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Walnut Grove, MN
August 10, 2009
The City Council met in a regular session on the 10th day of
August at 7:00 PM in the Council Room.
Present: Greg Hansen, Leonard McLaughlin, Jeff Harnack and
Xiong Yang.
Absent: Todd Harrington
Also Present: Paula McGarvey, Mike Zeug, Wes Bell, and Chuck
Swanson.
Mayor Hansen presided at the meeting
The Bar & Grill report was given. July 2009 sales were down
slightly from 2008. Discussion was held about having Steffen
Electric install a small heater in the women’s restroom. Greg
will talk to Steffen Electric to arrange this. Discussion was
held on replacing bar stools. Deb will check into pricing and
discussion will continue at the next meeting.
The Water/Wastewater Report was given by Wes Bell. Wes is
having some rewiring done for the switches and replacement of
the junction boxes for the clarifier.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Xiong Yang to approve
the resolution authorizing The City of Walnut Grove to submit a
Phosphorus Reduction Grant Application to the Minnesota Public
Facilities Authority and to Authorize the City Officials to
execute a Grant Agreement on Behalf of the City of Walnut
Grove. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Wes has asked the council to budget $5000 to replace the
remainder of the pipes in Well 2 in 2010. Eventually Well 1
will also need to be done at a cost of approximately $10,000.
The Police Report was given by Chief Zeug. Zeug will continue
working full time with benefits through September. Further
discussion on making this a permanent position will be
done at the next regular city council meeting. Discussion on
using Administrative tickets for minor offenses was discussed.
It was decided to wait a few months and see how it’s working in
other small towns before a decision is made.
A resident complaint form had been turned in by Jack Litfin
regarding a resident at 840 Main Street for violation of Public
Nuisance and violation of the zoning ordinance. Chief Zeug has
addressed both of these issues with Mr. Litfin and explained
that without sufficient proof he is not able to site him for a
violation of either ordinance. Both complaints will be
discussed with the city attorney to determine if anything more
can be done.
The Resignation letter from Travis Schaar was received,
officially ending his employment with the City of Walnut Grove
on June 30, 2009. Motion by Jeff Harnack, second by Leonard
McLaughlin to accept this resignation. All voted in favor,
motion carried.
Chuck Swanson from Western Community Action updated the City
Council on the results of the surveys. There were approximately
250 surveys mailed out to residents and at the time of the
meeting, 121 surveys were returned. Of those, 71 homes were
eligible to apply for the grant based on the income that was
reported. After meeting with both Lamberton and Walnut Grove,
it was determined that Lamberton would administer the program if
it is approved. If twenty homes are approved, 10 will be from
Walnut Grove, and 10 will be from Lamberton.
After hearing of the results of the surveys, it was determined
by the Council that rehabilitation of owner occupied homes is an
important concern and is ranked among the top of the cities
priorities. Motion by Xiong Yang, second by Leonard McLaughlin
to approve the resolution for the Community Recommendation
Plan. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Jeff Harnack to approve
the Grant Retainer Agreement with Western Community Action for
the purpose of having them apply for a Small Cities Development
Program grant on behalf of the Cities of Walnut Grove and
Lamberton. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Xiong Yang to approve
the grant writing fee of $1250 to Western Community Action. All
voted in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held on the EDA researching the possibility of
purchasing some properties in Walnut Grove that will otherwise
be sold at county auction. The purpose would be for the EDA to
help prospective businesses or homeowners to purchase these
properties for a reasonable price with the agreement to fix them
up and maintain them. The Council agreed they would like to see
the EDA continue researching to find out what the options might
be.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Jeff Harnack to approve
the Land Use Permit Application for 740 7th Street.
All voted in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held on updating the City of Walnut Grove
Ordinances or adopting the MN Basic Codes. A Copy of the Basic
Codes will be reviewed by the council members and further
discussion will take place at the next regular meeting.
Discussion was held on 2010 dues for the SW Initiative
Foundation, Redwood Area Development Corporation and MN
Association of Small Cities. The Council determined they would
not pay the SW Initiative Foundation dues this year and will
decide at a later time about RADC. Motion by Leonard
McLaughlin, second by Xiong Yang to approve the MN Association
of Small Cities $300 Dues. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Discussion was held on the 2009 Budget compared to actual. The
council has approved the purchase of some more tables for the
Community Center and the repair of the baseboards in the hallway
and Community Room. The council also approved the purchase of a
trailer for the public works department. These expenses were
budgeted for in the 2009 budget. The council reviewed the 2010
budget plan and will hold a special meeting at 6pm on September
1, 2009 to determine any adjustments to the proposed budget.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Xiong Yang to approve
the Minutes for the July 13, 2009 regular meeting. All voted in
favor, motion carried.
Motion by Xiong Yang, second by Leonard McLaughlin to approve
Claims #30685 through 30794. All voted in favor, motion
carried.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Jeff Harnack to
adjourn. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Paula McGarvey
Clerk-Treasurer
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