City of Dennison
Meeting Minutes
April 3rd, 2025
The April Dennison City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeff Flaten on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025 at 7:00 pm. Present were Councilors Nichole Schloesser, Caleb Voight, Heidi Cooke, and Diane Ruddle, and clerk Jessica Page.
Councilor Ruddle moved to approve the Meeting Minutes from the March City Council meeting. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 5:0. Councilor Schloesser move to accept the minutes from the Public Hearing held on March 6th. Councilor Voight second. Motion passed 5:0.
Councilor Voight moved to approve the Treasurer’s report. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 5:0.
Goodhue County Sheriff:
Discussion on 21 Gun salute for Sean Kyllo’s dad.
Todd Greseth: Todd stopped by to see how things were going. He noted that they ended up at 6% at the County for levy increase. Other Counties were looking at 10-15% increases. Goodhue County tries to stay in the 3-5% range. There is a large Data Center that is potentially going in around the Pine Island area.
Utilities:
1. Update from Nate: Training went well. He is now current on training hours. He stopped at the USA Bluebook booth and met the rep, and they are working on getting the DO meter figured out, to get the correct probe. Travis said we can borrow his again if needed. Hopefully will get it figured out with the rep soon. She is aware of situation. Would prefer not to open the probe as it can’t be returned once it’s opened.
2. Jeff Hasse water quality issues. Mayor talked with MRWA and Paul's Plumbing about solutions to correct the problem. MRWA estimated about 50 gallons of water in the 500 foot service line leading up to Jeff's building. Because not much water is being used, there's a rotten egg/sulfur-like smell when he runs the faucet. To keep the water from stagnating, running a faucet a couple of times of week, 5-10 minutes at a time, should help alleviate the situation. Paul's Plumbing recommended installing a water softener and filtration system. The City was given a contact for Jeff Hasse to use to resolve his issues. The previous council meeting, Nate suggested using a flushing hydrant to move water/resolve the rotten egg smell in the service line. MRWA questioned the effectiveness, considering flushing wouldn't be done during the winter months, and to resolve the issue was a matter of moving water more frequently. Council discussed the merit of the various options, along with Nate. Nate will talk to Jeff H. about the suggested potential solutions that were suggested by the professionals.
3. The gate valve box at the bottom of hill, 374th and Second Avenue, north of K. Nygaard's house, snapped off during the last time Bill Deutsch plowed early March. The valve box is full of dirt and will need to be dug up and replaced. Ask Bill to do it when the other repairs are being made. Gate valve is cracked on top. By Katy’s house. Can first three feet be replaced? Nate and Dan will look at it.
4. Free trainings that Nate wanted to go to. Fire hydrant training but wasn’t able to go.
Old Business/Committee Reports/Building Permits:
Dean Larson\LDohmen parcel boundaries changes. Clerk looked back and although the Council agreed that the changes to the boundaries of the parcel where he wants to build were ok, there was no specific motion to approve them. They are trying to get the sale of the parcel going, and will need approval from the City Council. Councilor Schloesser move to approve the boundary line adjustments for parcel number 62.180.0011. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 5:0.
Administrative Issues:
1. 21 gun salute for Sean Kyllo’s dad at Joe Amy’s new business “ The Event Center” on April 12th for his memorial service. He asked if they would need a permit or anything? No permits needed according to Sheriff’s office, but they did ask that we call the Sheriff’s Dept. shortly before it occurs. Can also put on FB or post a notice so people will be aware of it if needed. Councilor Cooke moved to uphold Ordinance #32 stating that no firearms are allowed to be discharged within the City of Dennison. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0
2. New City Cannabis Ordinance discussion. Draft version of a Moratorium Ordinance was provided to the City by the City attorney. Passing this would give the City one year to work on updating the Zoning Ordinance. Does Council want to proceed with this? This would only address the Zoning parts of the new Cannabis Ordinance that would be included in the moratorium. Council still needs to complete the Cannabis Ordinance for the City. Councilor Ruddle move to enact Ordinance #88 imposing an Interim Ordinance for the City of Dennison establishing a Moratorium on the Establishment of Cannabis Retail Sales Pursuant to MINN. Stat. Ch342. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0.
The Council is going to have planned work group meetings on the third Monday of the month at 6 to work on the Zoning Ordinance. First meeting will start with the first meetings being May 19th,, June 16th, July 21st.
3. The 6 CD’s for $50,000 each were all put in place a couple weeks ago.
4. Spring Clean-Up day is tentatively set for May 17th, between 9 AM – 10:30AM.
5. Missing gray chairs from City Hall. Individuals contacted regarded missing chairs responded and they were going to get a hold of Charlie to arrange for a time to return them to the City. Still haven’t gotten a hold of Charlie. He is going to remind Bebee’s
6. 100 trees purchased by the City. Discuss plans to distribute and plant them. Mayor talked with the elevator to see if they are willing to allow trees to be planted on the west side of their property line as a wind break. No response back from them yet. Tentative date of pickup is April 24th 12-5 and the 25th from 8-5. Can possibly tap into Thrivent Action Team Funds as there is a Council member who is eligible to request them. They are meant to assist with volunteer activities and help provide seed money for an event. There are certain guidelines that need to be followed, including a minimum two week time for requesting the kit and funds and having a plan for the volunteer activity.
Should Council look for boulevard areas that need trees planted? Make those the first priority. A couple in the park and by the pump house. Who is going to decide what is needed. Councilor Cooke will go look at where trees are needed in the City.
7. Mayor is recommending cutting down more trees this spring. There's an ash tree on the south side of 377th street (across from the well house) which was trimmed by Xcel Energy last fall. One dead tree in the city boulevard by Justin Cormican's house. Also, about three pine trees on the north side of Larson's house should probably be removed. On March 15th, a tree on the east side of the street came down. Mayor Flaten will get a bid from John Minar. Talk to Xcel about pine trees.
8. Discussion about dealing with chickens/roosters in town. It’s currently in the Zoning Ordinance, so can be looked at in the upcoming review. In order to do anything further regarding verbal complaints, a formal complaint form needs to be submitted to the City, and then Council can go from there.
9. Discussion about buying or constructing barricades for the City. Right now, street barricades aren't available for City officials to use in case of emergencies, i. e. trees blocking a city street or construction reasons. Councilor Ruddle was going to review prices and option from different companies and send out what she finds.
10. Street sweeping. Charlie Terpstra quote: $925 to complete the street sweeping for the City of Dennison. Councilor Schloesser move to accept his quote. Councilor Cooke second. 5:0
Citizens Issues:
Mayors Issues:
Councilor Cooke move to pay the bills. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 5:0.
Councilor Cooke moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion was adjourned at 8:46 pm.
Next meeting: Regular meeting is Thursday May 1, 2025 at 7:00.
