October 17, 2012
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 September meeting were approved as presented.
Motion by Andres 2nd by Adamski to approve all the monthly bills as presented, including a bill from Skoog & Robinson Sludge Hauling for $800.00. Carried
Dan Noss reported that the “City of Veterans Memorials” signs have been installed beneath the population signs on Highway 10. He also reported that the Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Network is continuing to move forward and he will have more information in the future. Dan also thanked Wendell and Eric, Project Manager of the Fiber Optic project for adding his residence to the database so he can be a recipient of the fiber optic line.
Fiber Optic Line Project: Eric Engler of Cooperative Network Services, LLC (CNS) and project manager of the fiber optic line project was present to answer any questions the council may have regarding the ongoing project in the city. He stated that any questions residents have regarding the work being done should be directed to him.
2013 City Budget: The council was given a copy of a preliminary budget for 2013. The budget committee will meet and bring its recommendations to the November meeting.
Donation: Motion by Adamski 2nd by Turner to accept a $100 donation from the Randall-Cushing Lions to be given to the Randall/Cushing Little Elk Lions club for the purchase of Halloween candy. Carried
Convention & Visitors Bureau: Motion by Adamski 2nd by Carter to approve a ¼ page ad in the Little Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau Guide for 2013 at a cost of $490.00. Carried
Planning & Zoning:
Bermel’s Store-new siding on garage
Matt Pantzke-40x64 pole shed
Kayla Ritter-8x10 dog kennel
Judy Jensen-8x10 entry way addition
The committee also discussed a complaint received about a property with a lot of “junk” on it and the owner will be notified and asked to clean it up.
Motion by Andres 2nd by Tuner to approve the building permits. Carried
Delinquent accounts were reviewed with no issues this month.
Erosion issue: The city received a letter from Morrison County Soil & Water informing the city of an erosion issue on a piece of property directly downstream from a parcel that the city owns. The question was asked if the city would be interested or willing to install some erosion method to address the bank erosion. Conservation practices can be covered by up to 75% cost share funds. The City Manager will look further into the issue and report back next month.
USDA Concerns: Every year the city receives a letter from the USDA concerning the lack of profit in the Sewer & Water fund. They have recommended the city either adjust its rates or use tax money to remedy this issue. Many years ago, the city had four separate checking accounts, one for each fund. All the payroll taxes were always paid out of the liquor fund with the liquor fund never being reimbursed. This total amount is just a paper entry of $114, 965.00 that the sewer & water fund owed to the liquor fund and it was recommended by our auditor that the council write that debt off.
Motion by Carter 2nd by Turner to write off the “paper entry” debt of $114, 965.00 owed from the sewer & water fund to the liquor fund. Carried
October activities: The liquor store will have its Halloween Costume party on October 27th and also on that day will be the Randall Family Fall Fest, with many things going on for families in the city.
City does not accept cats: The city has never approved the drop off of cats at the Morrison County Humane Society. If a resident has an issue with a cat, it is their responsibility to take care of it.
There was a brief discussion on how the locating process works with Gopher State One-Call and how utilities are charged.
Bonds: The city manager will contact City Financial Advisor David Drown to inquire about the possibility of refinancing any of the city bonds.
Revenue Recapture: Mayor Riitters presented information regarding the Revenue Recapture program with the MN Dept of Revenue. This program can be used for delinquent utility accounts and NSF Checks. There is also an option to certify delinquent accounts to the homeowners property taxes. More information of this in the future.
CRVST Meeting: There were approx. 100 people at the trail meeting last week, of that, nearly 20 people were representing Randall. Area residents are encouraged to continue attending the upcoming meetings.
Sirens: The Dept. of Homeland Security has grant money available for Civil Defense Sirens. The city will check into this further to see if there would be funds available for a 2nd siren.
The Mayor would like to set a special meeting to meet with each department head, discuss 2013 appointments, wages and the budget.
A special meeting was set for November 15th at 10:00 a.m. at the fire hall meeting room.
Meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m.