Local Municipality Minutes

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Upsala City • June 5, 2023

Call to Order/Attendance: The City Council meeting was called to order at Upsala City Hall by Mayor Rollie Johnson at 7:01 P.M. The pledge of allegiance was said. On roll call members present: Mayor Rollie Johnson, Council Members Mitch Lange, Lana Bartells, and Wendy Rene, Absent: Alan Gunderson. Staff present: Public Works Director Mike Tschida, and City Clerk-Treasurer Jane Popp.

Minutes: Lange moved to approve the regular city council meeting minutes from May 1, 2023, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.

Agenda items: Rene moved to approve the agenda as presented, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.

Department Reports: Fire Department Report Chief Nick Johnson updated the council that all four new firefighters are certified, and the gear just arrived. One resignation effective June 16, 2023.

First Response Team: Vice President Danielle Haus was absent, so Nick Johnson reported ten calls for May. They served 250 for the Memorial Day Fundraiser at the REC Center.

Maintenance Report: Tschida reported on water and sewer levels as well as the various tasks done throughout the city. Notice Effective Immediately: Due to the recent dry weather conditions and our declining water levels, we are implementing an odd/even watering ban. Odd number houses can water on odd number calendar days and even number houses can water on even number calendar days.

City Office Report: Popp reviewed the June Calendar and is looking forward to the League of Minnesota Cities Conference in Duluth.

Planning Commission: Larry Bartells reported the committee discussed to eliminate the $35.00 charge to demolish buildings. Rene moved to approve to eliminate the $35.00 charge to demolish buildings, 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.

Heritage Days: A meeting is scheduled for June 14, 2023, at 7:00 PM. Everything is set for August 12 & 13th.

Unfinished Business: Well: The city will contact Thein Well and continue exploring the options.

New Business: Donation of $4,000.00 to Heritage Days, Lange moved to donate $4,000.00 to Heritage Days account, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.

Garbage Cans: Council had discussion on city garbage cans.

Community Center Air Conditioning and Furnace: Rene moved to donate up to $3,000.00 to the Upsala Community Center for replacing the air conditioning and furnace, 2nd by Bartells. Motion carried unanimously.

City of Upsala Sign: Lange moved to proceed with getting an estimate from Everything Signs and taking the best bid to go ahead with ordering the sign, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.

Farmer’s Market: It was a great turn out and the vendors there almost sold out.

Acknowledgements: The Upsala American Legion for the great program presented at Upsala Area School and at the Legion Memorial on Memorial Day. To the Upsala First Response Team who supplied the noon luncheon. It was very much appreciated.

Financials: Bartells moved to approve the bills as presented, 2nd by Rene. Motion carried unanimously.

Updates/FYI: Next Regular City Council Meeting Monday, July 3, 2023, June 8th from 9:00-9:30 Coffee with a Council Member at the Community Center.

Adjourn: Rene moved to adjourn at 8:53 p.m., 2nd by Lange. Motion carried unanimously.

Jane Popp, Clerk/Treasurer

Grey Eagle City • May 9, 2023

The regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph Arnzen at 7:00 pm, on the 9th day of May 2023 in council chambers. Council members present were Brad Johnson, Roland Ahrendt, Brian Hollenkamp and Chris Browen. There were no council members absent. Also in attendance were John Call and Beth Ramacher, and guests: Joe Krueger, Marc Rosenow, Joe Muellner, John Newberg, Margaret (Peg) Newberg, Craig Johnson, Bob Kutter, Tim Ainali, Barb Ainali, Anita Sunderman and Alisha Sunderman.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the amended agenda. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve the minutes of the April 11, 2023 meeting. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the minutes of the April 17, 2023 emergency meeting. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all member voting in favor, motion carried.

Peg Newberg was present to request a building permit for Grey Eagle Housing Association for a cement slab to put new raised garden boxes on. A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the building permit application. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Becky Roering submitted a building permit application for installing asphalt in the parking lot of Becky’s Salon. A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve the building permit application. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Marc Rosenow was present to request a building permit to place a (shipping) container on his lot. A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve the building permit application and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Marc Rosenow also discussed the asphalt condition of Pearl Street (East of Maple Street South) and Brinkman Street.

Joe Muellner was in attendance to discuss

HELP WANTED - MAINTENANCE

The City of Grey Eagle is looking for a Maintenance employee; up to 35 hours per week.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Upkeep of the parks & cemetery: mowing lawn, weed trimming, trash removal, etc.

• Upkeep & routine maintenance of equipment

• Clean the Library, City Hall & Fire Meeting Room

• Snow removal of alleys, sidewalks and parking lots

This position works directly with the City Council.

Applications can be obtained at Grey Eagle City Hall located at 202 Woodman Street South, by email request sent to gecity@meltel.net or on the city website at greyeaglemn.govoffice2.com.

The City of Grey Eagle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

Help Wanted Pt Seasonal Maintenance

The City of Grey Eagle is looking for a PT Maintenance employee. Hours would vary, with approximately 20 hours per week during the summer and as needed during the winter.

Duties include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Upkeep of the parks & cemetery: mowing lawn, weed trimming, trash removal, etc.

• Snow removal of alleys, sidewalks and parking lots the streetlight by The Junction. The Clerk will get a second bid for replacing this streetlight.

This position works directly with the FT Maintenance person and the City Council. Applications can be obtained at Grey Eagle City Hall located at 202 Woodman Street South, by email request sent to gecity@meltel.net or on the city website at greyeaglemn.govoffice2.com.

The City of Grey Eagle is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Provider.

Tim and Barb Ainali were in attendance to discuss their sewer and water connection. Joe Krueger, City Attorney, discussed possible options. A motion was made by Brad Johnson that the City will not disconnect their service as of May 31, 2023 and will negotiate with Tim and Barb Ainali. A second was made by Chris Browen and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Tim and Barb Ainali requested to have the City cease the sewer charges for their shop. A motion was made by Joe Arnzen to approve ceasing the sewer charge if they are not using the service at the shop and have an approved septic. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Joe Krueger was present to discuss the water diverter wall/fence in Duane Karl’s yard. He gave the Council various options to handle the issue. The City will be seeking an injunction.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the news release for the Village Hall Grant. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Joe Arnzen to approve MacDonald & Mack Architects to perform the Village Hall Condition Assessment. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve the quote from the City of Sauk Centre for $1350.00 for street sweeping. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to rent a lift to clean the water runs on the old section of the Fire Hall/City Hall building. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to sign the Arvig fiberoptic construction and service agreements for the City. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to put the 584 International tractor with bucket up for bids. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Discussion was held on various park items. A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve

ATE Recreation to do ARMOR Repair and SportMaster Surfacing of the tennis courts for $22,539.00, which also includes two pickleball courts. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brad Johnson to approve a 14’x28’ cement slab for the tractor pull area in the park. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to approve the use of the Fire Hall on July 15th for the Grey Eagle/Burtrum Lions Appreciation. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Jon Stone’s fence was discussed. This matter will be tabled until a later date.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to complete and submit the Source Water Protection Implementation Grant paperwork when it is received. A second was made by Roland Ahrendt and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to have Cans R Us start servicing Laughlin Park for the summer. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

Flooring in the City Hall and Fire Meeting room were discussed. The Clerk will work with Hennen Flooring for a quote. Further action was tabled until the June meeting.

John Call gave an update on various maintenance and park items. John gave his resignation, effective August 18, 2023.

The Council acknowledges Lori Hellmann for her 24 years with the City of Grey Eagle.

A motion was made by Roland Ahrendt to approve payment of Claims #2722-2745, totaling $16,231.27 and include additional payments of the following: MN Power $2295.94, Long Prairie Leader $185.22, Rahn’s $300.37 and PJ’s Signs $150.00. A second was made by Brian Hollenkamp and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

A motion was made by Brian Hollenkamp to adjourn the meeting at 8:31 pm. A second was made by Brad Johnson and upon vote, with all members voting in favor, motion carried.

The next regular meeting of the Grey Eagle City Council will be held on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 in Council Chambers.

Beth Ramacher, Clerk

Free Healthy Homes Assessments

Health starts at home, and every family deserves a safe and sanitary living environment. Join us in promoting the concept of “Healthy Homes” to prevent diseases like asthma, lead poisoning, and injuries caused by substandard housing. Together, we can make a difference in our community’s well-being.

Todd County Health & Human Services is offering free Healthy Home Assessments to Todd County residents in need of healthy home assistance.

A Healthy Homes Assessment includes:

• Completion of a healthy homes checklist by a trained Healthy Homes practitioner

• Identification of any housing-based health threats

• Information on mitigation efforts including: educational materials, community

Discounts for Seniors & Veterans

320-428-5611 ccsgstcloud@gmail.com resources or programs that would benefit the household in addressing the safety and health concerns.

• Providing supplies to address the issue(s), such as: radon test kit, carbon monoxide monitor, non-toxic cleaning supplies, batteries, childproof locks, private well testing, dehumidifier, trash cans, night lights, non-skid rugs, smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, sheets/pillow covers, vacuum, lead test kits, electrical outlet covers and downspouts.

• A follow-up visit to determine if home safety and health issues have improved.

If you are interested in a Healthy Home Assessment, please contact David Determan at 320-732-4271 or david.determan@ co.todd.mn.us.