DRAFT

MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR FRANKLIN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, January 9, 2012

 

A Regular Meeting of the Franklin City Council was held on Monday, January 9, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Council members present were:  Degner, Hoffman, Lyon, Schacher, and Wiese.  Staff Department Heads present were:  Degner, Kokesch, and Pederson. Guest present was Bill Helget of Bolton & Menk.

At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Degner called the meeting to order with roll call showing all council present.

Mayor Degner called for approval of the agenda.  Schacher motioned to approve the agenda as presented, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

Mayor Degner called for approval of the minutes of the December 12, 2011 Truth in Taxation Hearing and Regular Meeting.  Lyon motioned to approve the minutes as presented, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

            No citizens were present. 

            There was nothing new reported with the Well #5 project.

            Bill Helget reported that the Utility Improvement plans are 85-90% complete.  Kevin Friesen of USDA said the CSAH project plans will have their final review tomorrow and felt it would be approved to move forward with getting signatures from the county and the state and then start the bidding process.  The water treatment plans are also coming together.

            The city attorney regarding the Gaub warranty and bond issues requested actual bid prices for the warranty work rather than just an estimate.  Bolton and Menk could get actual costs but would charge for their services.  The council consensus is that it is necessary to get firm costs.  Wiese motioned to get a firm quote and proceed with the litigation, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            The financial status of the city was reviewed.  December receipts totaled $88,355.74; current bills were presented for payment in the amount of $158,732.59.   Schacher motioned for approval of the bills and financial report as presented, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  

            Department Heads were addressed.  Kokesch reported that 53 trees have been removed from the boatlanding, the brush has been burned and stump removal will be done when the stumps are not frozen; some the stumps could pose a safety hazard so they will be flagged; Kokesch also noted that snow removal has gone well so far this year.  Pederson presented the delinquent utility disconnect list to the council, noting there are more than typical;  MN Rural Water has invited Pederson to accompany them to Washington DC in February, she will miss the Ambulance Association/Rural Fire Association Meetings, Mayor Degner will take minutes in her absence;  Pederson received council approval to attend the MCFOA Clerk’s conference in March.

            Pederson presented the Zoning Report.  Permits were issued to Robert Hennes to construct an 8’ x 8’ x 36’ fence at 631 Second Ave. E; and to Tim Birkemeyer to install a 6’ x 8’ wood structure with metal siding at 281 5th St. S.

            Pederson presented the 2012 City Council Meeting Schedule noting that the second Monday of November is a legal holiday.  The November meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 13, 2012.  Hoffman motioned to approve the 2012 City Council Meeting Schedule, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Schacher motioned to approve Resolution 2012-1, Official Designations and Annual Appointments as presented, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Wiese motioned to approve Resolution 2012-2, 2011 Contributions, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

            The 2011 Ambulance Report was presented with the total income of $31,850.23, expenses of $21,369.41; for a net income of $10,480.82, which will be transferred to the ambulance savings.  Hoffman motioned to approve the 2011 Ambulance Report and income transfer, second by Lyon, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Pederson presented the 2011 Ambulance Association Financial Report, with total income of $9,356.30.  Pederson noted the city’s assessments were paid in full, and Palmyra Township has not made payment.  Schacher motioned to approve the 2011 Franklin Ambulance Association Report, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Pederson presented the 2011 Fire Department/Rural Fire Association Report with the city/rural halves of $14,710.56, noting expenses up due to the increase in state fire aid and matching funds.  Lyon motioned to approve the 2011 Fire Department/Rural Fire Association Report, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Lyon motioned to approve the Pay Equity Implementation Report as presented, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Councilor requests:  Hoffman questioned Chief Degner on not wearing a uniform while on duty; Lyon questioned the ambulance department and their use of North Ambulance.  It was noted that an EMT has been added, the department has been responding to their calls, the bylaws are being reviewed and people that are unable to meet requirements of the department will be asked to step down.  Lyon noted that he feels it is a waste of tax payer money to be paying for training “dead weight,” and these people need to be more accountable.

            At 7:42 p.m., Mayor Degner called for adjournment, with Wiese motioning for adjournment, second by Hoffman,  RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  The Ambulance Association/Rural Fire Association Meetings will be held on February 6, 2012, at 7:30 and 7:45 p.m. and the next regular city council meeting will be held Monday, February 13, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted by

            Wendy Pederson, City Clerk/Treasurer