REGULAR MEETING 7:00 PM
CITY OF CASSELTON
Monday, September 8, 2009
Council Chambers
Present: Mayor McConnell, Councilmen Wangler, Silbernagel, Spooner, Sinner and Tillisch.
Also Present: City Attorney Brad Burgum, Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer, City Engineers Kyle Meyer Brandon Oye, Cass County Sheriff Deputies Hahn and Arth, City Auditor Brandy Pyle, Administrative Assistant Denise Roster.
Audience Members David Piper, Audrey Gunderson, Lowell Gunderson, Amy Knight, Steve Link, Chris Prochnow, and Amanda Gadas.
Wangler made a motion seconded by Sinner to approve the minutes of August 3 and 17; 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 Sinner approve the following bills, refunds and salaries for the month of August. All voted aye upon roll call vote; motion carried.
Anderson made a motion seconded by Silbernagel to approve the minutes of June 1with the amendment to the motion approving the liquor license at 626 Front Street; City Attorney's Report, Police Report, Municipal Judge's Report, and the delinquent utilities list. All voted aye on roll call; motion carried.
Wangler made a motion, seconded by Anderson to approve the following bills, refunds and salaries for the month of July. All voted aye upon roll call vote; motion carried.
| Medica | $2,856.57 | HARDWARE HANK | $200.84 | |
| BREMER BANK | $2,712.63 | Haugen Cleaning Service | $322.50 | |
| ADAPCO INC | $289.88 | HAWKINS CHEMICAL INC | $994.45 | |
| AFLAC | $144.62 | H & H COATINGS INC | $23,602.23 | |
| Altel | $170.00 | INNOVIS HEALTH | $22.00 | |
| AMERIPRIDE LINEN & APP | $120.75 | JDP ELECTRIC INC | $5,187.00 | |
| AVESIS VISION | $78.70 | JERRY'S EXCAVATING | $12,824.19 | |
| THE BANK OF NORTH DAKOTA | $10,125.00 | JOHNSON PEST CONTROL | $185.00 | |
| BREMER | $650.00 | KEN'S HEATING & AC | $1,012.50 | |
| BROKERS NATIONAL ASSURANCE | $397.90 | LANEY'S INC | $1,595.00 | |
| BURGUM LAW FIRM | $2,527.33 | Matthew Bender & Co | $49.47 | |
| CASS COUNTY HEATING | $89.00 | MAPLE RIVER WATER RESOURCE DISTRICT | $198,878.89 | |
| CASS COUNTY REPORTER | $7,751.42 | MEDCENTER ONE | $30.00 | |
| CASS COUNTY TREASURER | $9,732.33 | MINNKOTA RECYCLING | $447.50 | |
| CASS COUNTY ELECTRIC | $420.61 | ND LEAGUE OF CITIES | $110.00 | |
| CASSELTON LUMBER INC | $1,284.07 | ND WATER & POLLUTION C | $110.00 | |
| CASS RURAL WATER USERS | $32,859.15 | ND DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE | $4,095.40 | |
| CENTRAL SALES INC | $275.00 | ND ONE CALL, INC | $109.20 | |
| Sally Christl | $8.31 | ORBITCOM | $603.57 | |
| CITY OF FARGO | $3,855.70 | OTTER TAIL POWER | $3,370.39 | |
| CASSELTON COLD STORAGE | $800.00 | Petro Serve USA | $3,520.02 | |
| COTE MECHANICAL LLC | $126.35 | PHYLLIS BAUMGARTEN | $10,375.00 | |
| CROWN TROPHY | $126.00 | SRF Consulting Group I | $4,527.53 | |
| DOUGHERTY & COMPANY LL | $4,500.00 | STURDEVANT'S INC | $192.59 | |
| Paula Eberhardt | $3.86 | SWEENEY CONTROLS CO | $75.04 | |
| ESRI | $710.87 | TEAM LABORATORY | $1,295.00 | |
| FARGO WATER EQUIP. | $545.22 | Trio Environmental Cons | $226.00 | |
| FARM PLAN | $46.27 | United Industrial Coat | $111.70 | |
| CASSELTON FIRE DEPT | $4,000.00 | VERIZON WIRELESS | $146.89 | |
| FARGO FREIGHTLINER | $24.96 | CITY OF WEST FARGO | $140.00 | |
| SHEYENNE GARDENS | $1,645.00 | Wisnewski Tree | $700.00 | |
| Char Gust | $100.00 | XCEL | $61.81 | |
| Ken Habiger | $525.00 | S & S LANDSCAPING CO. | $1,392.44 | |
| ND STATE DISBURSEMENT | $213.69 |
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer reported that the 6th Avenue North street project is on hold because of the recent rain. The other street patches are complete.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by, Tillisch to approve the August financials. General Fund $279,997.85; Special Revenue $487,075.17; Debt Service $196,989.13; Construction $968,161.12; Special Assessment $397,193.65; Enterprise $809,774.00; Trust and Agency $13126.48; Total $3,152,317.40. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Mayor McConnell opened the Final Closeout Public Hearing for the Tharaldson Ethanol Plant grant funding. There were no written or oral comments for or against for the Lake Agassiz grant funding. Mayor McConnell closed the hearing.
Public Works Supervisor Kevin Mayer reported that he was still in the research stage of looking at different options of equipment to blade alleys. He noted that it would probably take 30 –40 yards of gravel per block and is running the current price for gravel is $18.00 per yard, plus labor and equipment time. He will continue his research and report back to the Council with his findings.
The Council discussed the sidewalk at 1132 Morningside Court. The notice to install sidewalk was sent to the property owner no response was received. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to construct the sidewalk at 1132 Morningside and assess the cost onto the property taxes. All voted aye on roll call voted; motion passed.
City Engineer Kyle Meyer and Brandon Oye presented two options to fix the soft spots (frost boils) on 4th Avenue North, near the trailer park. The first option included drain tile tied into the storm sewer system for $11,290.00. The second option presented was to use crushed concrete and asphalt for $10,270.00. Meyer recommended the first option because it addressed the water issue. Meyer will call around to see if there is a company that could do the work. Sinner made a motion, seconded by Silbernagel to proceed with option 1 of the Street Improvement and to take it out of the street repair budget. The Council felt this issue took priority over the alleys. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The Council reviewed the application from Charlene Nelson for the municipal judge position to serve the remainder of George Paulson's term. Mayor McConnell made a recommendation to appoint Charlene Nelson to the municipal judge position. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Wangler to approve the recommendation of Charlene Nelson to the Municipal judge's position. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Tillisch made a motion, seconded by Sinner to appoint Elwood “Woody” Gunderson as Casselton City Assessor. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Mayor McConnell reported that he had visited with Russ Newman regarding the smell from the ethanol plant. They reported that once the drier problem is fixed, the smell issue should go away. A letter will be sent again requesting a written response as to what will be done to address the bad smell issue.
The Council discussed city hall policies. The Mayor and Auditor will create a fee schedule and use policies for the Veteran's Memorial Auditorium and present it at the October meeting. The Council noted that if alcohol were to be served at a function in the Auditorium that security would be necessary.
David Piper and Lowell Gunderson presented an idea of a retention pond just north of the water tower in the industrial park. They thought that there could be a way to create a system that would stage the water in the proposed retention pond and then would slowly drain to the existing retention pond by using either a gravity fed system or a smaller pump to pump water out. They hoped it may reduce the total cost of the drainage system. City Engineer Kyle Meyer noted that it would depend on the elevation of the pond. (ie. depth and the width of the pond) to see if a pump would be necessary. The question of underground detention pond was considered, but land would be very costly. Silbernagel made a motion seconded by Wangler to request the City to look into this option. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Amy Knight requested 300 yards of top soil and 500 yards of clay for addition project on their house and other buildings on the farm property. There is approximately 10,000 yards of black dirt available. If more dirt is needed at a later date, then she will have the opportunity to take more. Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the sale of dirt and clay. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed. Knight and her husband will coordinate a time for the dirt pick up. The Council discussed a security fence and signage to keep snowmobilers out of the area for safety concerns. Tillisch made a motion, seconded by Wangler to out anything pertaining to income on the sale of dirt or diversion project will be put into the special assessment fund. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Marty Ness and Steve DeWald from Lightowler Johnson presented four ideas of improving the City Hall complex. The four ideas included adding onto the existing building and moving the library, auditorium and auditor's office around. They reported that there is no basement, the outside walls are concrete, and the building sits on a concrete slab with drilled piers and beams. It was estimated that it would cost $70.00 per square to remodel the building, and $125-$150 for new construction. Alternate ideas would be to locate the facility at a different site. Parking availability is an issue. The dirt below the building was also identified as a possible issue. The Council then reviewed the asbestos report.
The Council would like to explore the full range of the project. The building committee will meet to discuss the needs and uses of the building. Building Committee Chairman Spooner noted that $150,000 should be enough to update the existing facility. The Council would request $50,000- $75,000 from the sales tax committee for repairs on the City Hall.
DeWald presented a plaque for completion of the Nickel Pool.
The Council reviewed the Online Survey City Services Survey. The survey had over a 50% response. The Council read that a majority of residents were satisfied with city services. A quiet zone was the more frequently requested improvement. 100 paper copies of the survey were mailed out. These results will be presented at the final budget meeting on September 21.
The Whistle Free Zone was discussed next. The Council discussed each crossing and the lowest priced improvements. The Council would like to see the cheapest options done, which would not include improvement to the 15th Avenue Crossing. The estimated cost for the remaining crossings would be approximately $170,000. The Auditor will contact the State Department of Transportation to see what their opinion is regarding medians on State Hwy 18. Sinner made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to table the Whistle Free Zone discussion until the final budget meeting on September 21. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The Council discussed the updated residential property tax abatement guidelines that were passed by the Legislature. The updates included abatements for developers, condominiums and townhouses. After discussion, Sinner made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to keep the Casselton new residential property tax incentive to the first homeowner for up to $75,000 abated on the first 2 years. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Spooner made a motion, seconded by Tillisch to approve a raffle permit for St. Leo's. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Motion to adjourn.
Brandy L. Pyle
City Auditor
Final Budget Meeting 7:00 PM
CITY OF CASSELTON
Monday September 21, 2009
Council Chambers
Present: Mayor McConnell, Councilmen Tillisch, Anderson, Spooner, Silbernagel, Wangler and Sinner.
Also Present: City Engineer Kyle Meyer, Water Resource District Engineer Chad Engels, City Attorney Brad Burgum and City Auditor Brandy Pyle.
Also Present Gary Sporell, Diane Sporell, Dan Weber, Merna Larson, Sid Mauch, Amanda Gadas, Dick Sinner, David Piper, and Gary Gunderson.
Mayor McConnell opened the meeting.
Merna Larson, a partner assistant for the 2010 Census presented information regarding a "Complete Count City". This would involve creating a local count committee that would raise awareness and cooperation for the 2010 census. Councilmen Pete Silbernagel and Fred Wangler volunteered to head the committee.
No written or oral protests were received for the Flood Control Project 2008. After discussion, Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Anderson to approve the resolution accepting the Flood Control Project 2008 assessments as presented by the Special Assessment's Committee. All voted aye on roll call vote except for Spooner; motion passed 5:1.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to include a 4% interest rate with equal annual payments for the assessments on Flood Control Project 2008. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
The Water Resource District Engineer will have a cost update report at the next regular Council meeting. Questions were raised about maintenance and mowing the diversion. It was reported that the City of West Fargo receives money from the SE Cass Rural Water district for mowing. City Engineer Kyle Meyer will put in the request to the Maple River Water Resource District. Signage will be placed near the dirt stock piles warning people to say off.
Sinner made a motion, seconded by Anderson to accept the Mayor's recommendation and approve the 2010 budget. All voted aye on roll call vote. Mayor McConnell noted that the budget would not require an increase in the mil levy and included a reduced employee wage raise, and increased the amount to be spent on water meters. Employee reviews will be done in the next 2 months and employee raises will be determined at the December Council meeting. Information from Job Service and NDLC will be taken under consideration when discussing employee wage raises.
The Council reviewed the results of the City Services Survey. The top three future projects were a whistle free zone, street improvements, and storm sewer improvements. Sidewalk improvements were also near the top of the list.
Discussion continued on the Whistle Free Zone. After considerable discussion, the Council would like to see medians on 3rd Avenue, 6th Avenue, Langer Avenue, an improved pedestrian crossing on 8th Avenue, and to improvements the crossing on 15th Avenue in the application for a quiet zone. The Council also discussed financing the project. The Council noted that the survey results indicated that ˝ % sales tax to fund the project was the choice of the residents. The Council discussed putting the ˝% sales tax question on the June primary election ballot; but no formal action was taken.
Dan Weber inquired about paving the remainder of 1st street north.
Silbernagel made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the resolution for Arbor Day 2009. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Tillisch made a motion, seconded by Sinner to approve the resolution setting the Auditor Bond limit to $500,000. All voted aye on roll call vote; motion passed.
Discussion moved to the drainage situation at the golf course. There is an area that does not drain well, and Ralph Nelson from the golf course approached the City Engineers to see if there was anything that could be done to alleviate the water situation. The Council agreed that it was an area of concern, but did not have any money to help the golf course out. They recommended that he talk to Water Resource District to see if they could help.
Motion to adjourn.
Brandy L. Pyle
City Auditor