HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2020, 7:00 PM
LOCAL BOARD OF APPEAL AND EQUALIZATION HEARING
REGULAR MEETING
The hearing was opened at 7:00 PM by Mayor Rasche, with the following council members present; Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner. Jackson county Assessor Jason McCaslin was present via phone conference.
Others in attendance were: Joe Liepold, Police Chief Tony Fauglid, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton and Stacy J. Grube.
Jackson County Assessor Jason McCaslin gave an overview of the 2020 Assessment, which was a review of Agricultural, commercial and Residential market changes and assessment statistics. There were 4 sales in 2020 study period with no market changes made.
With no questions submitted prior to the hearing, Mayor Rasche closed the hearing at 7:17 PM.
Regular Meeting
The meeting was called to order at 7:18 PM by Mayor Rasche, with the following council members present; Glenn Kuhnau, Zach Schumacher, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner.
Others in attendance were: Joe Liepold, Police Chief Tony Fauglid, Jon Haberman, Tamara Shelton and Stacy J. Grube.
Approval of Agenda
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the agenda with the addition of Southwest Minnesota Broadband Update and removal of approving a liquor license. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Approval of Minutes
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to approve the minutes of the Council Meeting of March 4, 2020 and Special Council Meeting of March 27, 2020 as presented. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Zoning Permits
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson to approve the zoning permit of Brain Pelzel to build a deck at 512 12th Street. Roll call vote on the motion: Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays, Rasche, abstained. Motion carried.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson to approve the zoning permit of Michael Ruppert to install a 25-foot flagpole at 622 11th Street. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Accept Donations
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve Resolution 2020 – 6, accepting the following donations: 1)$700 for CPR Training Equipment from SWIF/HL-O Community Foundation to Heron Lake EMS; 2) $1,500 for a Thermal Imaging Camera from SWIF/HL-O Community Foundation to Heron Lake Fire Department. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
On-Sale Liquor Licenses
Council was requested to consider prorating On-Sale Liquor Licenses for the period of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Discussion resulted in:
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau to prorate and refund On-Sale Liquor Licenses after the COVID-19 pandemic is over. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Office Computers
Council was informed that the Deputy Clerk’s computer required replacing due to system failures. Due to age of both office computers and more frequent problems, a quote was provided to also replace the City Clerk’s computer.
Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the purchase of a Dell OptiPlex 5070 for $949.95 from Computer Lodge. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Farmland Lease
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner to approve rent for the 2020 crop season to remain at $175 per acre for the 6.592 acres by Hanson’s 4th Addition and to sign the farmland lease with Scott Freking. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Fire Department
Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to accept the resignation of John Hay from the Heron Lake Fire Department. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Ambulance
Joe Liepold stated that the EMS has been receiving donations of mask protectors and face shields and they currently have a good supply of PPE. Ambulance call volume is also currently lower.
PeopleService
Joe Liepold reported the following: 1) Discharged 1 time in March and once in April thus far; 2) Chemicals for spring have been purchased, supply should also cover part of fall; 3) Curb stop at 5th & 9th has been repaired; 4) No concerns were noted with recent power outage; 5) No flushing or jetting will be completed at this time; 6) Will hold off on water tower cleaning until possibly June. Joe also discussed the City’s Water/Wastewater Ordinance and questioned adding verbiage regarding inspections; Council took information under advisement.
Public Works
John Haberman discussed the need for gravel in alleys and provided a price for gravel from Beecks in Fulda. John stated that he felt 5 loads would cover the areas of concern he noted.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to approve the purchase of 5 loads of gravel from Beecks for $1,150.00. Roll call vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
John presented a bid from C & B Operations, LLC for a John Deere Z997R Mower that is a 2020 model for $7,350.00. This is an increase of $850.00 from the bid received and approved in October 2019, however the 2019 Z7997R was no longer available.
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the purchase of a 2020 John Deere Z997R Mower for $7,350.00 from C & B Operations, LLC. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
John also discussed street work that he would like to complete this year which includes patching, addressing manholes, and street replacement, and possible apron repair/replacement. Council directed staff to get quotes. Park shelter roof bids were provided with prices on both steel and shingles as well as labor. Council directed staff to obtain an additional bid.
Police Department
Chief Fauglid reported approximately 100 calls in the month of March and PPE supply for the Police Department is currently adequate. Chief Fauglid also stated that the city is doing well with social distancing and noted that local businesses are doing well at continuing to offer some services.
May Council Meeting
Will be held on May 6, 2020 instead of May 13, 2020.
Other Business – No action taken
Parking Concerns – Council reviewed a letter from a concerned community member addressing parking concerns and damage to properties. Council took no action as property owners where damage may have occurred did not file a complaint. Council Member Swanson also addressed parking concerns regarding how many vehicles can be parked on a property; Council Member provided sample ordinances from other cities and will investigate Heron Lake parking ordinances and further discuss concerns at a future council meeting.
SMBS – Council Member Kuhnau noted that SMBS Board meetings will close to the public only during the last half of the meeting if necessary.
A Community Active Living Presentation will be held at the Council Meeting on June 3, 2020.
Claims
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $157,410.61. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Adjourn
Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Rasche, to adjourn at 8:54 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.
Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer
Approved: 5/6/2020
Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, Wagner