MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR FRANKLIN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, March 14, 2011

 

A Regular Meeting of the Franklin City Council was held on Monday, March 14, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.  Council members present were:  Degner, Hoffman, Lyon, Schacher, and Wiese.  Staff Department Heads present were:  Degner and Pederson.  Guests present were:  Todd Newton, Dan Reek, Alexis and Jim Nelson, William and Mrs. Rodarte, and Mrs. Nelson.

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

Mayor Degner requested approval of the agenda.  Schacher  motioned to approve the agenda, second by Hoffman,   RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

Alexis Nelson gave a special presentation of a United States flag that was flown over Iraq and given to the city of Franklin.  Nelson also presented a flag to her father, William Rodarte.

Mayor Degner called for approval of the minutes of the February 14, 2011 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting.  Hoffman motioned to approve the minutes as presented, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

            No citizens requested to be addressed. 

            Dan Reek reviewed the updated budget of the EECBG project, noting the project costs were over budget (5%) due to the extra plumbing and auger expenses.  The burners are heating the three city buildings.  Reek noted there was an open house of the burner facility with the press in attendance.  There were some issues with the pellets producing too much ash, the company has a new formula that should be better.  Reek will be proceeding with the Facility Grant soon.

            There is no news regarding the Gaub, Inc.  warranty and bond.  Kehren continues to prepare the utility improvement plans.

            Approval of Ordinance No. 33.02 was tabled for attorney approval.

            The financial status of the city was reviewed.  February receipts totaled $16,478.70; current bills were presented for payment in the amount of $42,269.23.  Wiese motioned for approval of the bills and financial report as presented, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  

            Department Heads were addressed.  Chief Degner reported on the BCA Joint Powers Agreement and the need for this agreement with the Renville County Sheriff’s Offices new records management system.  The new system is a mobile, paperless system with computers in the squad cars.  Initial start-up costs were believed to be about $1,200 and there will be a monthly fee of about $40.  Degner also reported issues with his current computer.  Pederson reported that she will be attending the clerk’s conference; the council declined donating to the Renville Co., Fair for fireworks; Pederson reported on upcoming meetings and  is awaiting a response from Mediacom to Attorney Vose regarding internet service.

            No new zoning permits were issued.

            The city’s mower warranty period has ended and Kokesch received a quote from Kibble Equipment for a new mower of $3,250 with a trade-in.  There is money in the street equipment budget to cover this expense.  Schacher motioned to accept the $3,250 trade-in offer with Kibble Equipment, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Wiese motioned to approve Resolution 2011-4, BCA Joint Powers Agreement, second by Lyon, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Pederson reported that the DNR has changed their grant funding and will no longer fund bathroom facilities.  The council would still like to build a double bathroom, but only if it is affordable.  The council would like to pursue other funding options.  Schacher motioned to table park bathroom discussion for a month, second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            The city of Morton would also like to continue with a joint summer recreation program.  A new coordinator will need to be hired.  Dove reported that Morton felt that ball games were too difficult to schedule and plan with summer recreation and they should be either through the school, a league, or parents. Dove also suggested getting costs for swimming lessons from Redwood and Morgan.   

            Scott Nissen submitted his resignation to Fire Chief Sullivan.  Nissen has taken care of the Fire Relief pension reporting and investments for many years.  Schacher motioned to accept, with regrets, the resignation of Scott Nissen from the Fire Department, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Councilor requests included Schacher noting that Tim Birkemeyer has researched siren issues, and that the city’s current siren should be able to be upgraded for about $1,000 and the city could have an additional siren for free if they pay to remove it from Clarkfield; Schacher also reported that there is a benefit being planned for Shelly Weinzetl and Becky Menk on April 17th.  Mayor Degner received a complaint about pooling water on a driveway, the council noted that it is a common problem with this much snow.

            At 8:00 p.m., Mayor Degner called for adjournment, with Wiese motioning for adjournment, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  The Board of Review will meet on Monday, April 11, 2011, at 2:00-2:30 p.m., and the next regular city council meeting will be held Monday, April 11, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

                                                                       

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted by

Wendy Pederson, City Clerk/Treasurer