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: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Council Members Lana Bartells, Crystal Benson, and Mitch Lange.
Staff present: First Response President Garrett Doucette, Planning & Zoning Chair Don Marty, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, City Engineer Clif Allen, and City Clerk-Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Swearing In of New Council Member: Stevens swore in newly appointed Councilmember Wendy Rene; she will fill Brian Lange’s position until the end of 2022.
Minutes: Bartells moved to approve minutes from January 3, 2021, City Council Meeting, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Lange moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Clif Allen with Moore Engineering presented the plan to extend Walnut Ave to the west.
Benson moved to approve the plans and authorize Moore Engineering to issue invitations to bid, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports: Fire Department Report: Doucette updated the council on the Fire Department’s activities including the new turnout gear being put into service at the end of January. Ron Carlson has been appointed Captain – filling Brian Lange’s position.
Bartells moved approve Duke Lange to re-joining the UFD provided he completes all required trainings before going on a fire call, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Fire Chief Nick Johnson would like to update the fees for fire calls.
First Response Team: First Response Team President Doucette reported the calls for January. He also explained the need for all buildings within the city limits to have house numbers for emergency calls.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the City. Tschida also discussed the rehabilitation of Well #4. Tschida was directed to get a new bid to rehab Well #4.
The manhole by Upsala Motors has inflow that cannot be fixed by city staff. The council directed staff to hire Thul Specialties to repair that manhole and any other manholes this spring.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the February Calendar and reported on the projects worked on in January.
Planning Commission: Planning & Zoning Chair Don Marty explained the Planning & Zoning Commission is down two members; they are currently looking for new members. Marty explained proposed Waste Collection Ordinance. Rene moved to hold a public hearing to review the proposed Waste Collection Ordinance on March 7, 2022, on or after 7:20 p.m., 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Marty also reviewed the proposed Septic System Ordinance. Benson moved to hold a public hearing to review the proposed Septic System Ordinance March 7, 2022, on or after 7:25 p.m., 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business: Upsala Senior Living: Johnson stated the trusses are up and the structure will be enclosed in the near future.
Heritage Days Meeting: Bartells reminded everyone of the Heritage Days Meeting on February 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Utility Bill Comparison: Stevens reviewed the utilities for the new city hall location compared to the costs when Toning Plus was renting the same space.
Local Board of Appeal and Equalization: The LBAE will be April 20 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall. Lange and Bartells updated their training and will be qualified through 2025.
City Hall Open House: The Open House for the new city hall space will be February 15 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Johnson, Rene, Bartells, and Lange said they could attend. Stevens will post a notice that two or more council members will be attending the open house.
New Business: Morrison Community-Wide Garage Sale in May: Stevens explained the proposed County-Wide garage sale which coincides with the regular City-Wide garage sale in Upsala May 18, 19, 20 and 21. There would be a $10.00 fee to get on the County Community-Wide Garage Sale docket; this would include advertising in the MC Record, and the St. Cloud Times/Brainerd Dispatch, a number & sign, and maps available to shoppers. Benson moved to have the City of Upsala participate in the Morrison County Community Wide garage sale, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
LMC Cities Annual Conference: The League of MN Cities Annual Conference will be held in Duluth June 22-24; registration will be open in March.
Accept Lions donation for Turnout Gear: Bartells moved to approve Resolution 2-7-22-1, a resolution accepting $5,000 from the Upsala Lions for fire department turnout gear, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.
Fee Schedule Update: Benson moved to approve the newly updated Fee Schedule which highlights the costs for Upsala Fire Department calls and an updated cost for a building permits, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Acknowledgements: A great appreciation to the Team Brian Benefit Committee who made the benefit a success and to the Upsala Fire Department, First Response Team, and area High Schoolers for serving the breakfast. And to everyone who donated their time, talent, and treasure for his family.
Financials: Benson moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next regular City Council meeting will be March 7 at 7:00 pm.
Adjourn: Benson moved to adjourn at 9:10 pm, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer
Closed Meeting: The council discussed personnel issues with city staff.
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