City of Mahnomen
City Council Meeting Minutes
December 5, 2011
6:30 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Warnsholz, Jaeger, Durant, Kochmann and Lee.
COUNCIL ABSENT: None
Also Present: Sue Kraft, Ken Flaten, Carl Malmstrom, Matt Drydahl, John and Yvonne Schmidt, Mark Goldsmith, Sue Schoenborn, Gordon Olson, Wayne Ahmann, Officers Jeremy Cossette, Brant Standridge, Dustin Nelson, and Jerry Carrier.
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Martin Warnsholz.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
MOTION by Lee, second by Jaeger to approve the agenda. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Wayne Ahmann wanted to discuss his salary. The Mayor stated that it would be at a future meeting. Goldsmith asked again about the Riverland annexation, and complained that Carrier received a COLA last year with other city employees.
MINUTES
MOTION by Jaeger, second by Durant to approve the November 21, 2011 minutes. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
Reading of the Bills
Kochmann questioned if the minutes reflected the correct vendor for the purchase of tires for the front end loader.
MOTION by Jaeger, second by Lee to approve the December 5, 2011 list of claims totaling $35,504.32. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
TRAILS PROJECT
Matt Drydahl from Headwaters presented the draft Trail Project Plan. The Council asked questions. They proposed no changes. Drydahl will take the draft and prepare a final plan for Council approval.
WATER PROJECT CONSTRUCTION PAYMENT NO. 2
Ulteig Engineers submitted Payment Request No 2 for Gordon Construction, Inc., for the Water Main Project, in the amount of $136,602.43.
MOTION by Jaeger, second by Lee to approve the Payment Request No 2 for $136,602.43 for the Water Main Project to Gordon Construction, Inc. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
2012 COLA AND SALARIES
The Council reaffirmed its intention to give a 1.5% COLA to all full time employees only for 2012. The Council may consider merit raises next year.
MOTION by Durant, second by Jaeger to approve a 1.5% COLA for all full time employees only. Vote Carried with Warnsholz, Durant, Jaeger, and Lee voting “Yes.” and Kochmann voting “No.”
2012 BUDGET AND FINAL LEVY
The Council reviewed the final levy and the 2012 Budget
MOTION by Jaeger, second by Durant to approve Resolution 12-5-2011-15 approving the final tax levy for 2011 collectable in 2012. Roll Call Vote Carried with all present voting, “Yes.”
MOTION by Kochmann, second by Lee to approve Resolution 12-5-2011-16 approving the 2012 City Budget. Roll Call Vote Carried with all present voting, “Yes.”
HIRING TOM PODLAK AS A PART TIME TEMPORARY WORKER FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT
A worker is needed to fill in for Brian Buck who is off work for several months with an injury.
MOTION by Lee, second by Kochmann to approve the hiring of Tom Podlak at $10 per hour as a part time temporary worker for the Street Department. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
SIX MONTH REVIEW OF SUE SCHEFF
The Council received a recommendation from Liquor Store Manager Steve Luckow that Sue Scheff has successfully completed her six month probation period. He recommends a 25 cent per hour raise to $7.50, effective at her date of hire.
MOTION by Lee, second by Jaeger to approve a raise of 25 cents to $7.50 per hour for Sue Scheff for successfully completing her probationary period. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
HIRING LESA BRUNNER AS A PART TIME LIQUOR STORE CLERK I AT $7.25 PER HOUR.
MOTION by Lee, second by Jaeger to approve the hiring of Lesa Brunner at $7.25 per hour as a part time Liquor Store Clerk I. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
VERIZON REQUEST FOR TWO ADDITIONAL ANTENNAE ON THE WATER TOWER
Verizon requested the addition of two antennae. An increase in monthly rent to $1,875 was agreed upon.
MOTION by Durant, second by Kochmann to allow two more antennae on the water tower with a total monthly rent for their antennae of $1,875.00. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
DICUSSION OF HOUSING AND PROBLEM PROPERTIES
The Council discussed housing and problem properties. Mahnomen’s poor housing was becoming a critical issue in the Mahnomen economy. Carrier suggested a holistic approach involving housing rehab, adoption of rental and construction codes and enforcement, and acquisition and demolition of some properties. The Council stated a desire to go forward with this comprehensive approach and to seek partners such as the First National Bank of Mahnomen, the Tribal Council, MMCDC, and Jon Thompson of the Becker County HRA for these efforts.
The Council discussed the burned out property at 102 NW 2nd Street that has become a health and safety issue. The City Administrator and City Attorney will seek ways to abate this problem.
POLICE REPORTS
Sgt. Jeremy Cossette made a brief police report.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Jaeger reported on supportive housing efforts at Headwaters.
Kochmann reported on the Downtown Economic Meeting.
ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Carrier reminded the Council about the election for the selection of County Commissioner to be held December 13th.
Carrier reported that after the Hospital Joint Powers Meeting, the Hospital Board met and an attempt was made to go forward in turning the ownership of the hospital to Sanford. After some discussion Sanford withdrew their proposal for “a few months.”
Carrier reported on the Downtown Economic Development meeting and stated that Economist Art Nash will present his findings at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at the Red Apple Café.
Carrier met with the Minnesota Municipal Utilities Association about bringing natural gas to the City of Mahnomen.
Carrier stated that four engineering groups had contacted him about the City Engineering RFP. Two requested interviews with the Administrator.
ADJOURNMENT
MOTION by Durant, second by Lee to adjourn. Carried with all voting, “Yes.”
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Jerry Carrier, Administrator Martin R. Warnsholz, Mayor