MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR FRANKLIN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, June 8, 2009

 

A Regular Meeting of the Franklin City Council was held on Monday, June 8, 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, and Pederson.  Guest present was:  Mike Uhlenkamp. 

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.  Pederson asked to amend the agenda to include the Sacred Heart Church Raffle Exemption Permit.   Schacher motioned to approve the agenda with the added agenda item, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

Mayor Degner called for approval of the minutes of the May 11, 2009, Regular Meeting.   Hoffman motioned to approve the minutes as presented, second by Munsell, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            No citizens were present. 

            Mike Uhlenkamp, Uhlenkamp & Associates, LLC, presented the city’s 2008 Audit and Financial Statements. Uhlenkamp explained that it was a clean opinion of the financials and noted the deficiencies stated are due to the small size of the city and it would impractical to hire additional staff to meet these requirements.  Munsell motioned to approve the 2008 Audit and Financial Statements as presented, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Andy Kehren reported that there was a misunderstanding in time frames, USDA is reviewing the Environmental Reports and a determination will not be made as soon as it was thought.  The city did receive a number of points from the MN Dept. of Health Drinking Water Revolving Fund 2010 Project Priority List.

            In the recent sales tax audit for the period of Oct. 2005-March 31, 2009; the city was found to owe an average error in sales and use tax and penalties amounting to $777.01.  The errors were vendors not charging tax when they should have.

            The financial status of the city was reviewed and current bills were presented for payment in the amount of $44,831.38; May receipts totaled $13,043.06.  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 suggested contracting LP, currently at $1.39/gallon (the city used 2250 gallons last year) the council will review this next month; the city does not have equipment to mow some of the sod placed at the ballpark, Kokesch is to check with Kurt Valentin on mowing this area; Rose MacMasters will be connecting to the city water and sewer (via a grinder pump); weed spraying in the streets will continue; Kokesch suggested the city research some of the energy grants available; and Munsell motioned to approve and Hoffman seconded Kokesch’s vacation request, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  Commissioner Fox reported that Collin Peterson requested funding for Co. Rd. 5 Scenic Byway and may need a letter of support from the city.  Pederson presented a thank you from Renville County Heartland Express; discussed the city’s bond coverage and that the Fire Relief Association is currently covered under the LMCIT coverage and they intend to discontinue their outside bond insurance, the city will review their additional bond coverage at the time of renewal; Summer Rec. begins tomorrow and Swimming Lessons transportation is scheduled with the Heartland Express; the ambulance contract with Clarey’s has been signed; Pederson has compiled a Vacant Property Listing and Registration Form that Chief Degner is reviewing; there have been no developments with the Mediacom Franchise Agreement.

            Zoning permits were issued to Matt Fiero to install a 8’  x 10’ wood shed at 254 First Ave.; and to Matt Anderson to install wood plank and chain-link fencing at 471 St. Hwy. 19.  Pederson noted that due to the recent property line dispute and fence issue, the zoning permit application has been amended to include expiration date information.

               The Veteran’s Memorial (ball) Park/city received a $1,000 credit from Cemstone and a $300 grant from Renville County HRA/EDA.  The Lions committed $6,000 from the city reserves and the project expenditures are currently $7, 164.97. The council discussed the installation of a handicap ramp, Mayor Degner will research railings and costs and ADA requirements.  A request for new counter tops at the ballpark was discussed; Kokesch will measure and check pricing on new counter and on laminate.

            The city attorney cited MN Statute 469 regarding the city’s involvement in U’ren building project.  The statute explains the public improvement process requirements; the city is able to provide in-kind assistance.  It was questioned as to where the project is at and was noted that the building cannot be buried on site.

            The ambulance department reviewed the Franklin Ambulance Identity Theft program and had no objections to it.  Munsell motioned to approve the Ambulance Identity Theft Program, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Wiese motioned to approve the Sacred Heart Church Application for an Exemption Permit, second by Munsell, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

            Councilor requests were addressed.  Munsell questioned Governor Pawlenty’s plans for unallotment and how LGA will be affected, which is not currently known.  Degner received a request for trash barrels uptown (more than the one by the Longbranch) and received more complaints about the public access channel not working properly.

            At 8:26 p.m., Mayor Degner called for adjournment, with Schacher motioning for adjournment, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.   

        

Respectfully Submitted by

Wendy Pederson, City Clerk/Treasurer