HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2021, 7:00 PM
REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING

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

Others in attendance were Police Chief Fauglid, Tamara Shelton, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, and Stacy J. Grube.

Approval of Agenda

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the agenda with the additions of Ambulance Department purchase and the April council meeting date to coincide with the LBA&E. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Approval of Minutes

Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the minutes of the Council Meetings of January 6, 2021 as presented.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Falcon Heights

                Council was informed of a water line break in the attic of unit 522.  Holt’s Cleaning from Windom is completing the mitigation, LMCIT has been contacted and damages are being assessed.  Public Works Director John Haberman reported that there are concerns with the cold air return that should be addressed.         

Council reviewed language added to the Falcon Heights lease limiting tenants use of outdoor property to the cemented areas in the front and rear of the unit being leased. Council directed staff to add language prohibiting lawn and landscape use as well.  Council will review at the March Council Meeting. 

 

Library

Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to appoint Susan Larsen to the Heron Lake Library Board.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Storm Sewer Project

                Mayor Rasche reviewed the bill from Larson Crane Service Inc. explaining to council that there are no concerns with paying for the 600 feet of 12” HDPE pipe as per quote.  However, due to the bill showing inaccurate numbers of materials, holding payment until corrections were made and work is fully completed in the spring is his recommendation. 

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to approve payment of $11,700 (amount due after materials deducted) to Larson Crane Service Inc. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.   

 

Ordinance

City Clerk has submitted city ordinances to American Legal Publishing for a quote on codification.  No response had been received, discussion regarding codification was tabled until the March.  City Clerk and Police Chief Fauglid presented information regarding current administrative fine ordinance as well as model ordinance language to council.  Chief Fauglid clarified that the language in our ordinance does not state the process in which administrative fines may be given.  Council directed staff to work on ordinance samples for implementation of administrative fines. 

 

Ambulance

                Director Joe Liepold reported low call volume in January.  Also presented quotes for the purchase of an AED to be placed at the Heron Lake-Okabena Elementary school using funds from a substantial memorial contribution given to Heron Lake EMS in 2019. 

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the purchase of an AED and other pediatric care supplies.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Fire Department

                Mayor Rasche reported a drive-thru pancake feed is being planned for March 7, 2021. 

               

PeopleService

                Operator Joe Liepold reported the following: 1) Working with Public Works on various projects; 2) Water loss has gone down substantially; 3) Working proactively for potential cold weather issues for.     

 

 Public Works

                Public Works Director John Haberman discussed the storm tile on 10th Street NW being stacked block and inquired if it should be upgraded in the spring when the rest of the storm tile project is completed.   John also discussed other storm issues, grader estimates, seal coating, and taring.  Council directed staff to obtain seal coating bids for approximately 15-20 blocks. 

 

Police Department

                Chief Fauglid reported approximately 40 calls in January, both officers have received their COVID-19 vaccinations, and he is looking at purchasing new radios.   

 

Council Meeting Schedule

                City Clerk informed Council that the Local Board of Appeal & Equalization has been scheduled for April 14, 2021.  Council agreed to change the April Council meeting from April 7, 2021 to April 14, 2021 to coincide with LBA&E. 

 

Other Business – No action taken

Preparedness Plans – Council was provided with copies of updated Preparedness Plans for the City and Municipal Liquor Store. 

 

Claims

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $225,067.11.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.                               

 

Adjourn              

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to adjourn at 8:09 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer

Approved: March 3, 2021      

Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, Wagner