MINNEOTA CITY COUNCIL
PURSUANT TO CALL AND DUE NOTICE THEREOF, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MINNEOTA, COUNTY OF LYON, STATE OF MINNESOTA, MET IN REGULAR SESSION IN THE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2023 AT 6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor John Rolbiecki
Council Member Tim Koppien
Council Member Nancy Reisdorfer
COUNCIL ABSENT: Council Member Travis Gillund
Council Member Amber Rodas
STAFF PRESENT: Tim DeVlaeminck, Shirley Teigland
OTHERS PRESENT: Keith Anundson, Kevin Anundson, Katie Boettger, Joseph Cheadle, Riley Rinehart, Roger Stack, Jeff VanKeulen
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rolbiecki called the regular monthly meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
ITEM 2: CALL FOR AGENDA ADDITIONS
The Administrator asked that the following item be added: $28,973.53 Extra Check Register.
ITEM 3: ADOPT AGENDA
Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to adopt the agenda as amended with the addition listed above. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 4: MEETING MINUTES
The Council reviewed the prior month Council meeting minutes. With no questions or additional comments Reisdorfer motioned, seconded by Koppien to approve the September 11, 2023 Council meeting minutes. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 5: REPORTS & UPDATES
The Council reviewed the following reports and had no additional questions or comments: (5a) – 10/2/23 Police report as submitted by Chief Bolt; (5b) - the current Financial Report as submitted by Administrator Teigland; (5c) – Y-T-D Budget; (5d) – Police Update; (5e) – HSEM Disaster Funding; (5f) – 20-YR State Highway Plan; (5g) – MN DOT District 8 Study; (5h) – Lead-Copper Monitoring
ITEM 6: EXPENSES & DISBURSEMENTS
Reisdorfer motioned, seconded by Koppien to approve the payment of $168,122.12 (as listed on the check register summary), to approve the payment of $35,957.34 (as listed on the payroll check register) and to approve the payment of $28,973.53 in additional bills (as listed on the second check register summary). MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 7: CONCERNED CITIZENS
Kevin Anundson spoke with the Council about ongoing concerns regarding dangerous dogs in the neighborhood of Madison Street. Also present at the meeting to express the same concerns were Keith Anundson and Roger Stack. Mayor Rolbiecki acknowledged their concerns and confirmed that the Council takes these issues very seriously. Administrator Teigland also stated that the most recent law enforcement update indicated that the dogs in question have not been seen in the neighborhood since being declared dangerous dogs and unless another infraction occurs there is no other action the City can take. Close monitoring will continue.
ITEM 8: NEW HOUSE CONSTRUCTION
Joseph Cheadle and Jeff VanKeulen visited with the Council about the possibility of building a new house on land adjacent to the City’s old dump site. Discussed were various options for getting water and sewer to the property. Mr. Cheadle will return to the Council in the future for final approval. No action was needed by the Council at this time.
ITEM 9: PUBLIC WORKS
The Council reviewed a new tree policy, a guide to vegetation on and adjacent to the public right of way and easements. Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdforfer to adopt the policy and publish said policy in the next Mascot publication. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Koppien motioned, seconded by Residorfer to authorize John Rolbiecki as Mayor and Shirley Teigland as Administrator to sign a lease agreement between ISD #414 and the City of Minneota to lease a portion of Outlot J, part of Blks 31, 32 & 335th Railroad Addition, commonly known as Komp Field for a period of 50 years. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Reidsdorfer motioned, seconded by Koppien to approve a farm lease between the City of Minneota and Tom and Rodney Abraham for land legally described as all that part of the North Half of the Southwest Quarter, Section 24, Township 113, Range 43, Lyon County, that is tillable farmland and not occupied by a lagoon, lagoon bank and roads. Rent for the premises is set at $165 per acre, with the term of the lease ending January 1, 2025. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 10: POLICE DEPARTMENT
Chief Bolt informed the Council that he received an application and request for employment as a part-time officer with the City. Resident Katie Boettger was present at the meeting and had several questions for the Council about the part-time officer position. Ms. Boettger asked if at this point the Council is only looking for approval to budget for a part-time officer and whether there is a specific reason why the City is looking to hire another part-time officer. Mayor Rolbiecki stated that there had been a recommendation made to hire a part-time officer. Hours are built into the budget for part-time staff and whether these hours are filled by 1 or 5 part-time officers is irrelevant. At times, our part-time officer may or may not be available for scheduling and adding another part-time officer simply gives the Chief additional options to fill in for staff if needed. Ms. Boettger asked if the City’s budget factors in for all part-time employee expenses such as equipment, training, overhead, etc. and if the job will be posted on the Post Board, social media, and other places and whether the position is open to anyone who wants to apply. Mayor Rolbiecki stated that the position would be advertised and all applications will be reviewed by the Council. The Mayor also confirmed that all part-time police expenses are included and allocated for in the annual Police budget. Ms. Boettger asked if the Council has considered talking to the County about contracting with them rather than having a local police department, stating that Cottonwood is paying $95,000 per year to have a County Deputy for 40+ hours per week and wondered if those conversations have been started since there are Deputies who live in the immediate area. Mayor Rolbiecki confirmed that County coverage was discussed prior to hiring the current Chief. The County indicated at that time that they were not interested in providing coverage and although the Mayor isn’t certain if the County’s posture has changed, he believes that it becomes a resource issue for the County as well. The overall consensus of the Council is that having a local police department provides community involvement, social interaction, additional help, and resources to our residents that goes beyond just answering calls and a contract with the County may or may not provide this level of service. When the time comes, the City Council will look into all options available and determine what makes the most sense and is the best overall option for the City. No additional action was taken by the Council.
ITEM 11: INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT – PHASE 1
Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to adopt Resolution 23-11, a resolution applying to the MN Public Facilities Authority for a loan from the Clean Water Revolving Fund. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to Adopt Resolution 23-12 applying to the MN Public Facilities Authority for a loan from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The Council also reviewed the DGR Engineering Master Agreement for Professional Services and Task Order Amendments to the Master Agreement. Prior to signing the agreements, the Council will have John Engels, City Attorney review the documents.
ITEM 12: ZONING PERMITS
Reisdorfer motioned, seconded by Koppien to approve all Zoning Permits as listed below. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
a) Drown, Kay – 202 E. Lyon Street – Front Steps and 8’ x 16’ Deck
b) Hennen, Stephanie – 310 N Madison Street – 16’ x 20’ Utility Shed
c) Myhre, Tina – 605 N Monroe Street – 12’ x 12’ x 4’ Pool Deck
ITEM 13: NEW CODE BOOK
Rolbiecki motioned, seconded by Koppien to call for a public hearing to discuss the new code book and proposed zoning map November 13, 2023 or December 11, 2023 dependent on the completion and organization of all documentation. MOTIONED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Reisdorfer motioned, seconded by Koppien to adopt Ordinance 23-02 changing Section 803.09 Angle Parking by adding the North side of 5th Street between Monroe Street and Jackson Street to the allowed list of streets. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 14: GAMBLING PERMIT
Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to approve a gambling permit for the Minneota-Taunton VFW for a raffle being held at 205 N Jefferson Street on September 8, 2024. MOTON PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 15: NUISANCE VIOLATION
Reisdorfer motioned, seconded by Koppien to accept Rugged Rock Inc. Proposal No. 202311 in the amount of $750 to abate and remove the violating nuisance conditions located at 108 N Washington Street. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ITEM 16: RESOLUTION 23-13
Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to adopt Resolution 23-13 accepting a donation from Burton Township of $2,700 for the purpose of Fire Department needs. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 17: RESOLUTION 23-14
Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to adopt Resolution 23-14 agreeing to allow Lyon County to retain all funds as transferred by the Office of the Secretary of State for Voting Operations, Technology and Election Resources in accordance with the requirements of Minnesota Statutes Section 5.305. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
ITEM 18: ADJOURNMENT
Koppien motioned, seconded by Reisdorfer to adjourn the meeting at 7:40 p.m. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
The next scheduled Regular Council Meeting is scheduled for November 13, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
ATTEST:
Shirley Teigland, City Administrator
John Rolbiecki, Mayor
Council Approved November 13, 2023