CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, March 13, 2023 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Holmes.
PRESENT: Council: Ryan Holmes, Stuart Ohr, Eric Dierks, Jeremiah Flotterud, and Rebecca Haugen
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Karen Masters
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, Melissa Meyers – Zumbrota News-Record, Larry VanDeWalker, Richard Turri, Todd Greseth – Goodhue County Commissioner, and Josh McGovern – Kenyon Leader.
ADOPT AGENDA: Haugen motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Flotterud. Passed 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Ohr motioned, seconded by Dierks. Passed 5-0-0.
Mayor Holmes recognized former Wanamingo City Councilmember Larry VanDeWalker’s sixteen (16) years of service on the Wanamingo City Council. A service plaque was given to Larry VanDeWalker on behalf of the City of Wanamingo. Holmes stated his appreciation for VanDeWalker’s service to the City and acknowledged serving together for all sixteen (16) years. VanDeWalker said that he was proud of the progress and the positive direction of the City the past sixteen (16) years. VanDeWalker especially thanked Mayor Holmes and their continuous service together. VanDeWalker thanked Administrator Boulton who he, Mayor Holmes, and past Council have worked with to improve the financial situation of the City. VanDeWalker stated that Boulton’s leadership in working with the Council has created a vision for the future of the City. VanDeWalker also thanked the hard work of the maintenance staff and deputy clerks that he has worked with over his Council tenure. VanDeWalker stated that the staff has had to adapt to and endure difficult past financial situations. VanDeWalker stated that a similar financial situation could arise again without vigilance, planning, and follow through by the Council and staff.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Plowed snow, moved snow from cul-de-sacs, and sanded the streets
2) Street Sweeper has been repaired and is serviced to start the season
3) Replaced forty-seven (47) water meters around town in the past month. Have additional appointments lined up for replacing later this week. Hoping to replace twenty-five (25) per month to complete the entire town in two years. Have roughly forty-eight (48) standard meters and endpoints on hand, to be installed. Only have three (3) larger sized meters left to install as part of the replacement process.
4) The F550 work truck chassis State bid order is planned to be placed in summer 2023 (June-August). The anticipated delivery would be in 2024. The 2023 State bid price is estimated at $55,000. Working with Towmaster Truck Equipment and Crysteel Truck Equipment on prices for the accessories such as box, snow plow, wing, hydraulic controls, tool box, and other list items. Crysteel Truck Equipment put together an $82,447 State Cooperative Pricing for the requested items. Crysteel stated that the order would be 390 days out to fulfill.
5) John Deere track skid loader is broken down. Blew main drive hydraulic motor. This filled the hydraulic system with metal filings. All of the parts and repairs are covered under the City lease and warranty. Not sure when the skid loader will be repaired and delivered back to the City. In the meantime, Midwest Machinery has provided the City with another skid loader to use until ours is repaired.
6) One-ton Chevrolet pick-up is broken down. Was originally in for tune up that includes replacing spark plugs, wires, filter, distributor cap, rotor, lower intake gaskets, plenum, valve cover gaskets, water pump and thermostat. Soon after getting the pick-up back there were new engine noises. The pick-up is back at the shop with issues involving the cam shaft.
7) Prairie Ridge Estates basketball hoop and base that includes stainless steel mesh backboard - estimate of $3,500
8) The Mingo View Drive and Downtown water towers are scheduled for removal by Iseler Demolition sometime in mid to late April.
9) The 950 Caterpillar Front End Payloader has been gradually losing power this winter. The plan is to collect and send oil samples into Zeigler in order to narrow down what could be causing the lose of power. Once determined what needs to be repaired it will be completed this summer. Ohr stated that a pressure test could also be completed to see if there are issues with converter, transmission, or compression.
10) Ford tractor clutch replaced and new fuel return line installed.
Boulton and Kennedy asked if the Council had concerns with the F550 chassis or accessories. The Council had no concerns with the truck pricing or accessories. Boulton stated that a formal resolution will be brought to the Council for consideration of approval at the April 10th City Council meeting. Kennedy and Boulton asked if there were any concerns on ordering the basketball hoop and base for the Prairie Ridge Estates Park. The Council had no concerns with the chosen basketball hoop and base.
B) David Jacobsen, Wanamingo City Attorney, reported on:
1) Provided a written 2022 summary of criminal and civil attorney services
2) City of Wanamingo pays $1,050/month for prosecution services and $600/month for civil work to Jacobsen Law Firm, P.A.
3) Law firm has been handling prosecution since 2011 and civil since 2014. Steve Jorstad, 'of counsel', handled prosecutions and civil (off and on) for the City since 1975. Jorstad and Mike Hero are both part-time. Has one paralegal, and one legal assistant.
4) AJ Lindell left Jacobsen Law Firm, P.A. in December 2022
5) Gave breakdown of Prosecuted Offenses within City of Wanamingo - 22 offenses (16 traffic and 6 community offenses). 17 of the 22 cases have been closed.
6) There were 72 hours dedicated towards prosecution for the City of Wanamingo in 2022
7) The City of Wanamingo received $1,3810.78 in fine revenue after Goodhue County and State of MN received their shares of $5,562.06 total fines.
8) Civil attorney work included: supported staff, reviewed Council packets, drafted ordinances (sewer changes and Driveway), easement work for 2022 water project, lot split/parcel combinations, variance requests, rezoning requests, personnel advice, WWTP policy updates, MPCA enforcement consultation, and provided advice to Council and Staff.
C) Richard Turri, Licensed WWTP Operator, reported on:
1) Has been licensed WWTP operator for the City of Wanamingo since 2011.
2) Wanamingo WWTP is a class B facility. Need operator with at least a class B operator license, Richard Turri has a class A operator license. Ongoing training of 32 hours/three years and 6 hours training for biosolids applicator license.
3) Waste water treatment facility is running well due to maintenance staff dedicated time to repair and maintenance.
4) Facility is aging out. Items are rusting, falling apart, seizing up, and deteriorating. The Wanamingo WWTP needs to be replaced in the near future.
5) WWTP licensed operator completes monthly reports, advises maintenance staff on the operations of plant, and is a liaison with the MPCA and EPA.
6) Has intentions of retiring from full-time job in the next three years but will stick around to assist for a while after that.
Holmes expressed his appreciation in Turri taking on the role of waste water treatment plant operator. Holmes said that Turri has been a great asset in keeping the facility operating smoothly.
D) Todd Greseth, Goodhue County Commissioner, reported on:
1) The County has been working on State priorities at the Capitol
2) The Board has been working on recruiting and retaining staff in the County. The County has been conducting a wage study with hopes of keeping up with market trends.
Ohr asked about City Street project and when the County Road loop around the school was scheduled. Greseth stated that the curb/gutter work would be completed in 2023 while the asphalt work (reclaim/pave) was scheduled for 2024.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION:
RESOLUTION 23-015 = Approving Agreement to Amend Water Tower Lease Agreements by MN WiFi, Northfield WiFi, and LTD Broadband: Flotterud moved to approve, seconded by Ohr. Boulton asked what to charge MN WiFi for the monthly rent at the Fire Hall. Boulton stated that equipment will utilize $6-$8/month in electricity. Boulton had penciled in $25/month while MN WiFi wished to see $15/month. Dierks said split the cost at $20/month. Passed 5-0-0.
RESOLUTION 23-016 = Approving 2023 2nd Quarter Maintenance Work Plan: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Ohr. Passed 5-0-0.
RESOLUTION 23-017 = Certifying Delinquent Utility Bills and Other Services to the Goodhue County Auditor for Collection with 2024 Real Estate Taxes: Ohr moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Boulton stated that the original certification list included four parcels. This twice a year process pushes those behind to get paid up. The list narrowed to one for certification. Mayor Holmes asked if anyone wished to contest the certifications. No input was given. Passed 5-0-0.
RESOLUTION 23-018 = Approving a John Deere 331G Compact Track Skid Loader Lease and Service Agreement With Midwest Machinery Co: Ohr moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Flotterud asked how many hours the City used on the first lease. Kennedy stated that the City used 180 of the contracted 200 hours. Passed 5-0-0.
RESOLUTION 23-019 = Approving the Sale of Land and Development Agreement with Goodhue County Habitat For Humanity, INC.: Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Flotterud. Passed 5-0-0.
RESOLUTION 23-020 = Approving a Service and Rental Agreement with Quadient for the City of Wanamingo’s Postage Meter: Ohr moved to approve, seconded by Haugen. Flotterud suggested that the City look to emailed billings for those that prefer to save in printing and postage cost in the future. Boulton stated that this would require additional software upgrades. Boulton stated that the staff need to complete the water meter replacement program and the planned I.T. storage and security upgrade before taking on this additional project. Boulton suggested that emailed utility billing would be looked into this fall or winter. Passed 5-0-0.
Administrator Boulton provided a memo regarding Midwest Machinery additional water request. Midwest Machinery (John Deere) has a need for larger volume of water at their location. Midwest Machinery approached the City seeking written approval to install a new, deeper well. Midwest Machinery has obtained estimates for the new well of $25,000-$30,000. Midwest Machinery currently has a shallow (less than thirty feet) private well. Midwest Machinery is connected to City sewer by a force main that pumps sewage to West Avenue through Bill Hermann’s pasture.
Goodhue County permits and inspects new and existing wells. Since Midwest Machinery is within the City of Wanamingo, Goodhue County requires written approval from the City for new wells before formal approval by Goodhue County. Wanamingo Code of Ordinances 53.04 (A) makes it unlawful to construct new private wells within the City (existing private wells are exempt). 53.04 (C) allow the City to determine expansion of City water system. Certain conditions, such as high costs or soil conditions, can make connecting to City water not feasible. There are currently no policies that define what specific conditions make connecting to City water not feasible.
City Staff have recommended requiring those that wish to install a new well for water to pay for rough feasibility numbers to install City water to their parcel. This would allow for the City Council to review the cost of well installation and weigh it against the cost and any conditions of connecting to City Water. The Council should only approve private wells when costs or conditions are significantly higher than private well costs. The Council should determine what costs and conditions make City water unfeasible. Examples for City water being unfeasible may include when costs exceed three to four times or when soil conditions such as river crossing or rock add to the difficulty or cost. The Council should place a premium on requiring connecting to City water in order to limit wells that could contaminate the DWSMA (Drinking Water Supply Management Area). Also, it is in the City’s interest to have additional usage and billing for water to locations within the City.
Brandon Theobald of WHKS (City consulting engineer) has put together a rough feasibility costs to install a water line alongside the existing sewer force main. Theobald estimates that there is roughly 950 feet of 1” private water line that would need to be bored from West Avenue to the Northeast corner of Midwest Machinery’s shop. There would be additional line-item costs such as mobilization, curb stop, rock excavation, bituminous parking lost repair, and erosion control/turf establishment. The total engineer’s estimate is $32,500 for these line items. The costs do not include Midwest Machinery obtaining easements from Bill Hermann to install the lines over his property. Theobald has recommended that Midwest Machinery speak to a local contractor to verify costs and check on construction availability. Dierks stated the Midwest Machinery should hook up to City water rather than drill private well. Flotterud stated that Midwest should hook up to City water but that each well request should be compared against hooking up to City water with costs and other extenuating circumstances. Flotterud stated that large business users should differ from residential requests. Flotterud stated that the Council should be presented with the well and City water hook up estimates for each request. Ohr asked if the current Midwest Machinery sewer line was on a public easement. Boulton stated that the private sewer line was on a private easement through Bill Hermann’s pasture. Boulton stated that Midwest Machinery would need to speak with the Hermann family to obtain any easement for a proposed water line. Boulton stated that the Council should discuss future growth needs on the West side of town along MN TH 60. Boulton stated that it may not be economically feasible to extend public water and sewer to this side of town, but the concept should be acknowledged. Ohr stated that there should be a plan to extend public water and sewer to this side of town, but that it is not feasible without demand. Kennedy stated that this area is too low to be serviced by gravity sewer lines and that it would require a lift and/or pumping system.
OLD BUSINESS:
Administrator Boulton provided a letter from Jabe Companies LLC, who are representing Dollar General, regarding development. Jabe Companies LLC/Dollar General decided not to exercise the purchase agreement with Ag Partners regarding the former 60 Stop location at 677 3rd Avenue. Dollar General did not wish to address mitigation for environment contamination at the site, no matter the scale of the work. Jabe Companies LLC/Dollar General has a purchase price by Lew Growth for 14.8 acres of commercially zoned vacant farmland along MN TH 60. Jabe Companies LLC/Dollar General only want to own a 1.5-acre parcel. Jabe Companies LLC/Dollar General propose 1.5 acres to Dollar General/Byzantine, Inc, 3 acres to the Department of Transportation, and 10.3 acres to the Wanamingo EDA. MSP Properties will perform a full survey of the property prior to closing. It is proposed that the Wanamingo EDA pay $1.00 for the sale of the 10.3 acres. Boulton stated that the EDA approved a motion regarding the concept plan proposed by Jabe Companies LLC. Flotterud stated that Dollar General would need MN TH 60 direct access. Holmes stated that he had concerns with street access to the property and want to make sure there is access off MN TH 60. Boulton stated that the developer would need to work with MNDOT regarding MN TH 60 access.
Administrator Boulton provided a North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District group update. The group continues to meet monthly. The group has continued to gather information and work with our lobbyist on strategy for obtaining State funding in order to feasibly move forward with a joint sanitary sewer plant and collections system. Prairie Island Indian Community has stepped up with support, including lobbying and obtaining DFL authors to the bills.
The Minnesota Senate and House $47,700,000 (1/2 costs) capital requests for the North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District have been introduced. The general fund cash request bills are HF 2179 and SF 1792. The G.O. Bond request bills are HF 2180 and SF 1793. The Cities lobbyist, Winthrop & Weinstine, have been lining up appointments with State House & Senate Capital Investment Committee Members.
Wanamingo City Administrator Michael Boulton joined Goodhue Mayor Ellen Anderson Buck, Goodhue Council member Patrice O’Reilly, Pine Island Mayor David Friese, Pine Island City Administrator Elizabeth Howard, Zumbrota City Council Member Bob Prigge, and Zumbrota City Administrator Brian Grudem at the 2023 League of Minnesota Cities Legislative Conference. The Legislative Conference was held at the Double Tree Hotel in downtown St. Paul. The conference included remarks from Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (DFL), House Speaker Melissa Hortman (DFL), and Representative Jim Nash (R). There as an update on edible cannabis and how we may foresee Cities will be impacted if cannabis is made legal in Minnesota. The League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Staff gave legislative updates on proposed legislation that effects Cities.
Conference attendees went to the capitol to speak with their legislators in the afternoon. The full North Zumbro Sanitary Sewer District delegation spoke with Gene Pelowski (DFL – Winona) regarding the request. Representative Pelowski is a member of the House Capital investments committee. The Goodhue delegation met with Representative Pam Altendorf (R). The Zumbrota delegation met with Representative Steve Jacob. Wanamingo City Administrator Boulton met with Representative Daniels (R). The delegations were each hosted by their representative as guests at the House Republican caucus before the House adjourned. Wanamingo and Zumbrota delegates had previously had their representative obtain House Floor passes for session. Delegates were able to speak with Representative Dean Urdahl (R) in the House retiring room. Representative Urdahl is the ranking member on the House Capital Investments Committee. Finally, the Goodhue, Wanamingo, and Pine Island Members met with Senator Drazkowski (R) regarding the legislation and strategy moving forward to see the request included in bonding bill. A delegation of City representatives will continue to meet with members of the House and Senate Capital Investments committee members to explain about the project and make the case for the capital request.
The Wanamingo Fire Relief Association Vintage Snowmobile Ride, Chili Cook-Off, and Bean Bag Tournament went very well. Attendance was above normal due to having snow on the ground to complete the ride. This was the fourteenth annual vintage snowmobile event hosted by the Wanamingo Fire Relief Association. The Council chili did not place in the cook-off event but was well received. Boulton thanked Haugen for obtaining the hamburger donation for the City Council chili entry from Lorentz Meats.
*Next City Council meeting on 4/10/2023 at 7:00pm.
Adjourn: At 8:06 PM a motion to adjourn was made by Dierks and seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
