Swanville City February 7, 2017

Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, February 7, 2017. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Deb Wood, Norm Carlson, Tony Maciej, and Jim Molitor. Also present: Joe Krueger, Tim and Linda Dally, Cindy Bruggenthies, Mark Hallen, Reporter Sheila McCoy, and Lonny Hutchins.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held Tuesday, January 3, 2017 were reviewed. A motion was made by. Jim Molitor to approve the minutes as printed. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Norm Carlson and seconded by Jim Molitor to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
With the present city attorney, Tim Churchwell, being appointed judge for Douglas County the council was advised to consider Joe Kruger as city attorney. Joe Kruger attorney from Brown & Krueger was present to introduce himself and answered questions council had. A legal services contract for 2017 was presented to council. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to appoint Joe Krueger as city attorney and sign the legal services agreement contract for 2017 which includes an hourly rate of $115.00. Deb Wood seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Tim and Linda Dally were present to discuss with council the purchase agreement for the two lots in the Berkey Avenue North project on which to build one, possibly two four-plex apartment complex. Joe Krueger informed the council that he represents both the City of Swanville and the Dally’s in regards to the purchase agreement. However if an issue should arise in regards to the purchase agreement both parties would have to find new council to represent them. Krueger presented an agreement to consent representation despite conflicts. After discussion, Norm Carlson made a motion to sign the agreement. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor except Jim Molitor, who has concerns about the agreement. Motion carried. Kruger then presented the purchase agreement with Tim & Linda Dally and the City of Swanville of Lot 1, Block 2 on North Berkey for $1.00 with the City providing a TIF District. The agreement also states the Dally’s have the option to purchase Lot 1, Block 1, Berkey Avenue North until December 31, 2020 to build another four-plex apartment complex. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to sign the purchase agreement. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
There will be six lots for sale to the north of the four-plex land. A covenant will need to be wrote up on a time line to build and on the purchase price.
Cindy Bruggentheis, branch manager for Swanville Great River Regional Library, was present to visit with the council and let them know about attendance and programs going on with the Swanville Library. The library has new after school/early evening hours. Cindy invites people around the area to come and check out the Swanville Library and programs offered.
Lonny Hutchins, city maintenance worker, reported that the city water tower had a dry tank/clean out evaluation performed. Suggestions and improvements were made in the report which was handed out to council. At this time no actions will be taken.
Lonny also reported on the Pillsbury Beach erosion project. There is a shoreline matching grant with the MPCA that the city will be applying for to help defray the cost of the erosion project. Putting in a fishing pier by the beach is being looked into also.
The maintenance worker annual wage was visited by the council. After discussion Jim Molitor made a motion to raise the annual wage from $36,000.00+60% health care+disability ins &2 weeks paid vacation to $40,000.00 +above benefits and cell phone fee. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The mower bid was revisited. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to purchase a new mower for $1833.52 + 2015 mower trade- in from Powerhouse Outdoor Equipment. Deb Wood seconded the motion. All member voted in favor, motion carried. Jim will get an estimate for possibly purchasing a bagger for the new mower.
Red’s Irish Pub liquor licenses will be expiring in the middle of April, 2017. Jim Molitor made a motion to renew the liquor licenses for Red’s Pub for one year with the same fees as last year: Off Sale $100.00, On Sale $1750.00, and Sunday License $150.00, for a total of $2000.00.
Mayor Lange seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The clerk will send out the necessary paper work with invoice to Red’s Pub. Council asked the clerk to check with other cities in the area to see what their liquor licenses are.
Norm Carlson reported at the last Senior Center meeting they discussed putting up a hand railing by the south side of the front door. Council did not see a problem with the railing.
The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Tony Maciej made a motion to approve the claims. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, March 7, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. A Public Hearing will take place at 6:45 p.m. to hear input on setting up a TIF District on the Berkey Avenue North Project.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Norm Carlson and seconded by Tony Maciej to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 8:40 p.m.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer