Unofficial Minutes
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, Lana Bartells, Dennis Westrich, and Joan Olson.
People present: Morrison County Record reporter Sheila McCoy, First Response Vice President Garrett Doucette, Public Works Frank Koopmeiners, Sheri Johnson, City Intern Kasey Stevens, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Lange moved to approve minutes from May 7, 2018 Special City Council Meeting with Community Economic Associate Reva Mische, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to approve minutes from May 7, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to approve minutes from May 21, 2018 Special City Council Meeting with concerning speeding on Borgstrom Street and priority list for economic development, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Bartells moved to approve the agenda, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Koopmeiners reported on water and sewer levels.
Koopmeiners explained that the hose on the jetter is no longer functional. Lange moved to purchase a new hose at a cost of approximately $1700.00, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Koopmeiners also explained he discharged the pond once this year.
Minnesota Pollution Control has started to issue permits from 2015. There is a process they are going through before they are issued.
The Fire Department presented their April minutes.
Bartells moved to approve a raffle permit for the Upsala Firemen’s Relief Association on August 11, 2018 with no waiting period, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Memorial Day, Monday, May 28 after the parade the First Responders served their luncheon fundraiser at the Rec. Building.
Stevens reviewed the June Calendar. She explained curtains have been ordered for City Hall; they are estimated to arrive next week.
Lange reported that the Commissioners stated that Thieschafer at 303 West Street needs to apply for a Conditional Use / Variance Permit to sell snowmobile parts out of his home.
Bartells discussed the progress of Heritage Days.
Koopmeiners explained the water pressure in the maintenance building is low. He gave this information to the construction manager, but has not heard back.
Stevens reported on the state statutes that stated Cities can lower the speed limit to 25 on roads that are considered residential streets: streets that have houses along them and are less than ½ mile long.
The council directed the Planning & Zoning Commissioners to develop an ordinance that that would designate the speed limit on all city streets to be 25 miles per hour with the exception of Tower Road and 50th Ave.
Stevens explained the process MNDOT requires to erect a speed sign and that it should get approved before the signs are ordered just to make sure they are fully compliant.
Lange moved to approve resolution 6-4-18-1 accepting a donation from NJPA in the amount of $2500.00 for electronic speed signs, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to approve the final payment to Morrison County Public Works for the completion of Tower Road in the amount of $13,605.87, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Bartells moved to set the date for an open house for the New City Hall location and the new Maintenance Building for August 16 from 4 pm to 7 pm, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Community member Sherri Johnson offered the research she did on providing new house construction tax abatement. Mrs. Johnson offered to answer any questions concerning the tax abatement program. Council directed Stevens to do more research.
The Council deemed the Borgstrom easement as a zero-maintenance pathway only used by the residents along the path. The residents who use the pathway are responsible for maintaining it if they choose to drive on it.
Stevens gave an update on the procedure with the mobile home on West Street stationed on the property without a permit.
Lange moved to approve Bill Krvianek as head judge along with Vi Wuebkers and Christine Wuebkers as election judges for 2018, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Bartells move to adopt resolution 6-4-18-1 a resolution to accept a $1935.00 donation for the UCDC purchase picnic tables for heritage days, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to approve Elmdale Township to apply dust control on 50th Avenue for ½ mile, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried with Johnson abstaining.
Acknowledgements to the Upsala American Legion for a wonderful Memorial Day program. Also to the Upsala First Response Team for fantastic lunch at the Rec Building. Your efforts to make a meaningful day does not go unnoticed.
Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to adjourn at 8:47 pm, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer