7:00 PM
PRESENT: Mayor Todd Evavold, Council Members Dan Pfleger, Monica Gernandt, John Harris,
ABSENT: Kevin O’Brien
ALSO PRESENT: Public Works Steve McDowell, Sandy Borders, Interim City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION: Motion to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion made by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member Pfleger
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Regular Meeting Minutes of November 14, 2023
B. Payment of Claims dated:
1. December 12, 2023 in the amount of $58,131.06
Council Member Gernandt inquired about the payment of claims and noted that the Fire Department payroll was not listed. It was explained that the claims list that was for approval was for the checks that were to be signed that evening.
MOTION: Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion made by Council Member Pfleger, second by Council Member Harris
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Harris Nays: Gernandt
PRESENTATION BY BOLLIG ENGINEERING
The City Council at their June 14th council meeting had decided to hire Bollig Engineering to do a needs assessment and assist the city in getting infrastructure funding options that might be available. Bryan Caffin, Project Manager from Bollig Engineering, presented an overview of the city infrastructure. It was explained that there are several streets, and much of the infrastructure in the city that need to be repaired or replaced.
Water Tower: The water tower was built in 1957 and is a 50,000 gallon tank. They mentioned a Small Cities grant for the water tower. KLM had done a report on the tower and that would be included in the application for a grant.
Water Distribution System: The system seems to be working but there are many areas need replacement. The water breaks that have happened would make it more eligible for grant funding. The MN Department of Health would like the city to have at least 2 wells.
Sewer System: The city is looking at phasing out City assured contract for the E-1 pumps and grinding pumps. The city would make the home owners responsible for the pumps.
Mr. Caffin’s recommendation would be to encompass all of the needs into one grant and then if needed scale back the project.
Street Pavement: Recommendation that the street repairs would be tied to the utility repairs.
Potential Needs: Storm sewers, trails to school
Mr. Caffin mentioned that to search for funding the city would need to do a Preliminary Engineering Report and Environmental Report in accordance with Rural Development requirements for infrastructure improvements.
Payment to the Engineer would be $10,000 down, and $35,000 after the funding is secured. They would be willing to work with the city regarding the down payment.
The council wanted to check references before proceeding.
LIABILITY COVERAGE WAIVER FOR 2024:
The Council was presented with the option to either waive monetary limits on municipal tort liability or to not waive the monetary limits.
MOTION: Motion was made by Council member Gernandt, seconded by Council member Pfleger to Not Waive the monetary limits on municipal tort liability with LMCIT.
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
COMPUTER PURCHASE FOR CITY HALL
The city received a quote for a new computer and monitor from Aldrich Technology in Fairbault. Aldrich quoted the city $1845.20 for the computer, monitor, setup, and configuration of the computer.
MOTION: Motion to approve purchase of computer, monitor, and set up from Aldrich Technology as presented in the quote.
Motion made by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member Pfleger
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
BANYON FUND ACCOUNTING SOFTWARE:
The council was presented with a quote for the purchase of Banyon Fund Accounting software. The city is currently using a State of Minnesota accounting program. Banyon is used is several nearby cities and would allow for better reporting options.
MOTION: Motion to TABLE the purchase of the Banyon software program until 2024
Motion made by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member Gernandt
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
DORMANT SAVINGS ACCOUNT:
The city has received notice that one of the city’s savings account is dormant. Mayor Evavold has suggested that the city move the money from the savings account that has an interest rate of .55% to a Certificate of Deposit with an interest rate of 4.5% for 13 months. There was discussion about the CD.
MOTION: Motion made by Council Member Gernandt, second by Council Member Harris to not move the money from the saving account to the Certificate of Deposit.
Ayes: Gernandt, Harris Abstention: Pfleger Nays: Evavold
RESOLUTION 2023-14 – APPOINTMENT OF PART-TIME CITY CLERK
Resolution 2023-14 to hire Lauren Stowe for 20 hours per week at a rate of $23.00 per hour. Pending a satisfactory six-month review there would be a wage increase to $26.00 per hour. December 18th would the first day of employment.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-14 Appointment of Part-time City Clerk as presented.
Motion made by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member Gernandt
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
RESOLUTION 2023-13: RESOLUTION APPROVING THE 2024 FINAL PROPERTY TAX LEVY
The city council approved the 2024 Preliminary Property Tax Levy in September in the amount of $150,000. The council chose not to reduce the preliminary tax levy.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-13 – 2024 Final Property Tax Levy in the amount of $150,000 for the tax year 2024 as presented.
Motion made by Council Member Gernandt, seconded by Council Member Harris
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
REPORTS:
The council was informed that the garbage rates from Flom Disposal would be increasing in 2024. This rate increase is consistent with 5-year contract with Flom.
The council was informed that the city had received the second half of the property taxes from Rice County in the amount of $71,415.86.
Steve McDowell gave a maintenance report.
Joe Johnson, Fire Chief had given the council a written report for November
Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for January 9th, 2024 at Nerstrand City Hall
Motion Adjourn:
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Pfleger second by Council Member Gernandt to adjourn.
Ayes: Harris, Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
_____________________________________
Sandra Borders, Interim City Clerk
