HERON LAKE CITY COUNCIL
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2019, 7:00 PM
REGULAR MEETING

               

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM by Mayor Jason Freking, with the following council members present; Glenn Kuhnau, Andrew Rasche, Danni Swanson and Carol Wagner. Others in attendance were Tyler Gilpin, Paul Hovland, Fire Chief Chad Diemer, Police Chief Anthony Fauglid, Joe Liepold, John Haberman, Tamara Shelton and Stacy J. Grube.

 

Approval of Agenda

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Rasche, to approve the agenda with the additions of water bills and interest in residential lot. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Approval of Minutes

                Council Member Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the minutes of the Council Meeting of August 7, 2019 as presented. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Heron Lake Transportation Properties, LLC

                Tyler Gilpin presented information to Council explaining their request to apply for a three year continuation of property tax abatement. Council explained the incentive of the tax abatement is to encourage business owners to build in Heron Lake and that their property has benefitted with tax abatement for nine years. Council declined the request for the tax abatement continuation.      

 

Zoning Permits

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to approve the zoning permit of Nellie Liepold to build a deck with ramp at 902 5^th Avenue. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

                Council Member Kuhnau moved, seconded by Mayor Freking, to approve the zoning permit of Tracy & Phyllis Nitch to build a breezeway at 1431 3^rd Avenue. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Preliminary Levy Certification

                Council Member Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve the 2020 preliminary levy to be set at a ten percent increase from last year, resulting in $281,634. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Accept Donation

                Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau to approve Resolution 2019 – 8, accepting a donation from New Vision CO-OP, Brewster for $500.00 to the Heron Lake Fire Department. Vote on the motion, Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

 

Ordinance – Sample Ordinance for wells

                Council reviewed the sample ordinance prohibiting wells within City limits from the City Attorney. Chief Fauglid explained the injunction process regarding penalties. Discussion resulted in directing a change to include “private wells that are in existence on the date this ordinance is passed may continue to be used for irrigation and original purposes only”.

Mayor Freking moved, seconded by Council Member Rasche to schedule a public hearing regarding the proposed ordinance prior to final approval on October 2, 2019 at 7:00 pm. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.     

Industrial Water Supply & Distribution

                Discussion was held regarding a cap for the dedicated maintenance account that HLBE has requested. Staff was directed to contact City Attorney regarding cap, and an amendment for MnSP.  

 

PeopleService

                Joe Liepold reported that he will be flushing in September/October, can discharge ponds again, reviewed the estimated cost for repairing a broken hydrant and reported that service line has been switched to an alternate water line.    

 

Public Works

                John Haberman reported the following: 1) Requested permission to purchase leaf broom for sweeper in addition to replacing main broom, Council approved; 2) Mentioned having an aerial photo taken of City; 3) Reviewed street maintenance concerns; 4) Discussed storm water issues, Council directed staff to move forward with Empire to finish the 17^th Street project; 5) Informed Council that the City pick-up had been backed into, Council directed staff to get estimates to repair

 

Police Department

                Chief Fauglid reported August yielded 115 calls. He also reported that the new squad car is at Racom in Worthington being fitted with equipment from the old squad car, other than the front push bumper which a new one will be purchased.

 

Other Business – No action taken

               RLF Update – Council was given an update on the current status of two loans. Council will continue to monitor status.

                Residential Lot/Taxidermy – Council Member Rasche reported that the Zoning Administrator had spoken with him regarding an interested party who would like to build on a residential lot and do taxidermy. Interested party did state that there would not be any signs or any type of store front. Currently there has been no purchase of land and all building permits would need approval prior to building in accordance with the City’s Zoning Ordinance.

                Water Bills – Council Member Wagner reported a local business has concerns with water charges when the business is closed. No action taken to by Council.

 

Claims

                Council Member Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Kuhnau, to approve payment of claims as presented, totaling $113,585.78. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays; Rasche, abstained. Motion carried.                                        

 

Adjourn              

                Council Member Rasche moved, seconded by Council Member Wagner, to adjourn at 8:37 PM. Vote on the motion: Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson and Wagner, aye; no nays. Motion carried.

Submitted by: Stacy J. Grube, Clerk/Treasurer

Approved: 10/2/2019      

Freking, Kuhnau, Rasche, Swanson, Wagner