Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson at 7:08 P.M via Zoom video conference calling due to the coronavirus. Mayor Johnson lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
On roll call members in attendance: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Council Members Dennis Westrich, and Brian Lange.
People attending: Mitch Lange, First Response Team Vice President Garrett Doucette, MC Record reporter Sheila McCoy, Engineer Clif Allen, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Lange moved to approve minutes from May 4, 2020 City Council Meeting, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Lange moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Fire Department Report: Lange stated the department has not heard from FEMA yet, however they are planning to hear from them later this summer.
The Ride For Heros is still planned so far for June 13, but is tentative due to the pandemic.
First Response Team: Doucette stated that the Rescue Team had two calls both in the City of Upsala; one motor vehicle accident. They met via Zoom in May and they will meet via Zoom in June as well.
A grant of $500 from the County was received. They purchased four oxygen bags and a large tripod light along with some tools for the rig.
They are reaching out to the departments in the area to offer the old washing machine since they don’t need it anymore.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels. He will be doing their third discharge from the sewer pond in June.
Tschida explained that the rock around the ponds needs filling in. There are several feet of rock that has been eroded away from wind and waves. He would like to fill in the rock in two phases: doing half at a time.
Lange moved to have Mike find the appropriate size rock for the ponds for a cost under $8,000.00, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
American Flags were put up. Banners for the Upsala Area High School Seniors were put up as well.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the June Calendar.
Planning Commission: The commissioners did not meet in May.
Recreation Board: No meeting was held.
7:31 p.m. Public Hearing – Conditional Use Permit for Sheep
Mayor Johnson recessed the regular city council meeting and opened the public hearing at 7:31 p.m.; a hearing on the request for a Conditional Use Permit for Mitch Lange at 121 Basswood Ave. to have up to four sheep.
Mitch Lange said he wants to be very aware of his neighbors and would work with them if there would be an issue.
Lange moved to close the public hearing, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Johnson called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:34 p.m.
Johnson moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for Mitch Lange to have up to four sheep provided the permit be reviewed annually to allow neighborhood objections at the planning and zoning annual review, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, Lange: abstain, and Wetrich and Johnson voting aye.
7:37 p.m. Public Hearing – Ordinance #61- Animals
Mayor Johnson recessed the regular city council meeting and opened the public hearing at 7:37 p.m.
No comments have been heard.
Lange moved to close the public hearing, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Johnson called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:39 p.m.
Lange moved to adopt Ordinance 61 regulating standards for keeping all animals in the city limits, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
8:40 p.m. Public Hearing – Ordinance #62 Sump Pumps
Mayor Johnson recessed the regular city council meeting and opened the public hearing at 8:40 p.m.
No comments have been heard.
Lange moved to close the public hearing, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Johnson called the regular City Council meeting back to order at 7:42 p.m.
Lange moved to adopt Ordinance 62 regulating use of sump pumps and discharge of storm water, ground water and surface water into the city’s sanitary sewer system, but amend the ordinance with the removal of “well water” from Section 1(A), 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Unfinished Business: Letter to PFA – Intended Use Plan
The last step in the process of requesting funding for the City’s water infrastructure is to send a letter to the Public Facilities Authority which needs to be sent in by June 5.
Engineer Clif Allen recommended we move forward to be put on the Intended Use Plan.
Westrich moved to approve the letter to be sent to the Public Facilities Authority to be placed on the Intended Use Plan, 2nd by Lange. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
New Business: New Playset in the Park: Doucette explained that the First Response Team would like to help with the installation of the playset. The First Response Team said they are flexible with the timing of the install.
Liquor License Fees: The Council is very aware of the impact that the COVID19 pandemic has had on small businesses in our community including the bars. Traditionally the fee for a liquor license is $1500.00 for On/Off Sale, $75.00 and for Sunday Sales. The start of the liquor licenses begins March 31.
Lange moved to pro-rate the liquor license fees for On/Off Sales to when the establishments open due to the pandemic, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Expanding Outdoor Services for Bars and Restaurants: The COVID19 pandemic has also affected the services of liquor and food to the public. The Council is in agreement with Governor Walz allowing bars and restaurants to start serving outdoors.
Lange moved to approve the temporary ordinance 6-1-2020-1 allowing expanded outdoor seating, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Selling City Land: Mayor Johnson reminded the Council that the bid opening for the sale of the property along Hwy 238 will be Tuesday, June 9 at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall.
Opening City Hall: City staff opened City Hall doors to the general public as of this morning, June 1, please use the front door; the back door will be locked.
Acknowledgements: The City Council would like to acknowledge the work and attention the Upsala Area School District offered to make the end of the school year a success; this extends not only to the teachers, but to the cooks, janitorial staff, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, office staff, and students as well.
Upsala Legion Post 350 hosted a beautiful Memorial Service last Monday. Thank you to all who served our country to keep us safe.
Financials: Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Westrich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next regular City Council Meeting will be July 6, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
City Wide Clean Up is this Saturday, June 6 at the Rec Building. Robert Maciej will be helping Mayor Johnson.
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 8:10 p.m., 2nd by Westich. With a roll call vote, motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer
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