City of Dennison Regular Council Meeting
November 4th, 2021
The November Dennison City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeff Flaten on Thursday, November 4, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Present were Councilors Heidi Cooke, Ann Anders, and Nichole Schloesser, and Clerk Jessica Page. Councilor Diane Ruddle arrived at approximately 7:05.
Councilor Anders moved to accept the minutes for the October regular and special meetings. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 4:0. Councilor Anders moved to approve the treasurer’s report, Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0.
Building Permits: None
Administrative Issues:
- Funding gap for the sewer projects. Mayor Flaten had compiled the cost amounts for the three major sewer infrastructure projects for the City, along with the Bonding money from the state, and the line of credit from the bank. This was reviewed by Council members as there was a question as to whether the amount of the bond needed to be bumped up from $260,000 to $270,000. There was discussion on the possibility of additional change orders or price increases that could come up, and it was suggested to move the amount up to $280,000 to cover potential cost increases. Councilor Ruddle move to increase the bond to $280,000. Councilor Anders second. Motion passed 5:0.
- Updates from Carley on Force Main, Phosphorus Project. Councilor Anders move to approve pay app #1 for Pioneer Power, Inc., for $11,257.50. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0. Hopefully will start on liner repairs on Monday.
- John Levin annexation. He would like to bring the house property next to his business, in to the City of Dennison, then split off 55 feet on the north side of the parcel (it’s a double lot size.) to add to his current business, eventually building a lean to on that property. Need to set the date for the public hearing. Need to notify 30 days in advance. Public hearing for Jan 6th at 6:45. It would come in to the City zoned as Industrial. John can look at it and see if he wants to change it. Needs to let Clerk know asap.
- Haugen Annexation Public Hearing is set for Dec 2 at 6:45. Terry would like to address the Council regarding the number of renters he may have in the house so that it is following the ordinance or has permission to rent out to more than one person. What are his options? Currently, the only option is to have one person, or to change the ordinance.
Councilor Ruddle recommended looking at other city’s ordinances to see if it would be prudent to make changes to the Ordinance. She will look at other city’s ordinances and the Council can furher discuss at the special meeting on the 18th. Clerk need to email Jim to see about the railroad parcel issues are taken care of and title concerns have been taken care of.
- Fireside and Marleas’s would like to request some of the American Rescue Plan Funds received by the City. See the joint letter submitted by both businesses. Council had talked about opening up potential funds to all businesses in the City. Some council members felt it would be hard to do with this year’s budget. Councilor Ruddle felt that the City should open it up to all the businesses in the City. Council would need to set it in place the amount of money available and look at other City’s applications to see what people are needing to submit. Can also review on the 18th.
- Councilor Anders move to pass resolution 11-2021-01, regarding special assessments from unpaid utility bills being brought to the County to be assessed on property taxes. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0
- Councilor Anders move to approve Turkey Bingo for the Lions to be held at City Hall on November 20th. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0.
- Councilor Anders move to approve the agreement with Goodhue County Building Administration for Building Permit and Inspection services. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 5:0.
- Councilor Schloesser move to approve mowing the ditches on 5th Ave Way by Terpstra Snow Plowing who submitted an estimate of $315.00 to do so. Councilor Ruddle second. Motion passed 5:0.
10.Pohl property. Clerk spoke with him over the phone. He is going to work on getting the fence taken care of. It looked like maybe tires were moved away from leaning on the fence, as it isn’t leaning so much.
Citizens Issues: Todd Greseth, Goodhue County Commissioner, was present and gave an update on some items. The appeal on the garbage ordinance is still in process. As far as the County budget, the Commissioners are trying to be within a 3-4 % increase. County is to receive approximately 9 million in ARPA funds. They are looking at funding mental health issues, and the landfill, and still looking at other areas. They had originally looked at getting updated police radios, but due to changes in what the funds can be used for, this is no longer an option.
Mayors Issues: none
Utilities:
- Update from Nate: Tower mains and hydrants have been flushed. A new meter installed at the old Ford building, but when Nate went to turn on the water at the curb stop, he couldn’t get a wrench on it as the sidewalk has shifted. It will likely have to be dug up to get the water on. Nate had called B and B about both the trailer house repairs and the curb stop repairs, but hadn’t heard back.
- Alleyway behind Fireside that is open. Will need to close the hole before snowfall. Probably a 5-6 inch sag in the line where it attaches to the main. Joe Amy said that Otte was going to come, but have had issues getting a cage to hold up the power pole. He will try to get an update on the situation.
- Down to three homes left to inspect for Sump pumps. One resident is going to meet with Councilor Schloesser on Friday the 5th. Clerk is going to another location. That leaves just one more to do.
It was noted that the catch basin install this summer is too low. Need to put a cement collar in. Contact Duetsch to see if he can do it.
Mayor Flaten move to pay all the bills. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was make by Mayor Flaten. Second by Councilor Anders. Meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting: Regular meeting is Thursday December 2nd 7th, 2021 at 7:00. Public Hearing at 6:45 regarding the Haugen Annexation.
