City of Dennison Regular Council Meeting
December 2nd, 2021
The December Dennison City Council meeting was called to order by Mayor Jeff Flaten on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at 7:00 pm. Present were Councilors Heidi Cooke, Ann Anders, and Nichole Schloesser, and Clerk Jessica Page. Councilor Diane Ruddle was unable to attend.
Councilor Anders moved to accept the minutes for the November regular and special meetings. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0. Councilor Schloesser moved to approve the treasurer’s report, Councilor Anders second. Motion passed 4:0.
Building Permits: None
Administrative Issues:
- Truth in Taxation discussion. Rick Koehler was present to discuss the levy and it’s impact on his taxes. Wanted to know how he benefits from the very high tax rates. If he was across the street, he would pay $1300-1500 less. There was some discussion on how the costs for the city are spread across every resident, as well as acknowledgement that there are differences in the city and township tax portions. There were no other persons present for this issue.
- Pass the resolution 12-2021-01 for the final levy. Preliminary levy was $112,700 general, 42,213 bond, for a total of $154,913. Can go lower, but not higher. Councilor Anders move to pass Resolution 12-2021-01 for the final levy amount in the same amounts as the preliminary levy. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0.
- Paul Nygaard land split. He would like to split up one of his parcels with a small strip to eventually be sold to Dan Storlie, and a parcel to his daughter so she can build a house. It was brought up by an audience member and a council member that there is a lot of “junk” present on Paul’s property. A council member does not approve of the split due to the junk. It has been a continuous issue over the several years. Paul stated that he has been working on getting his place cleaned up over the last few months. He has removed cars, tires, etc. Paul noted he is willing to clean out his parking lot, and keep it cleaned out, with an occasional car parked there. Jeff move to approve the split. Nichole second. Aye Jeff and Nichole. Nay Ann and Heidi. 2:2 Motion failed, The proposed split can be brought forward to the Council again next month.
- Haugen Annexation Public Hearing was held earlier today. Approve the annexation Ordinance #86 and subsequent parcel splits. Councilor Anders move to approve Ordinance #86 to annex in the proposed parcel owned by Terry Haugen. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0
Land split Councilor Cooke move to approve the splits proposed by Terry Haugen. Mayor Flaten second. Motion passed 4:0.
- Police Contract approval: Patrol Major Mike Johnson and Marty Kelly, Sheriff, were present to answer any questions that the Council might have. Councilor Anders move to approve the police contract from Jan 1 2022 to Dec 31, 2024. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0.
- Christy Whipple introduced the idea of possibly having a food pantry available in the City of Dennison for folks to use. She explained that Food Pantry cabinets are larger than little libraries, but have been filled with food for folks to take or donate as needed. She noted that the Church hasn’t been able to do a food shelf in the City. She noted that there is a large need to assistance folks in the local community. Cost is about $500 to build a small shelter. Possibly have built as an eagle scout project, or through the high school. “Take what you need, leave what you can.” She was wanting to know if this is this wanted in the City? Is there a place to put it? She will look into getting one built and the City will be able to find a spot for it. The most likely place would be on main street between City Hall and the well house.
- Update on bonds/Funding for the sewer projects. The City should be receiving the funds on the 9th of December. Looking for approval to pay up to date, once the funds are received from the Bond sale, the outstanding balances for both the Force Main ($6698.76 as of 10-31-2021) and the Phosphorus System ($28,462.49 as o 10-31-2021). Go with balance as of 11-30-2021? Additionally, can it be approved to pay off the line of credit as soon as bond proceeds are received? Councilor Anders move to pay outstanding balances for ISG when the funds are received. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0
Councilor Anders move to pay off the line of credit. Councilor Schloesser second the motion. Motion passed 4:0.
- Pay app #2 from Pioneer Power $14,394.91 for electrical work Councilor Anders move to pay. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 4:0
- Updates from ISG on Force Main, Phosphorus System. Hvac heating work maybe in Feb. Anderson blew in insulation in the attic of the shed. Don’t have the materials for the liner fix yet from JJD. Jeff asked them to fix the gate and fence, and replace the light pole as well as fix the fence by the lift station too. They are going to do so.
Grant money: the PFA is finalizing the budget for the projects. As long as it is budgeted, we can draw from those amounts through next year. Anita projected through May 2022. What happens if it’s not completed by May? Can it be extended? Mayor Flaten will ask for clarification on that.
10.Approve Liquor License applications for Marleas’s and Fireside. Councilor Anders move to approve, Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0.
11.Approve Cigarette Licenses for Fireside, Marlea’s and Dennison Depot. Councilor Schloesser move to approve. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 4:0.
12.Letter from owner of Marlea’s requesting funds from ARPA. (City did receive an additional $370.78 on November 23rd from entities that did not apply for the ARPA funds.) Discussion was had and there are no changes in the application of the ARPA funds.
13.Proposal for sewer rates. Not ready as we need to clarify Industrial User Agreement before they can give the City a proposal. Maybe have Diane help with it? Start new agreement. Will try to get examples to work from.
14.MRWA Paul Hoeschen to analyze electrical usage. Free service. Focus on well house right now. Will need to provide some data for him.
- Resolution 12-2021-02 to designate the polling place for areas in the City of Dennison that are located in Rice County as being by mail ballots only. Clerk was contacted by Rice County requesting a new or additional resolution. “The Dennison City Council hereby establishes the polling place for the portions of the City of Dennison located within Goodhue County, will be located at the Dennison City Hall.
The Dennison City Council additionally hereby establishes that the portions of the City of Dennison located within Rice County, will be served by mail ballots only. “
Councilor Anders move to pass. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 4:0.
16.Signatures needed for the bank due to a name update.
Citizens Issues: None
Mayors Issues: None
Utilities:
- Update from Nate: Dept of Health samples completed. Prepping ponds for last discharge.
Councilor Schloesser move to pay the bills. Councilor Cooke second. Motion passed 4:0
Councilor Cooke moved to adjourn the meeting. Mayor Flaten second. Meeting was adjourned at 8:36 pm.
Next meeting: Regular meeting is Thursday January 6th, 2022 at 7:00.
Public Hearing at 6:45 regarding the Levin Annexation
Public Hearing notes from Haugen Annexation held at 6:45 on Dec 2, 2021.
Jeff called the public hearing to order at 6:45.
Heidi, Nichole, Ann, Jeff were present from the City Council.
Terry and Margaret Haugen present. Terry explained how the parcel will be annexed in, then split to even offRoger Kelm’s parcel, along with a small 40 foot portion of Terry’s former access route. Jim Burkhardt has made sure that all liens, etc, have been satisfied as to the ownership of the property. No one else was present to comment on the proposed annexation.
Mayor Flaten move to close the public hearing. Councior Cooke second.
Public hearing was closed at 7pm.
