MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE HILLS CITY COUNCILAUGUST 10, 2004Mayor Jim Jellema called the meeting to order at 6:05 P.M. with the following Council present: Jim Jellema, Linus Svoboda, Keith Elbers, and Dana Dahlquist. Employees present: Connie Wiertzema, City Clerk; Joanne Goehle, City Treasurer; and Wayne Ward, City Maintenance. Guests present: Jan Solberg; Beaver Creek Sportsmen-Stan Van Wyhe, Roger Jackson, and LeRoy Van Wyhe; Rock County Commissioner Rich Bakken, Rock County Sheriff Mike Winkels, and Gerald Haak. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to approve of the minutes of July 13th. Motion carried. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Svoboda to approve payment of the July expenditures: General $7,284.37; Park $2,967.64; Fire $2,606.51; Street $2,314.32; Legion $627.41; Sewer $959.44; Garbage $2,951.16; Recycling $492.34; Water $4,197.36; Baseball $29.00; Softball $1,044.01; Law Enforcement $8,944.00. Motion carried. General Checking 105,578.94General Fund CD#18197, 2.5%, 12/4/04 237,314.41General Fund CD#17792 (prev. #15742) 2.5%,5/29/03 – cashed in 6/3/03General Fund CD#17760 (prev. #17573) 2.5%, 3/15/05 20,735.68Sewer Fund CD#17877 (prev. #17433) 2.5%,10/18/03 – cashed in 10/03- ($21,000 to general)Sewer Fund CD#18255, (prev. #18171) 1.5%, 7/19/04 – inter-fund loan to Southern Hills Apts. topay-off apt. bond - $70,771.64Fire Truck Replacement Fund CD#18237, 1.5%, 1/11/05 23,228.20Hills EDA Security Deposit Account 2,412.85Hills EDA Checking – Acct. #1248 11,288.17Southern Hills Apt. Acct. #1255 8,213.32Southern Hills Condo Acct. #1263 -1.86Southern Hills CD#17759 (prev. #17572) 2.5%, 3/15/05 5,183.92EDA CD#17850 (prev. #17384) 2.5%, 5/7/05 27,963.43EDA CD#18275 (prev. #17268) 1.25%, 07/04 – inter-fund loan to Southern Hills Apts. to pay-off apt. bond - $10,661.76EDA CD#18160, 1.5%, 10/17/04 20,000.00EDA CD#18505, .75%, 8/24/04 10,661.76TOTAL $472.580.20The City’s auditor will be contacted to confirm whether the Southern Hills Apartment accounts could be dissolved, and all money transferred to the Hills EDA account.The Treasurer inquired whether city maintenance could obtain additional water meter readings from residents. Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to approve of the Treasurer’s report, and refund a utility deposit to Ed Kolberg. Motion carried.Discussed a utility connection for rental property consisting of two units, and whether to charge a minimum water and sewer charge when one or both units are vacant, since there is only one shut-off to the structure. The Council agreed to remain consistent with the City’s policy, if the water is connected at the curb stop, and if the home is not occupied, monthly water and sewer costs apply.The Council reviewed two asphalt proposals for paving Josephine Drive, and Sixth Street. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to accept the proposal from Midwest Asphalt for $14,895. Motion carried. Ward’s family health insurance benefit decreases by $48 per month, beginning with the October 2004 premium. The Council will not make any changes at this time, and will continue to pay $925.00 per month toward Ward’s family health insurance. Ward reported that Howe, Inc. could seal cracks in the septic tank at the Rez, but the cost is uncertain, ranging from $100 to $500. A motion was made by Elbers and seconded by Dahlquist to purchase a new 1,000-gallon septic tank from Adrian Concrete for approximately $625. Fall junk pickup will be scheduled in September.Discussed continuous problems regarding poor water quality, and Rock County Rural Water’s explanation that it’s caused by phosphate added to the system, which coats and cleans iron from pipes and connections. The City is receiving several calls regarding dirty water, concern for drinking, and major appliances. City maintenance was instructed to contact Rural Water to demand immediate attention to correct the problem. City maintenance was instructed to check on a street sweeper. Roger Jackson, Stan Van Wyhe and LeRoy Van Wyhe, representing the Beaver Creek Sportsmen, requested use of the City’s truck to remove barley straw from the Rez. Also, to inquire about interest for installing a used aerator ($250), in order to eliminate winter kill in the fish. Other costs: electrical $550, trenching $400, monthly electric service $8.00 per day, and insurance. The Council was not in favor due to liability issues. The Sportsmen provided the Council with information for an aluminum dock with rails, and is handicap accessible for $8,680. The Sportsmen will pay $4,500 of that cost, along with providing labor. The City will obtain a proposal from Midwest Asphalt for a blacktop approach to the dock. The Council approved of the project, which will be completed in the spring of 2005. Rich Bakken and Mike Winkels approached the Council with information pertaining to Rock County Law Enforcement contracts, and the possibility that Luverne may not enter into a contract with the County, and how it may affect area cities. Currently, the law enforcement contract is figured at $33 per capita for all contracted cities. Bakken also informed the Council of the County’s proposal to increase the assessment contract, from $4,700 to $5,600 per year. The Council will obtain proposals from other assessors and cities prior to making any decisions. The Rock County Assessor and Recorder’s Offices will be combined and renamed Land Records Office. Gerald Haak appeared at the meeting to discuss the proposed blacktop work for Sixth Street, and its assessment to lots owned by United Enterprises. Haak inquired whether the City is interested in purchasing lots along Sixth Street (Park View Third Addition). The Council asked Haak to obtain prices for lots owned by United Enterprises for discussion at the September regular meeting. Discussed a citizen’s complaint regarding grass and weeds on commercial property, a letter will be sent to those property owners. Reviewed an inspection report from MN Dept. of Natural Resources, pertaining to Rez Park. The report addressed the following issues: ensure the safety standards for beach playground equipment, disability access to the restroom and newer playground equipment, accessible parking space and walkway to the picnic shelter, and installation of a local grants program sign. The Council will request detailed information from the Department prior to addressing the park equipment and walkway issues. The replacement of the septic tank will suffice the restroom issue, and a grant program sign will be purchased. The regular September meeting is rescheduled to September 13th at 6:00 P.M. due to the primary election; and a special meeting to discuss the proposed budget is scheduled for September 8th at 6:00 P.M.Motion by Dahlquist, seconded by Elbers to grant a building permit to Jesse Gaugler for a patio. Motion carried. Discussed whether a communication system for city maintenance is necessary, in order to keep in contact with his home, especially during winter months. Motion by Elbers, seconded by Dahlquist to adjourn at 8:30 P.M.Connie J. WiertzemaCity Clerk(8-26)
