Meeting Minutes of the Richmond City Council

Wednesday, June 5 2013

City Council Meeting

 

Item #1: Call to Order/Pledge of Allegiance

 

Mayor Kron called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. at Richmond City Hall.

 

Council Members noted as being present: Pat Evens, Jeff Mackedanz, Scott Kron, Mike Mathiasen, Tim Paczkowski

 

Also present were: Martin Bode, City Administrator; Karen Voz, MN Department of Public Health; David Blommel, Engineer with S.E.H.; Aaron Cheeley, Channel 10.

 

Item #2: Approval of Agenda

 

Mayor Kron asked if there were any additions or changes to the Agenda.  

            Move Item #6 to follow the approval of Agenda.

Mayor Kron asked for the Approval of Agenda.

           

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve Agenda with change, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #3: Approval of the Meeting Minutes of May 1 2013 and May 16 2013

 

Mayor Kron asked for any corrections or additions to the May 1st and May 16th, 2013,  hearing none, Mayor Kron asked for a motion of approval.

           

Motion made by Councilor Evens to Approve the Meeting Minutes of May 1 and May 16, 2013, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz.  Motion passed unanimously

 

Item #4: Consent Agenda

 

A.     Approval of Bills

B.     Resolution 149-13 Approval of May 2013 Journal Entries

C.     Resolution 150-13 Approval of May 2013 Donations

D.     Resolution 152-13 Approval of Lawful Gambling Permit to Richmond Lions

E.      Resolution 157-13 Approval of Lawful Gambling Permit to Richmond Legion Post 292

Motion made by Councilor Evens, to approve Consent Agenda, seconded by Councilor Paczkowski. Motion carried.

Item #5: Public Hearing – Wellhead Protection – Karen Voz, Principal Planner; MDPH Drinking Water Protection

 

Consideration of Resolution 153-13 Adopting of 2013 Well Head Protection Plan Part 2

Mayor Kron opened the Public Hearing.

 

Voz asked if there were any written comments, Administrator Bode stated that he received a written comment from Stearns County in support of the Wellhead Protection Plan.  Voz instructed Bode to include the notice in the plan.

 

Mayor Kron asked if there were any questions or comments. 

 

Voz stated that the next step is to forward this on to the health department for their review and approval; there is a 90 day review period, during which they will send any questions to the city.

 

Staff thanked the committee members: Marilyn Bayerl, Bayerl Water Resources; Dave Neiman, Rural Water; City Staff,

Mayor Kron also gave a thank you to Ernie Dold and Jim Hemmesch for their hard work.

 

Mayor Kron closed the public hearing.

Motion made by Councilor Mackedanz, seconded by Councilor Evens to approve Resolution 153-13 Adopting of 2013 Well Head Protection Plan Part 2   Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #7: 2013 Main Street Project – Dave Blommel, City Engineer

 

A.     Resolution 154-13 Recommending Stearns County award to Douglas Kerr Construction

 

Council asked if when they open up the street and find the 10 inch water line from Central to Ivy has already been replaced, are they able to take that off the project.  Blommel explained that if that project is less than 25% of the bid price they would be able to remove this with no penalties. 

 

Council also asked, If something is annexed in to the City during this time, could that be added in to the contract.  Blommel stated that yes and they would get a price from the contractor.

 

Council asked when the start date is.  Blommel reported that there is a preconstruction meeting on June 12th and then about a week after they will start bringing in the equipment.

 

Council also asked if the moving of the electrical lines will be done before the project.  It was reported that the electric company is waiting on the cable company.

Mayor Kron asked for any questions or comments, hearing none, Mayor Kron asked for a motion approving Resolution 154-13 Recommending Stearns County award the project to Douglas-Kerr Construction.

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz to approve Resolution 154-13 Recommending Stearns County award to Douglas Kerr Construction.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

 

B.     Resolution 155-13 Approve Construction Services Agreement with SEH

 

Bode asked if they would be setting up weekly meetings with the property owners.  Blommel stated that yes there would be some meetings and that Bode should work with City Engineer Randy or Kim as to date and location.

 

Councilor asked if there had been any discussions regarding temporary water.  Blommel had not heard any.

 

Mayor Kron asked if there were any further questions or comments, hearing none Mayor Kron asked for a motion of approval.

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz to approve Resolution 155-13 Approving Construction Services Agreement with SEH.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

C.     Resolution 156-13 Approve Material Testing Agreement with Braun Intertech

 

Blommel stated that the amended amount for the testing should be $7,000.00 - $8,000.00.

 

Council asked when will Main Street be starting.  Blommel stated that Main Street portion of the project will not be starting before August 1st, 2013.

 

Mayor Kron asked if there were any further questions or comments, hearing none Mayor Kron asked for a motion of approval.

 

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz to approve Resolution 156-13 Approving Material Testing Agreement with Braun Intertech.

 

Item #6: 2013 Main Street Financing – David Drown, City Financial Advisor

Consideration of Resolution 158-13 Accepting Bond Proposal 2013A

 

Drown reviewed the estimated money needed for the 2013 Main Street Project and where this estimated money will come from:

            Source of Funds

            Bond:                                                    $1,100,000.00

            2013 Levy                                             $     65,000.00

            PFA Loan (for drinking water costs)      $   850,000.00

                                                Total costs        $2,015,000.00

 

The State Bank of Richmond will be the Bond loan issuer with an interest rate of 2.9% interest rate.  Drown stated it is great to see the local bank so eager to work with the community on this and keeping the interest rate low.

 

            Special Assessments $30,000.00 per year over 15 years totaling $300,000.00

            Property Tax levy of $56,500.00 per year over 15 years totaling $847,500.00

            Money set aside        $65,000.00                                               totaling $  65,000.00       

 

Drown expressed a need to raise the water rates to make sure the City has the Bond payment each year.

 

Mayor Kron asked if there were any further questions or comments, hearing none Mayor Kron asked for a motion of approval.

 

Motion made by Councilor Paczkowski, seconded by Councilor Mackedanz to approve Resolution 158-13 Accepting the Bond Proposal 2013A.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Item #8: Water/Waste Water Report – written report

Mayor asked about the Fir Avenue sewer problem.  Bode stated that the League and the People Service insurance company are on top of it.

Mayor Kron announced that the City of Richmond and the Waste Water Treatment staff received a certificate of accommodation recognizing their excellent effort expended in 2012 to help and preserve the waters of Minnesota.  The Minnesota pollution and control agency has issued 17 such accommodations since 1979.

 

Item #9: Parks/RLCA Report – written report by Kevin Mooney, Parks Director

Council stated that they noticed people parking on the grass area near the fence, at Centennial Park Ball fields.  Council reminded the public there is no parking on the grass.  Council also suggested law enforcement patrol that area in the evening.  The parks do not allow motorized vehicles except in designated areas.

 

Item #10: Public Works Report- written report by Director Gordon Dingmann

Council commented on the Compost Site.  They stated they had noticed that someone had dumped grass clipping in a pile next to the dumpster.  They wanted to remind the public that they should follow the rules and not abuse the compost site:

·         Use the dumpsters provided

·         Empty the bags and Take the bags with you

·         Have Compost pass visible in vehicle

·         Non-residents – purchase compost pass at city hall

 

Item #11: Fire Department Report – written report by Chief Merten

 

Resolution # 159 -13 Mutual Aid Agreement between the following fire departments and governmental units: Richmond, St. Martin, Eden Valley, Rockville, St. Joseph, St. Augusta, Albany, Avon, Paynesville, Watkins, Cold Spring, St. John’s University and Litchfield

 

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen, Seconded by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve Resolution 159-13 Approving Mutual Aid Agreement between the following fire departments and governmental units: Richmond, St. Martin, Eden Valley, Rockville, St. Joseph, St. Augusta, Albany, Avon, Paynesville, Watkins, Cold Spring, St. John’s University and Litchfield. Councilor Evens abstained.  Motion passed

 

Resolution #160-13 Amendment to the Mutual Aid Agreement between Cold Spring Fire and Rescue Department and Richmond Fire and Rescue Department.

 

Motion made by Councilor Mackedanz, Seconded by Councilor Paczkowski to Approve Resolution 160-13 Approving the Amendment to the Mutual Aid Agreement between Cold Spring Fire and Rescue Department and Richmond Fire and Rescue Department. Councilor Evens abstained. Motion Passed.

 

Item #12: Other

A.     Garbage Hauling Question- Administrator Bode stated that the next step for this is to hold a Public Hearing.  Referring to the document called “Organized Collection”, outlining the necessary events that must occur.  Council asked what cities have only one hauler and is it working.  Was reported that Montrose, Paynesville, Motley, Eden Valley, Royalton, and Annandale.  One of the City’s had mixed review but the rest stated it was working out.

Council asked how long the contracts were for each city.  That information was not available at this time.

Mayor Kron asked what the Council thought about moving forward with a public hearing.  The consensus is to schedule a public hearing.

 

B.     Main Street Parking – Council discussed the need to have no parking from 2am – 5am.  Was decided to keep this item on the agenda.

C.     Traffic Speed: 2nd St NE, Dutch Ave -  Council reminded the public that the speed limit is 30.  was reported that the police will be patrolling the areas more frequently.

D.     July 3rd Council Meeting –  Council discussed changing the meeting due to the holiday.

 

Motion made by Councilor Evens, Seconded by Councilor Mackedanz to move the Council Meeting to July 2nd at 6:30 pm.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

E.      Resolution 151-13 Approval of Lawful Gambling Permit to Richmond Baseball Club

 

Motion made by Councilor Mathiasen, Seconded by Councilor Evens to Approve Resolution 151-13 Approving Lawful Gambling Permit to Richmond Baseball Club.  Mayor Kron abstained.  Motion passed.

 

F.      Resolution regulating firearm policy

Administrator Bode presented some examples of policies regulating employees carrying firearms while on the job.  Council asked if there were any jobs, other than law enforcement, that require them to carry a weapon.  Administrator Bode reported there are no employees (volunteer or paid) that are required to carry a weapon, other than law enforcement. 

Council discussed different issues that may make this policy un-necessary; the right to carry with a permit, and the right to protect themselves.  Council asked what if there is a rabid dog, how would the City want this handle.  The response was to call 911.

 

Motion made by Councilor Evens, Seconded by Councilor Mathiasen to Approve Resolution 161-13 Policy Prohibiting Firearms at Work. Counselor Paczkowski opposed.  Motion passed.

 

G.     Fee Schedule: Water and Sewer Rates

 

Council discussed the current water and sewer rates and the need to adjust them to continue to make payments on the debt service.  Administrator Bode presented 3 different options for their consideration

                                                      Per billing Cycle

Option 1                                             Option 2                                 Option 3

Leave as is

Base: $24.00                                      $47.00                                   $24.00              (debt service)

Per Gallon:  $.00336 pg                       $ .00330                                 $.00577

 

In order to be considered for the PFA loan for the 2013 Main Street Project, a letter of intent to raise the rates must be agreed upon by Council at the June 19th meeting and then sent to the PFA.

 

Council reviewed different options.   The Council requested that the Administrator put together some more options for dealing with the raising of the rates and have that ready for the June 19th meeting.  Administrator Bode stated that the council can come up with any options they want.  He stated that the options he laid out were staying with the base fee being for debt service and per gallon usage for operating expenses. Council also suggested that we charge everyone for water used- ie:contractors using water for their projects.  Bode stated there is a fee schedule already in place for this.  Council agreed that there is a need to raise the rates in some manner and agreed to send the letter of intent.  

 

Motion made by Councilor Evens, Seconded by Councilor Paczkowski instructing the City Administrator to produce and send a letter of intent to the PFA.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Council agreed to move the June Workshop to the 19th due to the need to have the water rates resolved.

 

H.     River Lake Days – Councilor Evens reported that the River Lakes Days Event is well underway.  The committee is excited about the upcoming events that have been scheduled.  They have many new items, one of which is the Kiddie Parade lead by Llamas, sponsored by the Library’s reading program.  Again the 5 & 10K run, a car show on Saturday.  The grand parade is scheduled at 6:30pm (a change from last year).  Buttons can be purchased at businesses through out the City.  Flea Market will be held at the Arena.  Councilor Evans hopes that all families and individuals attend River Lake Days over July 19-21. 

 

 

Item #13: Council Reports

A.     EDA – Councilor Evens reported that the EDA is looking at where to direct their energies.   Next meeting is moved to June 18th at 6:30pm at the Public Works Building.

B.     Planning Commission- Council Mackedanz stated they had a meeting on May 30th; they discussed annexation, wac/sac fees, and ways to bring development to the community. Next meeting is scheduled for June 27th at 6 pm.

C.     Parks/Rocori Trail – Councilor Paczkowski reported that the next meeting is tomorrow June 6th.  Was reported that they had received 920,000.00 from the State of Minnesota.  He reported that the connection between the Pavilion and 178th Street should begin work in August.  He also reported that they are still selling paving stones for the Pavilion; applications can be obtained at City Hall.   Mayor Kron extended a thank you to the Little league and their Parents for their work out on the fields.

D.     Mayor reported that he and Administrator Bode attended the Stearns County Municipal League Meeting.

E.      Mayor Kron also reported that he and Bode will be attending the League of MN Cities conference in St. Paul June 20 & 21.

 

Item #14: Purchase Requisitions, Allocations and Transfers – none

 

Item #15: Other Matters of Concern and Related Matters -

A.     Channel 10-Councilor Evens reported that he had received a few concerns about the airing of the Richmond Council meeting.  1. The quality of the production and 2. The changing of the Schedule of Airing the meeting.         Aaron Cheeley, with Channel 10 reported that some of the equipment is failing and there is a capital improvement plan to replace all the equipment sometime in late 2013 and early 2014.  He stated that the technical difficulties with the showing sometimes changes the number of times the show is aired.

 

B.     Administrator Bode reminded the Council the City will be changing over to postcards in September for the July/August billing.

C.     Administrator Bode reported that the City received a notice of pay equity compliance.

D.     Music in the park starts June 11th at 7:00pm.

E.      Council Reminded residents to try and keep up with their lawns.

F.      Cross walk by arena:  Public Works and Parks will be painting a no parking area at the Crosswalk.

 

Item #16: Adjournment:

 

Mayor Kron asked for a motion to adjourn. 

Councilor Paczkowski made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mackedanz.  Motion passed unanimously.

 

Mayor Kron declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

 

Martin M. Bode

Administrator/Clerk/Treasurer