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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
NOTICE OF ALBANY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
There will be a
meeting of the City Council in and
for the City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota at
6:30 o’clock in the evening
on Wednesday,
February 3, 2010, in
the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said City.
AGENDA
1.
Convene meeting
2.
Audit Bills
3.
Act on regular Council minutes of the meeting held on January
20th
4.
Open Forum/Public comments
5.
Randy Ritter, Albany Jaycees – discuss Jaycee golf ice cup
challenge on North Lake
6.
Church of Seven Dolors – MN Charitable
Gambling application for raffle and bingo, etc.
- Knights of Columbus – MN Charitable
Gambling application for a raffle
7.
Joseph Mergen, Public Works Supervisor – present unpaid
utility bills and recommendation to discontinue water service
8.
Daron Gersch, Utility Department and Community Education
Liaison
9.
Dennis Sand, Park Department, and Equipment
10.
Tom Kasner, Fire Department and EDA
11.
Jack Evens, Albany Golf Club
12.
John Greer, Police and Street Department
13.
James Stueve, Police Chief - update on Patrol Position
applications
14.
Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm – certification of unpaid interest
payment for public improvement assessment
- present proposed ordinance for
franchise with Stearns Electric Association
15.
Mayor’s announcements and letters
16.
Announce meeting date (February 17th) and adjourn
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Pursuant to due call
and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Council in and for the
City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by
Mayor Dennis Sand at 6:30 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday,
February 3, 2010, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the
said City.
Other Council members present were: Daron Gersch, Tom Kasner, Jack
Evens, and John Greer. None were absent.
Also present were: Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm., Stan Hanson, P.E. Bonestroo,
Inc., Joseph Mergen, Public Works Supervisor, James Stueve, Police
Chief, Ryan Eiden, Albany business owner, and Mike Kosik, Editor,
Stearns Morrison Enterprise.
After due discussion, a motion was made by John Greer and seconded by Jack
Evens to authorize the payment of the following
bills: Check Numbers 60107 to 60151, and 13501 to 13514. All
voted for the motion and it carried.
Mayor Dennis Sand called for any corrections or additions
to the minutes of the regular meeting held on January 20th
and hearing none declared them approved.
Chad Schmidt and Sherry Thill, members of the Albany Area Jaycees,
appeared before the Council on behalf of the club to request
approval for an event permit
for the Ice Cup Golf
Challenge to be held on the North Lake on Saturday, February 27th.
Mr. Schmidt noted that there will be no changes for the annual
fundraiser. Mayor Dennis Sand, with the consensus of the Council,
had no objection to the aforementioned request contingent that the
Jaycees forward to the City a certificate of liability insurance.
The Council took notice of two Minnesota Lawful Gambling Exempt Permit
Applications submitted by the Church of Seven Dolors and the Knights
of Columbus for the following activities: 1) Christian Mothers
bingo/Holy Family School calendar raffle on March 28th,
raffle on June 28th for Holy Family School annual golf
tournament, Church Bazaar bingo, raffle, pull-tabs on August 1st
and Knights of Columbus for a raffle to be conducted on April 26th.
After due discussion, a motion was made by Tom Kasner and
seconded by Daron Gersch to approve the said Applications. All
voted for the motion and it carried.
Mr. Mergen presented to the Council a list of unpaid utility bills and
recommended that they be discontinued or shut off pursuant to
Ordinance 30. Mayor Dennis Sand, with the consensus of the
Council, directed Mr. Mergen to make one last personal contact with
each and if the utility bill remains unpaid, he may proceed to
discontinue the individual’s water service.
Mr. Stueve informed the Council that thirty-six employment applications
were received for the position of Patrol Officer and three
candidates have been selected for interviews to be conducted by the
end of the month. Mr. Stueve noted that a recommendation for a
conditional job offer will be forthcoming after the interview
process.
Mr. Schneider noted that a property owner for a street reconstruction
improvement project failed to pay interest on a paid assessment
after the public hearing date adopting the assessment role and
recommended that it be certified to the Stearns County Auditor to be
collected as a special assessment in the year 2010 having been given
due notice pursuant to Chapter 429. After due discussion, a motion
was made by Jack Evens and seconded by Daron Gersch to authorize the
City Clerk/Administrator to certify the unpaid interest at 300 Golf
View Drive to the Stearns County Auditor to be collected as a
special assessment in the year 2010. All voted for the motion and it
carried.
Mr. Schneider presented to the Council an annual request from Dennis
Fuchs, Administrator for the Stearns County Soil and Water
Conservation District, for financial support of $1,000 based on the
City’s population to be used for financing the position of Stearns
County Urban Conservationist which is designed to assist
participating cities and others in protecting our natural
resources. Mr. Schneider noted that the City is currently using
their services for the North Lake Shoreline Restoration
Improvements. After due discussion, a motion was made by Jack Evens
and seconded by Daron Gersch to authorize a payment of $1,000 to the
Stearns County Soil and Water Conversation District for the
aforesaid Position. All voted for the motion and it carried.
Joan Pilarski,
1210 Park View Court, appeared before the Council to question the operation of the City’s
Water Distribution System relating to the water quality at her
residence. Mr. Mergen explained the operations at the Water
Treatment Plant to provide water quality to the community and noted
that additional flushing of hydrants in this new subdivision may
improve the water quality. Ms. Pilarski also questioned if actions
can be taken by the City to require the developer in her subdivision
to mow the weeds on the vacant lots adjacent to her home on a
regular basis specifically before holidays. Mayor Sand noted that
the City has increased the fees for non-compliance of the City’s
weed/grass and will keep a closer eye on all vacant lots within the
City.
Mr. Schneider informed the Council that the application for the
North
Lake
shoreland buffer improvements will be forwarded the Stearns County
Water and Conservation Board for final approval. Mr. Schneider
noted that the application request is
$19,216.53 in cost share funds to complete the project, resulting in
a cash or in-kind contribution of $6,405.51 for a total project cost
of $25,622.04. Mr. Schneider
also noted that by signing the application, the City is
agreeing that the shoreland buffer will be left in perpetuity which
is reflected on the deed. Mayor Dennis Sand, with the consensus of
the Council, directed Mr. Schneider to execute the said application
on behalf of the City.
Mr. Schneider also informed the
Council that a draft franchise ordinance is being prepared and
mailed to Stearns Electric Association similar to the XCEL Energy
franchise ordinance adopted a year or two ago. Mr. Schneider
noted that it will be presented to the Council at a future Council
meeting for final approval.
Mayor Dennis Sand reminded everyone
that there is a special Council meeting scheduled for 6:30 o’clock
in the evening on Wednesday, February 10th relating to a
public hearing for the 2010 Capital Improvements and noted the next
regular Council meeting for 6:30 o’clock in the evening on
Wednesday, February 17, 2010. Mayor Dennis Sand adjourned the
meeting at 7:15 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING NOTICE
NOTICE OF
ALBANY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
There will be a
special meeting of the Council in and for the City of Albany,
Stearns County, Minnesota at 6:30 o’clock in the evening on
Wednesday, February 10, 2010 in the Council Room at 400 Railroad
Avenue for the said City.
The purpose of the
special Council meeting is to hold a public hearing to
consider objections, if any, to the proposed assessments for the 2010
Capital Improvements heretofore ordered by the City Council. The
improvement will consist of street,
storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main improvements in the
following areas: Seventh Street, from the cul-de-sac to Soo Line
Avenue; First Avenue from Sixth Street to Eighth Street, Second
Avenue from Seventh Street to Eighth Street, Third Avenue from
Seventh Street to Eighth Street; and Seventh Street South from
Shamrock Lane to Church Avenue; along with street improvements on
Second Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh Street; Third Avenue from
Sixth Street to Seventh Street; and Soo Line Avenue from Sixth
Street to Seventh Street (the “Improvement”).
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Pursuant to due call
and notice thereof a special meeting of the Council in and for the
City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by
Mayor Dennis Sand at 6:35 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday,
February 10, 2010, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for
the said City.
Other Council members present were: Tom Kasner, Jack Evens, and John
Greer. Daron Gersch was absent.
Also present were: Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm., Stan Hanson, P.E. Bonestroo,
Inc., Tim Brawthen, Senior Construction Manager, Bonestroo, Inc.,
Mike Decker, P.E. and Field Inspector, Bonestroo, Inc., David Drown,
David Drown Associates, Joseph Mergen, Public Works Supervisor, Mike
Kosik, Editor, Stearns Morrison Enterprise, Leon Stueve, Jesse
Stueve, Linus Kalthoff, Jen Kalthoff, Jim Adelman, Kathy Adelman,
Robert Ludivig, Conrad Locnikar, Genny Locnikar, Valerian Gerads,
Joyce Gerads, Jean Sunder, Dan Sunder, James Beuning, Judine Beuning,
Mike Stenlund, Kathy Kramer, Ashley Kramer, Scott Daninger, Dean
Goebel, Ryan Eiden, Bob Hanauska, Gary Michels, Val Schwinghammer,
Estella Schwinghammer, and Brian Sand.
Pursuant to due notice, Mayor Dennis Sand opened the public hearing
into session at 6:37 PM to consider objections, if any, to the
proposed assessments for the 2010 Capital Improvements which
consist of
street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer,
and water main improvements in the following areas: Seventh Street,
from the cul-de-sac to Soo Line Avenue; First Avenue from Sixth
Street to Eighth Street, Second Avenue from Seventh Street to Eighth
Street, Third Avenue from Seventh Street to Eighth Street; and
Seventh Street South from Shamrock Lane to Church Avenue; along with
street improvements on Second Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh
Street; Third Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh Street; and Soo
Line Avenue from Sixth Street to Seventh Street. Mr. Hanson appeared before the Council and public to present information
on the existing conditions of the streets, sewer main, water main
and proposed new construction once completed at an estimated cost of
the proposed improvement to be $1,475,000. Mr. Hanson also
explained the methodology used to calculate individual assessments
for the affected parcels including the proposed construction
schedule to complete the aforementioned improvements. Mr. Drown
appeared before the Council and public to discuss the bonding
procedure related to financing the improvements. Joyce Gerads
questioned why corner lots are required to pay a higher assessment.
Jim Adelman informed the Council that he is not in favor of paying
an assessment for storm sewer improvements which relate to a new
storm sewer pipe to replace the open ditch on
7th Street south which doesn’t benefit his property whatsoever. Jim Beuning informed the
Council that the improvements should be delayed due to the recession
in the economy and difficulty to pay assessments for those
individuals who lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced.
Ryan Eiden questioned if increased potable water use by residents
and/or businesses in the spring contribute to the high wastewater
meter readings at the wastewater treatment plant rather than
infiltration or ground water seeping into the sanitary sewer mains
during the spring thaw. Scott Daninger also questioned if any
measures are being taken to improve the water quality of the storm
water before the water reaches the catch basin such as rain gardens
and/or buffer areas. Dean Goebel noted that the State of
Minnesota is
having a budget crisis due to the recession in the economy and noted
that this project should be delayed due to all the uncertainties in
funding. Mr. Greer noted that the City is anticipating a large
number of contractors bidding this project being not many projects
are being considered in the surrounding area and expect the bids
received to be less than the engineer’s estimate which has been
experienced in the past. Mayor Dennis Sand closed the public
hearing at 8:15 PM. After due discussion, a motion was made by
John Greer who introduced the following Resolution and moved their
adoption:
RESOLUTION 2010-003
ORDERING IMPROVEMENT
2010 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The motion for the foregoing
Resolution was seconded by Jack Evens and after a full discussion
thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in
favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors Jack Evens, Tom
Kasner, and John Greer and none voted against the same; whereupon
the said Resolution were declared duly passed and adopted. The full
text of the said Resolution is on file at the office of the City
Clerk/Administrator for public inspection during normal office
hours.
After due discussion, a motion was made by John Greer who introduced the
following Resolution and moved their adoption:
RESOLUTION 2010-004
DIRECTING PREPARATION OF
FINAL PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
2010 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS
The motion for the foregoing
Resolution was seconded by Tom Kasner and after a full discussion
thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the following voted in
favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors Jack Evens, Tom
Kasner, and John Greer and none voted against the same; whereupon
the said Resolution were declared duly passed and adopted. The full
text of the said Resolution is on file at the office of the City
Clerk/Administrator for public inspection during normal office
hours.
Mayor Dennis Sand adjourned the
meeting at 8:20 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010, CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
NOTICE OF ALBANY CITY COUNCIL MEETING
There will be a
meeting of the City Council in and
for the City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota at
6:30 o’clock in the evening
on Wednesday,
February 17, 2010, in
the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for the said City.
AGENDA
1.
Convene meeting
2.
Audit Bills
3.
Act on regular Council minutes of the meeting held on
February 3rd and 10th.
4.
Open Forum/Public comments
5.
Pam and Dan Nissen, Bueckers City Sanitation, Inc., - request
assignment or transfer of refuse removal agreement
6.
Jeff Johnson, City Assessor – present information relating to
the 2010 annual assessor’s report and upcoming Board of Review and
Equalization meeting
7.
Joseph Mergen, Public Works Supervisor – present plans and
specifications for Water Tower Improvements
8.
Daron Gersch, Utility Department and Community Education
Liaison
9.
Dennis Sand, Park Department, and Equipment
10.
Tom Kasner, Fire Department and EDA
11.
Jack Evens, Albany Golf Club
12.
John Greer, Police and Street Department
13.
James Stueve, Police Chief
14.
Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm – present Resolution 2010-005
approving the issuance of $2,200,000 G.O. Refunding Bonds, Series
2010A
- update on Governor Pawlenty’s
proposed LGA cuts to cities
15.
Mayor’s announcements and letters
16.
Announce meeting date (March 3rd) and adjourn
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm.
WEDENESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2010, REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES
Pursuant to due call
and notice thereof a regular meeting of the Council in and for the
City of Albany, Stearns County, Minnesota, was called to order by
Mayor Dennis Sand at 6:30 o’clock in the evening on Wednesday,
February 17, 2010, in the Council Room at 400 Railroad Avenue for
the said City.
Other Council members present were: Daron Gersch, Tom Kasner, Jack
Evens, and John Greer. None were absent.
Also present were: Tom Schneider, Clerk/Adm., Stan Hanson, P.E. Bonestroo,
Inc., Joseph Mergen, Public Works Supervisor, James Stueve, Police
Chief, Ryan Eiden, Albany business owner, and Mike Kosik, Editor,
Stearns Morrison Enterprise.
After due discussion, a motion was made by Tom Kasner and seconded by John
Greer to authorize the payment of the following
bills: Check Numbers 60152 to 60178, and 13515 to 13528. All
voted for the motion and it carried.
Mayor Dennis Sand called for any corrections or additions
to the minutes of the regular meeting held on February 3rd
and February 10th and hearing none declared them approved.
Pam Nissen, Dan Nissen, and Janine Kutter, appeared before the Council on
behalf of Bueckers City Sanitation, the City’s contracted Refuse
Hauler, to request a five-year extension to the existing executed
Refuse Agreement which will end
December 31, 2011.
Mr. Greer noted that the current monthly rates for garbage
collection for specific containers do not promote recycling and
recommended that the agreement be amended which relate to volume
base fees that would allow those that recycle the ability of
selecting a smaller refuse container or cart at a cheaper monthly
rate. Ms. Nissen informed the Council that it would not be
difficult to amend the current fees to volume based and noted that
the only changes would be the option of a 38-gallon container for
individuals less than 62 years of age. Mayor Dennis Sand, with the
consensus of the Council, directed Ms. Nissen to prepare a proposal
for monthly fees and container size based on volume and directed Mr.
Schneider to prepare a Refuse Agreement which reflects a five-year
extension to be considered at the next Council meeting.
Jeff Johnson,
Stearns County Appraiser for the Stearns County Assessor’s Office,
the City’s appointed Assessor, appeared before the Council to
present information pertaining to the 2010 Annual Assessor’s Report
and taxes payable for the year 2010. Mr. Johnson informed the
Council that residential properties will see a decrease in market
value of approximately 5% and commercial/industrial property
valuations will decrease nearly 3%. Mr. Johnson noted that the
City’s Board of Review/equalization meeting will be held at
6:00 PM, on Wednesday, May 5th at City Hall and notices to be mailed to property
owners in the month of April. Mayor Dennis Sand directed Mr.
Johnson to schedule an informational meeting at City Hall a week or
so before the Board of Review meeting to allow property owners an
opportunity to review their property details privately.
Mr. Mergen informed the Council that the plans and specifications for the
Water Tower Improvements have been completed by KLM Engineering,
Elmo Lake, MN; whereby he recommended approval. Mr. Mergen noted
that the improvements will be completed in five weeks which could
begin in spring or fall of this year if the low bid is reasonable.
After due discussion, a motion was made by Daron Gersch and seconded
by Tom Kasner to approve the plans and specifications and set a bid
date at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon on April 6th at
City Hall for the said Improvements. All voted for the motion and
it carried.
Mr. Stueve informed the Council that interviews for the position of Patrol
Officer are scheduled for February 23rd, but questioned
if they should be postponed due to the recent announcement by the
Governor of additional local government aid (LGA) cut to the City in
2010. Mr. Schneider noted that the final loss in LGA for all
cities will become final at the end of the legislative session and
at that time, he list of proposed budget cuts to the 2010 operating
budget of the City will be presented to the Council for review.
Mayor Dennis Sand, with the consensus of the Council, directed Mr.
Stueve to forward letters to the three candidates informing each
that their interview has been postponed. Mr. Stueve noted that
part-time Patrol Officers will be utilized to maintain adequate
police coverage in the City.
Mr. Schneider presented to the Council a proposed resolution to refund
several bonds at a savings of nearly $127,000 due to a lower
interest on a new bond that’s currently available by the market.
Mr. Schneider informed the Council that David Drown, the City’s
financial consultant, researched the existing bond and proposed
information relating to a new bond and confirmed the savings and
recommended that the older bonds be refinanced. After due
discussion, a motion was made by Jack Evens who moved its adoption:
RESOLUTION 2010-05
APPROVING THE ISSUANCE OF $2,200,000
G.O. REFUDNING BONDS, SERIES 2010A
The motion for the
foregoing Resolution was seconded by Daron Gersch and after a full
discussion thereon and upon a vote being taken thereon, the
following voted in favor thereof: Mayor Dennis Sand, Councilors
John Greer, Daron Gersch, Tom Kasner, and Jack Evens, and none voted
against the same whereupon the said Resolution was declared duly
passed and adopted. The full text of the said Resolution is on
file at the office of the City Clerk/Administrator for public
inspection during regular office hours.
Mayor Dennis Sand noted the next
regular Council meeting for 6:30 o’clock in the evening on
Wednesday, March 3, 2010 and adjourned the meeting at 8:00 PM.
Tom Schneider
Clerk/Adm. |
