These are unapproved minutes.
Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson at 7:00 p.m. The pledge of allegiance was said. On roll call members present were: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Brian Lange, Robert Maciej, and Dennis Westrich. Olson arriving at 7:20 p.m. People present: Nicole Mehr, Calvin Gerads, Krista Gerads, Fire Chief Jay Baggenstoss, Public Works Superintendent Frank Koopmeiners, and Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Maciej moved to approve minutes from February 1, 2016 City Council Meeting, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Westrich moved to approve the agenda as is; giving the right for Olson to add items when she arrives 2nd by Maciej. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: None.
Department Reports: Maintenance Report: General report was given by Koopmeiners.
Fire Department Report: Fire Chief Jay Baggenstoss presented information on repairing the secondary water pumper; reporting that there are several water leaks in the hopper. Baggenstoss will report back to the City Council in April with their findings.
Public Hearing: Proposed Conditional Use Permit for up to 10 chickens at 318 Hillcrest Street
Mayor Johnson recessed the regular City Council Meeting and called to order the public hearing for the proposed Conditional Use Permit at 7:21 p.m.
The council reviewed the request from Nicole Mehr to have up to 10 chickens at 318 Hillcrest Street. No public comments were offered.
Johnson made a motion to close the public hearing at 7:24 p.m. 2nd by Maciej. Motion carried unanimously. At 7:24 p.m. Mayor Johnson called back to order the regular City Council meeting.
Lange made a motion to approve Conditional Use Permit 3-6-16-1 for Nicole Mehr at address 318 Hillcrest Street to house up to 10 chickens, to be reviewed and approved annually provided there are no public objections, 2nd Maciej. Motion carried unanimously.
City Office Report: Stevens reported that she will be attending the clerks training in St. Cloud the week of March 14th, the annual audit is scheduled for the week of March 28, her mother is suffering from stage 3 lung cancer and will possibly be taking some time off to tend to her family, and requested the council review the water fees on the Fee Schedule. The council requested Stevens put together a report and bring it back to the April meeting.
Planning Commission: Met and discussed the cemetery; horses in town, and the proposed maintenance shed.
UCDC: Minutes were submitted.
Recreation Board: No meeting held.
Unfinished Business: Fire Hall / City Office Roof Repair. Quotes to replace the City Office/Fire Hall roof were reviewed. Lange Construction’s quote was $12,134, and Reis Lumber’s quote was $11,500. Westrich moved to accept the Reis Lumber bid at $11,500, 2nd by Maciej. Four members voted yes, with Lange abstaining.
City-owned lot on the south end of town: The Council is choosing not to list the property for sale at this time.
New Business: The Annual County Information Meeting is March 22 at 7:00 p.m. in the Morrison County Court House.
The Board of Appeals: The Board of Appeals is scheduled for Tuesday, May 3rd at 10:30 am at the Upsala Fire Hall/City Office.
Assisted Living/Memory Care Feasibility Study: Johnson reported that in order for Upsala to attract an assisted living/memory care facility a feasibility study for the need for that type of housing is required. Lange moved to spend up to $5,000 with 50% of that expense to be covered by NJPA and to move forward with a feasibility study, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Personnel Policy: Johnson appointed Olson and Lange to be a subcommittee to review the vacation policy and bring suggestions back to the council in May.
Food Shelf: Olson discussed the idea of a Food Shelf for the community of Upsala
LED Street Lighting: Mayor Johnson discussed LED street lighting for the City of Upsala. He will invite Kris Holmen to the May meeting to learn more about the topic.
Financial: Olson moved to pay all bills presented, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously. Olson requested Stevens provide a spreadsheet on payroll .
Thankyous and acknowledgements: None.
Updates/FYI: None.
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 9:10 p.m. 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer