City Council of Newfolden

Minutes

October 2, 2006

1. Themeeting of the Newfolden City Council was called to order by Mayor James Sethre at 7:00 PM on Monday,October 2, 2006.

Present:Lori WarneJames SethreDarin JacobsonMark Augustine

OLD BUSINESS

1.Jerome Nelson provided the following information in his monthly report:

  1. The shop furnace is in need of replacement. It is close to 30 years old and is operating at approximately 40 to 50% efficiency. An estimate of $1950.00 was provided by Mike Johnson for the replacement of the furnace with a 95% efficient unit. Motion by Councilmember Warne to replace existing furnace, motion seconded by Councilmember Augustine and carried.
  2. The shop garage door requires a new garage door opening system. The current system is almost 30 years old and has caused damage to the door. The unit does not have safety mechanisms in place. Motion by Councilmember Warne to accept the bid of $1200.00 from the Overhead Door Company for the replacement of the garage door opening system. Motion seconded by Councilmember Augustine and carried.
  3. Storm sewer catch basins located by the post office and the Hobo Haus are in need of replacement. Recommend budgeting in for this repair in the spring of 2007. Jerome will inquire about cost estimates.
  4. Davidson Construction will begin work on extension of water and sewer in the CityPark and the demolition and removal of the old toilet and picnic shelter. Davidson will also repair a leaking fire hydrant located by the Emery Lee Apartment complex.
  5. The City pick-up truck is in need of two snow tires and a new muffler. Motion by Councilmember Augustine to replace these items. Motion seconded by Councilmember Jacobson and carried.

2.David Tiani, representing the American Legion, presented information regarding the proposed presentation board. David asked for temporary use of the City’s display case to showcase the six local servicemen who are currently deployed in Iraq. David also presented a drawing of the proposed free-standing display case that would permanently showcase American Legion interests. David requested wall space for a smaller, permanent display or approval of the free-standing unit. The Council authorized temporary use of the City’s display case and approved permanent wall space located where the City billboard currently exists.

3.John Wynne form Wynne Consulting presented information regarding the Small Cities Grant Program. A pre-application will be submitted on behalf of the City of Newfolden by October 24th for the amount of approximately $600,000.00. Funds will be used for housing, commercial, and rental rehabilitation. We will be notified in December if Newfolden is invited to submit a full application.

4.One bid was received for the purchase of city-owned property located on Holmaas Avenue. The bid was submitted by Todd Swenson for the amount of $1,500.00. Motion by Councilmember Jacobson to reject this bid amount and invite a counter-offer. Motion seconded by Councilmember Augustine and carried.

5.Rob Anderson presented three separate spec home proposals. The Council appointed Tammy Hansen and Mark Augustine as a committee authorized to work on this project and make recommendations as appropriate to the Council.

6.A reminder that Newfolden is serving as host for the October 5th Regional Meeting sponsored by the League of Minnesota Cities.

NEW BUSINESS

7.The Council discussed complaints received regarding the acoustics of the large room in the community center. Brad Bail, Floan and Sanders Engineer, is putting together options and estimates for improving the acoustics.

8.Motion by CouncilmemberJacobson to grant the Legion use of the community center free of charge on December 9th for Santa Claus Day. Motion seconded by Councilmember Augustine and carried.

9.The Council discussed a request from the Swedish Society to refund $10.64 for milk that was damaged when a fuse supplying current to the community center refrigerator disengaged. The Council declined this request as the incident was not due to City related negligence and would not be covered by insurance.

10.The Council reviewed a copy of a letter sent to two residents regarding their barking dogs. Several complaints have been received regarding this matter. The purpose of the letter is to notify the resident of the complaints and educate them about Ordinance number 1105.

11.Motion by Councilmember Augustine to approve the Hiring/Employment Policy. Motion seconded by Councilmember Warne and carried.

12.Committee reports:

  1. Budget – Final budget planning continues.
  1. Park and Recreation:

1. The Dondelinger Foundation has pledged $10,000.00 to the park project.

2. The demolition and removal of the toilet facility and picnic shelter and the extension of water and sewer lines is

projected to begin on October 3rd or 4th.

13.Motion by Councilmember Augustine to approve Bills/Timesheets/Vehicle logs. Second by CouncilmemberJacobson. Motion carried.

14.Motion by Councilmember Warneto adjourn meeting. Second by CouncilmemberJacobson. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM.

James SethreTammy Hansen

MayorCity Administrator