City of Hallock minutes from the March 2, 2020 council meeting

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE HALLOCK CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Dave Treumer called the regular meeting of the Hallock City Council to order at 5:31 pm on March 2, 2020. Those Present: Mayor Dave Treumer, Naomi Larson, Kevin Waller and Mike Totleben.
Members absent: Jennifer Peterson
Also present: City Clerk-Administrator Aimee Sugden, Utility Superintendent Dan Larson, Chief of Police Mike Docken, Fire Chief Kevin Klein, Airport Manager Jeremy Seng and Anna Jahoula of the Kittson County Enterprise.
APPROVE AGENDA:
Councilor Totleben moved to approve the agenda as presented.  The motion was seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Councilor Larson moved to approve the Minutes of the Hallock City Council Meeting of February 3, 2020 as written.  The motion was seconded by Councilor Totleben and carried unanimously.
FISCAL & ADMINISTRATIVE 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 $335,583.80, General fund, checks #11299 to #11342, which includes a transfer of $33,500 to the payroll account to cover wages, taxes and benefits.  The motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and carried unanimously.
Mayor Treumer and Councilor Totleben will review bills for the April 6, 2020 meeting.
Fire Department:
Fire Chief Klein reported that the three new firemen approved at the last meeting have started. Ten members of the department are headed to a training in Detroit Lakes next weekend. The Gambling Fund is in the process of purchasing a Polaris Ranger for the department. The vehicle is being purchased from the DNR. The department received a donation of chairs from a military base. Starting next month, they will be on a new paging system. The department received one call in the month of February.
Police Department Report:
Police Chief Docken reported that he received a grant from TC Energy for $5,000 to go towards updating the city’s siren system. He, along with Administrator Sugden will get a count of street signs in town and their condition to formulate a plan for updating.
Utility & Parks Department Report:
Utility Superintendent Larson reported a quieter month than last year at this time. They have handled a few snow events and water breaks. In addition, they fixed a gate on MN-HWY 175 that should help with any spring flooding.
Larson reported that he and Administrator Sugden spoke to Todd Johnson from the Hallock Community Fund about funding for updating an additional pump at the pool when it is being fixed this spring. Johnson said the Community Fund would likely be able to support the cost. Sugden is sending additional information, including costs, to him for the committee to review.
Larson reported that the department would like to order paint for the pool now so that it is in-hand by the time repairs are done. Motion by Councilor Totleben to purchase 5 gallons of blue paint and 10 gallons of white paint for the pool. The motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and carried unanimously.
Larson asked the council to consider purchasing an additional water pump for the department. He stated the current pump is old and they would like a new one to primarily use and move the old one to a backup. He presented varying price points to the council. Councilors questioned the cost in related to this year’s budget. Administrator Sugden said she would look into the budget to see if it is something that would work this year. No further action was taken.
Airport:
Airport Manager, Jeremy Seng presented the council with copies of MNDOT’s Airport Study. He noted that city’s airport has a $3 million economic impact in the region. In addition, Seng reported that one of the doors at the old T-hangar is broken, a downspout on the new hangar is being repaired (warranty) and the taxi lane project will be re-bid by the end-of-the-month.
New Business:
Resolution 2020-05, Authorizing Administrator Sugden to execute MNDOT Airport Maintenance and Operation Grant Contracts
Motion by Councilor Totleben to approve Resolution 2020-05. The motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and carried unanimously.
Resolution 2020-06, Adopting a safety manual
Motion by Councilor Totleben to approve Resolution 2020-06. The motion was seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously.
Zoning Permit 2020-01, 502 S Elm Ave
Motion by Councilor Larson to approve Zoning Permit 2020-01. The motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and carried unanimously.
Kittson County Ag Society Temporary Liquor License
Motion by Councilor Totleben to approve a temporary liquor license for the Kittson County Ag Society effective July 9-12, 2020. The motion was seconded by Councilor Larson and passes unanimously.
Boychuk Land Lease
Boychuk Brothers Farms informed the city they have taken a step back from their farming operation and would like to transfer the last two years of their land lease to a family member. Administrator Sugden reviewed the contract with City Attorney George Hanson who advised the city to allow the lessee to sub lease the land for the remainder of the contract. Motion by Councilor Waller to approve a sublease of the Boychuk land contract to Mr. Trevor Tellkamp. The motion was seconded by Councilor Totleben and passes unanimously. Mayor Treumer abstained from discussion and voting due to a conflict-of-interest. City Attorney Hanson will draw up the sub-lease contract.
Updated City Hall Rental Agreement
Following the previous month’s discussion regarding the City Hall rental agreement, Administrator Sugden updated the agreement to include a provision limiting occupancy to only what the 2018 occupancy study allows and to gather additional information about alcohol sales and consumption during the event. The new agreement also contains a checklist for both city office staff and the lessee. Motion by Councilor Totleben to approve the new City Hall Rental Agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and passes unanimously.
Other Business
Travel
Administrator Sugden presented the Council with a per diem guide for those traveling for city duties. Rates outlined are those set forth by the Federal General Services Administration. Adoption of a guideline will create accountability for all travelers. Motion by Councilor Totleben to adopt a per diem guide for those traveling for city duties. The motion was seconded by Councilor Waller and passes unanimously.
Council Roundtable & Public Comment
None
Adjournment
There being no further business, Councilor Totleben moved to adjourn the Regular Meeting of the Hallock City Council on March 2, 2020. The motion was seconded by Councilor Larson and carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
Dave Treumer, Mayor         Aimee Sugden, City Administrator
Minutes prepared by Aimee Sugden
(April 29, 2020)
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