HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2021, 7:00 PM
ASSESSMENT HEARING
The hearing was opened at 7:00 PM by Mayor Rasche, with the following council members present; Mitchell Ferguson, Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, and Carol Wagner.
Others in attendance were Michael Ruppert, Galen Kauffman, Robin Weis, Police Chief Anthony Fauglid, Fire Chief Chad Diemer, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton, and Stacy J. Grube.
No one was present to comment on their assessment, nor was there any comments presented to the City Clerk prior to the meeting.
Any payments received before the next council meeting will be removed from the assessment list and the council will approve a resolution at the December 1, 2021, council meeting to certify the remaining amounts for the County Auditor.
Mayor Rasche closed the hearing at 7:01 PM.
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Rasche, with the following council members present; Mitchell Ferguson, Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, and Carol Wagner.
Others in attendance were Michael Ruppert, Galen Kauffman, Robin Weis, Police Chief Anthony Fauglid, Fire Chief Chad Diemer, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton, and Stacy J. Grube.
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the agenda with the addition utility billing software. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the minutes of the council meeting of October 6, 2021, as presented. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Rebuilding Together, Minnesota
Galen Kauffman, Program Manager for SW Minnesota, provided a presentation about Rebuilding Together, Minnesota; a program that helps with repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives. The program is also looking for volunteers to help with projects. The program is currently accepting applications for a variety of home improvements and home safety projects for low-income residents in Jackson, Cottonwood, and Nobles counties. Additional information and applications may be picked up at the city office or by visiting
Revolving Loan Fund
Robin Weis presented a loan application from Olsem Ariel Application Services, LLC, a crop-dusting operation in Southwest Minnesota, within the 20-mile radius of Heron Lake. Applicant is applying for gap financing to replace an airplane engine, in the amount of $87,500.00. Recommendation by the RLF Advisory Board is: “Board Member Schimbeno moved, seconded by Board Member Christopherson, to recommend approval of Olsem Aerial Application Services, LLC. loan request of $87,500.00 with an interest rate of 3%- and 5-year amortization. Collateral will be 2nd UCC, 2nd Assignment Airplane, personal guarantees, loss payee on business insurance and airplane insurance, and additionally listed as a secured payee on life insurance. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Christopherson, FitzHenry, Haberman, Kuhnau, Schimbeno, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the equipment loan of $87,500.00 with a 5-year amortization, interest rate of 3%, with security of 2nd blanket UCC, 2nd on 1970 Airplane through FAA, personal guarantees (2), CALI, and loss payee on business insurance and airplane insurance. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Appointments
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to appoint Council Member Wagner to the Library Board, and Council Member Ferguson to the personnel committee for the remainder of 2021. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Business License Renewals
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to approve the cigarette and tobacco product sales license to P & J’s Mini Mart for 2022. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to approve the cigarette and tobacco products sales license and 3.2 liquor sales license to Expressway for 2022. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Farmland Lease
Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve rent for the 2022 crop season to remain at $226 per acre for the 6.592 acres by Hanson’s 4th Addition and to sign the farmland lease agreement with Nick Carlson. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
PeopleService
Operator Joe Liepold reported that the following: 1) Generator at the industrial well site will be inspected and serviced; 2) Winterizing has been completed other than inspecting hydrants to ensure the barrel is clear of water; 3) Generator at the main lift station will be inspected and serviced.
Public Works
Public Works Director John Haberman reported the 6th Avenue and 12th Street work has been started and reviewed a bid for work to be completed at the shop that will involve adding a bathroom and small office. He requested that the cement be poured yet this year. Council directed staff to obtain additional bids for the space.
Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve concrete to be completed by Harold Grube for the shop bathroom and office. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Police Department
Police Chief Fauglid stated the Trunk or Treat for Halloween was successful as well no damage or incidents reported for Halloween, and that yearly training is being completed before year end.
Other Business – No action taken
Library – Public Works Director John Haberman has been working with a family who would like to donate a bench and tree to the Heron Lake Library. Discussion was held on locations for the bench and tree. John Haberman will continue to work with the family on details.
Ambulance – Ambulance Director Joe Liepold reported that at their recent meeting the departments medical director was present as a Windom Area Hospital Representative was present to give an update on the ER remodel in Windom. He also reviewed a recent ambulance rate study he has been working on, further discussion will be held when setting the 2022 Fee Schedule.
Fire Department – Fire Chief Chad Diemer reported that they will purchasing pagers with grant money and have also been awarded a grant from Federated Rural electric that will used to purchase battery operated power tools. He also briefly discussed fire call rates that will be discussed further when setting the 2022 Fee Schedule.
Utility Billing software was discussed, further discussion will be held when current yearly support contract is set to expire.
Claims
Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $121,565.20. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Adjourn
Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to adjourn at 8:24 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.