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Swanville City • September 6, 2023

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Minutes from the Public Hearing held at 6:45 p.m.
Members present: Sandy Lange, Norm Carlson, Tony Maciej, John Dragseth and Jim Molitor. Also present: Lonny Hutchins, and Reporter Terry Lerhke,
Mayor Lange opened the Public Hearing. The purpose of the meeting is to hear from residents about the variance applied for at 302 Rhoda Avenue to add two cement slabs covering over 50% of impervious surface of the lot. No letters of concern were received and no residents were present. Mayor Lange then closed the Public Hearing.
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting held in the Swanville Center on Wednesday, September 6, 2023. The meeting called to order 7:00 p.m. with the following members present: Sandy Lange, Norm Carlson, Tony Maciej, John Dragseth and Jim Molitor. Also present: Lonny Hutchins and Reporter Terry Lerhke,
Minutes of the Swanville City Council meeting Tuesday, August 8, 2023 was reviewed. A motion was made by Tony Maciej to approve the minutes. John Dragseth 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 John Dragseth to approve the treasurer’s report. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
Mayor Lange presented the variance and land use permit for two cement slabs one 24’x14’, one 13’x18’ at 305 Rhoda Avenue owned by Scott Drager, which will cover more than 50% of impervious surface. Tony Maciej made a motion to give Drager the variance and land use permit. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. all members voted in favor, motion carried. John and Nancy Hoogenhous is asking for a land use permit for a 40’x20’addition onto their existing building at 21 Forest Hill Lane. Jim Molitor made a motion to give Hoogenhous the land use permit for the addition. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. all members voted in favor motion carried.
Mayor Lange and the City Clerk has met with Jeff Scholten with Rural Development and learned that the city will have the water project 100% funded with grants of $600,00.00 from DEED, $3.52 million from Public Facilities Authority (PFA) and a $699,000.00 grant from Rural Development. After discussion, Tony Maciej made a motion to approve and sign papers for the $600,000.00 grant from DEED. Mayor Lange then presented Resolution #23-0906 Authoring the City of Swanville to submit information to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority (MPFA) and to enter into a grant agreement with the MPFA in the amount of $3,052,000.00. Tony Maciej made a motion to adopt resolution #23-0906. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Redoing road work on Second, Fourth and Sixth Avenues might not be all covered by grants and the remainder of work will have to be assessed.
The North Berkey First Addition project will be eligible for Tax Increment Financing (TIF). There are no grants for the water and sewer in this addition. Lots will be assessed for tarring the roads and curb and gutter. The city will be working with David Drown and Associates on the TIF part and the money that will need to be borrowed for the project.
There was an update on the Central MN Housing Partnership (CMHP) financing. Mayor Lange stated there are nine residents who applied, no rentals, still waiting for commercial property to take advantage of the low-interest loan financing. Mayor Lange then presented to council a letter from the City Attorney stating there is no conflict of interest from Norm Carlson. Norm Carlson then so stated to the council that he will use the financing money toward the update of his house and has not voted and will continue to abstain because of conflict of interest in the loan he and his wife has applied for through the CMHP to help update their home. Carlson had to state this because he is a city council member receiving a CMHP loan.
The Swanville Rural Fire Association set their 2023-2024 budget at $65,000.00 with the city assessment portion at $5283.61. Jim Molitor made a motion to pay the assessment amount to the Fire Association. Norm Carlson seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The preliminary levy for 2024 was discussed. After discussion, Jim Molitor made a motion to raise the general service preliminary levy for 2024 – $10,000.00. Tony Maciej seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried. The final levy will be set in December. Mayor Lange passed out the 2024 budget for council to review and report back.
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. John Dragseth seconded the motion. All members voted in favor, motion carried.
The next regular monthly meeting will be held Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. in the Swanville Center.
There being no further business, a motion was made by Tony Maciej and seconded by Norm Carlson to adjourn. All members voted in favor, motion carried. Meeting adjourned 7:45 p.m.
Julie Hollermann, City Clerk/Treasurer