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 Elect Rollie Johnson, Council Elect Lana Bartells, Crystal Benson, Brian Lange, and Council Elect Mitch Lange.
People present: MC Record reporter Tyler Ohmann, Fire Chief Jay Baggenstoss, First Response Vice President Andrea Douvier, First Response Team President Garrett Doucette, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Oaths of Office: Stevens swore in Rollie Johnson as two-year term Mayor for 2021-2022 and presented him with a Certificate of Election.
Stevens swore in Lana Bartells as four-year term Council Member for 2021-2024 and presented her with a Certificate of Election.
Stevens swore in Mitch Lange as four-year term Council Member for 2021-2024 and presented him with a Certificate of Election.
Minutes: B. Lange moved to approve minutes from December 7, 2020 City Council Meeting, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Bartells moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by B. Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports:
Fire Department Report: No meeting was held last month.
Baggenstoss explained the two quotes for new turnout gear for the UFD. Baggenstoss’ opinion is to go with Great Plains Fire; they have a bit higher quality and are about $100 less than Alex Air.
Bartells moved to purchase fourteen sets of turnout gear not to exceed $48,000, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
First Response Team: First Response Team Vice President Douvier reported on the interview process for new members, trainings as well as the transition into new officer rolls.
The First Response Team has access to the COVID-19 vaccinations if they choose to receive it.
The Council reviewed the proposed updated bylaws and standard operating guidelines for the First Response Team.
Benson moved to approve the changes to the First Response Team’s SOG’s and By-Laws, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the City.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the January Calendar, explained the current city office hours. She also stated that over $800.00 of Upsala Bucks were purchased for gifts.
Planning Commission: No meeting was held
Recreation Board: No meeting was held
Unfinished Business:
Heritage Days Meeting: Johnson reminded everyone of the Heritage Days Meeting: Feb 16 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
New Business:
LMC Leadership Conference for Elected Officials: No one will be attending.
2021 Designations & Appointments
Lange moved to approve the appointments for 2021 as presented with the addition of $125 for the First Response Vice President stipend, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Morrison County Record as Legal Publisher: Benson moved to approve the Morrison County Record as the City’s legal publisher for 2021, 2nd by B. Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Allowing Transfer of Electronic Funds – Resolution 1-4-21-1: Bartells moved to approve Resolution 1-4-21-1 allowing the Transfer of Electronic Funds, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Allowing Handwritten and Computer-Generated Checks – Resolution 1-4-21-2: B. Lange moved to approve Resolution 1-4-21-2 allowing Handwritten and Computer-Generated Checks, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
2021 Fee Schedule – Resolution 1-4-21-3: Benson moved to approve Resolution 1-4-21-3 adopting the 2021 Fee Schedule as presented with the edits, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Liability Coverage Waiver: Bartells moved to not waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability established by Minnesota Statute 466.04, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Local Board of Appeal & Equalization: Lange moved to approve Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Upsala City Hall and via phone and/or Videoconference as the date, time, and location for the annual Local Board of Appeal, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Resolution 1-4-21-6: Benson moved to accept resolution 1-4-21-6 a resolution on the rising cost of water and wastewater issues, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Authorizing In-Person Voting at Feb Meeting: Johnson directed Stevens to put in-person Voting on the February Agenda. He also directed Stevens to add Designating Annual Polling Place to the February Agenda as well. Please reach out to your councilmembers to voice your opinion.
Acknowledgements: Johnson congratulated Rodney Hayes, Brady Burggraff, and Scott Taylor for winning the Residential Holiday Decoration Contest this year and receiving $150, $100 and $50 in Upsala Bucks, respectively. He also congratulated Sytek Communications, Upsala Farm Store and Carrie’s Place for winning the Business Holiday Decorations Contest and receiving $150, $100, and $50 in Upsala Bucks, respectively. It was fun to see more decorations up this year!
Mike and Frank for putting up lights on the tree in the park and as a new addition – on the water tower as well; what a great idea!
Joyce Larson has donated all the supplies for the Rec Building for the start of this year. What a generous gift!
Financials: B. Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Benson. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next regular City Council meeting will be February 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Adjourn: B. Lange moved to adjourn at 8:48 p.m., 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Trea.
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