HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 2022, 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 Ferguson was absent.    

                Others in attendance were Robin Weis, Jody Voth, Laura Krumweide, Mark Bartosh, Sherriff Shawn Haken, Police Chief Anthony Fauglid, Fire Chief Chad Diemer, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton, and Stacy J. Anderson. 

 

Approval of Agenda

                Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the agenda with the addition of Green Earth Recycling update and the library story stroll equipment.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

 

Approval of Minutes

Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the minutes of the Council Meeting of February 2, 2022.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Reestablish Polling Precinct

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve Resolution 2022 – 05, reestablishing the polling precinct and precinct location for the City of Heron Lake.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

 

Hanson’s Fourth Addition

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve Resolution 2022 – 06, approving the sale of Lot 6, Block 2, Hanson’s Fourth Addition, for the purchase offer of $8,000.00 contingent that on buyer’s successful completion of building plans with their budgeted amount, to be released no later than June 6, 2022.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Revolving Loan Fund

                Robin Weis reviewed guidelines for the Heron Lake RLF and presented a loan application that met requirements for distance and receiving at least 50% of the loan from another lender.  The RLF loan from Windom Deputy Registrar #54.  A family-owned business that renews vehicle registrations, DNR Renewals for the State of Minnesota as well as transfers of titles.  The business was incorporated in 1985.  Ms. Voth and Ms. Krumweide were also present at the meeting and were able to answer questions regarding business hours and options for business operations.  Ms. Weis stated that RLF Advisory Board Members were also able to ask questions during the meeting held on March 1, 2022, with the following information and recommendation taken from those minutes;

“Applicants are requesting financing for business acquisition.  The primary lender is Bank Midwest in Windom with a $70,000 loan.  Loan application is for $50,000.00 with an interest rate of 3% and a 7 or 8- year amortization.   Collateral will be a commercial pledge agreement on 1,000 shares of stock, 2nd blanket UCC, personal guarantees (4), and loss payee on business insurance.   

    

Board Member Christopherson moved, seconded by Board Member Kuhnau to recommend approval of loaning $50,000.00 with an interest rate of 3% and 5-year amortization.  Vote on the motion: Christopherson, Kuhnau, and Wagner, aye, Rasche and FitzHenry, nay.  Motion carried. 

Discussion resulted in:

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau to approve the loan request of $50,000.00 with an interest rate of 3% and 5-year amortization, to be repaid to the Heron Lake RLF.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Requests for Security Cameras

                Council Member Wagner requested that the city look into purchasing security cameras for the Community Center due to theft concerns.  Council directed staff to contact a security company for further info.  Council also discussed the monthly donation made to the city from the Senior Citizen Club returning to the regular $100/month. 

 

Municipal Liquor Store

                Council reviewed a draft policy, instructed to staff to add language regarding mandatory training and disciplinary action.  Council was also informed that the Liquor Store would be splitting the cost of a band for Blue Heron Days Street Dance at the Liquor Store. 

 

Ambulance

                Ambulance Director Joe Liepold reported the following: 1) RTK training will now be held on April 12, 2022; 2) Ambulance rig needs an oil change and alignment; 3) Expressed concerns about a future staffing shortage.

 

Fire Department

Fire Chief Chad Diemer reported that the pagers have been sent in for programming, RTK training is now scheduled for April 12, 2022, have been having discussions regarding getting an additional pick up for brush fires, annual pancake feed is scheduled for March 20, 2022, and the fire department is looking at a tool package from DeWalt.   

 

PeopleService

                Operator Joe Liepold reported that the following: 1) Well site generator has been fueled; 2) Has replaced frost plates in local homes; 3) MN Dept of Health will be doing site inspections in March; 4) Lift Station hours are staying consistent; 5) Discharging can start March 15th.

 

Public Works

                Public Works Director John Haberman reviewed bids for electrical work in the shop office and bathroom.  Lowest bid provided resulted in:

Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau to approve the low bid from Loosbrock Electric for $3,720.00.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

Council was informed of a grader that was available from RDO, council directed staff to keep looking.  Emergency siren at the water tower has failed, staff has asked local electrician to investigate.  Discussion was held regarding new tools that are needed, council approved purchase.    

 

Police Department

                Police Chief Fauglid recognized all emergency personnel that was present at a recent call and commended to teamwork involved.  Chief Fauglid also presented the resignation of part time officer and a contract with Jackson County was reviewed with Sheriff Haken.

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the resignation of part time officer Tino Vetsouvanh effective February 26, 2022.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve entering contract with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office for part time coverage of eight days per month for $500.00 per month.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.     

 

April Council Meeting

                The regular council meeting for April will be held on April 6, 2022, at 7:00 PM.  The Local Board of Appeal & Equalization will be held on April 20, 2022, at 7:00 PM.

 

Library

                Story walk frames and posts information was presented to Council.  Council directed staff to have further discussion with Jackson County Library Director. 

                  

Claims

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $150,917.05.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.                               

 

Adjourn              

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to adjourn at 8:50 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by: Stacy J. Anderson, Clerk/Treasurer

 

 

 

 

Approved: April 6, 2022      

Rasche, Ferguson, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Wagner