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, Crystal Benson, Dennis Westrich and Lana Bartells.
People present: MC Record reporter Sheila McCoy, Branch Services Coordinator for Upsala Wanda Erickson, Library Assistant for Upsala Jenna Miller, First Responder Secretary Garrett Doucette, Sheri Johnson, Don Trettel, Darlene Maciej, Public Works Frank Koopmeiners, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Westrich moved to approve minutes from March 4, 2019 City Council meeting, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Bartells moved to approve minutes from March 14, 2019 Special City Council meeting, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Benson moved to approve the agenda with the addition of Benson attending the LMC Annual Conference in Duluth, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Wanda Erickson acknowledged the Council for their support. She announced that Jenna Miller is the new Library Assistant for Upsala. She also was excited to share that the Great River Regional Libray is giving the Upsala branch three more hours per week; they will now be open Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Erickson also explained the library is doing a fundraiser for a pallet painting class with artist Rose Borman for kids. Their goal is to raise $500.00. Please drop off your donations at the library.
Department Reports:
Economic Development: Johnson explained that the DNR grant for the park improvements has been submitted.
Stevens announced that Reva VanVleet resigned from CEDA; Tara Kohl is taking her place.
Maintenance Report: Koopmeiners reported on water and sewer levels.
Fire Department Report: The Fire Department presented their February minutes. Open house will be Sunday, October 6; the first Sunday of Fire Safety Week.
First Responders: The First Response Team minutes were presented. Doucette explained they had two major calls; one motor vehicle, and one fire. Their May meeting is moved from May 8 to May 7 so members can attend a Life Link training in Brainerd. The mock car crash is set for April 29; right before prom.
Doucette also stated the department is looking at two more oxygen tanks for the team.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the March Calendar.
Lange, Westrich and Johnson will be attending the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization Monday, April 22 at 11:00 a.m.
Planning Commission: Lange updated the Council on what the Planning & Zoning Commissioners have been doing.
UCDC: Benson shared the progress of Heritage Days which is set for August 9-11. The Wild Card Tractor Pull has been booked. The Fire Department will do the kids pedal pull instead of a fire department demonstration. Many food venders are signed up. Raffle donations are starting to be collected with raffle tickets ready by May. The Wild West Show is scheduled. All-Time Favorites has been booked as the DJ on that Saturday evening.
Unfinished Business
I & I Ordinance: Benson stated she would like to see inspections for Inflow and Infiltration done to homes before a home is purchased or rented.
Assisted Living: Johnson reported that he has had positive meetings to get an assisted living in Upsala.
Public Works Position: Stevens explained that she has received four applications for the Public Works position so far. The deadline is 3:00 p.m.on April 10, 2019. Benson suggested posting the position on indeed.com. Don Trettel also suggested posting on Minnesota Job Force.
New Business: LMC Request for Resolution – Comprehensive Transportation Funding
The League of Minnesota Cities has asked cities in Minnesota to pass a resolution supporting Comprehensive Transportation Funding.
Resolution to switch from Accrual Basis Accounting to Cash Basis Accounting
Bartells moved to pass resolution 4-1-19-2, a resolution electing to move to the Regulatory Basis of Accounting allowed by the Office of the State Auditor, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Change wages taken from Water and Sewer: Benson moved to have no wages taken from the water or sewer funds; to have all wages for employees be taken only out of the general fund, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Park Playground Equipment: The Council discussed what to do with the current playground equipment in the park if the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources grant goes through. The DNR grant would fund a new playset.
Added agenda Items: Lange move to have Benson attend the League of Minnesota Cities Annual Conference in Duluth June 26-28, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Sheri Johnson shared with the Council the idea of a property tax rebate program for new-build homes.
Don Trettel commended the Fire Department on their efforts at the barn fire last night.
Acknowledgements
The City greatly appreciates Wanda Erickson for her hard work at the library offering an amazing variety of programs for people in our community. On account of Wanda, the library hours are now extended! Starting tomorrow the library will be open on Tuesdays from 3:00 pm to 6:00pm.
Financials: Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Next regular Council Meeting, May 6.
Leaf & Lawn Clean Up, Friday, May 3.
City Wide Garage Sale May 17 & 18.
City Wide Clean Up Day Saturday, June 1.
Adjourn: Bartells moved to adjourn at 8:47 p.m, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer
-
-
-
-
-
-
-