The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson at 7:00 PM. Mayor Johnson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On roll call members in attendance: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Council Members Lana Bartells (via phone), Crystal Benson, Dennis Westrich, and Brian Lange.
People attending: MC Record reporter Sheila McCoy, David Drown Associate Jason Murray, First Response Team Vice President Garrett Doucette, Darlene Maciej, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Benson moved to approve minutes from July 6, 2020 City Council Meeting, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Lange moved to approve the agenda with the additions of the brush in Uptown Alley and City Park Calendar, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports: Economic Development: Robert Harris has taken a different job outside of CEDA; our new associate is Maddy Schwartz.
Fire Department Report: The Upsala Fire Department raffle is September 12, please be sure to buy a ticket.
Flensburg Fire Department received the extra turnout gear washing machine from the UFD.
First Response Team: Doucette reviewed the First Response Team’s minutes.
The LUCAS machine will be here soon.
The team will be hosting a wilderness search and rescue through Central Lakes College on Sept. 26 at Nick Johnson and Dannielle Haus’s place.
The Upsala First Response Team’s raffle is October 4; please purchase a ticket for a good cause.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels, and he stated discharging is done.
The department started putting rip rap rock around the sewer pond, installed hand sanitizers in the public buildings, and finished edging the curbs and sidewalks in town.
Westrich stated the Uptown Alley has hanging branches that are starting to become in the way of the delivery trucks, and the brush also needs to be removed from the right-of-way.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the July calendar and reminded everyone that the last day to file for candidacy for City Office is Tuesday, August 11 at 5:00 p.m.
Planning Commission: Lange reported that the commissioners walked through portions of the zoning ordinance. Discussed the lot split for Sheri and Steve Johnson and reviewed and approved the TIF district plan.
Recreation Board: No meeting was held. The Rec Building will be open as of now. Johnson is getting a quote to clean the entire building by Service Master.
7:31 p.m. Public Hearing TIF #5
Mayor Johnson recessed the regular city council meeting and opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.; a hearing on the proposed TIF district #5 located to the west of the townhomes.
Jason Murray with David Drown’s office explained the reasoning for the new district.
No comments were heard.
Mayor Johnson called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:34 p.m.
Lange moved to adopt resolution 8-3-2020-1 approving the modification of Municipal Development District #2, approving the modification of the Development Program relating thereto; the establishment of TIF #5 within Municipal Development District #2 and adopting the TIF plan relating thereto, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business: Sale of City Property: Two people entered bids for the city property across Hwy 238 from the school bus garage. The high bid was Lynn Deppa who owns land just east of the property.
New Business: September City Council Meeting Moved.
Lange moved to move the regularly schedule City Council Meeting in September from Monday, September 7 to Tuesday, September 8 due to Labor Day landing on the first Monday of the month, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Sourcewell COVID Grant: Benson moved to approve resolution 8-3-2020-2 accepting a grant of $1067.80 for the purchase of hand sanitizing stations for COVID relief, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
CARES act Dollars: Lange moved to accept the list of items presented to be paid with CARES act dollars, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Approve COVID Expenditures: Lange moved to create a committee consisting of Benson, Bartells and Stevens to prioritize the COVID Cares act dollars and approve expenditures, 2nd by Westich. Motion carried unanimously.
City Park Calendar: Benson suggested having a calendar for events happening at the City’s park. Stevens will post on the City’s website calendar to who are having events in the park. Please notify Michelle at City Hall with your events. The park will still be available to the public during any events.
Acknowledgements: Sheri Johnson thanked Mike Tshida and Frank Koopmeiners for edging the sidewalks.
The Upsala Lions and area volunteers painted a house on Elm Street last week. They did a great job working in the heat and humidity. The City appreciates all who helped make this possible.
Financials: Benson moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next regular City Council meeting will be Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 8:09 p.m., 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer