Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Pro-Tem Brian Lange at 7:00 PM. Mayor Pro-Tem Brian Lange led the Pledge of Allegiance.
On roll call members in attendance: Mayor Rollie Johnson (via phone), Council Members Lana Bartells, Dennis Westrich, and Brian Lange as Mayor Pro-Tem. Absent: Crystal Benson
People attending: President Brad Anderson with Lakewook Health (via phone), Five Pines Owners Tim & Amy Jo Matros, Rivers Edge Assisted Living Owner Scott Duffney, Financial Advisor Jason Murray, Planning & Zoning Chair Don Marty, Darlene Maciej, City Council Candidate Seth Strassburg, MC Record reporter Sheila Bergren, First Response Team Vice President Garrett Doucette, Public Works Director Mike Tschida, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Bartells moved to approve minutes from September 8, 2020 City Council Meeting, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Bartells moved to approve the agenda as presented with the addition of selling the land-locked property known as PID 470074000 under new business, 2nd by Westrch. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals: Mayor Rollie Johnson and Planning & Zoning Chair Don Marty teamed up to try to get an assisted living dwelling in Upsala for the last couple of years; their efforts have paid off. Tim & Amy Jo Matros along with Scott Duffney have agreed to put an assisted living west of the townhomes on Walnut Street. They are calling it “Upsala Senior Living.” Tim, Amy Jo and Scott presented their plan to the council with the goal of opening the fall of 2021. In on the discussion was Lakewood Health Vice President Brad Anderson with the potential of adding a medical clinic, possible pharmacy, and physical therapy as well.
Jason Murray, the City’s financial advisor, explained that the City created a TIF district on the property. He explained on how the TIF district could help both the City and the Upsala Senior Living.
Department Reports:
Fire Department Report: Mayor Pro-Tem said the training held last Saturday was a huge success. He stated the UFD has not heard from FEMA yet. He also appreciated everyone who purchased tickets for their raffle.
First Response Team: Doucette explained how the training Sept. 26 went and who was able to take advantage of it.
The Upsala First Response Team is hosting a raffle October 10; all tickets have been sold.
Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels, and he stated discharging is in process.
Four bids were received to replace the existing lawnmower.
Westrich moved to approve the purchase of the John Deere mower from Midwest Machinery, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Tschida shared the estimate from Upsala Motors to replace the parts in the front of the plow truck.
Westrich moved to spend $1130.00 to update the front of the plow truck with new parts, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the October Calendar.
Planning Commission: Planning & Zoning Chair Don Marty reported no meeting was held last month, however the team is about half way through with proposals on updating the Zoning Ordinance.
Recreation Board: No meeting was held.
Unfinished Business:
Sale of City Property: Stevens explained to the Council the necessary paperwork needed in order to sell the property that was awarded to Lynn Depa – including a resolution to have Mayor Rollie Johnson and Michelle Stevens as the official signers for the documents.
Bartells moved to pass resolution 10-5-2020-1 a resolution authorizing and directing conveyance of certain real estate to Lynn Depa, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
CARES Act dollars: The COVID committee will be meeting this week to iron out details of how to spend the remainder of the CARES Act dollars granted to the City.
LEAD for MN: The Council chose to not move forward with a Fellow from LEAD for MN this year but will be open to the possibility in the future.
New Business: Long-Term Disaster Recovery Team: The LTDR Team’s October activity to keep the community active will be a pumpkin decorating contest for the young and young-at-heart.
Letter from Royalton Mayor Andrea Lauer: Mayor Lauer extended a written thank you to the City of Upsala for sharing the paperfolding machine.
Leaf & Lawn Clean Up: The annual fall Leaf and Lawn clean up is set for Friday, October 16, however the trees have not been willing to give up their leaves yet. The Council chose to cancel the Leaf & Lawn clean up and directed Stevens to work with Tom’s Refuse (who does the pick up of bags and sticks) on a possible future date.
Westrich moved to put up for closed bid the property behind Charlie Gunderson’s house known as PID 470074000 with the bid opening to be held at 7:30 during the City Council Meeting November 2, 2020, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Westrich moved to call for a Public Hearing November 2, 2020 at 7:15 p.m. to sell the property west of the townhomes known as PID 470129000, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Acknowledgements: Congrats to Annie Eichers who works at Stearns Bank, for finding the Medallion. It was hidden under one of the picnic tables along the river by Lange’s.
Financials: Bartells moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Updates/FYI: Next Regular City Council Meeting will be Monday, November 2, 2020 at 7:00 p.m.
Adjourn: Bartells moved to adjourn at 8:26 p.m., 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer
-
-
-
-
-
-
-