Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, August 5, 2016. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Norm Carlson, Tony Maciej, Jay Bartkowicz, and Jim Molitor. Also present: Tim and Linda Dally, Mark Hallen, Cory DeFoe, Lonny Hutchins and reporter Sheila McCoy.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held Tuesday, July 5, 2016 were reviewed. A motion was made by Jay Bartkowicz to approve the minutes as printed. Norm Carlson 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 Jay Bartkowicz to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Lange presented to the council the recommendation by the Planning and Zoning committee to rezone the lot on the corner of First Street(County Road 102) and Springbrook Drive from Commercial to Residential in order for the ongoing plan to build the apartment complex by the Dally’s. With council’s agreement a Public Hearing will take place on September 6, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. before the regular monthly meeting. Letters will be sent and notice will be put in the paper.
There was much discussion about which direction the new four plex would be built. Mayor Lange reported she had visited with County Engineer, Steve Backowski about having the driveways backing onto First Street (County Road 102). Backowski was not in favor of this for the fact of the safety risk. The next plan would be either extend Berkey Avenue into the lot and having the four plex built north and south or building east to west and have a driveway come in on Springbrook Drive. Council asked city engineer, Mark Hallen to put together an estimate which plan would be the most cost efficient for the city to put in sewer and water and the road. Mayor Lange stated there are housing grants and a TIF District will be looked into as well. Tim Dally stated he would like to start building in March of 2017 if everything would be in place.
Maintenance worker, Lonny reported that he and council member Tony Maciej met with Todd Co. Soil & Water representative on the Pillsbury beach erosion. It was decided that rocking most of the area would be very effective with the erosion instead of all wild flowers and grass. This project would be done with matching funds grant in the spring of 2017. This would also be a good project to have local organizations and scouts possibly help with.
Mayor Lange presented council with a letter she received from MN Public Facilities about the recent audit in which it shows the revenues are insufficient to pay the PFA loans. After discussion, Council member, Tony Maciej made a motion to raise the water base rate from $16.00 to $17.25 and raise water per thousand gallons from $3.80 to $5.05. Also, raise sewer base rate from $14.00 to $15.25 per thousand gallons will remain the same $6.00 per thousand gallons. Jim Molitor seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Rates will be effective September 26, 2016. This will be revisited in September with the pre-levy.
Mayor Lange presented to the council a letter from the Initiative Foundation requesting the council to consider a contribution for 2017. After discussion Jim Molitor made a motion to contribute in 2017 $500.00 to the Initiative Foundation. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Lange presented to the council resolution #160802 accepting a $26,000.00 donation from the Swanville Lions Club to be used toward city improvements. Jim Molitor made a motion to accept resolution #160802 in the amount of $26,000.00. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor. Council is very appreciative to the Swanville Lions Club for being very generous to the City.
The clerk will be accepting affidavit of candidacy from today until 5:00 p.m., August 16, 2016 for a two year Mayor position and two Council members-four year term position. Council members terms that are up for re election are Jay Bartkowicz and Norm Carlson.
The Swanville Rural Fire Association meeting will take place Tuesday, August 30, 2016 at 8:00 p.m. Council will meet in the Swanville Center at 7:30pm and then move to the Swanville Fire Hall.
Mayor Lange informed the council there will be an outdoor movie in the Swanville Park on Thursday August 18 at 8:00 p.m. This will be open to the public and put on by the Swanville Women’s Civic Club.
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. Mayor Lange seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. with the Public Hearing taking place at 6:30pm.
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 8:50 p.m.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer