Hallock City Council July 1, 2019 meeting

Hallock City Council
Monday, July 1, 2019
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Dave Treumer called the Regular Meeting of the Hallock City Council to order at 5:32 p.m. on July 1, 2019. Those Present: Mayor Dave Treumer, Naomi Larson, Jennifer Peterson, Kevin Waller and Mike Totleben.
Also, Present: City Administrator Angela Grafstrom, Fire Chief Kevin Klein, Margie Holmgren of the Kittson County Enterprise, Bryan Jacobson ofKLJ, Tracee Bruggeman of BradyMartz, Jim Johnson.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Councilor Larson moved to approve the agenda as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Totleben and carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilor Totlehen moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Hallock City Council Meeting of June 3, 2019 as written. The motion was seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously.
FISCAL ISSUES:
Approval of Bills:
Mayor Treumer and Councilor Totleben reviewed bills.
Motion by Councilor Totleben to authorize payment of City bills in the amount of $692,823.59,  General fund, checks #10886 to 10951 and ACH and EFT transactions totaling $692,823.59; which includes a transfer of $53,330.07 to the payroll account to cover wages,  taxes and benefits.  The motion  was seconded by Councilor Peterson and carried unanimously.
Mayor Treumer and Councilor Totleben agreed to review the bills for the August 5, 2019 meeting.
Auditor’s Report:
Tracee Bruggeman of BradyMartz reviewed the 2018 audit with the city council. Copies of the audit and findings are available at the city office for review.
Approve Summer Help Hires:
2019 Summer Employment Hires:
Baseball: Zachary Johnson
Maintenance: Alecsys Johnson and Robert Bridges
Motion by Councilor Peterson to approve additional 2019 summer help hires Alecsys Johnson, Robert Bridges and Zachary Johnson. Motion seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously.
Approve Pay Scale for Summer Mowers:
Council chose to take no action on this item as they felt the Lifeguards have more training and we should raise their pay as well. They council will reconsider the pay scale for summer help next year to be in keeping with the county.
Approve Additional Bank Functions for Kendra Johnson
Councilor Peterson motioned to allow Kendra Johnson be able to open any deposit or share accounts in the name of the City of Hallock and endorse checks and orders for the payment of money or otherwise withdraw or transfer funds on deposit with American Federal. Motion seconded by Councilor Waller and carried unanimously.
Approve Swim Pass Fee for family of 5 or Less
Motion by Councilor Peterson to approve setting the fee for a family of 5 or less swim pass at $175.00 retroactive to the beginning of the 2019 season. Motion seconded by Councilor Totleben and carried unanimously.
AIRPORT:
Taxi lanes Bids:
Bryan Jacobson from KLJ reported on the cost of the Taxi-lane Project and the fact that this is approved as a multi-year project. Bids came in about 20% higher than anticipated and KLJ has seen this trend across the  board on their projects. Bids  were opened 6/13/19 and the low bid was Taggart  at $382,700.00.  The other  bids received were: Strata, $436,239.40; Knife River, $499,004.00 and Zavoral, $387,472.00. The 2019 entitlement funds, $150,000, are already available, the 2020 entitlement funds, $150,000  will not be available to reimburse the city until August 2020. The final balance of Federal funds would not come to the city until 2021. In 2021 the city is due to payback the City of Warroad for entitlement borrowed  in 2018.  Jacobson spoke to Warroad and they would be willing to wait for the portion of their entitlements, about $58,000, until 2022. The city will have to cover their portion and carry the federal portion until the funds these funds are released. They need to consider whether the loss of hangar rent and the risk of higher bids outweighs the  burden of carrying approximately $210,000 for a year or more. Grafstrom said she could not recommend the council carry that kind of a balance. It would be better to plan ahead and she recommends  they rebid the  project in 2020. Jacobson noted that it will cost about $3,000 to $4,000 for them to rebid the project and this will not be covered by any of the grant funds.
Motion by Councilor Totleben to rebid the Taxi-lanes Project in 2020. Motion seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously.
Fowler Aerial Sprayer Contract:
Mayor Treumer stated that the Fowlers had paid the city $2500. Grafstrom  stated this was her fault  because she was thinking they only owed $1500 each year, not the $2000, so they do still owe the city $1000.00. Grafstrom asked if the council wanted her to contact Fowlers and collect the balance. Treumer and Totleben have been in contact with the Fowlers and there is some question about the power. Fowlers claim they had no power/electricity. Council  told Grafstrom to  hold off on collecting  the balance.  Grafstrom  and Totleben are to meet with the Fowlers and find out what they can about the power situation before council  makes  a decision.
POLICE/PARKS DEPARTMENT:
No report

UTILITY DEPARTMENT:
KLM Contract to Service the Water Tower:
Grafstrom presented the information and told them other area cities like Stephen, Argyle and Karlstad use this company for their regular servicing. The council feels they need more information and would  like to know other options. Council needs Superintendent Larson to address this and tabled the item until the next council meeting when Larson can be present.
FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Klein reported they are stripping equipment off  the JAWS pickup truck to put on the new fire truck. They are not asking for money right now, but what they plan to do, is sell 3 pickup trucks they have on sealed bids and replace them with 2 new pickups. The pickups they have cannot pull their trailer and ranger, so they would need to purchase a 1-ton diesel. They would reduce the fleet by 1 vehicle. He reported they have been through the federal training on how to deal with protestors if they come to protest the pipeline.  If they help with the protestors, they would need their trailer and tools. They are looking for grants and donations to purchase the tools they would need.
Chief Klein brought the new fire truck up to the meeting for the council to see  it.  They meeting recessed while councilors went out and looked at the new truck. Councilor Peterson left at this time as she had another meeting to attend.
OLD BUSINESS:
None.
OTHER BUSINESS:
Jim Johnson
Senior Citizens Center
Johnson reported the city’s agreement with the Senior Citizens Center has expired and he would  like the council to renew the agreement. Grafstrom reported she spoke with the City Attorney George Hanson and he said this agreement is fine and it covers the city.
Councilor Waller motioned to approve signing the contract with the Senior Citizens Center extending the agreement to June 30, 2024. Motion was seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously.
Flower Committee
Johnson reported the committee has their own funds and were able to buy a used ranger last year. They like to know they have a year’s funds in case of a shortfall. In the past, the city has budgeted about $3000  for the flower committee, but this has not been a budget  item since 2015.  Johnson said it has not been an issue and  the city has paid invoices when necessary. Johnson said they would like to get reimbursed  for the plants they put on city property. Council is okay with this.  Grafstrom stated the city will need an invoice,  as the auditor just reprimanded the council for paying things without proper documentation. Waller agreed we need  an invoice. Treurner asked how many people are involved  in the committee  and Johnson said around 30.  12 to  14 people do the planting , then people water and they until September and pull the plants.
Johnson has been buying garland and lights to decorate the gazebo in winter. It might be nice to have funds to replace the lights when needed. Mayor Treurner asked how much they would like the city to budget for in 2020. Johnson said they probably only need around $1,000 as they do have money, but he suggested the city budget $2,500 to $3,000.
Gambling Permit for Hallock Eagles
Councilor Larson motioned to approve the off-sight gambling permit for the Hallock Eagles. Motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and carried unanimously, with Totleben abstaining.
Council Roundtable
Totleben  said the city should talk to Anderson Sanitation about  putting garbage cans downtown.  At least 3 or 4 so people aren’t throwing cigarette butts and garbage in the planters downtown. It was mentioned  they used  to have the baskets  attached  to the light poles.  But they need to be emptied.  Maybe Anderson’s  would  do it or maybe the maintenance department or summer help could empty them. They need to be something that  won’t blow around. Have Dan check on the cost and options.
Naomi Larson said John Younggren asked about the city banner he purchased. This is one of the light pole banners various individuals and businesses have purchased. It was noted many are missing. Grafstrom stated they are put back up when they are found, if they are not damaged and can be hung up. Council said to check with Dan to make sure they aren’t in a shed or at the shop. If there are any that are in good shape, they should  be put back up.
Councilor Waller commented that someone who mowed at Horseshoe Park hit a bag or paper and didn’t clean up the debris. They need to check the area when they are done mowing and pick up the garbage. He said  another issue that is going to come up when the wine bar opens is whether it will be okay for people to take their wine and go get food at the Rev Ale Food Carts. The council should proactively draft an ordinance allowing people to walk around on the street with drinks and go between the businesses. Grafstrom stated that the wine bar has a full liquor license and can serve beer as well so there would be no reason  to wonder  between the businesses. They will also be serving appetizers and snacks.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Councilor Larson moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Hallock City Council of July 1, 2019. The motion was seconded by Councilor Totleben and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.
Dave Treumer, Mayor
Angela M. Grafstrom,
City Clerk/Administrator
(August 14, 2019)
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