The Round Lake City Council met in regular session on Wednesday, September 12, 2018 at 6:15pm at City Hall.
Councilmembers present were Paul Cunningham, Court Baumgard, Walon Habben, Gary Larson and Mayor Doug Knuth. Others present were Linda Koning, Nobles County Deputy Brian Steffen, Sue and Bruce Kruger, Gordon and Lori Heitkamp, Derek Nelson, Bruce Bentele and Clerk Elaine Walker.
Meeting was called to order at 6:15pm.
Additions to the agenda: Markus’ trees on the boulevard on 1st Avenue.
Motion by Baumgard, second by Cunningham to approve the agenda and the additions to the agenda. All ayes: Carried.
Motion by Larson, second by Cunningham to approve the minutes from the August 8th meeting. All ayes: Carried.
Motion by Larson, second by Habben to approve the payment of the bills and the receipts as they were presented. All ayes: Carried.
Gordon and Lori Heitkamp asked Council about the land by Indian Lake that is owned by the City of Round Lake. They would like to purchase this land if possible. Council instructed Clerk Elaine to have the parcel of land owned by the City of Round Lake on Indian Lake appraised so it can be put up for bids. Original purpose of this land was for a possible water source or well for the City of Round Lake, with rural water it no longer serves a purpose for the City.
Dennis and Barb Markus – Building permit to add on to the existing garage on their rental property located at 215 1st Ave. Motion by Baumgard, second by Larson to approve, as remodel is already in process and Councilmember Cunningham inspected the progress and it is located far enough away from the lot lines and utilities. All ayes: Carried.
Gary Jurgensen – water heater leaked causing high water usage last month. Motion by Habben, second by Cunningham to allow Clerk Elaine to adjust the bill to average usage plus cost of extra. All ayes: Carried.
Tanya Stern – leak caused high water usage, didn’t notice until City notified of high reading. Motion by Habben, second by Cunningham to allow Clerk Elaine to adjust the bill to average usage plus cost of extra. All ayes: Carried.
Resolution #2018-09-12 – Resolution to adopt the Nobles County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan (AHMP). Motion by Larson, second by Baumgard to approve. All ayes: Carried.
Effective August 2018, the requirement for sealed bids was increased from $100,000 to $175,000 and increased the range of allowed direct negotiation authority accordingly.
Jerry Wood – would like to purchase the P.A. system that was used for Sun and Fun Day in the past, we paid $150.00 for it many years ago and he would like to purchase it for $100.00. Motion by Cunningham, second by Habben to approve selling P.A. system for $100.00 to Jerry Wood. All ayes: Carried.
Southwest Minnesota Broadband update – there was a volume problem on a couple of the public access channels and they are working to correct the issue. There was a fiber cut in Georgia that created problems for us up the line. They are working on a designated line for us that would eliminate this issue in the future.
Nobles County Deputy Steffen asked if there was anything the Council needed from the Sheriff’s Department and there was a brief discussion about the truck traffic on Main Street. There seems to be a positive response to the request for the speeds to be slower. Councilmember Baumgard will remind the D & G trucks to slow down while driving through town.
Dennis and Barb Markus asked about the two large trees that are on their property located on the boulevard. They are wondering if the City would help with removal of these trees. One is located very close to the high voltage transformer and the tree removal company didn’t really want to even do that one due to the danger of the high voltage. Council’s opinion is that the City Code Section 3.301 Subdivision 1. States “Within the City of Round Lake, the City owns the boulevard but trees and grass already growing within the boulevard are the responsibility of the respective owner.” But we could ask about Federated Rural Electric trimming the branches away from the transformer. Council instructed Clerk Elaine send a letter stating this.
2019 Budget Levy – Final approval motioned by Baumgard, second by Habben to approve 2019 Budget Levy as presented. All ayes: Carried.
On-Call public works schedule will begin October 1st, 2018 with Derek Nelson, Bruce Bentele and Walon Habben on rotation until additional manpower is hired. Additional training is needed for Walon prior to being on duty in October. Discussion of payment while on duty was concluded as follows: Bruce and Derek will be on-call during the week and paid with option of paid overtime or comp time at overtime rate when called out and when on-call Saturday and Sunday there is a minimum of $30 per day with additional pay of $12/hour for Walon and the choice of paid overtime or comp time at overtime rate for Bruce and Derek when called out. Holidays will be on the schedule rotation as well. Motion to approve these rates by Cunningham, second by Larson. All ayes: Carried.
Derek Nelson told the Council that it was time to replace the seals on the odorizer and they will train him and replace the seals for $1050. He suggested having them do the replacement and train him so he could do it next time it is needed. Council told him to schedule a time when the odorizer company can come to Round Lake and do the replacement/training with him.
Clerk Elaine will be attending the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule training in Sleepy Eye on Tuesday, September 18th, 2018. Minnesota Public Utilities Commission suggested at least one person from our utility attend this training before the October 15th start to the Cold Weather Rule time period begins.
Clerk Elaine will be attending the Clay County Fair on September 13th and Council approved purchase of a new flagpole for City Hall. They specified a heavy duty 20’ pole with capability to fly 4’x6’ flag, so it’s strong enough to leave up during windy conditions. They approved an eagle for the top and a rotating light addition to the pole.
City Hall will be open on Monday, October 8th (Columbus Day) in exchange, the day after Thanksgiving, City Hall will be closed as paid holiday for the City staff.
The next City Council meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 17th at 6:15pm at City Hall.
Motion by Habben, second by Larson to adjourn. All ayes: Carried.
Meeting was adjourned at 7:55pm.