CITY OF CASSELTON
PRELIMINARY BUDGET MEETING 7:00 P.M.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Council Chambers
Present: Mayor McConnell, Councilmen Anderson, Silbernagel, Spooner, Wangler, Sinner, and Tillisch.
Also Present: Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer, City Auditor Brandy Pyle.
Audience: Fran Romsdal, Stu Romsdal, and Keith Kemmer, Cass County Reporter Amanda Gades,
Mayor McConnell opened the meeting.
The Library Board did not have a member in attendance. Auditor Pyle noted that the Library board was looking at a program called Experience Works, where they can employ a senior worker with no cost to the library.
Stu Romsdal and Fran Romsdal appeared before the Council requesting a commercial property tax abatement for RB Properties on Lots 1 &2 on Blk 8 and the west 75 feet of lost 15-18 Blk 8 Original Townsite addition. They plan to build a 60 by 80 foot steal building to the east of the present building. After review of previous approved tax abatement requests, Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve property tax abatement in the amount of 100% of the expansion for 5years. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. Romsdahl then presented an application for Renaissance zone project. Auditor Pyle noted that she would get into contact with the State and the local Renaissance zone people and forward the application.
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer reported that Master Construction did not mow the lots in Cottonwood Estates as promised. The City mowed the lots. Mayer recommended withholding payment as the weeds were not mowed by Master Construction as requested by Moore Engineering and the City. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to withhold payment from Master Construction as the promised work had not been completed. There must be work done on the punch list from the August meeting with City engineer and Public Works Supervisor before payment will be made. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Discussion moved to ordinance 252, which concerns animal boarding and breeding within residentially zone areas. Keith Kemmer appeared before the Council to clarify misconceptions of his boarding dogs on his property. The noted that he is not in the business of kenneling or breeding dogs. He also noted that he cleans out the kennels two times a week and the pheasants that were on his property are being moved out. Anderson made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the first reading of ordinance 252- Animal Boarding and Breeding. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Don Larsen appeared before the Council to discuss trees in the Cemetery, and Dutch elm diseased trees. The forestry department plans to apply for a grant to remove some ash trees in the fall. Larsen would like to put about 15 trees in the cemetery on the northeast side of the cemetery. The Cemetery received a grant dedicated for trees, but needs to approve the purchase of the trees. The City did not see a problem with his plans.
Discussion moved to the water rates. The City received a letter from Cass Rural Water that on January 1, 2009 that their rates are going from $3.20 per thousand gallons to $3.45 per thousand gallons. Mayor McConnell noted that the City absorbed the last increase and would not be able to this time. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Anderson to change the vacation rate from $7.00 a month to $10.00 per month and the base water rate from $14.55 to $16.00 for the first two thousand gallons and increase the additional water used from $5.90 per thousand after to $16.50 effective January 1, 2009. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. A letter will be sent to residents in November notifying them of the change.
The Mayor and Auditor presented projected revenues and expenses for 2009 for the general, special revenue and enterprise funds. After discussion, Sinner made a motion, seconded by Silbernagel, to adopt the 2009 preliminary budget. All voted aye on roll call; motion carried.
Information on the whistle free zone from SRF Consulting was not received in time for the preliminary budget meeting. No action taken.
The Council will review the City Administrator position for the 2010 budget.
Sinner made a motion, seconded by Wangler to purchase 50 blue folding chairs with the school. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Motion to Adjourn.
Brandy L. Pyle
City Auditor
FINAL BUDGET & REGULAR MEETING 7:00 P.M.
CITY OF CASSELTON
Monday, September 8, 2008
Council Chambers
Present: Mayor McConnell, Councilmen Anderson, Silbernagel, Spooner, Wangler, Snner, and Tillisch.
Also Present: Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer, City Attorney Brad Burgum, City Engineers Kyle Meyer and Kyle McCamy, Swan Creek Diversion Engineer Chad Engels, Sergeant De Wayne Nitschke, Deputy Paul Hahn and Administrative Assistant Carol Adamski, City Auditor Brandy Pyle.
Audience: Brad Howling, Gerri K, Richie Wolf, Rick Johnson, Matt Bucker, Stu Romsdal, Sara and Kirk Johnson Cass County Reporter Amanda Gades, CBA President Bernie Sinner, Gene Piper
Ed welcomed the Ottertail representatives to discuss the power outages that have occurred this past summer. Many of the interruptions have been due to lightning and the work to up grade the service lines. They apologized for the inconvenience, and they are working to get the job done. They are also working on the line up north going to the wind farm. Councilman Sinner commended Otter tail on their efforts on the line that runs along I-94.
Mayor McConnell called the meeting to order
Wangler made a motion seconded by Sinner to approve the minutes of August 4, 11; City Attorney's Report, Police Report, Municipal Judge's Report, and the delinquent utilities list. All voted aye on roll call; motion carried.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Tillisch, to approve the following bills, water deposit refunds and salaries for the month of September. All voted aye upon roll call vote; motion carried.
| AFLAC | $122.12 | ITD | $30.75 | |
| Ameripride | $1,506.18 | Johnson Pest Control | $140.00 | |
| Avesis | $85.60 | Kaufman Const. | $4,275.00 | |
| Bank of ND10275. | $92.50 | Laneys | $720.00 | |
| Blue Cross of ND | $3,083.20 | Lightowler Johnson | $1,075.00 | |
| Border State Paving | $117.12 | MJ Dalsin | $210.93 | |
| Burgum Law Firm | $1,528.33 | Moore Enginering | $435.00 | |
| Bremer Bank | $650.00 | ND One Call | $71.92 | |
| Budget Blinds | $543.00 | ND Sewage Pump | $148.00 | |
| Car Doctor | $23.29 | NDPCC | $130.00 | |
| Cass County Heating | $116.25 | Xcel | $32.41 | |
| Cass County Reporter | $280.73 | Officemax | $127.34 | |
| Cass County Treasurer | $9,358.00 | ND Dept of Commerce | $3,979.44 | |
| Cass County Electric | $348.21 | OK Tire | $1,794.00 | |
| Casselton Lumber | $3.75 | Opp Construction | $31,196.48 | |
| Cass Rural Water | $32,242.82 | Orbitcom | $554.96 | |
| Central Cass School | $720.00 | Ottertail | $3,106.74 | |
| City of Fargo | $3,711.40 | Gail Pasche | $100.00 | |
| Contemporary Builders | $208,908.00 | Phyllis Baumgarten | $10,625.00 | |
| Coyote Enterprises | $28.00 | Pizza Ranch | $105.51 | |
| Curts Lock and Key | $100.00 | Power Plan | $12.20 | |
| Don Larsen | $854.44 | Sanitation Products | $37.79 | |
| Earl's Repair | $355.41 | Petro Serve | $4,876.74 | |
| Econo Signs | $841.44 | Seven Seas | $165.00 | |
| Ed McConnell | $207.68 | Structural Material | $387.80 | |
| Fargo Water Equip. | $501.07 | Sturdevant's Inc | $183.38 | |
| Farm Plan | $70.01 | Team Lab | $2,250.00 | |
| Fargo Freightliner | $102.56 | Tessman Seed | $42.00 | |
| Sheyenne Gardens | $70.00 | Thurlow Welding | $120.00 | |
| Hardware Hank | $547.69 | USPS | $372.00 | |
| Hawkins Chemical | $1,452.00 | Verizon | $108.44 | |
| H & H Coatings | $2,082.50 | Victorian Rose Floral | $50.00 | |
| Horvick Manufacturing | $105.34 | American Welding | $5.80 | |
| H & S Painting | $733.80 | City of West Fargo | $140.00 | |
| Wisnewski's Tree Cutting | $400.00 |
The Council discussed the pool project financing. The Joint Powers Committee has sent out letters for donations to help the cost of the pool.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to approve the financial report. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. General Fund $276,106.42; Special Revenue $587,456.78; Debt Service $134,248.50, Construction ($45,150.02), Special Assessment $563,517.20; Enterprise $852,798.21; Trust and Agency $121,121.89; for a total of $2,490,098.98
A thank you from the Lieland Pietsch family and, Harriet Greuel's mother's family for flowers sent to the funeral. A thank you was also received from Ulteig for the opportunity to present their firm for City Engineer.
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer reported that Farrell Gas sprayed the gravel road just south of Cottonwood Drive. The spray was to help keep the dust from blowing. There has been extra traffic on this road and was blowing dust again. Mayer spoke to Farrell Gas and they would be willing to reapply on the MRG road for $800. The more spray that is built up on the road, the better dust is controlled. Sinner made a motion, seconded by Silbernagel to approve spraying the MRG road for $800 for dust control. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to approve the 2nd reading of Ordinance 252. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. Attorney Brad Burgum reminded Council that this will not limit the number of dogs; it only restricts commercial breeding and boarding. If a dog create a nuisance and a person is willing to sign a complaint either to the police or municipal judge, the violators may be cited into municipal court.
Bernie Sinner, Renaissance Zone Authority Chairman reported his committee's decision to recommend approval for a Renaissance Project. RB Properties (Central Sales) plans to expand his facility. The City approved the property tax abetment for 5 years 100% of the expansion at the August Preliminary Budget Meeting. Wangler made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the renaissance Zone application for block 8 Lots 1,2, & 3 and west 75' of lots 16, 17, 18 Original Townsite. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. The application will be forwarded to the state for their approval. This is the 6th application, and the 4th approved project in this program. It seems to be working well.
Bernie Sinner also appeared before the Council as the Summerfest representative. He thanked the Council for their time and contributions for the past several years. He reported that the members of the existing committee are not planning to be part of the Summerfest committee next year. All the committee members still feel that it's an important event and would like to help get the next generation of committee members started. There has been a paid coordinator for the last 4 years. The last few years has been funded by city, sponsor ships and matched by volunteer hours. The committee has complied good notes and checklists for the next group of people to continue. Committee Member Bob Miller reported that Summerfest Checking Account has money to start, but they need to get the next committee in place as soon as possible as there are some events to plan now. Mayor McConnell noted that he heard lots of good comments on band, games and he thought the Friday night meal was well attended. Miller noted that they thought the CBA, the Optimist club, car cruise people, and a liaison (council member) could start be on the new committee. Bernie Sinner noted that Qwest was a big contributor this year. He also noted that it tends to be businesses that do not benefit directly from Summerfest activities who volunteer at these events, but they see that the need is there and the City is able to showcase itself at the event.
The Mayor thanked the committee for their work and commitment. They have done a tremendous job. He hopes they can put together a new committee and move forward.
Sergeant De Wayne Nitschke, introduced Deputy Steve Hahn, who will fill Joe Crawford's spot at Casselton. He is the newest deputy to the Cass County Sheriff's Department and is finishing up his training. Sheriff Paul Laney will be hosting "Coffee with a Cop" on Wednesday at Cool Beanz. Nitschke reported that the vandalism issues were resolved, and a few juveniles were charged. The School Resource Deputy program has been working well.
Del Losing, acting secretary for the Planning and Zoning Committee, reported the committee's recommendations on 3 items. The first item presented was the final plats of TEPI first subdivision and TEPI second subdivision. Both sub divisions are in the City's Extra Territorial Sub Division. TEPI second subdivision, blk 2 does not connect to any public right of ways, so there will be covenants created to ensure that block 1 and 2 are sold together. A representative from Tharaldson Ethanol was present. Sinner made a motion, seconded by Spooner to approve the final plats of TEPI first Subdivision, and TEPI second subdivision. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The second item presented to the Council was the Planning and Zoning Committee's recommendation to approve the Zoning change request from Otter Tail Power Company from Agriculture to Light Industry and for a conditional use permit for a warehouse, pole yard and possibly a new substation on the property described in the notice of hearing. The property is located west of the land fill road, south of the railroad tracks and east of the drain. The Committee recommended that a buffer be required for the outside storage of poles. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Spooner to approve the zoning change and the conditional use permit for Otter Tail Power. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The third item presented was to deny Ron Killoran's request for a conditional use permit for an accessory structure on the vacant lot next to his home. About 12 people attended the Planning and Zoning meeting and submitted a petition to opposing the request. Spooner made a motion, seconded by Anderson to deny a conditional use permit for Ron Killoran to construct an accessory structure on the vacant lot next to his home. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Losing also reported on the status of court proceedings of the junk ordinance. One will be cited into District Court within the next 30 days, and the other will be cited in to municipal court.
Water Board Engineer Chad Engels updated the Council on the progress of Swan Creek Diversion. They held a public meeting last Saturday, and plan to host another one to talk to affected property owners about the design, necessity, and concerns residents might have. They have met with residents in the backyards, and have staked out where berms and other features will be placed. Bid opening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17th. Gene Piper was concerned about the cost of the project. Engels explained that the City will only be paying a portion of the entire project as the State Water Board and the Swan Creek Assessment District have contributed the majority of the funds. He also noted that by trying to lower the exposure to flooding, which will be important to FEMA, when they decide to map Casselton, that it will improve the flood protection of the City. Mayor McConnell could be that the cost will be assessed as a service fee on the water bill so that when new homes and businesses are built, everyone is contributing.
Discussion moved to the final budget. Mayor McConnell noted that the most recent raise was not factored in when developing the budget. He recommended not giving raises as they just gave one in May.
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DOLLARS GENERATED |
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AT CURRENT |
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CURRENT LEVY |
LEVY |
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GENERAL FUND: |
37.62 |
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186,106.14 |
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FIRE |
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3.72 |
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18,402.84 |
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SHARE OF SPECIALS |
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13.75 |
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68,021.25 |
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CEMETERY |
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2.04 |
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10,091.88 |
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LIBRARY |
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5.95 |
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29,434.65 |
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SOCIAL SECURITY |
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3.71 |
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18,353.37 |
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EMERGENCY |
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0.12 |
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593.64 |
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FORESTRY |
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2.04 |
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10,091.88 |
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PENSION |
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5.04 |
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24,932.88 |
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JDA |
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1.6 |
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7,915.20 |
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TOTAL: |
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37.97 |
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187,837.59 |
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Combined total: |
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75.59 |
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373,943.73 |
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Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the 2009 budget with re-allocating salaries as presented by the Public Works Supervisor and Auditor. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The Council reviewed the assessments against 752 8th Ave South. The contractor put in water and sewer lines in for the house, but never repaired the street. Pursuant to North Dakota Century code, the benefitting property owner becomes liable for the improvements. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Anderson to approve the assessment of $3,978.69 to 752 8th Avenue South. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The Council reviewed the assessments against the vacant home 744 4th Street south $484.46 ($437.50 mowing and $46.96 for water) for summer lawn mowing and past due water bill, the vacant home 745 4th Street South $1601.20 for summer lawn mowing ($1575.00 for lawn mowing and $26.20). Sinner made a motion, seconded by Anderson to approve the assessments to 744 4th Street South and 745 4th Street South.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Wangler to assess the past due water bill amount of $99.29 to 182 3rd Street South. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Anderson made a motion, seconded by Silbernagel to approve a $.25 rate increase to Cass Rural Water. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. This is the increase that Cass Rural Water is passing on to the water it sells the City. Pursuant to the contract with Cass Rural, the City will raise its rates to Cass Rural for the water it sells back.
Sinner made a motion, seconded by Anderson, to approve the resolution of support for the Red River Basin. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Wangler to approve the resolution and notice to the Special Assessment Commission the Street and Storm Sewer Improvement District #20. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Sinner made a motion, seconded by Wangler to approve the amended minutes of Special Meeting April 14, 2008 (to approve Industrial Park Contact) 2008 to correct the wording of the resolution approving the contractor's Bond and Contract for Street and Storm Sewer Improvement District #20. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The project levy assessments won't be certified to the County on the 2008 taxes as the project is funded primarily by a TIF district. Engineers have calculated in interest payments, and the assessments will be certified on the 2009 property taxes.
City Engineer Kyle Meyer presented his findings on the sand jacking project on Langer Avenue and 911 north 1st street. Meyer explained that he took elevation levels along 1st Street North. He reported that sand jacking would not help the situation and recommended redoing 90- 100 feet of curb. The Council thought if homeowner paid for it, then it would be something that could be done. It would be approximately $20-$30 per foot to fix. The area in front of St Leo's is bad as well. Their sidewalk is needs to be sand jacked before the City can improve the curb. The intersection of Langer and 2nd street north is low. Sinner will talk to St. Leo's to fix their spots. Mayor McConnell directed Meyer to contact the contractor and get the areas missed last year done.
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer reported on the feasibility of recycling tin, plastic and magazines. Plastic would be the most difficult to recycle, there are only two types accepted and only brings $40 per ton. There are 8 different types of plastic. He noted that tin would be possible as they can bail it with the current bailer and get $75 per ton. He reported that magazines could also be done, and earn $35 per ton. Magazines would have to be loose and shipped in a tote. Mayer also noted that he plans to dress up the fencing around the recycling areas. Mayor McConnell asked Mayer to look in to purchasing a few new dumpsters and report back on the tin recycling at the next meeting.
Mayer also reported that sanitary lift #5 has a bad pump that needs to be replaced. He received one quote for a KSB pump for $6,985 installed. Wangler made a motion, seconded by Sinner to replace a pump in sanitary lift #5. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Sanitary lift #2 was hit by a Central Sales semi truck in August. Sweeny Controls has been working with the insurance company and plans to create a new enclosure, as the old one was hit beyond repair. Mayer noted that he had plans to move all four components in to one enclosure, and working with the insurance company will be more cost effective to get the project done now with the insurance covering part of the costs. The cost to the City to move all the components into one box is $3,300. Sinner made a motion, seconded by Silbernagel to proceed with the improvements on Sanitary Lift #2. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Mayer also reviewed the water tower inspection report from H & H Coatings. He would like to wait on improvements on the old 100,000 gallon tower until H & H Coatings is back next year to inspect the 500,000 gallon tower will be inspected. He noted there are improvements needed to be made, and plans on taking the old tower off line for the winter as the frost jacket has slipped out of place.
Silbernagel noted that he would like to see the tower improvements on the Capital Improvements Plan. The tower could be kept full for fire protection if the decision was to keep it off line. The City can operate comfortably off of one tower. Street and sewer improvements will also be included in the CIP. No action taken
Tillisch made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve a raffle permit for St. Leo's Catholic Church. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Division refunded 5.25 months of premiums back to The City. The City refunded the portion employees paid to their health premiums at the last refund. Sinner made a motion, seconded by Silbernagel to refund the employee contribution portion of dental contribution premium refund. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The Council reviewed the SRF Consulting Group Inc. proposal to study the railroad crossings for a whistle free zone in Casselton. The Casselton Business Association submitted a resolution of support for the study. The proposal would cost $16,273. The Council discussed the timing of sending out a survey to see if this is something the citizens are willing to pay for. After considerable discussion, Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to sign the agreement with SRF Consulting Group Inc. Anderson, Silbernagel, Wangler, and Sinner voted aye with Spooner , Tillisch voted nay; motion passed 4:2. The survey will be sent out when the results of the survey are known.
Mayor McConnell reported that the dust equipment will be installed by the first of October on the elevator.
City Engineer Kyle Meyer reported that Master Construction sprayed weeds in the Cottonwood Estates development, and the land scraper will be out there seeding the boulevards later this week. The Swan Creek Diversion project plans to pile dirt in the development, and will lay road protectors before moving heavy equipment over the new roads. The Council decided not enough progress had been made to pay a bill.
Meyer then reported on the construction in the Industrial Park. Progress has been slow, due to the rain, so they are focusing their efforts on Heartland Avenue to get it finished for the fertilizer plant. Wangler made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to approve Part 2, Partial Payment #2 for work completed on Improvement District #20 in the amount of $31,196.48. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve a Moore Engineering bill for Improvement District #20 in the amount of $4,350 for 31% completion. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Mayor McConnell recommended Councilmembers attend Wednesday's meeting for the Swan Creek Project.
The City has not received any written proposals regarding changes in the Cottonwood Estates Development.
Motion to adjourn.
Brandy L. Pyle
City Auditor
Special Meeting of the Casselton City Council
Tuesday September 23, 2008
7 p.m. Council Chambers
Present: Mayor McConnell; Councilmen Tillisch, Spooner, Anderson and Sinner
Also Present: Assistant City Attorney Del Losing, and City Auditor Brandy Pyle, Mike Manstrom
Mayor McConnell opened the meeting.
Mike Manstrom from Dougherty & Company LLC reported that the sale of the bonds for Improvement District #20 was complete and was able to obtain a 4.478% interest rate. He noted that it was all local banks that purchased the bonds. The Bond issue closes October 1, 2008. Tillisch made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the resolution to issue $990,000 in bonds for Improvement Project #20 (Industrial Park). All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Tillisch made a motion, seconded by Anderson to approve the resolution which authorizes the City to file an application with the ND Department of Health for a loan under the Clean Water Act. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Motion to Adjourn
Brandy L. Pyle
City Auditor