Lanesboro City Council
May 7th, 2007
Council Chambers @ 5:00pm

Members Present: Tom Dybing, Vince Jeanette, Joe O’Connor, Kevin Drake & Steve Rahn
Members Absent: None

Visitors: Thomas Manion, Dave Harrenstein, Julie Kiehne, Wanda Hanson, Lisa Brainerd, Donna Rasmussen, Andy Drake, Carla Noack, Kevin Meyer, Terry and Ginger Neuman, Mark Welch, Chad Ascheman, Everett & Betty Johnson, Bucky Rogers, Kevin Meyer, Tim Willette and Peggy Hanson

Mayor Rahn called the meeting to order:

AGENDA: With the additions of Mark Brewster road vacation request, Terry & Ginger Neuman Lights Complaint, Holt Township Road responsibility and Pottebaum items on Property Right of Way, O’Connor made motion to approve the amended agenda, second Dybing, motion carried.

MINUTES: O’Connor made motion to approve minutes as presented, second Jeanette, motion carried.

PERSONS WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THE COUNCIL:
Kiehne, Hanson & Harrenstein: Garrison Keillor: Request for Highway 8 closure during the Garrison Keillor show from 7:30-10pm, June 1st. The production company was concerned about noise affecting the recording of the show. O’Connor made motion to support the request to close the road, second Dybing, during discussion, Jeanette questioned about as to whether cars could be allowed or not. Harrison noted that this has already been considered, however, Duane Bakke, County Commissioner had presented the issue to the Sheriff and the County Engineer and both felt that the police should not have to decide who can come in and who can not. Motion was carried unanimously after discussion. Kiehne and Harrenstein also asked if the City lights outlining the buildings downtown could be on for the event. Kiehne asked if the Council would be willing to donate half of the amount for flower baskets this year, since the Chamber has made the effort to pay for half. Council wished the business members would contribute towards the flower baskets after being down that road before. The group also asked for permission to chalk up the softball fields. Harrenstein also asked for City Staff’s help to put up a snow fence for the event. Joe O’Connor thought maybe the Lions could do the snow fence. Rahn said that the chalk could be used. Outlining lights, Torgerson said all of the lights would need to be hooked up and that if the guys would have enough time, it may be able to be done, however the guys will have a very busy next couple of weeks. Jeanette made motion that if time permits, the staff try to get outline lights in operation, second Dybing, motion carried. Harrenstein mentioned that he had originally asked for a temporary alcohol permit, he wanted to let the Council know that the request has been withdrawn and alcohol will not be served at the event. Peggy Hanson presented the food serving plans. Food will be served at the Sons of Norway Hall and the Fire Hall. There will also be concessions at the ball field. Items that will be served will be; meatballs on a stick, Uffdadogs (hot dogs wrapped in lefse), bars, and ice cream treats. Fire trucks will be across the street and the parking area will be used for food. Hanson would like permission from the Council to block off the section of the street that is blocked off for BBDs. Hanson asked to have the road closed at noon on Friday of Garrison Keillor with Barricades provided by the City. Dybing made motion to close Coffee Street West at noon on June 1st and allow for deliveries only and emergency vehicles, O’Connor seconds it with advance notification to all businesses and groups involved, Jeanette added to be sure that it is done by volunteers and not City workers, motion carried.

Donna Rasmussen and Tim Willette from the School: Rasmussen handed out flyers for which she and the school would like to partner to do a “Storm Drain Stenciling” project. Rasmussen requested the stenciling project to inform people that storm water runs into the river and what items go down them, go in the river. Rahn made motion to approve the stenciling progject, second Dybing, motion carried.

Kevin Meyer- Parking Request for Flea Market: Meyer would like to request parking in the alley by his property (the old lumber yard area). Rahn mentioned that it was a Fire Lane that goes through the alley area, so parking is not permitted. With that said, Meyer asked about property to the West of his property which is a grassy area that belongs to the City, he was wondering if he could use that area for parking, as long as he maintained it. The City property is west of the property, directly behind the township shed. He only requested to use the property during summer months on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Rahn did not feel it was a problem to have parking there. If a problem occurs, the Council will revisit the issue. Jeanette made motion to allow the grassy area to the West for parking during the summer months for parking, second Dybing, motion carried.

Mark Welch, GGG & Chad Ascheman & Land Owners: Mark approached the Council, and provided an agreement that Johnsons have signed to state that the land split could occur. Discussion occurred as to who’s property is what still, but the discussion came to a conclusion that it is a personal property matter between the Johnsons and Rogers. Dybing questioned elevations on the property and noted that he had concerns as to whether anyone would be able to obtain a building permit to even build on the lot split. Manion questioned the agreement and stated that the City should not be involved with a land owner agreement, however if there is an agreement, he would like to see what has been resolved as far as issues related to the City. Rahn made motion to wait until a finalized signed agreement is presented, second O’Connor, motion carried.

Terry Neuman – Mrs. B’s: Torgerson noted that a letter from the Neumans was in the Council Packet. Neuman approached the council and stated that the new lights present light pollution, which consists of two to three times the light that used to be in the street. The light radiates out and into his windows at Mrs. B’s. Neuman explained that the lights need to be addressed for Green environment issues and his business issues, he stated he is losing business due to the lights shining in the building. Someone questioned about shades that do not allow light in and Neuman stated that he has those blinds and they are not working. Neuman requested that the Council look into shields with arcs that allow the light to radiate out, which would prevent light coming into his business. Torgerson stated that she has e-mailed the engineer to find out about wattage necessary and also if there are shields available for the globes. Torgerson stated that she was pretty sure that they had the most minimal lighting possible for State requirements. O’Connor made motion to present this issue to the Public Utilities Commission for cost and options available, second Dybing, motion carried.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:
PU: Kevin – Utilities met with Mike Wish with DPC and Brian Krambeer with TEC for future contractual agreements. The Commission discussed that the power line upgrade for Church Hill will be done this year. UMMPA proposals are out and will be accepted. Diesel Engine is Bio-diesel capable, new tank required. Looking at the future for green power. Power Plant all remodeled. The Public Utilities Commission reviewed the Brewster request for street vacation and had concerns for vacating that area due to the extensive utilities located there. They advise the Council not to vacate the road in question.
EDA: Discussed the Town Meeting and the Comprehensive Plan. Noack handed out the first draft of the 20/20 plan. Carla Noack presented a preliminary comprehensive plan to the Council during this time. Carla handed out the plan to all of the Council member and explained it through and requested that the Council contact her or Torgerson for changes and questions.
TMI: O’Connor noted that the first TMI meeting was held on April 23rd and 80-90 people attended. There was a lot of enthusiasm and energy. Also, O’Connor noted a lot of ongoing encouragement. The TMI Group has outlined a selection process for the projects and then the TMI group will decide to rank them.

HOUSEKEEPING:
A. Holt Township Road: Torgerson noted to the Council that she has had numerous complaints and a call from a township board member that the road past Zenith is our responsibility. Torgerson mentioned that she had thought this was taken care of last year, however it obviously has not had closure. O’Connor made motion to send a letter to Holt Township to establish a new maintenance agreement for the extending road from Zenith, asking Holt Township members to come to a Council meeting, second Jeanette, motion carried.
B. Pottebaum / Sign : Torgerson asked what the City can legally do about the personal items at the Pottebaum residence on the City Right of Way. Manion stated that we should be able to remove the items. Drake, Street Supervisor, asked what we could do with the items. Manion stated that Tuesday morning he would like to meet with Andy Drake and Bobbie Torgerson to review the issues and take pictures. Once, we have established the problems, they will be taken care of. Torgerson mentioned that the golf course board is not happy with the situation and want it taken care of.
C. Pay Equity: Torgerson explained the procedure and the paper work that was involved. Mainly, Rahn and Torgerson, took the existing pay scale and extended it. All employees, mainly stayed the same as far as the point system, except for Wagner, who has taken on more responsibility.
D. Local Sales Tax: Dybing talked to Tschumper about the Local Sales Tax and the Lanesboro Local Sales Tax is not currently in the legislation.
E. Employee Health Insurance: The employees will be meeting the following day on insurance. Torgerson asked the Council to allow the employees choose with a majority vote for what type of health insurance they will pursue. O’Connor made motion to approve the employees to choose their health insurance policy with a majority vote, Drake second, motion carried.
F. Softball Maintenance: Torgerson noted that there is a lot of unused beautiful green space in the softball field area and she will be asking for a bulldozing quote, which may allow some upgrades in that area. Once she receives quotes, she will present to the Council.
G. Ambulance Billing Increase: Torgerson noted the increase in billing expenses for Sweet Soft. The Council agreed that they like what the company has done and increases are to be expected.
H. Earth Day – Thank you: Torgerson thanked everyone that helped with Earth Day. She noted what a great job Jim Peterson did on the Utility Plant tours and how great it was to have Eagle Bluff and the City working with each other. She feels that this will be a continuing relationship and hopes for an even bigger turn out next year.
I. Round Table discussion cancelled: Torgerson mentioned that the round table discussion was cancelled.
J. Mark Brewster vacation of street and rezone: Torgerson noted that the Utilities Commission was concerned with all of the easement confinements that would need to be recorded. They are requesting the Council not to approve a street vacation. Dybing made motion to call public hearing ,which was recommended by P&Z, for Brewster on a rezone request that will be held on May 21st at 5:30pm, second Jeanette, motion carried.
K. Citizens’ Comments: No Citizens

ADJORN:
At 7:33pm Jeanette made motion to adjourn, Rahn second, motion carried.

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City of Lanesboro Steven L. Rahn, Mayor | Bobbie Vickerman, City Administrator 202 Parkway Avenue South - - Lanesboro, MN 55949 507-467-3722 | lanesboro@acegroup.cc