HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2020, 7:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Andrew Rasche, with the following council members present; Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner. Others in attendance were Cheryl Knutson, Nancy Horkey, Tracy Freking, Kevin Leopold, Allen Jensen, Joe Liepold, Police Chief Tony Fauglid, 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 Falcon Development Corporation. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Oath of Office
Appointed 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 of the office of Council Member in the County of Jackson, the State of Minnesota, to the best of my judgement and ability.”
Approval of Minutes
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to approve the minutes of the Council Meeting of January 8, 2020 as presented. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Blue Heron Days Committee
Committee members Cheryl Knutson and Nancy Horkey spoke with Council about the following for the Blue Heron Days Celebration; 1) Closing streets surrounding the park throughout the day for activities in the park, with the exception of County Road 9, which will only be closed during the parade, Council did not have any concerns with this request; 2) Requested permission to have a dance in Liquor Store parking lot, Council agreed; 3) Council directed Public Works to check in to electricity at the Park for activities, and Food Vendors will need to provide their own power source; 4) Discussion was held on Porta Pots, Council said that they will pay for those located at Liquor Store; 5) Camping was approved at South Park; 6) A local 4-H Club is willing to paint shelter house if City will provide paint, Council agreed; 7) Council directed the Committee to talk to Ed Voigt about mosquito spraying; 8) Council directed Committee to check with the Liquor Store Manager regarding the possible wine tasting for Blue Heron Days, or an application for a one day liquor license will be required.
Accept Donation
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve Resolution 2020 – 04, accepting a $250 donation from Security State Bank to the Heron Lake Library. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Trees at Laker Field
Council Member Schumacher explained that since receiving approval for tree planting in August 2019, a request is now being made to extend the line of trees resulting in additional trees being planted; therefore permission is requested to plant additional trees.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson to approve planting additional trees at Laker Field. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher abstained. Motion carried.
PeopleService
Joe Liepold reported concerns with the recent scheduled power outage, which lasted longer than originally scheduled. He stated that he did need to use the generator to keep lift station flowing and discussed fuel amounts required during the outage. Joe also reported that RRRW has a back-up for the panel only, not on the valve.
Public Works
John Haberman discussed current City owned generators with Council. He stated that the City has a 1400 watt generator that needs to be used at the lift station. John expressed his concern to Council regarding the lack of generators in the event of a long term power outage. Council directed staff to gather information on generators. John also reported that he is working with Empire to further review areas in town and is also working with Tim Stahl regarding sidewalk along County Road 9.
Falcon Development Corporation
Members from Falcon Development Corporation presented information to Council regarding their purpose and expressed interest in working together with Council and the Revolving Loan Fund Board to encourage community development.
Other Business – No action taken
Purchasing Policy – Model purchasing policy was presented to Council for review. Areas were noted for corrections and will be further reviewed at March Council Meeting.
Tax Abatement – Incentive to Build – Mayor Rasche stated that this program is currently on hold, and encouraged questions to be directed to him.
Police Department – Monthly report presented to Council.
Fire Department – RTK, BBP, Haz-Mat and Confined Spaces Training will be held on 2/24/2020 at 7 PM, all City employees and Council are invited to attend. It was also reported that a battery on the International tanker exploded and is being replaced.
Ambulance – EMT Joe Liepold reported that the Ambulance Department will be having regular monthly meetings and trainings on the 4th Monday of the month. Battery power issues were also reported.
Claims
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $157,841.24. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Adjourn
Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to adjourn at 8:45 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer
Approved: 3/4/2020
Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, Wagner