April 21, 2010
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 last meeting were approved as presented.
Angie Magee informed the council of a couple changes on the bills since the report was printed and with those changes, a motion was made by Turner 2nd by Adamski to pay the bills as presented. Carried
Lt. Col. Todd Kubista was present on behalf of Camp Ripley to update the council on the summer training being conducted at Camp this year. He stated that this summer will be one of the busiest summers ever at Camp. Area residents may notice increased activity in the sky as there will be many helicopters conducting training. He explained the XCTC program (Exportable Combat Training Capability) which is a Pre-Mobilization exercise to provide realistic, theater immersed, multi-echelon, combined arms training in a Contemporary Operational Environment. This will result in approx. 200 local civilian hires to participate in a variety of village scenarios during training sessions at Camp Ripley. Lt. Col. Kubista then gave a brief update on the economic impact of Camp and an update on the environmental program on the base. In closing, Lt. Col. Kubista invited the council to Col. Weaver’s retirement celebration on May 20, 2010 from 4pm-6pm at the Camp Ripley Town Hall and also to help welcome the new Post Commander Lt. Col. Scott St. Sauver.
The council was reminded of the Board of Equalization meeting tomorrow April 22nd at 9:00 a.m. at the fire hall meeting room.
Jerry Peterschick asked for approval of the 2010 revised edition of the MN Basic Code. Councilman Carter stated he would like to review the revisions before approving anything. It was decided to table this issue until councilmembers that wish too, have reviewed the revisions.
The city has been approached by an individual interested in purchasing a piece of land by the Hardware Store to build a mechanic shop. It was the consensus of the council that the individual be invited to attend a council meeting with more information on their plans.
The city hall and councilmembers have received many complaints recently about dogs running at large. It is the policy that all dogs within the city be tied, kenneled or on a leash under the control of their owner at all times. It is also the policy that there only be 2 dogs PER HOUSEHOLD. These policies will be strictly enforced by law enforcement upon receiving a complaint. More information will be sent out with the next utility bills.
Building Permits
Kelly Miller – Privacy Fence
Harlan & Carol Johnson – 6x8 playhouse
Bill Johnson – replace basement window with larger one
Motion by Carter 2nd by Andres to approve the building permits. Carried
Upon reviewing the delinquent utility accounts, the council was asked if they would consider setting up a payment plan with one account. That plan being, the individual would pay $100 per week or up to ½ of his paycheck to get his bill paid off. This payment would come directly from the individuals’ employer.
Motion by Carter 2nd by Turner to approve the payment arrangement. Carried
Councilman Andres questioned why the city does not charge businesses a late fee on their utilities. The council will look further into this and discuss the issue at a future meeting.
Mayor Riitters then discussed more about the process of having delinquent utilities put on the property owners’ taxes. The council reviewed Pierz’s ordinance and Mayor Riitters asked that the council hold a special meeting sometime to discuss this issue and get an ordinance in place, along with a couple more issues that need to be discussed at length.
Motion by Carter 2nd by Turner to re-confirm the cost share with Denny Mueller of Gosch’s for the curb cut, design and striping of the parking area between the City Hall and Goschs and upon agreement, proceed with the project. Carried
There have been some complaints about loud vehicles around the city and the police chief will be informed and directed to take care of the issues as they occur.
Jerry Peterschick informed the council that he did lock in 50% of last years’ natural gas usage at an approximate cost to the customer of .80/ccf, for the 2010/2011 heating season. He will look to lock in more in the future.
This week, the city had some of the sewer lines jetted and televised. There were a few homes that had back-up problems because of the jetting, but it seems that all issues have been resolved. The areas that were taken care of this year were East 4th Street, Parkview Drive and River Road. There is a bend in one area of the pipe on E. 4th Street but since nothing has gone wrong in the past, it was decided to leave it alone and just keep an eye it.
The old Derby lawnmower is back together and ready to use. Additional summer staff will not be needed this year.
Jerry Adamski reviewed some suggestions from the League of MN Cities to discuss with the police dept. and sewer and water department. Jerry Peterschick will give each department a copy of these suggestions.
Rick Turner mentioned that the open area behind the community building is very dirty, with broken glass all over. He also said the water fountain inside the building needs repair as it sprays all over. City staff will take care of these issues ASAP.
A representative of the League of MN Cities Insurance Trust came to Randall to look at where the carnival is going to be held over the 4th of July and stated that there should be no extra liability to the city by allowing the carnival to be across the RR Tracks from mainstreet.