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Walnut Grove, MN
May 11, 2009
The City Council met in a regular session on the 11th day of May
at 7:00 PM in the Council Room.
Present: Greg Hansen, Leonard McLaughlin, Xiong Yang and Jeff
Harnack, City Clerk Paula McGarvey. Todd Harrington arrived at
7:30 PM.
Also Present: Tom Hansen, Deb Johnson and Mike Zeug,
Mayor Hansen presided at the meeting
The Bar & Grill report was given by Deb Johnson. The new menu’s
have arrived and are now being used. Prices went up slightly to
cover the increase for the cost of product.
Deb will be having karaoke the evening of the Alumni Golf
Tournament.
Tom Hansen gave the maintenance report. He will be crack
filling the streets in Walnut Grove with the help of one of the
maintenance men from Westbrook during the month of June. He
will continue to gather information about seal coating options
so that a decision can
be made at the next council meeting regarding what product they
will use this year. Discussion was held about making a compost
site for Walnut Grove residents to use. No decision was made
regarding this option.
The Water/Wastewater Report was reviewed by the Council. It was
determined that the current 2 inch water lines running to
Meadowlands will be sufficient for the new building. Meadowlands
will be putting in a mound septic system which was approved by
the county.
The Police Report was given by Mike Zeug. Mike will be holding
a bike registration and Bike Rodeo at the Walnut Grove School on
May 20.
Chief Zeug will be handling a noise and junk complaint on a
Walnut Grove property on the west end of Main Street. The
complaint also indicated that the resident was operating a
business out of his home. This complaint will also be
investigated by Chief Zeug.
A Walnut Grove Resident issued a complaint against Michael
Zeug. The Redwood County Sheriff’s Office investigated the
report and it was determined by them that the complaint against
Chief Zeug was unfounded.
Notice was given that Travis Schaar has been charged with felony
perjury and his first court date for that charge was May 8,
2009. Travis continues to be on paid administrative leave
pending recommendations from the City Attorney.
Discussion was continued on the delinquent property taxes in
Walnut Grove. After discussing the issue with the County
Auditor, the Council determined there were no options available
to extend the assessments on the delinquent properties because
it was not offered to all Walnut Grove Residents. Non
homesteaded properties that are 3 years delinquent or
Homesteaded properties that are 5 years delinquent may be sold
at the next county auction, which will be in 2010.
Motion by Xiong Yang, second by Todd Harrington to approve the
Land Use Permits for Ankrum, McLaughlin and Koblegard. Hansen,
Harrington, Harnack & Yang voted in favor,
McLaughlin abstained, motion carried.
Policies for Electronic Funds Transfers, Credit Card Usage and
Recurring Monthly Claims were reviewed by the Council. Motion
by Todd Harrington to approve these three policies as written,
second by Jeff Harnack. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Policies for Conflict of Interest, Identity Theft and the Awair
Safety Program were reviewed by the Council. Motion by Leonard
McLaughlin, Second by Xiong Yang to approve these three policies
as written. All voted in favor, motion carried.
Ambulance Policies for new hires were reviewed. Motion by Xiong
Yang, Second by Leonard McLaughlin to approve the Walnut Grove
Ambulance New Member Policy and the New Member Contract. All
voted in favor, motion carried.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Todd Harrington to
approve the Resolution appointing Knakmuhs Agency as the City of
Walnut Grove’s Agent of Record. McLaughlin, Harrington, Harnack
& Yang voted in favor, Hansen abstained, motion carried.
Discussion was held regarding Hansen and McLaughlin meeting with
members of the EDA about Country View, to discuss options for
repayment of funds to the City of Walnut Grove from 2006 when
City Funds were used to pay for some of the Country View
expenses. Hansen will report back to the Council at the next
regular meeting.
Discussion was held about the grant application with Rural
Development. Andy Kehren from Bolten & Menk met with Mayor
Hansen and Todd Harrington to advise the City of Walnut Grove be
put on a list with PFA for any Grant opportunities there may
be. This does not commit the City to anything, but could
possibly mean more Grant opportunities for the Treatment Plant
if the Council would determine that there are upgrades that need
to be done to remain in compliance.
The electronic sign on Highway 14 was discussed. The purpose of
this sign is to display School and Community Events. This sign
is operated by the City Clerk. It was determined that the clerk
would continue to place messages on the sign for the school and
for Community Events that would benefit a majority of the Walnut
Grove Area residents, but would not place any advertising for
businesses unless it was a City Event where most business
participated (example: Shop Hop). The clerk will also place
messages for events taking place in the Community Center when
appropriate.
Motion by Jeff Harnack, second by Leonard McLaughlin to approve
the Minutes for the April 13, 2009 regular meeting. All voted
in favor, motion carried.
Motion by Leonard McLaughlin, second by Todd Harrington to
approve Claims #30368 through #30461. All voted in favor,
motion carried.
Motion by Todd Harrington, second by Jeff Harnack to adjourn.
All voted in favor, motion carried.
Paula McGarvey
Clerk-Treasurer
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