These minutes are not approved.
Members Present: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Robert Maciej, Brian Lange, Joan Olson, Dennis Westrich.
The City Council meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson.
Motion made by Council Member Brian Lange and seconded by Council Member Robert Maciej to accept the minutes from the February 2nd, 2015 Regular City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion made by Council Member Robert Maciej and seconded by Council Member Joan Olson to accept the minutes from the February 5th, 2015 Special City Council Meeting. Motion carried unanimously.
Motion made by Council Member Brian Lange and seconded by Council Member Robert Maciej to accept the agenda with the addition of hearing from a city resident regarding traffic and questions from Council Member Joan Olson regarding the fill in staff at City Hall. Motion carried unanimously.
Guests and Presentations: Grant Dirkes and Gary Rokotz, Time Out Bar & Grill.
• Grant Dirkes and Gary Rokotz are seeking approval for a one night outdoor street dance. They have already spoken to Morrison County Sheriff Shawn Larsen for approval and would be contacting MnDOT about blocking the state highway upon council approval. They would also pay to have two extra deputies on patrol for the night of the street dance.
• Motion made by Council Member Robert Maciej and seconded by Council Member Dennis Westrich to approve a one night street dance for Time Out Bar & Grill, contingent on the city having an ordinance allowing alcohol outdoors. Motion carried unanimously.
A city resident was present to voice a complaint about the speed of traffic on the south side of town. The city will contact MnDOT about the possibility of getting a school zone sign and will contact Pierz Police Chief Eric Hanneken about using one of the flashing radar signs that are available.
Department Reports: Maintenance Report, Frank Koopmeiners: Both water and Sewer Usage was down for the month of February.
• The fuel oil ran out so the furnace was switched to the natural gas furnace.
• The sump pump was replaced at the water plant.
• There were some problems with sewer lines but Frank was able to fix them with few problems.
• There is still an issue with the water heater at the water plant; Frank will continue to search for the same type of heater to replace it.
• Keyless locks were found to be more expensive than expected, so the city will keep what it has.
• Council members had been receiving questions about whether the city’s jeep is for sale. It will continue to be used until the weather warms up and then put out for bids.
Fire Department Report, Lange: The Fire Department held their annual meeting, with the same officers being elected.
• The Fire Department has been trying out a new water rescue tool, which they have decided to purchase.
• The Fire Department used the money from their annual raffle to purchase a new jaws of life.
• A Fire Board meeting will be held on March 3rd.
Planning Commission, Lange: Did not meet.
Upsala Community Development Commission, Olson: Did not meet.
Recreation Board: Did not meet.
Unfinished Business: None.
New Business: Council Member Joan Olson asked for an update on how the substitute staff have been completing the city duties. Nikki O’Hotto of the City of Pierz informed the council that she has been taking care of utility deposits, preparing council meeting information, and any other tasks that come up, and Carol Madsen and Michelle Stevens of the City of Royalton have been taking care of the payroll, sending checks, and any annual reporting.
Financial Report: Motion made by Council Member Brian Lange and seconded by Council Member Joan Olson to approve the bills in the amount of $7,941.39. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Mayor Rollie Johnson informed the council that there are brochures at City Hall for the Walnut Ridge Townhomes and that they are expected to be completed by July.
Nikki O’Hotto will check with Schlenner Wenner to see if the audit is still scheduled for March 16-17th.
Motion made by Council Member Brian Lange and seconded by Council Member Joan Olson to adjourn the City Council Meeting at 8:12 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Nikki O’Hotto, Acting Clerk/Treasurer