Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Peterson, Jim Molitor, Norm Carlson and Tony Maciej. Absent: Jay Bartkowicz. Also present: Lonny Hutchins and reporter Kerry Drager.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held Tuesday, March 3, 2015 were read. A motion was made by Norm Carlson to approve the minutes as read. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Jim Molitor and seconded by Tony Maciej to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Maintenance worker Lonny reported that there are two blowers at the sewer plant and one needs to be replaced soon. Council agreed that Lonny should get quotes for the next meeting on a recondition and a new blower. Quotes were passed out to council for the brush and dirt piles to get hauled away from the compost pile. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to have Mark Throener haul away as many loads of dirt piles he can and then have Maciej Construction haul the rest of the loads of compost to the land fill. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. It was also reported that there is a large amount of flush-able cloths/baby wipes showing up in the sewer system. Even though it states flush-able on the package they do not dissolve in the sewer. Residents should be aware that if the problem persists a grinder will have to be purchased and this would put another increase in rates for sewer.
Council member, Jim Molitor, reported to the council that after two quotes were received, a new lawn mower was purchased from Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment for $6,354.00 with trade in. The mower will be delivered within the next few weeks.
A motion was made by Mayor Peterson to proclaim Friday, May 1, 2015 as Fran Koetter Day. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Fran was diagnosed with Parkinson’s a few years ago. There will be hot dogs and pop served in the city park on May 1 from 5 to 8 that evening. Fran’s family will be participating in the Walk for Parkinson’s in Plymouth, MN on May 2. Fran and her husband Bob have been a very big part of the community for many years, and together ran Bob & Fran’s Grocery Store here in Swanville.
Mayor Peterson presented council with the refuse/recycling and cleanup day grant from Morrison County. The city would receive $1176.00 for refuse/recycling and $375.00 for cleanup day grant. Tony Maciej made a motion to sign the Morrison County grant. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Cleanup day is tentatively set for Saturday, May 2, providing roll-offs and recycling providers are available.
Mayor Peterson is going over the city ordinances. A copy of the city codes was passed out and discussed with council. She will be going over each section of the ordinances and changes with council.
Lisa Nelson requested a land use permit to put a 13’x6’ privacy fence and to take off the now attached deck and lay a 16’x14’ cement slab. Roto Molding is requesting a land use permit to lay a 15’x15’ cement slab next to business. Both of the applications have been approved by Planning & Zoning. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to grant both applications a permit. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Peterson presented to council an application for the City of Swanville to become a Heart Safe Community. Classes would be offered to educate residents on such things as using AED and living healthy. Mayor Peterson made a motion to have Swanville become a Heart Safe Community. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
A reminder of the local Board of Appeal and Equalization will take place on Monday, April 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Swanville Center.
A letter was presented to council that will be mailed out to property owners with the new water/sewer rates beginning May 26, 2015. Council approved the letter which will be mailed out with a newsletter letting all residents know of the cleanup day in Swanville and other news.
There was discussion about used appliances and used tires sitting around on property around the city. Letters will be sent to have land owners take care of these nuisances.
The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Jim Molitor made a motion to approve the claims. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next monthly meeting will be held May 5, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Tony Maciej and seconded by Mayor Peterson to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:25 p.m.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer