Madison City Council
July 9, 2012
Regular Meeting
CITY OF MADISON
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
MINUTES OF THE MADISON CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 9, 2012
Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, a regular meeting of the Madison City Council was called to order by Mayor Thole on Monday, July 9, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall. Councilmembers present were: Tim Volk, Mayor Greg Thole, Maynard Meyer, Paul Zahrbock, and Rick Gail. Also present were: City Manager Jon Radermacher, City Attorney Rick Stulz, and City Clerk Kathleen Weber.
AGENDA
Upon motion by Zahrbock, seconded by Meyer and carried, the Agenda was approved as presented. All agenda items are hereby placed on the table for discussion.
MINUTES
Upon motion by Gail, seconded by Meyer and carried, minutes of the July 9, 2012, meeting were approved as presented.
PUBLIC PETITIONS, REQUESTS, HEARINGS AND COMMUNICATIONS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
Upon motion by Volk, seconded by Zahrbock and carried, the Consent Agenda was approved as presented.
CITY COUNCIL CHECKLIST
City Manager Radermacher informed Council that the Lac qui Parle County Highway Department has looked at the pedestrian ramps on 6th Avenue that they need to replace, but they don’t have it in their plan over the next three years. He noted that the intersections may need to be bump outs until they can be replaced permanently. It was noted that the ramps would be at the County’s expense, the curbing would be the City’s expense, and any sidewalk repair would be at the adjacent businesses’ expense. Mayor Thole suggested that the County get the temporary fix done before Fall.
Councilmember Meyer asked how the Light Plant demolition is going. City Manager Radermacher noted that demolition had slowed down last week, probably due to the 4th of July holiday. Mayor Thole asked whether Blue Earth Environmental would be able to get rid of the large rock left on Dennis and Carol Siedschlag’s property west of Erickson Motors. Councilmember Zahrbock also asked whether Blue Earth Environmental could look at demolishing the old sewer plant on Highway 40 East. City Manager Radermacher noted that he does have one proposal from MAAC, Inc. for the demolition of the old plant.
Councilmember Gail questioned the status of the soil contamination issue discovered at the old Haverberg building. City Manager Radermacher noted that he recently submitted the required form to MPCA. There was some confusion on the form as the City did not own the building when fuel storage tanks were present on the property. The City is still waiting for proposals from environmental testers.
Mayor Thole asked that the handicapped ramp at the Prairie Arts Center get painted before summer help is done for the season.
ELECTION JUDGE APPOINTMENTS
Upon motion by Meyer, seconded by Zahrbock and carried, RESOLUTION 12-30 titled “Election Judge Appointments” was adopted. This resolution would provide for appointment of Election Judges for the Primary Election to be held August 14, 2012. A complete copy of Resolution 12-30 is contained in City Clerk’s Book #7.
TAX FORFEITED PROPERTIES
Regarding properties listed on the Appraisal of Tax Forfeited Land from Lac qui Parle County, City Manager Radermacher noted that nothing has been heard from adjacent property owners in regard to their interest in purchasing the property prior to its being auctioned off. After further discussion, Council consensus was to allow the County to proceed with the sale of these properties.
MADISON SWIMMING POOL
Council asked why the swimming pool was not open the evening of July 4th for open swimming. City Manager Radermacher noted that he had discussed this matter with Pool Manager Ashley Splonskowski, and she indicated that the pool has historically been closed on July 4th. Councilmember Meyer indicated that the pool should be open on July 4th and suggested that a policy be put in place in regard to this matter. Councilmember Volk said that the Manager should be contacting someone before making the decision to be closed.
PERA PHASED RETIREMENT OPTION
Council discussed a proposal received from Dale Hiepler, Liquor Store Manager, that the Liquor Store Manager position be changed from a full-time position to a regular part-time position, and that the City allow him to enter into an agreement for a PERA Phased Retirement Option which allows an employee to begin to receive a pension without formally resigning. The employee must be at least 62 years old and agree to work no more than 1,044 hours per year. The agreement must be for a period of one year, with an option to renew up to four additional years. As a regular part-time employee, Mr. Hiepler would accrue vacation and sick leave according to that schedule.
Councilmember Gail noted that this looks like a good deal, but it would need to be “penciled” out to be sure.
Council discussed whether the City should retain ownership of the Municipal Liquor Store or if it should be sold. A discussion was held in regard to fees for Off-Sale Liquor Licenses and how many can be issued by a City. City Attorney Stulz said he would look into State law in regard to these matters. He noted that a city can always be more restrictive than state statute, just not more lenient.
More information will be put together in regard to Mr. Hiepler’s proposal, and it will be discussed again at a future meeting.
BASEBALL FIELD BACKSTOP
Council was presented with information received from a League of MN Cities Loss Control Consultant in regard to backstop modifications to prevent a majority of foul balls from leaving the field of play and hitting a nearby property owners’ house. An additional proposal for netting is being obtained, and an estimate has been received for the purchase of two 10” poles that could elevate netting up to 40’. A pulley system and netting would also be needed with this option. Information will continue to be gathered and presented to the Council at its next meeting.
MAYOR/COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Thole questioned whether city employees are required to wear seat belts while driving city vehicles. City Manager Radermacher indicated that they are required, by law, to wear a seat belt.
DISBURSEMENTS
Upon motion by Meyer, seconded by Zahrbock and carried, Council approved disbursements for bills submitted between June 26th and July 9th, 2012. These disbursements include KleinBank Check Nos. 20357-20447. Council did request City Manager Radermacher to review an invoice submitted for a Fire Department conference at Arrowwood Resort. The check can be sent if the invoice is found to be correct.
There being no further business, upon motion by Volk, seconded by Thole and carried, meeting adjourned at 6:03 p.m.
_________________________________
Greg Thole – Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Kathleen Weber – City Clerk
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