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 recited.
On roll call members present: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Brian Lange, Lana Bartells, and Dennis Westrich, and Joan Olson. People present: Morrison County Record reporter Sheila McCoy, UBA board member Mikel Nelson, Fire Chief Jay Baggenstoss, First Responder Vice President Garrett Doucette, Public Works Superintendent Frank Koopmeiners, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Lange moved to approve the minutes from the November 6, 2017 regular City Council Meeting, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to approve the minutes from the November 6, 2017 special closed City Council Meeting, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Added Agenda Items: Lange moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Mikel Nelson on behalf of the Upsala Ballpark Association (UBA) requested to have the council approve a nonprofit liquor license so they can sell beer at the ballgames and fundraisers at a lesser cost than the regular $1500 annual license.
Department Reports:
Maintenance Report: Koopmeiners reported on water and sewer levels. Koopmeiners stated the main lift station is scheduled to be cleaned out; he is not sure if this will happen due to the weather.
Lange moved to approve a 5% increase for Julian Herbes, who works for the City during the summers, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Fire Department Report: The Fire Department submitted their November minutes.
The Fire Department recommended hiring 3 new probationary firefighters effective January 1, 2018 pending their physical and passing their Firefighter I and II training; Amber Koopmeiners, Paul Kasella, and Brandon Voller.
Olson moved to approve the three firefighters as presented by Baggenstoss, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Jay Baggenstoss reported that he has not heard from Rodney Hayes and requests the council to terminate his position with the Fire Department.
Olson moved to terminate Rodney Hayes’ position on the fire department as of January 1, 2018, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Baggenstoss also requested the City Council to approve the proposed Fire Department officers for the 2018 year as follows: Chief: Jay Baggenstoss; Secretary: Brian Lange; Asst. Chief: Frank Koopmeiners; Training Officer: Joe Trettel; Captains: Billy Koopmeiners, Mike Kremers, Nick Johnson, Brain Lange; Asst. Training Officer: Garrett Doucette; Safety Officer: Steve Hansen.
Bartells moved to approve the officers as presented, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Baggenstoss also stated that the majority of the firefighter’s turnout gears is outdated. He will come up with a proposal to replace the turnout gear.
First Responders: Recommendations for officers will be presented to the council at the January meeting.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the December Calendar and upcoming events.
Planning Commission: The Planning Commissioners discussed small cell antennas. They also discussed a four-tenths of an acre lot split at a cost of $75.00 located at PID 47.0139.000.
UCDC: Bartells explained there was not a large turnout at the community input meeting in November, however it was productive.
Just a reminder, December 14th will be the Holiday Lights Contest date. The judges will be Brian Lange, Lisa Hansen, and Don Marty. The Winners will receive $150, $100 and $50 in Upsala Bucks.
Recreation Board: New keys and locks are on the doors. The repairs to the building are now completed.
Old Business: Maintenance Building: The steel is expected to go up on the new maintenance building this week.
New Business:
UBA Raffle: Lange moved to approve a gambling permit for UBA with no waiting period set for January 27, 2018 at the Rec Building located at 320 Walnut, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Extratyme Lease Agreement: Lange moved to approve the contract with changed made in sections 4,7 and 9, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Fee Schedule: Olson moved to approve the Upsala 2018 Fee Schedule as presented pending the approval of the mayor once the fee for a lot split is determined, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Establishing a Polling Place Resolution: Lange move to approve Resolution 12-4-2017-1 a resolution designating 105 South Main Street Suite 2 also known as the Stearns Bank Building as the official polling place for 2018, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Establishing Board Members/ Officers for 2018: The Council reviewed the board members for 2018; the final draft will be presented at the January 2, 2018 meeting.
Pay Equity Compliance: Lange moved to approve the Pay Equity report as mandated by the state, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Street on Deadman’s Corner: The corner of Hwy. 238 and 4th Ave is not well lit. It was suggested to put a city light at the corner. Staff was directed to contact Minnesota Power concerning lighting this corner.
Added Agenda Items: None.
Thank you and Acknowledgements: Respect, Honor and Gratitude to the Upsala Legion for hosting the Veteran’s Day event on November 11th. This country will remain the homeland of the free as long as it is the home of the brave.
Thank you to the Upsala Fire Department and First Responders for their dedicated service to our community. Firefighters and First Responders are the unsung heroes that keep our family and neighbors safe.
Reminder: Next meeting, Please note: due to the first Monday of next month falling on a New Year’s Day, January’s City Council Meeting will be on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.
Financial: Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 9:04 p.m., 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer