DRAFT

 

                                                                                                                                      MINUTES OF THE

PUBLIC HEARING AND REGULAR FRANKLIN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, November 9, 2009

 

A Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the Franklin City Council were held on Monday, November 9, 2009, at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall.  Council present were:  Degner, Hoffman, Munsell, Schacher and Wiese (arriving late).  Staff Department Heads present were:  Degner, Kokesch and Pederson.  Guests present were:  John Robinson, Bob Fox, and Russell Koopman.

At 7:00 p.m., Mayor Degner called the public hearing to order.  Mayor Degner presented the proposed amendment to the city zoning ordinance allowing for the use of metal roofing.  The Planning Commission recommended adopting the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance, Section 19.04, G; and Section 20.04, G; to include metal roofs, not including galvanized tin.  It was questioned if any reference to color was included, and it was not; and reasoning for not allowing galvanized tin.  As there were no further comments, Munsell motioned to close the public hearing at 7:05 p.m.; second by Hoffman, RCV-4 Yes, 0 No.

At 7:06 p.m., Mayor Degner called the meeting to order with four council members present, noting Wiese would be late.

Mayor Degner requested approval of the agenda; Hoffman  motioned to approve the agenda, second by Schacher, RCV-4 Yes, 0 No. 

Mayor Degner called for approval of the minutes of the October 12, 2009, Regular Meeting.   Schacher motioned to approve the minutes as presented, second by Munsell, RCV-4 Yes, 0 No.

            Citizens were addressed.  Robinson reported on his intent to repair/replace his driveway and wanted assurance that the current design was acceptable for replacement and that he intends to extend the driveway further west but would not be going into the street.  The council had no issues with Robinson’s plans for his driveway repair.

             Per the Planning Commission recommendation, Munsell motioned to approve the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance as presented, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Russell Koopman, representing Prairie Agra Fuels, reported that Prairie Agra Fuels is a legal company that still exists.  Koopman noted that the company does not have the money to build a plant in Franklin, due to the poor economy and lack of banks willing to lend money.  Koopman also noted their failure to have an approved market so they began manufacturing in Kensington where they sold more product than they were able to deliver.  They then relocated to fire damaged plant in Bagley, MN, and found the owner of that plant had problems with the title.  Koopman apologized for their failures and stated that he did not see anything happening in Franklin in the near future.  The council then discussed the TIF district and the city’s options at length.  Hoffman felt it would be best to dissolve the TIF district; Munsell hoped to keep it viable for another year.  It was decided that the city will attempt to put the affected parcels into a rural service district; address these parcels at the Board of Review in April, and then possibly abate the city taxes in hope that the county would also abate if the city does.

            The sale of the Community Center building was previously approved, a purchase agreement had been completed,  and still needed is a formal resolution for closing the sale.  Munsell motioned to approve Resolution 2009-10, Authorizing the Conveyance of Fee Title; second by Wiese, RCV 5-Yes, 0 No.

            Munsell motioned to repeal the City of Franklin Tobacco Ordinance No. 115; second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  Munsell motioned to extend the city’s Tobacco Licenses to January 31, 2010, to coincide with the county licensing period; second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

The financial status of the city was reviewed and current bills were presented for payment in the amount of $26,559.65; October receipts totaled $49,153.28.  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 reported that he has been busy sweeping and that the sweeper is wearing out; Kokesch is to check on sweeper options for lease, purchase, contracting, etc.  Kokesch also noted that winter weather is just around the corner and there are always issues with plowing and parked cars.  There was a recent issue with leaves at the burn site; Kokesch will research costs for dumpster removal of leaves, and possibility of purchasing the burn site and setting up composting there.  Kokesch reported on the recent MPCA inspection.  Pederson received council approval to renew her notary commission; the KMS ride will be on August 14, 2009; Degner and Pederson reported on the LMC Regional Meeting; nothing has been done with the Robben house; the Fire Relief submitted a bid of $4000 to Morton for a compressor; Franklin BP sold alcohol to a minor; the new City Hall sign has been installed.  Munsell motioned to approve the 2009 Audit Engagement from Uhlenkamp and Associates; second by Wiese, RCV 5 Yes, 0 No.  Fox reported on the Renville County Trail meeting to be held on Nov. 18th.

            There were no new zoning permits issued.

            Wiese motioned to accept Kevin Kokesch resignation from the Fire Department; second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            The council was enlightened as to the status of the proposed USDA project; the Preliminary Engineering Report was reviewed, Andy Kehren is responding to items noted by the USDA state engineer.

            Councilor requests were addressed.  Munsell noted that issues with leaves and burning need to be resolved.

            At 8:15 p.m., Mayor Degner called for adjournment, with Wiese motioning for adjournment, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.      The next regular meeting will be held on December 14, 2009.

   

Respectfully Submitted by

Wendy Pederson, City Clerk/Treasurer