These are unofficial minutes.
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., and the pledge of allegiance was recited.
On roll call members present: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Brian Lange, Lana Bartells, and Dennis Westrich, and Joan Olson. People present: Morrison County Record reporter Sheila McCoy, First Responder President Lisa Hansen, First Responder Vice President Garrett Doucette, Financial Advisor David Drown, Public Works Superintendent Frank Koopmeiners, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Lange moved to approve the minutes from the October 2, 2017 regular City Council Meeting, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Added Agenda Items: Lange moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Mayor Johnson heard from Crystal Benson concerning the potholes in alley behind the Mount Olive house. The Council will address this issue in the spring. The residents that do access the alley may put Class 5 gravel in the potholes if they choose.
Department Reports:
Maintenance Report: Koopmeiners reported on water and sewer levels.
Koopmeiners stated the jetting is finally done.
Fire Department Report: The Fire Department will be electing their officers in the November with recommendations to the Council at the January meeting.
The Fire Department officers will review the applications for the new firefighters in the next two weeks.
First Responders: First Responder Vice President Garrett Doucette reported that they are having their election of officers for recommendation to the City Council in January.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the November Calendar and upcoming events. Stevens inquired on how to handle Veteran’s Day holiday since it is on a Saturday and the office is closed on Friday, which would be the traditional day off. The Council approved for Stevens to take Thursday, November 9 off.
Planning Commission: No meeting held.
UCDC: The post Heritage Days meeting will be Tuesday November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Community Center.
December 14th will be the Holiday Lights Contest date. The judges will be Brian Lange, Lisa Hansen, and Don Marty. The Winners will receive $150, $100 and $50 in Upsala Bucks.
Recreation Board: Minutes submitted.
The service door on the southeast side of the Rec Building needs replacing. The northeast service door needs the trim replaced. They would like to close up the south garage door on the lean-to. Bartells moved to have Scott Forystek do all the repairs for $800.00 with estimated cost for the materials to be approximately $1060.00, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Olson moved to approve Ryan Thomas to represent the School Board on the Rec Board Committee, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Maintenance Building: David Drown explained how the General Operating Bonds will work to pay for the Maintenance Building.
Lange moved approve resolution 11-6-2017-1 a resolution authorizing the issuance, sale and delivery of $208,000.00 general obligation capital improvement plan note, series 2017B, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Westrich stated work on the new maintenance building has been started.
The Council picked out light grey and medium grey for the siding and roof colors to be installed on the new maintenance building.
Region 5 Summit: Johnson and Stevens attend the NJPA Region 5 summit in Staples. The main topic was how to get the younger generations involved in our communities.
Purchasing Policy: Lange moved to approve the purchasing policy as presented effective November 6, 2017, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Assessment of unpaid City Utilities onto property taxes.
Lange moved to approve resolution 11-6-2017-2; a resolution approving the assessments of unpaid city utilities onto property taxes as presented, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
St. Mary’s Gambling Permit: Lange moved to approve a gambling permit with no waiting period set for February 18, 2018 at St. Mary’s Church located at 308 South Main, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Region 5 Summit for Elected Officials: Region 5 Summit for Elected Officials in Morrison County is November 16, from 3-5 p.m. at the Little Falls Chamber of Commerce. Johnson stated he would attend.
End of Year/Beginning of Year Paperwork: The Fee Schedule and the Annual appointments were presented for the Council to review for the upcoming meeting.
Lisa Hansen presented her resignation letter from the First responder Team stating personal reasons.
Added Agenda Items: None.
Thank you and Acknowledgements: Thank you to Marilyn Wolstad for taking on the managerial position at the Community Center.
Thank you to Lisa Hansen for her 15 years of dedicated work as a First Responder and her term as President of the First Responder team. She will be missed.
Financial: Olson moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjourn: Lange moved to adjourn at 8:48 p.m., 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer