AKELEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 11, 2008
7:00 PM CITY HALL
JUNE AGENDA
1. Call the Meeting to Order
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approve Consent Agenda of…
a)
Minutes
b)
Treasurers Report
c)
Bills for Payment
4. Miller McDonald CPA - 2007 Audit
5. Approve City Audit
6. Randall Morrison - C&C Medallion Hunt
7. Larry Holm – ARCC Update
8. Ambrose Blaeser
9. Fayadel Dudycha
10. Dana Melcher
11. Bob Winner – Liquor Store Report
12. Frank Thelin – Water/Sewer/Maintenance Report
13. Greg Everett – Docks, Picnic Tables, Class 5 for
Campground
14. Seasonal Rate for Lot near Campground
15. Beach Rules Sign
16. Eric Klein – Police Report
17. Approve Scenic Byway Resolution
18. Approve Liquor Store Dram Insurance for July 2009
19. Determine and Approve % Raise to Give Employees
20. City Items Up For Bid
21. Bathrooms at Museum
22. Old Business
23. New Business
24. Adjourn
AKELEY CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 11, 2008
7:00 PM CITY HALL
The Akeley City Council met in a regular meeting Wednesday June
11, 2008 at 7:00 pm. Mayor Tom Moore called the meeting to
order. Council members present were: Tom Moore, Cliff Johnson,
Brian Hitchcock, Eric Sjolin and Frank Lamb. The Pledge of
Allegiance was recited by the Council and attending audience.
Motion by Eric Sjolin seconded by Frank Lamb and carried to
approve the consent agenda.
Don Zierke from Miller McDonald Inc. was present to discuss the
2007 City Audit. A copy of the report can be reviewed at City
Hall.
Motion by Eric Sjolin seconded by Brian Hitchcock and carried to
approve the 2007 Audit performed by Miller McDonald.
Josh Kietzman from the C & C was present to thank the City of
Akeley for the $500.00 for the Medallion Hunt which will take
place during Paul Bunyan Days. He explained when and where the
clues will be posted and that one cash prize would go to the
winner.
Larry Holm from the ARCC was on the agenda but was not present.
Ambrose Blaeser was present and had a few questions he wanted to
ask. He asked Liquor Store Manager, Bob Winner how many
employees were employed at the liquor store. Bob replied that
there are 2 full time and 4 part time employees working at the
liquor store. Ambrose stated he thought that city employees and
council members were supposed to take a drug test. Brian
Hitchcock replied that council members are not required to take
drug tests because they are elected not hired. Ambrose told
Police Chief Eric Klein that he has noticed that there are quite
a few lawns that need to be mowed and that there are a lot of
unleashed dogs running around town. Eric replied that home
owners who need to mow their lawns are given notices and that he
attempts to find the owners of the dogs running loose but if the
owners can’t be found the dogs are taken to Park Rapids.
Ambrose also questioned whose responsibility it is to take care
of the Paul Bunyan Statue since it is in need of repair. Brian
Hitchcock responded that Dean Krotzer is responsible for repair
and has already been notified but the repair will not be done
before Paul Bunyan Days.
Fayadel Dudycha was on the agenda but could not make it to the
meeting so submitted a letter to the Council with 3 complaints.
She stated in her letter that the alley going by her house and
to highway 34 from Mill St. needs gravel due to the large holes
which need to be filled in. She also said there is gravel on
the grass by the sidewalk so she is not able to mow the grass on
Marie and Mill Streets. Her last complaint was that her taxes
were too much for her to pay and asked about a discount to
seniors. Frank Lamb stated that there are forms that can be
filled out when people have their taxes done and depending on
her income, she may qualify for a rebate.
Dana Melcher was on the agenda but was not present.
Liquor Store Report – Bob Winner
-
Bob stated that
business has been quiet.
-
The ice machine
had to be replaced and Bob said that to order a new machine
out of the supplier catalog would have cost about $3,500.00
including installation. The cost to repair the old machine
would have been $1,600.00 plus the liquor store would have
had to purchase about $600 worth of ice for a couple of
weeks during repair so the total cost would have been about
$2,200.00. Bob said he purchased an ice machine from
Tweeten Refrigeration for $2,300 and the final cost with
installation came to $2,900.00 but $300.00 of that was for
repair of the old machine that was needed. He feels the new
machine is more efficient and it should be able to keep up
during Paul Bunyan Days since last year the liquor store had
to buy ice due to the old machine not keeping up.
-
Audrey’s Purple
Dream is having a motorcycle run in July and will be
advertising it on the radio so wondered if the liquor store
could give $25.00 for advertising since the liquor store
would be mentioned in the ad. The Council agreed that a
motion didn’t have to be made and that the liquor store
could give Audrey’s Purple Dream $25.00 for the ad. Bob
asked if a permit was required since beer would be served at
Paul’s Patio after the motorcycle run.
-
Dram shop class
will take place on June 22nd and anyone can
attend the training. Bob stated the fee for the class is
$150.00 for any number of people.
-
Bob asked Eric
Klein what the plans were for the doorman to the liquor
store during Paul Bunyan Days. Eric replied that 2 reserve
officers would be wearing polo shirts and would be checking
ID’s.
-
Bob asked the
Council what they thought should be done about the floor
being tiled in the liquor store since Toney Hermes will be
leaving soon and he was the person who was going to be doing
the work. Bob thinks it will still cost about $2,300.00
more to finish and the Council stated they didn’t want to
spend anymore money at this time due to the unexpected
expense of the ice machine.
Denise Rittgers asked that the Council move to #18 on the agenda
while Bob Winner was still present. Denise stated that the two
choices the City could go with for Dram Insurance is Capital
Specialty Ins. Co. at a cost of $5,776.24 or Founders Ins. Co.
at a cost of $8,278.00. The coverage is identical but the
reason for the difference in cost is that Capital Specialty Ins.
Co. is a surplus line carrier which means they don’t have to
contribute to the Minnesota fund that protects bankruptcy.
Founders Ins. Co. is an admitted carrier who has to contribute
to the Minnesota fund.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
approve to go with Capital Specialty Ins. Co. for the Liquor
Store Dram Insurance for $5,776.24.
Brian Hitchcock asked Bob Winner if the bands are all squared
away for the Local Band Showcase. Bob replied that the bands
are all committed and that Cliff Johnson is spearheading this if
there are any questions.
Water/Sewer/Maintenance Report - Frank Thelin
-
Frank said that 2
of the 3 butterfly valves which control flow to the filter
at the filter plant will have to be replaced in the next
year. The lowest bid Frank has received to replace one
valve is $3,000.00 which includes labor. He said the part
itself is expensive not the labor and as preventative
maintenance, the valves need to be opened and closed
regularly.
-
Frank stated the
timer on the 10:00 PM whistle is not working at all so he
got a rough quote of $700.00 for the cost to replace it.
The whistle still works and no action was taken at this
time.
-
Tires for the
grader are being priced and the cost from Grandpa J’s for a
tire not including the tube or mounting is $460.00 each.
-
Frank said he
talked with Brian Hitchcock and feels that it is time that
the City upgrades the software on the water meters. Neptune
Software has a promotional upgrade price which is available
until December 31, 2008. Currently the City has EZ Route
and will have support until January 1, 2009 but no support
after that. A new handheld is not required at this time but
the software will have to replaced.
-
Frank said his
neighbor wants to connect from his existing water and sewer
to his garage and wanted the Council’s opinion on it.
-
Frank got a bid
to put the diving dock in at the beach on Wednesday, June 25th
which would include taking the dock from where it is,
putting it at the location specified and leveling it.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Frank Lamb and carried to
approve to have the diving dock put in for $300.00 with the
money coming from the community fund.
-
Frank said he
would like Eric Sjolin to drive around with him and
prioritize the roads that need class 5 since Galen Negen
will haul it whenever the city needs it. Brian Hitchcock
stated that Hulet is the worst street in town but would
require more work there than just having gravel put there.
-
Frank said there
are two places in town where water lines were dug in that
now have low areas that need to be filled in.
Frank Lamb said the flag by the Paul Bunyan Statue should be
replaced before Paul Bunyan Days and thought the one by City
Hall could be replaced too. Tom Moore said that flags can be
obtained from the VFW for a $5.00 donation.
Frank Thelin asked how the bathrooms are working for public use
down at the museum. Frank Lamb stated the bathrooms are working
ok but were built for museum use and would like to see some
public bathrooms built. Frank Thelin said he would talk to Dick
Wahlin again to see if he would be interested in putting
together some plans as he did a few years ago.
Greg Everett was present to provide quotes on 32 foot cedar
docks for the campground. One quote was from Dan’s All Season
Service in Park Rapids for $1,673.12 and the other quote was
from Northwoods Dock in Hackensack for $1,815.00.
Motion by Frank Lamb seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
approve to buy two docks for the campground at the lower bid of
$1,673.12 each.
Greg Everett would like to build 10 more picnic tables for the
campground using green treated material at about $100.00 each
and may look for volunteers to help build the tables. Greg said
some tables could be repaired but would like to see 5 new tables
built as a start.
Motion by Frank Lamb seconded by Tom Moore and carried to
approve to buy enough material to make 5 picnic tables.
Greg Everett stated the campground roads could use class 5.
Motion by Eric Sjolin seconded by Frank Lamb and carried to
approve to purchase up to $1,000.00 worth of class 5 for the
campground roads.
Discussion took place regarding the lot that Tom Knapper rents
per year near the boat landing. Per a motion made by the
Council last year, he had been paying $2,000.00 for the year.
He furnishes his own water and electricity so a suggestion was
to have him pay the monthly tent rate for 5 months out of each
year.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Tom Moore and carried to
approve to offer to Tom Knapper first the monthly tent site rate
five months out of each year for the lot near the boat landing
for as long as he chooses to be there.
The Beach Rules signs at the Akeley Beach need to be replaced
since many of letters are gone. Some discussion took place and
it was decided to remove #6 of the rules which states “If
available, lifeguard will be determined by city council”. Cost
to replace the beach rules sign will still have to be looked
into. Frank Thelin said he will be ordering signs which state
no lifeguard is on duty at the beach.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Frank Lamb and carried to
approve to allow $400.00 for the miscellaneous signs to be
placed at the campground and beach which will be paid from the
community fund.
Police Report - Chief Eric Klein
·
Eric stated that Beach Patrol has started however
the number of people at the beach has been low due to the lack
of summer temperatures.
·
The police department is participating in the
Child Safe program concerning safe firearm storage and education
and is providing literature and Child Safe gun locks free of
charge at the police office.
·
Eric requested a work session to discuss police
reserve issues.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
approve to set a work session on June 18th at 6:00
PM.
·
Eric is looking into grant possibilities to
replace the storm warning system which is a 1930’s model. He
will be talking with the EMS Director of Hubbard County and will
keep the council informed.
·
The parade permit for Paul Bunyan Days has been
granted.
·
The Akeley Police Department was audited by the MN
POST Board. It was a random review which is mandated by the MN
Legislature and the results were that the Akeley Police
Department received a certification letter stating the police
department was compliant in all areas.
Brian Hitchcock brought up the meeting that had recently taken
place with the sheriff, chief deputy, Eric Klein, Cliff Johnson
and himself. He said at that meeting there were concerns raised
by the sheriff and chief deputy who are reluctant about deputies
backing the police reserves that carry tasers. Cliff Johnson
stated he does not want the reserves to carry any weapons. Eric
Klein stated that all reserves are trained to use mace, batons,
and tasers before they can carry them and he would like to see
them have the tools to protect themselves.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
approve to not allow police reserve officers to carry tasers.
Eric Klein stated he would still like to discuss scheduling and
the liquor store during Paul Bunyan Days at the work session
scheduled for June 18th.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
approve to adopt Resolution # 4-2008 “To Sponsor an Application
to the Minnesota Scenic Byways Commission”.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
approve to give a 4% raise to all employees starting the first
payroll in July.
“City items up for bid” was on the agenda and Denise Rittgers
stated that the list of items still needs to be put together by
the department heads before they can be advertised to the
public. Only 1 bid had been received for the old raft which had
been advertised.
Motion by Frank Lamb seconded by Brian Hitchcock and carried to
approve to sell the old raft as is to Rich Willhaus for $300.00.
Denise Rittgers asked the Council if the City could hire Cina
Pidde to clean the museum bathrooms on a weekly basis until a
decision could be made about building new bathrooms. Currently
the C & C provides paper products and soap needed for the
bathrooms and the City is responsible for cleaning them.
Motion by Frank Lamb seconded by Tom Moore and carried to
approve to hire Cina Pidde to clean the museum bathrooms after
1:00 PM on Fridays paying her from the park fund.
Old Business
Bob Winner asked if Cina Pidde who does cleaning for the liquor
store and city hall could be given a raise since she hasn’t
received one in about two years.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Cliff Johnson and carried
to approve to pay an extra 50 cents an hour to Cina Pidde for
cleaning.
Brian Hitchcock asked when we would see the reduced insurance
rate on the Liquor Store P&L since the cost for insurance went
down. Denise Rittgers replied that it would be starting in
July.
New Business
Frank Thelin stated there is a broken street light near the
trestle that will have to be fixed. The Council told him to go
ahead and fix it.
Frank Lamb stated there are still quite a few street signs that
need to be straightened.
Denise Rittgers said she received a letter of thanks from Peg
Davies from the Akeley Library Board who stated the flyers
placed in the water/sewer billings were a success in informing
the community of what the library has to offer.
Cliff Johnson said that a business owner had approached him and
asked if the Council would consider giving him a reduced water
rate when he closes his business for the winter and the water is
shut off. He realized the City doesn’t give any of the
snowbirds a reduced rate but asked if since he is a business
owner if it could be considered. Denise Rittgers stated that in
the ordinance it states that each lot with a structure must pay
the basic rate. Council members also mentioned the water
related costs which will be coming up in the future such as the
valves and software needing to be replaced as well as the water
tower being painted.
Wendy Klein informed everyone present that Senator Mary Olson
will be at City Hall for a Town Meeting on Tuesday, June 17th
at 2:00 PM.
Melvin Hutchison, a seasonal visitor to the campground was
present and complimented the Akeley Campground on its park and
drinking water but said he noticed the trees along the shoreline
are mature and suggested that trees that can grow near water
need to be planted. He said his family has visited the
campground for the last 20 years and will continue to come but
offered some suggestions for improvement.
Motion by Brian Hitchcock seconded by Eric Sjolin and carried to
adjourn.
Denise Rittgers
Clerk
Treasurer
City of Akeley
Wendy Klein
Deputy Clerk
City of Akeley
