MINUTES OF THE
REGULAR
FRANKLIN
Monday,
July 13, 2009
A Regular Meeting of the Franklin City Council
was held on Monday, July 13, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall. Council present were: Degner, Hoffman, Munsell, Schacher and
Wiese. Staff Department Heads present
were: Degner, Kokesch, Pederson,
Hoffmann-Distad, and Sullivan. Guests
present were: several bidders and Gene
Wolling.
At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Degner called the meeting to
order and noted roll call showing Munsell arriving late.
Mayor Degner requested approval of the
agenda. Schacher motioned to approve the agenda, second by Hoffman, RCV-4 Yes,
0 No.
Mayor
Degner called for approval of the minutes of the June 8, 2009, Regular Meeting. Hoffman motioned to approve the minutes as
presented, second by Munsell, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.
No citizens requested to
be addressed.
The sealed bids for the
1975 Chevy Truck and the compressor were opened. The high bid for the truck was $3,675.00 with
bids raised to $5,500.00, and awarded to Jon Wurm of Forest Lake. The high bid for the compressor was $51.75
awarded to John Matlock of Franklin. Munsell motioned to accept and award the
high bids, second by Wiese, RCV 5 Yes 0 No.
USDA continues to review
the Environmental Report for the proposed improvements project.
The council discussed LP
contracting and felt it would be worth trying this year. Hoffman motioned to approve
contracting 1,500 gallons of LP from South Central Grain and Energy, second by
Wiese, RCV 5 Yes, 0 No.
Hoffmann-Distad explained to the council the
requirements of a D.O.T. physical, noting that department members are
uncomfortable with her providing the hernia checks. Hoffmann-Distad also noted that the D.O.T.
physical does not address cardiac and respiratory function. The council discussed what other departments
require and related costs. Pederson
reported that only 7-8 physicals have been turned in by department
members. The council consensus was that
a base-line physical is necessary and that new hires must provide proof of a
physical prior to working.
Hoffmann-Distad will review job descriptions and work on drafting
physical requirements suitable for the departments. Munsell recommended tabling this issue until
Hoffmann-Distad is able to research options and costs.
The financial status of
the city was reviewed and current bills were presented for payment in the
amount of $41,508.62; June receipts totaled $102,959.46. Donations in the form of invoice reductions
by Wayne’s, Inc. ($640.00)and Redwood Building Center ($88.78) were
recognized. Schacher motioned for approval of the bills and financial report as
presented, second by Munsell, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.
Department Heads were addressed. Kokesch recommended the old scoreboard
controller be donated to the school, which was approved; reported that Rose
MacMasters has connected to city water and sewer and that she owns the private
lines from her house to the mains including the grinder pump; attended the
wastewater conference by MPCA and noted that future monitoring of five
additional items will be required; noted the ballpark improvements and
presented Duck’s request to remove grass and install granite fines in the
boulevard area which the council felt was worth trying; and questioned hiring a bathroom monitor for
Catfish weekend. Wiese motioned for Kokesch to hire a bathroom cleaner for Catfish
Weekend, second by Munsell, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.
Degner reported that he will be gone during the KMS ride and there
will not be an officer on duty until 6:00 p.m.; Hoffman questioned city
regulations regarding kids driving golf carts.
Pederson reported that the Xcel Energy Franchise Agreement will expire
in November, a draft agreement will be provided soon; the council approved
renewal of the LMCIT Workers’ Compensation policy with the same provisions as
previous years.
Zoning
permits were issued to Cindy Case to install a 12’ x 12’ wood shed and 45’ x
20’ wood plank fence at 230 First St; to David Munsell to install a 16’ x 22’
garage addition at 530 First St. and an 8’ x 16’ wood storage shed at 540 First
St.; and to Juan and Leticia Villegas to install at 3’ x 200’ wood fence at 181
First St. N. The city also received a
request for an Environmental Certification for Public Housing Capital Projects
from Renville County HRA/EDA and determined the activities listed are exempt
under federal provisions.
The
council discussed the ADA requirements for the ballpark, noting a concern with
the new curb access near the stairs. The
council discussed options for handicap accessibility. The council recommended installing handicap
parking signs on the west side of the ballpark shelter and use this area for
handicap parking and shelter access. It
was suggested that donation cans for the park improvements be placed around
town during Catfish Days.
The
Mayor will ride in the Catfish parade.
Kokesch will sweep the streets on Friday night also, with the bars
responsible for clean up that night.
Pederson
requested council direction on the 2010 preliminary budget. It was recommended that Kokesch get bids on
crack sealing and seal coating. Pederson
is to draft a budget with a 5% levy increase.
Councilor requests were addressed. Schacher noted that the counter top at the
ballpark shelter would be difficult to replace and that Corey Gruendemann could
install a type of counter cover for about $300; the council approved
Gruendemann to fix the counters and the Catfish Food Committee will be asked to
contribute funds for this. Mayor Degner
attended the LMC Annual Conference and reported that it was all “gloom and
doom”, Franklin is fortunate to have evaded the LGA cuts.
At 8:27 p.m.,
Mayor Degner called for adjournment, with Hoffman motioning for adjournment,
second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.
Respectfully Submitted by
Wendy Pederson, City Clerk/Treasurer