HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2, 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, Danni Swanson, and Carol Wagner.  Others in attendance were Cheryl Knutson, Marlys Olson, Fire Chief Chad Diemer, Police Chief Fauglid, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton, and Stacy J. Grube.

 

Approval of Agenda

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the agenda with the additions of Blue Heron Days committee, and a Conflict-of-Interest Waiver from Birkholz & Associates.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

 

Approval of Minutes

Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the minutes of the council meeting of May 5, 2021, as presented.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

 

Auditor – Letter of Engagement

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve signing the engagement letter for the 2020 audit to be conducted by Danielle L. Berg, LTD.  Vote on the motion:  Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

 

Blue Heron Committee

                Committee members Cheryl Knutson and Marlys Olson discussed a food vendor’s need for electricity and water to be able to provide their service for Blue Heron Days.  Permission was requested from Council for the use of electricity and water from the community center that included an offer of payment to the city for the services.  Discussion resulted in:

                  Council Member Wagner moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve use of water and electricity from the community center on June 26, 2021, contingent on both services being metered and reimbursed to the city.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.    

 

Hanson’s Fourth Addition

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to approve Resolution 2021 – 11, approving the sale of Lot 1, Block 2, Hanson’s Fourth Addition, for the purchase offer of $7,825.00.  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 Schumacher, to approve the zoning permit of New Vision Coop, to install a truck scale and grain probe at 101 9th Street, with the addition of a $120 penalty for not obtaining a zoning permit prior to beginning construction.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried. 

                Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner to approve the zoning permit of Dan Jensen, to place his greenhouse at 922 4th Avenue in a different location than previously approved.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays.  Motion carried.

 

Ordinance – Establishing fees for emergency protection and fire services

                A first reading of an ordinance establishing emergency protection and fire services allowing unpaid charges for said services to be assessed was completed.  Council directed staff to make changes to Section Three, B and Section Five, E.  Posting and publishing will be completed for a hearing regarding the proposed ordinance prior to a final vote at the July 7, 2021, regular council meeting. 

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Swanson, to schedule a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance prior to final vote on July 7, 2021, at 7:00 pm.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye, no nays.  Motion carried.   

               

Ambulance

                Director Joe Liepold provided meeting and training minutes to Council from the May 26, 2021, EMS meeting and reported that the ambulance department has approved splitting cost of a pressure washer with the fire department and joint training will take place with the fire department on June 22, 2021, on extrication. 

 

Fire Department

                Fire Chief Chad Diemer reported there will be a pancake breakfast on June 27, 2021, at the Fire Hall, fit tests will take place on July 7, 2021, and discussion is being held regarding fire call rates within the department.       

               

PeopleService

                Operator Joe Liepold reported that the following: 1) South industrial well has been pulled and serviced; 2) took and passed the Class C water testing; 3) discharging will be contingent on rainfall. 

 

Public Works

                Public Works Director John Haberman presented bids from Elite Mechanical Systems and Nienkirk Companies for sewer line repair at the library.  The bid from Elite did not include any outdoor excavation, further discussion resulted in:

Council Member Schumacher moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the bid of Nienkirk Companies, for $8,800 to complete the replacement of cast piping and tie into existing lateral on exterior of building.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye.  No nays.  Motion carried. 

Discussion was held regarding a refrigerator at Falcon Heights.  John Haberman reported that the appliance is 23 years old, runs frequently and is making loud noises when it shuts down from running.  John reported that Smith Appliance in Windom had refrigerators that ranged form $780-$1,000.  Council was encouraged to replace the appliance as getting a new one immediately should this one stop working may be difficult.  Further discussion resulted in:

Council Member Swanson moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the purchase of a new refrigerator from Smith Appliance, and storing the current refrigerator should it be needed.  Vote on the motion: Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; Rasche and Schumacher, nay.  Motion carried. 

   Council was informed of tree trimming that needs to be completed at the Municipal Liquor Store and the Shop.  Council directed staff to obtain bids and present at the next council meeting. 

     

Police Department

                Chief Fauglid reported approximately 70 calls in May and that the department has been focusing on traffic enforcement dur to driving complaints.  Chief Fauglid also reported that the current part-time officer may be leaving for a different job, Council directed the Chief to contact Sheriff Haken regarding a contract for additional coverage. 

 

Other Business – No action taken

                Birkholz & Associates – Council was given a Conflict-of-Interest Waiver to consider regarding current legal proceedings; council declined approving the waiver.                      

 

Claims

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $153,159.81.  Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays; Schumacher, abstained.  Motion carried.                                        

 

Adjourn              

                Mayor Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Schumacher, to adjourn at 8:22 PM. Vote on the motion: Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Submitted by:  Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer

Approved: July 7, 2021      

Rasche, Kuhnau, Schumacher, Swanson, Wagner