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, Lana Bartells, Crystal Benson, Brian Lange, and Mitch Lange.
Staff present: First Response Vice President Andrea Douvier, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Don Marty, and City Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Brian Lange moved to approve minutes from July 6, 2021, City Council Meeting, 2nd by Mitch Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Brian Lange moved to approve minutes from July 15, 2021, Special City Council Meeting, 2nd by Mitch Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Benson moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Charla Bueckers with Tom’s Refuse requested to renew to the current agreement for refuse and recycling; this contract expires May 31, 2022.
Benson moved to extend the refuse contract with Tom’s Refuse for an additional five years with the knowledge that Long Prairie Sanitation will be taking over this contract October 1, 2021 with the contract to remain at the same cost, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Kaitlyn Gilk with Advocates for Health gave a presentation on AED units that could be available in public spaces and accessible day and night.
Department Reports: Fire Department Report: Brian Lange informed the Council on the Fire Department raffle, and the Heritage Days events.
First Response Team: Douvier updated the Council on the First Response Team calls. The team made an adjustment to their Standard Operating Guidelines that secures the team’s equipment.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the City. He also updated the council on his monthly activities.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the calendar and updated the Council on the month’s events.
The first Monday in September lands on Labor Day. Brian Lange moved to hold the regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 7pm., 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Planning & Zoning Commission: Marty reported on the Planning Commission’s meetings.
The Conditional Use Permit for 120 Basswood was discussed. Lana Bartells moved to hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 7:30 pm during the regular City Council Meeting to consider the Airbnb living quarters at 120 Basswood Ave., 2nd by Crystal Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
The Upsala Senior Living Permit was discussed. The Council reviewed the permit and blueprints that were offered at the Planning & Zoning Meeting held July 29, 2021.
Bartells moved to approve the building permit submitted by the Upsala Senior Living, 2nd Mitch Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Johnson called for a public hearing for 120 Basswood’s CUP on September 7, 2021, at 7:30 pm during the regular city council meeting.
Unfinished Business: Heritage Days Meeting: Bartells shared that everything is ready for Heritage Days. Because of the weather, the Fire Department will have two trucks attending the fireworks site.
New City Hall Location: Johnson shared that the Historical Society suggested that the City Hall be located in a new Historical Building structure. There are no definite decisions on what the Historical Society will do since the fire last month. The Council did not move on this suggestion.
The Council reviewed the proposals submitted to remodel the new proposed city hall location at the Rec Building. Brian Czech’s bid came in at $99,898.00, Chris Kremers’ bid was $87,350.00, and Jeremy Carlson did not offer a bid in the end.
Mitch Lange moved to approve Chris Kremers as the contractor for the remodel and update of the Rec Building to house the new City Hall at a cost $87,350.00, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Benson moved to cancel the lease agreement with Stearns Bank in 180 days or as of February 3, 2022, 2nd by Mitch Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Accept Donation to Fire Dept from the Upsala Lions: Mitch Lange moved to accept resolution 8-2-2021-1, a resolution accepting $5,000 from the Lions to be given to the UFD for turnout gear, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Accept Donation to Upsala Heritage Days from the Upsala Lions: Bartells moved to accept resolution 8-2-2021-2, a resolution accepting $2,000 from the Lions to be given to the Upsala Heritage Days Committee to be used for Fireworks, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
2020 Community Water Fluoridation 50 Year Award: Johnson acknowledged the award given to the City from the ASTDD, the CDC, and the ADA congratulating Upsala in providing its citizens fluoridated water for 50 years.
Attorney Fees: Brian Lange moved to approve the Legal Services Contract provided by Joe Krueger via Quinlivan & Hughes, PA, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day: Benson moved to accept resolution 8-2-2021-3 a resolution recognizing October 15, 2021, as National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Raffle Permit: Benson moved to approve the Bingo Permit requested by St. Mary’s Church to be held on October 24, 2021, at the Church of St. Mary with no waiting period, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Acknowledgements: A great appreciation to everyone who generously accommodated access to their homes so Mike and Frank could install new water meters. We understand that it can be a bit of a hassle to schedule; happily, as of today there is only one home left to get a new water meter installed.
Financials: Mitch Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: The next Regular City Council Meeting will be September 7 at 7:00 pm.
The first budget meeting is scheduled for August 9 at 6:00 pm.
Adjourn: Brian Lange moved to adjourn at 8:57 pm, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer
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