Agenda and Minutes

City Council

May 11, 2009

CITY OF UPSALA
UNOFFICIAL MINUTES
May 11, 2009

Pursuant to due call and notice thereof, the City Council of Upsala, MN met in regular session on Monday, May 11th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Upsala Fire Hall. In Attendance: Mayor Dan Cheney; Council Rollie Johnson, Robert Maciej, Bethany Malisheske, and Joan Olson Staff: Michele Caron, Frank Koopmeiners. Visitors: Representatives from Upsala Blue Jays and Upsala Ballpark Association, and St. Mary’s Church.

Meeting called to order by the Honorable Mayor Cheney at 7:00 p.m.

Minutes
• Regular and Public Hearing were reviewed with no additions or corrections, Mm by Johnson to accept as written, second by Maciej; carried.
Agenda
• Additions were made. Mm by Maciej to accept as amended, second by Johnson, carried.
Visitors, Requests, Petitions
• St. Mary’s-Gene Harren and Rob Schumer presented an optional proposal for building the church on the existing site. They are bringing both options to the parishioners and the Dioceses. The new site presents issues with the limit of impervious surfaces and would need a variance from the city because of the lack of green space. Frank mentioned the current plan builds it over the existing water main. An alternate route for the water main would be an option. Discussion and the council suggested the church move forward with their current plans.
• Upsala Blue Jays and Upsala Ballpark Association-Mikel Nelson and Henry Fuchs with several others in attendance requested that the 3.2 license they are going to submit cover selling beer in the park for Heritage Festival Days. The clerk explained the original strong beer permits for the club would be voided and they will now be submitting an annual 3.2 application that covers the period 1/09-12/31/09. Johnson recognized that funds from fundraising efforts will eventually help to maintain ball fields in the city and the labor provided by the members is invaluable. Olson expressed concern that the heritage festival committee places the beer selling so that it is not in close proximity to the kid’s activity area. The ball club may move the 3.2 beer sales to the recreation building and have some activities up there to fill in during the time before the fireworks. Mm by Johnson to allow Upsala Blue Jays to serve 3.2 beer in the park working with the heritage festival committee, second by Maciej; unanimously carried.
• Beaver Dam removed on a city ditch behind Lloyd Klug’s house and it goes through Wayne Peterson’s. Discussion. Mm by Johnson to cover costs of $125 for that removal, second by Olson, unanimously carried.
Maintenance Report-Koopmeiners
• L & M Services submitted a bid for $4,995 for crack sealing of streets and $1,895 for curb painting and striping. Last time it was done was in 2006. Mm by Cheney to approve L & M Services for the work, second by Johnson, unanimously carried.
• Street sweeping was completed, however after it was done, the county and the state came through and did it again. The county has never done it before, so next year the clerk will call them to find out if they are doing it.
• Alley bid $500 for the spot that the homeowner repair dug it up. $275 for the patch that is the city’s responsibility. Tar needs patching on West Street, too. Mm by Cheney to allow Central MN Paving to repair the areas, second by Johnson, unanimously carried.
• HAA5 and THM report is down from last water test.
• CEP program is looking for places to employ summer teens, and we will put in an application.
• Breth water shut off location determined, but might need to replace a curb stop.
• Hose reel for the recreation building discussed.
Fire Department Report
• Fire Chief and other residents reported smelling the anhydrous ammonia coming from the coop on more than one instance-possibly when it was tampered with. Discussion on security at the site. Johnson will call Jerry.
Planning Commission-Cheney/Olson
• Minutes were reviewed
• Permit-Breth PC recommended approval of rebuilding home, motion by Cheney, second by Johnson; unanimously carried.
• St. Mary’s plan was reviewed and recommended approval so they may move forward with submitting two plans to the Diocese.
• Noted permits approved by clerk
• Out door wood boilers-restrictions on them recommended by PC. Motion by Olson to approve the restrictions on outdoor wood boilers, second by Maciej. Unanimously carried. Public Hearing will be held on the issue most likely at the July Planning Commission meeting. Dates will be published.
Upsala Community Development Commission-Maciej/Malisheske
• Parade at 10:30-working on ideas for in between afternoon and fireworks.
• Ideas for Grand Marshall are being explored
• Signs welcoming people to Upsala could be done by the end of May
• Cold Dish contest again
Recreation Board Report-Johnson
• A survey for renters of the building might be a useful tool
• Clerk was asked to hold deposit checks and send back the original check when rental is complete and approved.


Unfinished Business
• Animal Ordinance-One resident gave input that AG zone cats not be leashed
• Animal Ordinance Fee-possibly not having a fee for the administration of it. Farm animals-might be able to strike since it is already in the zoning ordinance. Impounding may be redundant due to agreement with Humane Society. Proper enclosure could be too restrictive.
New Business
• Board of Equalization Review discussed. Property valuations depend on other properties that sold during the amount of time set by the statute. Those sold properties and the amounts they sell for determine if a property rises or not.
Financial Reports, Audit Bills, Miscellaneous-Clerk
• Initiative Foundation requested $150 donation for 2009. Motion by Johnson, second by Maciej; unanimously carried.
• Workshop report by Maciej-Safety and Loss -60 day rule for permits may be extended if requirements are met. Agents track insurance-Fireman’s workers compensation-one suggestion is to have a wellness program for body mechanics and lifting properly.
• GRRL inspection-Tony from Sytek responded and he will take care of most safety issues with the exception of the plugs for the outlets. The city can take care of those.
• CD’s coming up for maturity. See if combining them gives us an offer of better interest.
• Four wheelers in park, and on streets. Allegations that a certain resident might not be following the ordinance. Clerk will order a sign that has the universal symbol for no four wheelers for the park, and a letter to alleged residents. Ordinance does not allow unlicensed drivers, and they cannot be driven on public areas outside of the usual statutes that cover them.
• Notify Public Health to determine if the vacant café is o.k.
• Bills audited and ordered paid in the amount of $20,343.59

Respectfully Submitted,
Michele Caron, Clerk

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