City Council Meeting Minutes
City of Nerstrand
October 8, 2024,
221 Main Street
7:00 P.M.
Nerstrand, MN
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Todd Evavold, Council Members Monica Gernandt, John Harris, Kevin O’Brien
ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Clerk Frances Boehning
GUESTS: City residents –Karla Ingersoll, Hazel Schwanke, Resident
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Council member Kevin O’Brien. All approved.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Payment of Claims dated October 8th, 2024.
B. Minutes from September 10th and 23rd, 2024
MOTION:
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion made by Council Member Monica Gernandt, second by Council Member Kevin O’Brien. All approved.
CLERK’S REPORT:
A.The Clerk reviewed that City ordinances are currently only available in printed form. As the ordinances were originally organized by Kennedy and Graven, the Clerk will contact them for access to a Word version. If that is not successful, she will use Adobe to transfer into Word then proof.
B.The Clerk reviewed upcoming training opportunities and received permission from the Council to attend LMC training sessions and join MCFOA.
C.The City Council reviewed the list of election judges for the upcoming General Election. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to accept as election judges: Jeanette Baalson, Luanne Kuntz, Riann Bonde, Jeff Flaten, and Julene Stordahl. Council member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
A.Bank CDs – Mayor Todd Evavold reviewed the current interest rate on Bank CDs and requested that the City consider placing some money into CDs in order to earn higher interest. Council member Monica Gernandt stated that she would like to hear from Steve McDowell regarding how much we should have on hand for needed utility expenses. Council member John Harris made a motion to table the item until next month, Council Member Monica Gernandt seconded, all approved.
B.Discussion regarding alley ordinance. - Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to table the item until next month, Council Member John Harris seconded, all approved.
C.Money for street asphalt. – Mayor Todd Evavold reviewed that the City has two bank accounts that could be used for asphalt next year. These accounts were originally set aside as security for outstanding loans. Council member Monica Gernandt would like to see documentation regarding the use of these funds and any possible remaining loan restrictions.
D.Discussion regarding painting interior of City Hall. – Mayor Todd Evavold requested the City Council to consider painting the interior of City Hall. Council member Kevin O’Brien noted that the tuck pointing has not been completed on City Hall and that needs to be a priority over painting, Council member John Harris agreed.
E.Schiels Building rental agreement/contract – Mayor Todd Evavold reviewed the current rental agreement with Dettling Bros. Trucking. He requested that the Council consider raising the rent from the current $150 per month to $200 per month as the building is heated. Mr. Dettling made a request to place change the tenant from Martin Dettling to Dettling Bros. Trucking LLC. A request was also made to move the terms of the lease to annual versus every six months. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve a one-year lease with Dettling Bros Trucking LLC at $200 per month for the Schiels building, Council member John Harris seconded, all approved.
F.Discuss possibility of a paved trail from Nerstrand to Big Woods State Park – Council member John Harris reviewed past work done to create a paved trail from Nerstrand to Big Woods State Park. Council member Kevin O’Brien stated that a trail to the intersection would be helpful until a trail all the way to the park could be completed. The subject will be added to the November agenda.
G.Estimate for trimming tree branches next roads – Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the estimate of $2,775 to trim the trees along city streets, Council member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved. Karla Ingersol suggested notifying city residents of this project via Facebook, emails, and posters. If the residents have any questions or concerns, they are to contact City Hall.
OLD BUSINESS
A.Bolllig income survey: Current completion rate is only around 21%. The City Council members reviewed the list of homes not responding and stated that they will be visiting each of the homes to encourage residents to respond.
9. Reports of Officers
A.Public Works Director – Steve McDowell was not present for the meeting, but did provide a written statement.
B.Mayor – Mayor Evavold noted that the lights on the path to the park would need to be retrenched and electrical wiring updated. Council member Kevin O’Brien made a motion to approve asking Howard Quamme to trench between the poles and engage an electrician to complete the wiring work needed, Council member Monica Gernandt seconded, all approved.
C.Fire Department – Joe Johnson provided a written review that was provided to Council.
D.Council Members – Council member John Harris requested that a committee be created to focus on expanding bike paths. A request will be made to have Gary Duden provide expertise to the committee. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to add $500 annually to USDA loan principle to pay off the loan sooner, Council member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
MOTION ADJOURN:
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Monica Gernandt second by Council Member Kevin O’Brien to adjourn. All Approved.
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Todd Evavold, Mayor
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Frances Boehning, City Clerk
