SEPTEMBER 3, 2014

REGULAR MEETING

The only regularly scheduled monthly meeting of the Atwater City Council was called to order on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers by Mayor Mark Olson. Council members present were Gary Tagtow, Shane Hagstrom, Reed Schmidt and Pat Wortham. Visitors at the meeting were 39 residents and locally concerned people, Brandon Kragenbring from the HandleBar, Bobbie Bauman – Hawk Creek Animal Shelter, Joann Holm, Sue Meyerson, John Forsthye and Jared Voge and Eric Altermatt from Bolton and Menk. Representing the city departments were Police Chief Trevor Berger, Andrew Carlson from the Fire departments and Steve Bomstad of the Maintenance department.

The minutes of the regular meeting of August 6, 2014, was motioned for approval by Hagstrom second by Wortham. Motion carried unanimously.

CHICKEN ORDNAINCE

City Attorney Brad Schmidt started the comment period with a statement that certain notices and procedures need to occur when a complaint against a police officer is filed. All comments and concerns will be taken under advisement. Ashlee Turnbull asked if the council would still be considering adopting the chicken ordinance in effect to allow chickens. She wanted to know if they plan to proceed with an ordinance, Mayor Olson told her that Trevor Berger has a beginning ordinance this evening. Turnbull asked if a petition could be started, Mayor Olson told her she could start one. A resident asked if the people who currently have chickens, could they keep them until the ordinance is in place. Attorney Schmidt said it would be up to the council to suspend the enforcement. Chris Gordon wanted to acknowledge that Chief Berger did apologize to Phoenix, but was disappointed it took two and half weeks. He doesn’t want to see Chief Berger lose his job. They still don’t why he did it.

Mayor Olson then let the public comment. Comments from what could he have done differently, several didn’t want to see Chief Berger punished, another comment was the reason chickens were being raised due to wanting natural chickens and eggs. Someone asked if the Mayor still had his pet rabbit, he responded he had gotten rid of it. Many residents felt the neighbors should have a say if they can have them. Several residents voiced their opinion that they do not want chickens in town. Terry Strand commented that we need to enforce more ordinances such as cat and dog leash laws, barking dogs, fireworks, loud four wheelers and pickup trucks, brush burning laws. Heather Grund stated that she has had chickens for the past two years, never has had a complaint on those chickens or stray chicken and hopes that the community works together with those who want chickens and those who don’t so she can have them again.

Atwater ARea historical soceity

Jo Holm and Sue Meyerson from the AAHS informed the council that we have an amazing collection of Civil War artifacts and plays a very important to the city. They are also taking on the task of collecting the local family histories. They have recently hired John Forsthye to be their coordinator. They need help with finance and space available. They alluded to the fact the former city hall is sitting empty and they have a need for storage in a controlled environment. They would like to have the city be the employer for the coordinator position at $320 a month starting part time and possibly going to a full time position.

brandon kragenbring- annual chelsy ride and street dance

Kragenbring explained that the ride will take place at noon and they will arrive back in Atwater at 5pm to have the street dance in the back alley on September 13th. The Strong Garage will host most of the event. He is asking for a dance permit and off-premises liquor license on September 13th. Also he needs another dance and liquor permit for a private birthday party on September 27th at the Strong Garage. Motion to approve all licenses was made by Wortham and second by Hagstrom, motion carried by all.

Continuation of Chicken ordinance

Wortham made a motion to take home the ordinance Chief Berger has written up, have it reviewed by the city Attorney to make sure it is written legally and have a special public hearing meeting next month in the community center so we can hear from all the residents in town, send out flyer to every resident in town. Then make a decision. Second was made by Schmidt and carried by all members.

FIRE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Andrew Carlson asked the city to review the city ordinances under the fire department limiting the department to not less than 15 or more than 25 firefighters. It will be in the next agenda packet.

Maintenance/parks department

Bomstad wants to have Minnesota Avenue from Eighth Street North for 235 feet toward Seventh Street North. Estimate from Duininck Brothers was $23,904.00. Mayor Olson felt that is was kind of high since they were already coming to town for the first project. Motion was made by Tagtow to do the project and second by Schmidt. Vote was unanimous in favor of the project. Motion carried.

Bomstad would like to purchase a tamper for $600 for use in street repair. Motion was made by Tagtow and second by Wortham and was voted in favor and passed. He is going to purchase the flammable liquid container for $1000. Motion to approve was made by Wortham and second by Tagtow. All voted in favor so motion passes.

PARKS department

Wortham asked the maintenance department to start putting up the rink in September so it might be ready by winter. (Later learned that the tamper was purchased from employee Bomstad.)

COMPLAINT REGARDING RECYCLING AT TOM HIEMERALS RESDIENTS

He was again working after 10:20 pm, when the Mayor went over to talk to him he was brake fluid, and oil from a refrigerator was all over the driveway. Him unloading his items on city street has damaged the crack sealing. Chief Berger will talk to Himeral to see if they can find somewhere for him to conduct his business. He should submit a business licnese and insurance to the city.

CLERKS DEPARTMENT

Clerk Smith asked if Clair Butcher can dispose of wood shavings at the brush site. Council had no problem with that. Is the city interested in doing the State surplus program? Hagstrom explained that it was too much of a hassle and not to join. A thank you note was received from the Dale Kragenbring family for flowers. David Knacke had a frozen water line and had to run extra water during this past winter and would like a credit. Smith suggested $51 base rate credit, council agreed seems reasonable.

2015 STREET PROJECT

Voge informed us that the IUP from Public Facilitates Authority is out and the project was number 149 for $2,045,800 selected to be funded by a small loan. The interest rate is smaller than the city could bond for.

LAKE ELIZABETH TOWNSHIP REQUEST

Lake Elizabeth Township has requested adding section 4 to the existing agreement beginning 04/01/2015. Council didn’t make a decision at this time and would like to review the contract before making any decision. Fire department is fine with the addition.

RESOLUTION 2014-14 DECLARING A POLICE OFFICER

Motion was made Wortham and second by Hagstrom declaring Darwin Melina a part-time police officer coverage by PERA. Motion carried unanimously.

BLINDS FOR COMMUNITY CENTER

Motion by Wortham and second by Hagstrom to purchase new blinds for the community center through Linda Barrick Designs at $2625, motion carried by all.

CLEAN UP LETTERS

There are still eight people who have not followed through on the clean up letters issued, city citations will be issued to those people.

SW/WC SERVICE COOPERATIVE

Health insurance for single rate went down $56.50 to $695 and family rate when down $93.50 to $1155.50 for 2015.

DANCE PERMITS

Dance permits for the IDK and HandleBar for the month of October 2014 was motioned by Hagstrom and second by Wortham. Motion carried unanimously.

2015 BUDGET

Wortham made a motion to approve resolution 2014-15 for the 2015 budget broken down as follows: General property taxes at $231,074, street improvements $80,000, and Debt service at $103,000 for a total of $414,074 and increase of $19,764 or 4.77% with the final acceptance of the budget on December 3rd , 2014. Motion carried by all.

CHICKENS STILL IN TOWN

Wortham felt we need to enforce the ordinance; otherwise the ordinance is worth anything. It will be enforced.

APPROVAL OF BILLS

The following verified accounts were presented for payment, upon approval of the Finance Committee; it was moved by Schmidt and second by Wortham. Motion carried authorizing the Clerk/Treasurer to make such disbursements: August 7th, 2014 (Checks numbers 25547-25564 for $ 17,092.37). Motion carried. Mid-month bills were paid on August 17, 2014 starting with check number 25565 and ending with 25595 for $8,651.31.

A motion was made to adjourn by Wortham at 8:59 p.m.

______

Goldie Smith

City Clerk/Treasurer

Page 1