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, Dennis Westrich, Lana Bartells, and Crystal Benson.
People present: Darleen Maciej, Steve Hansen, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, S.E.H. Engineer Scott Hedlund, Moore Engineers Les Mattefy and Clif Allen, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Lange moved to approve minutes from November 4, 2019 City Council meeting, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Lange moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Moore Engineers Clif Allen and Les Mattefy gave a presentation on their company.
Department Reports:
Economic Development: The Council reviewed the update on what CEDA has been doing.
Fire Department Report: Fire Department minutes were presented. Lange stated the Fire Department received a grant for a washing machine for their turnout gear. The entire cost for the washer was approximately $9200. They did receive a grant for the machine, however the matching portion to complete the grant is $1100.00. The washer they received earlier as a donation, will be donated to another FD in the area.
First Responders: The First Response Team minutes were presented.
Former First Responder President Steven Hansen shared why he resigned.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels.
The service reports came back from the lift stations. Tschida stated the report was positive for both lift stations.
Tschida explained that it is extremely frustrating to try to plow around cars parked on the street after a snowstorm.
Tschida also stated that all the fire hydrants have new flag markers.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the December Calendar.
Bartells moved for Stevens to attend the LEAD Academy trainings in Staples in April and May of next year, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Planning Commission: Lange explained they are cancelling the December meeting.
The Open House on November 20 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall was successful.
They also discussed the need for a Conditional Use Permit for people with chickens in town.
UCDC: No meeting was held.
Recreation Board: No meeting was held.
Recognition mugs: Benson shared that she looked into various vendors. She is still working on a logo to go on the mug.
Sale of Playground Equipment: Jeanne Westrich won the bid for the playset with the highest offer of $529.00.
New Business:
Contract for Snow Removal: Bartells moved to approve resolution 12-2-19-1, a resolution to contract with a city official to remove snow on behalf of the city, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried with Westrich abstaining.
Library community Meeting summary: The council reviewed the Upsala Public Library Community Meeting Summary. Bartells also noted that Library Coordinator Wanda Erickson received the Joan Larson Memorial Award by the Information and Technology Educators of Minnesota in honor of her dedication to libraries.
2020 Annual Designated Appointments: Benson moved to remove Civil Defense Directors from the Annual Designations and Appointments, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Motley Invite to their Electric Vehicle Power Station: Stevens shared with the Council the invitation from Motley to their ribbon cutting ceremony for the Electric Vehicle Station.
Performance Reviews: Performance Reviews were held for the City Employees.
Added agenda Items: No additional items
Acknowledgements
The City Staff and Council appreciates everyone who filled out their Health Needs Surveys. We had about a 50% return!
Kudos to the Planning & Zoning Commissioners for their well-planned Open House; and to all who attended.
Amanda Hanson’s Preschool class visited City Hall. Later, August Hanson, Lars Hanson & Gretta Hanson along with their mother Laura Hanson dropped off chocolate chip cookies the preschoolers made as a thank you. What a fun surprise!
Financials: Benson moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next regular Council Meeting – Monday, January 6, 2020
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 8:15 pm, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer
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