Lanesboro City Council
Monday, October 15th, 2007
Council Chambers at 5:30 p.m.

Present: Steve Rahn, Joe O’Connor, Kevin Drake, Tom Dybing and Vince Jeannette

Absent:

Visitors: Lisa Brainard, Jade Wangen, Dillon Dombrovski, Don Miller, Leroy Erickson, Kerry Lea, Rick Pottebaum and Kirsten Mensing

REGULAR MEETING:
The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Steve Rahn.
The agenda was approved, with the additions of a letter from the “Friends of Rushford” and an update on the State House meeting on capital bonding, with a motion by Jeanette, second by Drake, motion carried.
The minutes from the regular City Council on October 1st, 2007 were approved with a motion from O’Connor, second Jeanette, motion carried.

PERSONS WITH BUSINESS BEFORE THE COUNCIL:
Leroy Erickson – Legion Lawful Gambling Resolution and Question on New Smoking Ban:
Torgerson presented a resolution allowing lawful gambling at the Legion. Drake mad a motion to approve the resolution, second Jeanette, motion carried. Erickson questioned how far patrons who smoke had to be from the building for the new smoking ban. Jeanette explained that Fillmore County did not make further requirements so as long as the patrons are outside they are legal. Erickson stated that the Fillmore County Sheriff stated at a meeting that they had to be 15 feet away. Both Torgerson and Jeanette stated that they were pretty sure that there was no law supporting that. Torgerson stated she would get the law from the Sheriff the following day so that Erickson could have it verified.

Kerry Lea – Flood Recovery Partners for FEMA:
Lea noted that there is a new group under FEMA called Flood Recovery Partners and they are here to help those effected by the flood in any way they can. She stated that the emotional impact of the flooding is overwhelming and that their group can help. She asked that if the Council or staff is aware of flood victim families that are in the community to give them the information so that they can reach out to them. Mayor Rahn thanked Lea for their group reaching out to the victims of the flooding.

HOUSEKEEPING:
Account Payable:
Dybing made a motion to pay the bills as presented, second Jeanette, motion carried.
Administrator Report:
Torgerson went over financial status of the City with bank account dollars. She explained that they will have to work with the auditors to figure out how to complete the pre-audit items on a timely basis. She also noted that Smith Schaufer will be buying out Lloyd Johnson, CPA audits and that it will be a joint audit with both firms.
Chamber Requests:
The Chamber request to be able to decorate scarecrows for the Fall and Christmas trees for the holiday season. The chamber noted that the business owners will be responsible for removing the items for snow removal. O’Connor made motion to approve the Chamber’s request, second Jeanette, motion carried.
Resignation Letter – Beth Anderson of the Library:
Rahn made a motion to congratulate Beth Anderson on her new position as Library Director for the Preston Library and to thank her for her years of service to the Lanesboro Library, second Drake, motion carried.
Liquor License for Cornucopia Swingsation:
Torgerson noted that John Davis is requesting a temporary liquor license for the November 10th, which is the annual Swingsation event. Dybing made motion to approve the liquor permit, second O’Connor, motion carried.
Fundraiser Letter:
Jeanette read the letter from the “Friends of Rushford”, thanking the City Council and staff for their help with the fundraiser for Rushford. The group was able to raise over $14,000 for the flood victims. They are planning to buy $100 gift cards from Fleet Farm to give to the victims. Torgerson noted that Rob and Ellen Wagner, Ken Graner and Scott and Carla Strom did a great job of organizing the event, she wanted to thank them for all of their hard work.
House of Representatives – Capital Bonding Meeting:
Dybing gave an overview of the meeting held on October 11th. He spoke about the major issues that came up such as fixing the trail from the flooding and the shape of Highway 52. Overall, he felt it was a good starting point.
CIP Plan:
The Council discussed the procedure for enacting the CIP plan and starting some capital improvements. Torgerson noted that we need to have a new assessment policy. She noted that she will work with Dillon from Yaggy Colby to take policies from other Cities and create one for Lanesboro with a 35% assessment based on the CIP plan. The Council discussed the street improvements, sewer, water and sidewalk improvements and made the decision to assess all items at 35%. O’Connor requested that Torgerson bring Bubany to one of the next meetings to work with them on the numbers. The first steps seem were pointed out to be; a policy on assessments, working with Mike Bubany on numbers and a group that defines the projects. Also, need to work with other policies to figure out a way to assess corner lots. O’Connor made a motion to proceed with Yaggy Colby and Mike Bubany for an assessment policy for the Council to look at by the next meeting, second Dybing, motion carried. It was also noted that two members of the Council, along with Torgerson, Jim Peterson and Andy Drake work on the selection of the projects. O’Connor volunteered to work with the staff to identify projects as did Mayor Rahn. Torgerson will seek quotes from Yaggy and then meet with the group. Kirsten Mensing asked that when the Whittier project is worked on to have them work after 7:30am, due to her guests. Torgerson noted that she has already marked that down for consideration when they do the work.
Citizens Comments
There were no citizen comments. However, O’Connor wanted to say a special thank you to the “Friends of Rushford” for their hard work and all the people that donated to the event. He noted that it was a great fundraiser and Jeanette noted all of the people that helped and the gratitude for all that were involved.

With no further business at 6:19 p.m., O’Connor made motion to adjourn, second Rahn, motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Bobbie Torgerson

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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