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. The pledge of allegiance was said. On roll call members present were: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Brian Lange, Joan Olson, Lana Bartells, and Dennis Westrich. People present: Charlie Gunderson, MC Record reporter Sheila McCoy, City Engineer Scott Hedlund, First Responder Vice President Garrett Doucette, Public Works Frank Koopmeiners, and City Clerk/Treasurer Michelle Stevens.
Minutes: Lange moved to approve minutes from January 2, 2018 City Council, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Added agenda items: Lange moved to approve the agenda, 2nd by Westrich. Motion carried unanimously.
Presentation, Citizen Appeals:
Charlie Gunderson is running for District 5 County Commissioner. The primary is February 13 at Upsala Fire Hall from 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. Charlie shared his points on why he is running and encouraged everyone to get out and vote.
City Engineer Scott Hedlund discussed the need to start the process to work on the sewer system. Bartells moved to hold a special meeting on April 2, 2018 following the regularly scheduled City Council Meeting, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Department Reports:
Maintenance Report: Koopmeiners reported on water and sewer levels.
Fire Department Report: The Fire Department presented their November minutes.
Three new probationary firefighters were put on the roster, their training will start this spring. Welcome to Amber Koopmeiners, Brandon Voller and Paul Kasella.
The FEMA grant was submitted for new turnout gear.
First Responders: Interviews for three new First Responder members is scheduled for this Wednesday.
The First Responder Department was audited by Public Health and passed.
City Office Report: Stevens reviewed the February Calendar. She also reported that the newsletter was sent out on the first of February.
Planning Commission: The Commissioners proposed two ordinances; Public Right-of-Way and Small Cell Wireless.
Bartells moved to call for a public hearing to be scheduled during the regular March 5 City Council meeting on March 5 at 7:15 p.m. to review the proposed Public Right-of-Way ordinance 3-5-18-1, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Lange moved to call for a public hearing to be scheduled during the regular March 5 City Council meeting on March 5 at 7:20 p.m. to review the proposed Small Cell Wireless ordinance 3-5-18-2, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
UCDC: The minutes from the January meeting was presented.
Bartells moved to add Stacy Hennen to the UCDC Committee, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Recreation Board: The Rec. Board submitted their minutes from last month’s meeting.
Safety Committee: The Safety Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 20 instead of the 13 due to the election for District 5 County Commissioner scheduled that day.
Unfinished Business:
Maintenance Building: Westrich gave an update on the progress of the Maintenance Building.
Lange moved to approve partial payment to St. Rosa Lumber in the amount of $100,000.00, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Westrich reminded staff that the gas bill for the water plant needs to get separated; St. Rosa Lumber agreed to pay for the heat during construction of the new maintenance building.
New City Hall Space: Stevens reported on the progress of the new City Hall location.
Olson moved pass resolution 2-5-18-1 a resolution to hold all future City Council Meetings here forward in the new City Hall location at 105 South Main Street Suite 2 in the Stearns Bank Building, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
Deadman’s Corner: The corner located at Highway 238 and 4th Avenue West, also known as Deadman’s Corner, has seen its fair share of accidents. Brad Desormey from Minnesota Power said he would install a 250 Watt Sodium Vapor light as close to the corner as he can; the north side of 4th Street is owned by Great River Energy and Minnesota Power cannot use their poles or space.
New Business:
St. Mary’s Gambling Permit: Bartells moved to approve the quilt raffle and bingo at St. Mary’s Church on March 23, 2018, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Disaster Recovery Program: The Initiative Foundation has invited the City of Upsala to participate in developing a Long-Term Disaster Recovery Program training.
Speed Signs: Olson moved to purchase up to four Speed Signs in conjunction with NJPA, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.
City Attorney: NJPA is no longer offering day to day attorney services for cities. They instead will offer help on specific issues. Mayor Johnson stated that our previous attorney recommended Joe Krueger. Joe Krueger stated he would attend the March Council Meeting.
Fund Balance Policy: Bartells moved to approve resolution 2-5-18-2 a resolution approving the Fund Balance Policy as presented, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
2020 Census: Mayor Johnson and Stevens attended the 2020 Census Training held at NJPA in Staples last week. Johnson explained the importance of the Census and how it affects the City financially; the number of people in Upsala directly correlates to how much money the City gets via Local Government Aid. It also affects how many State Representatives the state gets to send to Washington D.C.
Thank you and Acknowledgements: Thank you to Wayne Peterson for 50 years with the Upsala Lions. Wayne and his wife Muriel have given so much time and talent to make this community an amazing place to live.
Financial: Lange moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Olson. Motion carried unanimously.
Adjourn: Olson moved to adjourn at 8:56 p.m., 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.
Michelle Stevens, Clerk/Treasurer