HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 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, Danni Swanson, and Carol Wagner. Council Member Zach Schumacher arrived later.
Others in attendance were Lance Baumann, Fire Chief Chad Diemer, Police Chief Fauglid, Tamara Shelton, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, and Stacy J. Grube.
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the agenda as presented. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, absent. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve the minutes of the Council Meetings of February 3, 2021 as presented. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, absent. Motion carried.
Contested Parking Violations
Lance Baumann addressed Council regarding two recent parking violations received in accordance with Ordinance 241; Section 2; Snow Removal. Mr. Baumann requested leniency in that the tickets be reconsidered as warnings or only paying for one violation. Mr. Baumann stated he did not know that snow plowing would be done the evening he received the tickets. Mayor Rasche explained the need for the snow removal ordinance, and with one full time public works employee, plowing streets again after residents move their vehicles from the street, is not cost effective for the City. Council declined to reduce or remove the parking violations.
Falcon Heights Lease
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve updated lease for Falcon Heights, prohibiting tenants from making any alterations to the landscape of the property, including soil and grass. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, absent. Motion carried.
City Ordinances
Council was provided with information on Codification (legal review, updating, formatting, and indexing of city ordinances) of current City Ordinances completed by LMC and American Legal Publishing, and the Minnesota Basic Code of Ordinances. Pricing of both options were reviewed, and discussion resulted in:
Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson to request a 60-day review of the Minnesota Basic Code. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays’ Schumacher, absent. Motion carried.
Liquor License Renewals
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve the renewal of P & J’s Mini Mart 3.2 Off Sale Liquor License. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, absent. Motion carried.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the renewal of Plaza Grill’s On-Sale Sunday Liquor License. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, absent. Motion carried.
Worthington Glass Invoice
Council was presented with an invoice from Worthington Glass for an additional spacer that was required for the speak through in the window at City Office. Staff explained that the additional spacer was required because when the materials were ordered by Worthington Glass, they did not order the correct size, approval from Council was requested before payment was made.
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to approve payment of invoice to Worthington Glass. Vote on the motion: Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; Rasche, nay. Motion carried.
Ambulance
Director Joe Liepold reported all pediatric supplies have arrived and the AED is being installed at the Heron Lake-Okabena Elementary school. A resignation from Darcy Ulbrich was also presented to Council.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to accept the resignation of Darcy Ulbrich, from Heron Lake EMS. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Fire Department
Fire Chief Diemer reported that NWS Spotter training is available online with four different dates available. A new battery was recently put in the brush truck and the 3D truck has a possible cracked pump. Chief Diemer also commended his fire department for their work at a recent fire where they were able to save a nearby building and worked diligently in adverse weather conditions.
PeopleService
Operator Joe Liepold reported the following: 1) Provided monthly water readings; 2) HLBE will not be doing a shut down, quotes for pulling industrial well will be obtained; 3) Reported water usage during a recent shop fire.
Public Works
Public Works Director John Haberman discussed sealcoating and will obtain pricing from Pearson Brothers as Jackson County has already scheduled their seal coating. Discussion was held regarding the city grader and the inability to trade because of alterations completed prior to the City of Heron Lake purchasing it.
Police Department
Chief Fauglid reported approximately 40 calls in February, two bids were provided for a department radio. Discussion resulted in:
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to approve the purchase of the Harris XL-185 portable for Armer radio for $4,082.50. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Other Business – No action taken
Falcon Heights: Council was updated on repairs, including a furnace check and carpeting, from recent water damage.
Minnesota Water Agency Response Network – Mutual Aid Agreement: Information was provided from PeopleService regarding MnWARN, a service that offers members the opportunity to use manpower, services, and equipment from other members in the event of emergencies. Council declined the option to join.
Personnel Policy: An update to city wide work rules and code of conduct was reviewed, Council directed staff to find alternate language.
Tree Planting: Council Member Schumacher stated that there would be additional trees planted at Laker Field.
City Clerk explained that the Clerk’s Institute will be held virtually May 3, 2021 – May 7, 2021. Clerk requested permission to complete the Institute remotely, Council approved.
Local Board of Appeal & Equalization will be held at 7:00 pm on April 14, 2021.
Claims
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $151,876.11. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Adjourn
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to adjourn at 8:25 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer
Approved: 4/14/2021
Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, Wagner