DRAFT

MINUTES OF THE

REGULAR FRANKLIN CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, November 14, 2011

 

A Regular Meeting of the Franklin City Council was held on Monday, November 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, Kokesch, and Pederson. Guests present were:  Mandy Kerkhoff and Ryan Hall.

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 October 10, 2011 Regular Meeting.  Wiese motioned to approve the minutes as presented, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

            No citizens were present.  The council addressed a citizen letter and Chief Degner will research the complaint issues.  It was noted that storage of licensed vehicles does not violate city ordinance.

            The Well #5 project is nearly complete.  Ervin Well is waiting for the water quality sample report; the construction has been televised and clean up should be progressing.  Partial Pay Estimate No. 1 was presented in the amount of $43,526.62.  Lyon motioned to approve Partial Pay Estimate No. 1 to Ervin Well Co., second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            The council received confidential legal information from the city attorney regarding the Gaub warranty and bond issues.   Schacher motioned for the council to go into closed session to discuss legal strategy, second by Lyon, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.   Following the closed session discussion, the meeting was opened to the public.  Lyon motioned to proceed with the litigation strategy, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No. 

            The financial status of the city was reviewed.  October receipts totaled $44,892.52; current bills were presented for payment in the amount of $33,873.62. Pederson noted that Bolton and Menk requested payment of outstanding invoices that have not yet been approved by Rural Development so were not included with the bills to be approved.  Wiese motioned for approval of the bills and financial report as presented and to pay Bolton and Menk following approval from USDA, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  

            Department Heads were addressed.  Kokesch reported the NPDES permit has received preliminary approval but that MPCA is requesting more sampling and more restrictions, Kokesch and Kehren are working to remove some of the restrictions from the permit; the city well that is in use was recently inspected and a conduit has pulled apart and needs to be repaired; street sweeping is challenging because of the lack of rain; he has been tree trimming and noted tree issues within the alleys that will need to be resolved.  Chief Degner reported that he has had difficulty filling the weekend shifts, noting the difficulties in finding a part-time officer with a full-time license and that the sheriff’s office is notified when there is not an officer on duty.  Hoffman motioned to leave the police coverage as is, second by Schacher, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  Pederson questioned if the council had any new budget adjustments and noted that Truth in Taxation will be held in conjunction with the Dec. 12th council meeting; Mediacom is converting to all digital broadcast and there have been some minor issues with the public access channel; Pederson will be out of the office a week in Nov. and a week in Dec.; Uhlenkamp and Associates will be sending the 2011 audit engagement agreement for formal approval in December.   

            A zoning permit was issued to David Munsell to install a 12’ x 20’ wood storage shed at 200 St. Hwy. 19.

            Mandy Kerkhoff is in the process of purchasing the Longbranch Saloon (from the Stieve estate) and is in the process of obtaining the necessary corporate licenses and tax identifications.  Schacher motioned to approve Kerkhoff’s liquor license applications providing the pending background check is completed and necessary tax identifications are obtained; second by Wiese, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Schacher noted that the ambulance personnel issues have not yet been resolved and motioned to approve the contract agreement with North Ambulance for another 6 months, second by Hoffman, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Expert T Billing requested council consideration in renewing the billing service contract for 2012-2013, with a price increase from $25.75 to $26.00 per billable run.  Schacher motioned to approve the Expert T Billing Contract for 2012-2013, second by Lyon, RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.

            Sheriff Hable sent a letter requesting the city council pass an ordinance mandating prominently displayed house numbers on all homes and businesses.  The council agreed that it is a good idea and it would expedite response but would be difficult to mandate, and will be a recommendation for now.

            Degner, Lyon and Pederson met with a wind energy consultant, although an interesting concept to consider, there are no incentives for municipalities at this time.

            Councilor requests included Mayor Degner wondering if there has been any interest in the city’s tax forfeited house and if the council has considered modifying the terms.

            At 8:00 p.m., Mayor Degner called for adjournment, with Schacher motioning for adjournment, second by Wiese,  RCV-5 Yes, 0 No.  The next regular city council meeting will be held Monday, December 12, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.

 

                                                                        Respectfully Submitted by

Wendy Pederson, City Clerk/Treasurer