April 8, 2009
The regular meeting of the Randall City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m. with all members present. The minutes of the March 11th and March 31st meetings were approved as presented.
Motion by Carter 2nd by Turner to pay the bills as presented. Carried
Greg Hubbard and Bernie Jeub were present on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Morrison County to inform the council of how the program works and that they hope to be opening very soon and begin serving the area youth. They are currently using the old Brenny/Eblom funeral home and would like to eventually have their own building. They informed the council that the program cannot move forward with out additional funding and they would appreciate anything the city would be able to donate. Mayor Riitters stated that the council will discuss this further and make a decision at the next meeting. Jerry Peterschick will contact the city auditor to see if this club is something the city can donate funds to.
City Financial Advisor David Drown was in attendance to discuss bonding for the 2009 Improvement Projects in the city. The approximate amount to be borrowed will be $345,070.00 for 15 years.
Motion by Andres 2nd by Carter to authorize David Drown to proceed with the negotiation of the sale of bonds on behalf of the City of Randall for the 2009 Improvement Projects. Carried
Mr. Drown had also spoke with Jerry Peterschick about the building that the city is interested in making an offer on for a city hall/police station. Drown mentioned three different options to look into when purchasing a building for this reason; A public vote for General Obligation bond; prepare a 5 year capital plan, holding a public hearing to inform residents and if after 30 days go by with out a petition against the plan, than the city can proceed; or the last option would be a municipal lease where a related unit of government would issue a bond. All three options would cost about the same. Mr. Drown will contact the city when it is time to finalize the sale of the bonds for the improvement projects and the city will keep in touch with him regarding the city hall/police station issue.
At last months’ meeting, the council approved the liquor store to order 20 new chairs, 9 new barstools and 3 high top table, with a limit not to exceed $2000.00. The tables have been received and 7 barstools were ordered as there are a couple extra in the bar, but the company that makes the stools and chairs has went out of business. Replacement barstools were ordered but there are no chairs to replace the ones the liquor store currently has and it was presented to the council to purchase 40 new, different chairs and keep the 15-20 good chairs that are in the liquor store right now as extras. The total cost would be about 535.00 over the limit set at the last meeting.
Motion by Andres 2nd by Turner to purchase 40 chairs instead of 20, 7 barstools and 3 tables for a cost of $2,532.18. Carried
Kenny & Vicky Wendland, owners of Whispering Willow Estates Mobile Home Park, presented the council with information of projects they will be doing this summer. They plan to build a 12’x22’x7’ storm shelter that will hold up to 60 people. They are also accepting bids on the rehabilitation of the sewer and water system in the park and also looking into the possibility of redoing the electric.
John & Lois Breden, residents of the Little Elk Addition, expressed their concern of constant barking of the neighbors dog. They stated that they have tried to contact the neighbors but have had no success in resolving the matter on their own. The council directed the police chief to contact the owners of the dog and remind them of the ordinance the city has in place regarding this issue.
Donna Lundgren and Mike Drew were present on behalf of the Randall 4th of July committee. They informed the council that the street dance and fireworks will be held on Friday July 3rd this year. They requested permission for a dance permit and to block off the alley by bingo park during street dance hours and also asked if the city would be willing to give a monetary donation.
Motion by Andres 2nd by Adamski to issue three dance permits to the Randall Cushing Little Elk Lions for dances to be held at the Randall V.F.W. on April 19th, May 17th and June 21st. Carried 4-1, Carter abstained
Motion by Andres 2nd by Carter to authorize the 4th of July Committee to hold a street dance, fireworks and close off the alley during dance hours on Friday July 3, 2009. Carried
Motion by Carter 2nd by Turner to give $2,500.00 to the 4th of July Committee towards the promotion of the city. Carried
Lundgren also asked about the possibility of holding bar bingo in the liquor store as a fundraiser for the 4th of July Committee. There are some licensing issues that would need to be addressed and this will be looked into by Jerry Peterschick and the city liquor store committee along with the 4th of July Committee and will be revisited at a future meeting.
It is the time of year to decide whether or not to do the flower pot project again this year. There are volunteers willing to put the flower pots together and deliver them to all the businesses. The city will have to purchase the flowers and soil for the pots. City staff will check around for prices.
Motion by Turner 2nd by Riitters to allow $300 towards the flower pot project. Carried
Jerry Peterschick presented a contract from John Rothamel to conduct a rate study of the city’s electric rates and how they compare in this area. The cost would not exceed $500.00.
Motion by Carter 2nd by Adamski to hire John Rothamel to conduct a rate study for the city. Carried
Harry Miller submitted a late building permit for a wood frame building on skids for a greenhouse with the intention of starting the project immediately. According to the ordinance, no person shall begin building until a permit is approved by the Planning & Zoning committee and the City Council. The council directed Jerry Peterschick to contact Mr. Miller and inform him that he will have to wait until after both the Planning and Zoning committee and city council approve his permit next month.
The council was reminded of the Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting will be held on April 27th at 9a.m. at the fire hall meeting room. Anyone wanting to express their concerns must contact the Morrison County Assessors office and schedule an appointment for that day.
Charley Andres informed the council of a couple citizen complaints he has received regarding some properties in the city that seem to be accumulating large amounts of excess property. AS A REMINDER TO ALL CITY RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS OF RANDALL: CITY CLEAN-UP DAY IS SATURDAY MAY 9TH FROM 8A.M.-10A.M. THIS IS THE TIME TO CLEAN UP ANY GARBAGE, APPLIANCES, TIRES, ETC. IN YARDS. ALL BULK GARBAGE ITEMS ARE FREE. THERE IS A SMALL CHARGE FOR APPLIANCES AND EACH HOUSEHOLD IS ALLOWED TO BRING UP TO 4 CAR TIRES OR 2 TRUCK TIRES WITHOUT RIMS FOR FREE AND THERE WILL BE ADDITIONAL CHARGES FOR EXCESS TIRES OR TIRES WITH RIMS.
No action was taken on the outdoor furnace ordinance as the planning and zoning committee did not meet this month to review the ordinance created by the sub-committee of the planning and zoning.
The city has expressed some interest in the Audio Communications building on main street for a new city hall, police station and city council chambers. All councilmembers are in favor of purchasing the building and all but one agree on a price to offer Dick and Mona Backlund. The city will have their attorney prepare an offer to be sent to the Backlunds regarding the purchase of the building.