HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2021, 7:00 PM
ORGANIZATIONAL & REGULAR MEETING

                The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Rasche, with the following council members present; Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, Danni Swanson, and Carol Wagner.

Others in attendance were Drew Hage – Windom EDA, Jerry Wagner, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, and Stacy J. Grube.

Oath of Office

                Mayor Rasche affirmed the following oath of office: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the Sate of Minnesota and that I will discharge faithfully the duties of the office of Mayor in the County of Jackson, the Sate of Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability.”

                Council Member Kuhnau and Council Member Schumacher affirmed the following oath of office: “I do solemnly swear or affirm that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Minnesota and that I will discharge faithfully the duties of the office of Council Member in the County of Jackson, the State of Minnesota, to the best of my judgment and ability.”

Approval of Agenda

                Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau to approve the agenda with the additions of Preparedness Plan, Heron Lake Caring Connections, and, an update on the storm tile project. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve the minutes of the Council Meetings of December 1, 2020, December 2, 2020 and December 16, 2020 as presented.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Senior Friendly Housing Development Inquiry

                Drew Hage from Windom EDA presented a proposal to Council regarding a need for housing in our area.  He explained that he has a builder that is building a senior friendly housing development in Windom and is possibly looking for gap financing.  He proposed possibly borrowing from the Heron Lake RLF, and as an added benefit to Heron Lake, the builder would commit to building 2 single family homes in Hanson’s 4th Addition.  Council took the information under advisement and is willing to hear more once the builder confirms plans.

Organization of the city

  • Meeting Dates

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to approve Council Meeting dates to be the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM, unless otherwise stated.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

  • Appointments

The following changes were made to the 2021 Appointments:

                Official Insurance Agent of Record: Kendra Hansen – Gary Schimbeno of Risk Management Partners

                Council Member in charge of Liquor Store:  Zach Schumacher

                Southwest Regional Development Commission:  Carol Wagner

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve Resolution 2021 – 01, approving the above additions and/or changes to the 2021 Appointments for the City of Heron Lake.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

  • Fee Schedule

The following changes were made to the 2021 Fee Schedule:

Mileage:  IRS Rate – $.56

Utilities:  Water – Each 1,000 gallons – $2.55

                Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve Resolution 2021 – 02, approving the 2021 Fee Schedule with the changes listed above.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Falcon Heights

                Council was informed of concerns with lawn usage at Falcon Heights.  Discussion resulted in Council directing City Clerk to add language to the Falcon Heights lease prohibiting any placement of items on the lawns at Falcon Heights and limiting tenants use of outdoor property to the cemented areas in the front and rear of the unit being leased. Council will review at the February Council Meeting. 

 

Southwest Regional Development Commission

                Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve signing the agreement for revolving loan services at the rate of $100 per hour for economic development staff and $60 per hour for specialist/support activities.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Pay Equity

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the City of Heron Lake Pay Equity report as presented for submission to Minnesota Management and Budget.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.    

 

PeopleService

                Joe Liepold reported the following: 1) Water leak on Smith Avenue due to a failed copper line; 2) November/December water usage was higher but has returned to normal; 3) Inventory is being completed on maps; 4) Confirmed sewer cap as requested by council. 

 

 Public Works

                John Haberman provided a listing of surplus items; council directed staff to keep the pontoon and post other items for sale by sealed bid except for three bicycles.

Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve the donation of the three bicycles to Heron Lake Caring Connections.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.      

Updated quote was provided from Larsen Crane to complete storm sewer project at 10th Street NW.

Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the updated quote from Larsen Crane Service, Inc.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Police Department

                Chief Fauglid reported approximately 60 calls in December, including a burglary at the school.  Police Department annual report was also provided to council.  Chief Fauglid reported that there is money in savings that he can use for DWI enforcement, promotional items, legal bills, etc.

 

Heron Lake Caring Connections

                Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve placing a “Giving Tree” at City Hall in the hallway.  Vote on the motion:  Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Other Business – No action taken

Fire Department – Annual Fire Relief Meeting was held on January 5, 2021, call rates will remain the same for 2021, and the department is trying for a Community Foundation Grant.

Ambulance – Refresher course will be taken January 9 and 10.  

Preparedness Plan – Updated version was submitted for approval, tabled until next month to clarify change.

 

Claims

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $292,341.00.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, abstained.  Motion carried.                                            

 

Adjourn              

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to adjourn at 8:10 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer

Approved: 2/3/2021      

Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Wagner