Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Peterson, Jay Bartkowicz, Norm Carlson and Tony Maciej. Absent: Jim Molitor
Also present: Mike Donnelly, Mary Backlund, Ron Schmidt, Mark Hallen and reporter Kerry Drager.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held Tuesday, April 7, 2015 were read. A motion was made by Tony Maciej to approve the minutes as read. Jay Bartkowicz seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The treasures report was given. A motion was made by Jay Bartkowicz and seconded by Norm Carlson to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Only one bid was received from the refuse and recycling removal ad. Mike Donnelly representing Waste Management was present for council to ask questions on the bib which he had submitted. There was discussion on staying with a two year or going with a five year contract. After discussion, Jay Bartkowicz made a motion to have Waste Management write up a five year contract. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. With this contract there will be a 2.5% increase in the second and fourth year of the contract. Mike will have the contract wrote up and then it will be sent to the city attorney for review.
Ron Schmidt was present to explain to the council that the tire nuisance was taken care of on his property. He thought that maybe a universal letter could be sent out to other property owners in the city asking them to help keep the city looking nice. Council thanked Schmidt, and will consider is suggestions for reference.
Mary Backlund, from Schlenner Wenner & Co, was present to go over the city annual audit. Mary explained the audit in detail and answered questions from council members. After discussion, Mayor Peterson made a motion to accept the audit as presented. Jay Bartkowicz seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Bids were handed out to council for a new or recondition blower needed at the city sewer plant. Being that the bids were very close to the same cost, Jay Bartkowicz made a motion to have Lonny purchase a new blower from the company he is most comfortable with. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
A property owner was interested in putting in a well to water the lawn. The Mayor contacted the League of MN Cities and the City Attorney for advice on the matter. Both advised the city not to allow a well to be put in where city water lines are. Council agreed that per the Planning and Zoning Ordinance; only a sand point may be put in to water lawns.
The property owner on the north corner of DeGraff Avenue and Third Street would like to redo the sidewalk and not have water run into his basement. The council recessed to look at the problem with City Engineer Mark Hallen. When council reconvened, Hallen stated he felt the slop of the road is up to high. Council decided to table.
Hallen also stated that he has emailed Larson Excavating asking for a copy of the ICS 134 form that was sent into the State and the final payment application of the Rhoda Avenue Project. As of yet he has not received a reply.
Mayor Peterson handed out for council to review City Codes for Elections and Hazardous Buildings.
The following claims were presented for payment. Members of the council were furnished with a listing. Jay Bartkowicz made a motion to approve the claims. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next monthly meeting will be held June 2, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Norm Carlson and seconded by Jay Bartkowicz to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 9:10 p.m.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer