed. A motion was made by Jay Bartkowicz to approve the minutes as printed. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The treasurer’s report was given. A motion was made by Jim Molitor and seconded by Jay Bartkowicz to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Julie Zupko from Swanville Insurance was present to go over the renewal of the city’s insurance through the League of MN Cities. Zupko stated that the dividends will be out shortly from the League and they will be of a substantial amount because of the low claims this year. Zupko also stated that council members and volunteers will be covered under the cities policy now when working on city projects. The liability form waiver was explained by Julie. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to not waive the monetary limits on the waiver form. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Pat Zeis and Jenna Peterson were present to possibly purchase lots 28, 29, 30 in the Forest Hill Lane addition. They would be using this land for access to the property they have purchased that adjoins to this land to the east. After discussion, council advised the couple to check with Morrison Co Soil and Water to see if this land would be able to make into a road way and the Mayor will check with the city attorney to put a stipulation on these lots that if the land would be sectioned off and more houses go up, the city would possibly annex the property the couple has purchased into the city. Tabled until more questions are answered.
Lonny Hutchins, city maintenance man, presented council with a bid to replace a beam and add rafters in the park building where the ceiling is beginning to sag by the kitchen. Another bid was received to add on an addition onto the park building for storage use. The maintenance man will get two more bids for council.
Mayor Lange stated she would like to have an annual job review with the maintenance man and clerk/treasurer before the next council meeting. Norm Carlson will also be present at the review.
A letter was handed out to council members from Dave and Val Sobania. The letter stated they were discussed by the new way the road was plowed with the more snow to the west of Rhoda Avenue. Lonny stated he will go back to the old way of plowing the road. Council also suggested a route that could be followed when plowing snow. A new snow plowing contract was discussed and tabled.
The levy for 2016 was discussed. After discussion, Tony Maciej made a motion to leave the general fund the same as last year. Jay Bartkowicz seconded the motion. Four of the council members voted in favor. Jim Molitor opposed. Motion passed. The final levy for 2016 is set at general fund $73,500.00 and the debt service amount is set at $11,231.15 for a total levy amount of $84,731.15.
Mayor Lange presented council with the 2016 budget. After discussion, Tony Maciej made a motion to accept the 2016 budget as presented. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The Morrison County Animal Humane contract was presented to the council. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to not sign the contract this year. Jay Bartkowicz seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Lange would like to start and set up a fund for Community/Economic Development Organization. She stated that Region 5 could help the city set up this fund and have information to get the ball rolling for this organization. Council was in agreement to get in contact with Region 5 for advice.
Mayor Lange presented council with a donation of $1000.00 from the Swanville VFW Post 6037 to be used toward city park expenses. Mayor Lange made a motion to accept Resolution 2015-1208 $1000.00 donation from the Swanville VFW. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing, Jim Molitor a motion to approve the claims. Jay Bartkowicz seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at 7:00 p.m.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Jay Bartkowicz and seconded by Tony Maciej to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:35 p.m.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer