1990-02-05 CC Minutes
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COUNCIL MINUTES
FEBRUARY 5. 1990
The regular meeting of the Albertville City Council was called to
order by Mayor Gary Schwenzfeier. Members present included Bob Braun,
Don Cornelius. Donatus Vetsch and Jim Krystosek. Others present
included Maureen Andrews, Lorie Villareal. Bob Miller. Thore Meyer and
Ken Lindsay.
The agenda for the evening's meeting was reviewed by the Council.
Don Cornelius made the motion and Donatus Vetsch seconded it to
approve the agenda. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The minutes of the January 16th Council meeting were reviewed by
the Council. There were no corrections or additions so a motion was
made by Bob Braun and seconded by Don Cornelius to accept the minutes
of January 16th. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The minutes of January 18th were reviewed by the Council. Hearing
no corrections or additions, Jim Krystosek made a motion to approve
the minutes of January 18th. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The minutes of the special Council meeting held on January 23rd
were reviewed by the Council. Don Cornelius made a motion to approve
the minutes of January 23rd. Bob Braun seconded the motion. All were
in favor and the motion carried.
Eugene Valerius. representing the Albertville Fire Department.
was present to request $2,500.00 of merchandise for the Fire
Department. It was noted that the Fire Department was looking at
purchasing a new type of hose that is approximately six inches in size
and will run between the fire truck and the hydrant. thereby supplying
more water to the pumper.
Eugene pointed out that Luverne Fire Trucks Service out of Rogers
would come out and look at the truck to assure proper selection of
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hose and fittings for the truck. It was noted that there is a need
for approximately 150 feet of hose and fittings needed to complete the
installation because of the 300 feet spacing between hydrants.
It was also pointed out that there was a leaky valve on one of
the vehicles and Luverne Fire Truck Service would be looking at that
as well and would be making a repair if necessary.
Hearing no
Cornelius and
hose and the
carried.
other comments or questions a motion was made by Don
seconded by Donatus Vetsch to purchase the 150 feet of
necessary fittings. All were in favor and the motion
The Council heard from the Maintenance Department next.
Ken informed the Council that he had found a used boat and motor
for the pond system. It is a 12 foot boat and has a 7.5 hours Evinrude
Motor on it. Ken noted that it is an older model boat and motor but
that the party was asking $400.00 without negotiations. It was noted
that the party would likely accept a lower bid if approached.
The boat
Facility for
treatment. As
which holds the
too high for
schedule.
and motor would be used at the Wastewater Treatment
the copper sulfate treatment prior to the liquid alum
noted before the ponds contain a high level of algae
liquid alum up and therefore leaving phosphorus levels
discharging purposes. therefore delaying the discharge
It was noted that City could easily make of the difference of the
boat and motor in what the City will be saving because the copper
sulfate treatment should eliminate the multiple liquid alum treatments
that the Maintenance Department has had to do in the past. Ken pointed
out that liquid alum cost approximately $.85 a gallon and that they
use between 400 and 1,000 gallons of alum per treatment depending on
phosphorus level, which is directly related to the amount of algae
found in the ponds. The total cost of the copper sulfate treatment
runs about $100.00 with approximately 100 to 15~ pounds of copper
sulfate being used per treatment.
Ken was questioned why the second boat was needed since the City
already owns the pontoon. He pointed out that first of all the smaller
boat is easier to control during the treatment process and secondly
that because the copper sulfate is an acid it is hard on the pontoon
and the pontoon is harder to clean up after the treatment. He also
noted that the smaller boat would also be able to be used in checking
the pond that is non-accessible from a boat landing.
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There was a question regarding how the copper sulfate treatment
was done. Ken explained that the copper sulfate is a granulated
material and is dispersed by dragging a gunny sack behind the boat. He
noted that the copper sulfate attacks the algae and therefore reduces
the phosphorus level.
Ken noted that this treatment is a "trial and error" process and
that it will take some time to perfect the treatment. Thore Meyer
agreed with this statement. noting that it appears that the treatment
is necessary.
Hearing no other discussion or comments a motion was made to
approve the purchase of the boat. A motion was made by Don Cornelius
and seconded by Jim Krystosek to purchase the boat and motor provided
that the motor is in good working condition and that the City could
obtained a clear title for the equipment. All were in favor and the
motion carried.
Ken
for the
Outdoor
like to
season.
next presented to the Council for their review only a sign
Four Seasons Park. He informed that the Council that Franklin
Advertising was donating the sign for the new park and would
get 6tarted as soon as possible before they got into the busy
It was noted that the Park Board had suggested a sign that
represented the use of the park during each of the seasons so the sign
showed different activities for each of the seasons. Keith Franklin.
after reviewing the sign suggested selling the park itself. noting
that if people are interested in the park they will stop and see what
is there. He suggested reducing the sign to indicate just the name of
the park, because otherwise the sign becomes too "busy".
It was noted that the Park Board would be reviewing the sign at
their next meeting. The Council pointed out that the actual design of
the sign should be a Park Board decision and that it does not need to
come back to the Council for final approval. The Council will accept
whatever the Park Board decides.
Ken discussed a steamer purchase with the Council. He and Don
Cornelius went to American Pressure in Wayzata to look at some used
steamers. There were several models. one was an Alkota Model 90 and an
Electromagic Model 100. The Alkota model 90 is a demo and the best of
the two. The Electromagic Model 100 could be gone through except for
the coil. The coil is the heart of the steamer and there would be no
guarantee on that part of the steamer.
The steamer would be used to clean the liquid alum off the
pontoon and for opening plugged storm sewers. Ken stated that he has
been cleaning the pontoon at the car wash. but that the boat has very
little clearance for getting in and out of the car wash. He noted that
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because of the lack of room in the car wash it is difficult to get the
pontoon clean.
It was noted that the steam will take the liquid alum off the
pontoon a lot better then water and that it would be more convenient
to clean the pontoon in the storage building then having to bring it
in to town for cleaning. The steamer can also be used for opening
frozen culverts and storm sewers and for cleaning other equipment.
It was noted that the City would need to purchase at least 25
feet of hose. 4 fittings and some pipe for thawing culverts. as well
as a barrel will also be needed for a water reserve.
American Pressure will give a price of $1,500.00 for the steamer
if approved at meeting and it would good until 8 am on Tuesday
morning. They would charge $1.95 a foot for the hose and $16.00 for 4
fittings for a total $1.575.75. There would be be a guarantee on the
steamer but Ken would check to be sure about the length of the
warranty.
It was suggested that it would be a good ideal to have the
steamer demonstrated out here in the maintenance shop to assure that
it will operate off the City's generator.
Don Cornelius made a motion to approve the purchase of the Alkota
Model 90 steamer for $1.500.00 plus 25 feet of hose and 4 fittings.
with a warranty. Jim Krystosek seconded the motion. All were in favor
and the motion carried.
The Council next discussed the sale of the old tool box from the
old pickup. Ken informed the Council that he had come across a welding
fan for $25.00 and the party selling the fan was interested in
exchanging the fan for the toolbox. Because of the price for new tool
boxes the Council felt that the price was fair and agreed that Ken
exchange the box for the fan.
The Council had a copy of the EFA Open House invitation in their
packets. Ken asked if anyone was interested in attending the open
house and suggested that the Council might want he to attend to see if
there was any information that might be useful for the development of
the new park. After some limited discussion it was decided that no one
from the City would go to the open house.
The Council briefly discussed the Beaudry property for the
location of the Maintenance Shop. Thore pointed out that they had
completed the survey of the property so they knew where the wetlands
were located.
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There was
would work for
good but that
footings of the
some discussion regarding whether or not the property
the City's purpose. It was noted that the location was
we would not know how the soils would be for the
building until after soil borings were completed.
It was noted that the City would likely be able to put a building
on the site. provided that area was prepared properly. It was noted
that it would be likely that the old soils would need to be dug out.
gravel hauled in and compacted and then the slab pours so to get a
good foundation for the building.
There was some discussion regarding how much the soil borings
would cost for the property and what would be the next step to
completing the project. It was suggested that before soil borings were
ordered that it might be advisable to meet with a representative of
the DNR to see what property they would consider to be allowed to be
filled. It was decided that Thore, Maureen and Bob would meet with
Dale Holmuth sometime before the next meeting to get his opinion on
the property.
It was pointed out that there were some serious time constraints
with the decision making process because of the pending Sheriff's Sale
of the property. The Council agreed to move forward with the process,
pending the outcome of the meeting with the DNR.
The Council next reviewed and approved the income received and
the bills to be paid. There were several questions regarding bills
which when reviewed were clarified for the Council. Hearing no other
questions or comments a motion was made by Donatus Vetsch and seconded
by Don Cornelius to approve checks 10188 through 10233. All were in
favor and the motion carried.
A Limited
Valentine Dance
license was made
were in favor and
3.2 Beer License was approved for St. Albert's
for February 10. 1990. The motion to approve the
by Donatus Vetsch and seconded by Jim Krystosek. All
the motion carried.
The Council next reviewed the 1990 Gaming Licenses. As requested
by the Council. Maureen had checked with other cities to see what was
being charged for the license. The Council was informed that there
were a variety of charges as well as several cities who do not charge
for the license.
The Council asked what
established. Bob Miller noted
the fee if they so desired. It
an amendment to the resolution
options we had regarding the fees
that the Council could make a change to
was noted that it would be done through
establishing the charge.
A motion was made by Jim Krystosek and seconded by Don Cornelius
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to amend the fees reverting the fee of the license to $30.00 per
machine for 1990 and review the costs associated with the licensing
process for 1991. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The next item before the Council was the Local Government Forum
to be held in St. Cloud on February 22. 1990. It was pointed out that
this conference was attended by four of the Council members the year
before and that it had proven to be very informative.
It was decided that Donatus Vetsch, Maureen Andrews would attend
the Conference for sure and that Don Cornelius would let Maureen know
if he would be able to attend.
The Council reviewed the applications for the Planning Commission
vacancies. The Council was informed that two applicants had applied
for the two vacancies currently open on the Commission. It was also
noted that Don Berning had also indicated that he was interested in
getting off the Commission if there was someone willing to fill his
seat. The Council was informed that LeRoy Berning had picked up an
application the morning of the Council meeting but had not returned it
for the Council's consideration.
After reviewing the two applications a motion was made by Donatus
Vetsch and seconded by Bob Braun to appoint Tom Haller and Rick Bishop
to the two vacancies on the Planning Commission. All were in favor and
the motion carried.
The Council was informed that there would be a meeting on Monday.
February 12. 1990 for the sale of the 1990 bonds.
The Council next approved a resolution for the Joint Powers Board
pertaining to fees charged for water line inspections. The resolution
established new language for the cash escrow for plan reviews to be
determined by the Joint Power's Clerk and set a surcharge of $50.00
for all inspections appointments that are not made 24 hours in
advance.
A motion was by Donatus Vetsch and seconded by Jim Krystosek to
approve the resolution. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The Council briefly discussed recycling. containers. and
recyclable items and what action the City wants to take in developing
the recycling plan. It was noted that that there was a recycling
meeting at the County Courthouse on Wednesday. February 14th. No
action was taken on this matter.
The Council next received an update on the Fraser S.teeL The
Council was informed that there was a meeting between Dan Wilson, Rod
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Fraser and his attorney regarding the Tax Increment Financing
Development Agreement. The Council was also informed that they would
be seeing a Developer's Agreemen't for the Conditional Use
Permit--Planned Unit Development and the Loan Agreement for the State
of Minnesota's Economic Recovery Fund monies.
The next issue discussed by the Council was the correction to the
1990 Annual Budget. It was pointed out that there was a $14.400.00
error in the budget in the Street Maintenance category. The budget
reflected $16.000.00 for street maintenance when it should have been
$1.600.00. It was noted that there were several options the Council
could take to correct the budget. which included the following:
1. The money could be transfer over to the Building Fund
for the future public buildings.
2. The money could be used in the Street Fund for the
purposes of Sealcoating and/or Storm Sewer Cleaning.
3. A corrected levy could be sent to the County
representing what the Street Department should actually
have budgeted.
After some discussion it was decided that the 1990 budget should
be amended to reflect the following change:
That $10.000.00 be transferred into the Building Fund; and
that $4.400.00 should be transferred from Street Maintenance
to Seal Coating for future projects.
A motion to amend
Vetsch and seconded by
carried.
the budget accordingly was made by Donatus
Bob Braun. All were in favor and the motion
The Council asked what had happen with the Building Permits still
being held by Loren Kohnen. Maureen informed the Council that a letter
had been sent but she had still not received any of the permit
information. The Council requested that an additional letter be sent
certified delivery requesting that the permits be turned over to the
City.
Jim Krystosek informed the Council that the Boy Scouts are
looking for some Community Service projects. Any suggestions should be
turned over to Jim for the Boy Scout projects.
The next issue discussed that Albertville Personnel Policy. Bob
MIller pointed out that the changes reflected in the Council's copy of
the policy were his suggestions to better reflect the operation of the
City and allow future Councils the flexibility to make changes to the
policy as they seem fit.
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As pointed out at the end of the policy there were 5 points of
discussion that Bob felt the Council needed to discuss and consider.
These points included:
1. Special language regarding the City Administrator. -- Bob
noted that the City Administrator's position is annually
appointed and therefore should not be treated the same as
other city employment. He noted that the Administrator
typically serves at the will of the Council and under a
separate contract with the Council. It was noted that the
Council can by resolution implement the standards of the
personnel policy into the employment contract with the City
Administrator (i.e. vacation. sick leave etc.).
2. Administrator's authority regarding disciplinary action
without Council approval. -- Bob suggested that as the City
takes on more city employees that the Council may not want to
deal with the day-to-day disciplinary action of employees and
leave it to the Administrator to take proper action to
correct any problems that may occur. If the Council
determines that this is something they want to include in the
policy additional language will need to be included in the
policy.
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3. Language which allows the Council to make changes to policy
as deemed necessary. -- Because the Personnel Policy becomes
a condition of employment for employees the Council should
reserve the right to make changes to the policy whenever it
is determined necessary and without special language allowing
for such change the Council would not be allowed to make
changes that would effect existing employees without making
it a violation of the employee contract.
4. The inclusion of an Organizational Chart as part of the
Personnel Policy. Bob suggested that an organizational
chart be included as a visual tool representing the hierarchy
of authority. This chart is typically found in all Personnel
Policies.
5. Provides special language regarding the fact that the City is
not governed by the merit system under State Statute; Chapter
44. Bob noted that some cities operate under the Merit
System which is similiar to the federal civil service system
providing for special conditions of employment. promotions.
demotions and dismissal. The language provides for the fact
that the Personnel Policy is a general state of policy and
not a condition of any ongoing binding employment contract.
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Bob pointed out that the changes he is recommending to the
Personnel Policy are all policy decisions for the Council to consider
and that the Council can accept them through the incorporation of them
or strict any or all of them, which ever they seemed fit.
Also as part of the Personnel Policy. Bob suggested that the
League 2f Minnesota Cities article regarding personnel policies should
be made part of the City's file.
There was a great deal of discussion regarding the policy and the
recommended changes.
It was pointed out that because of the size of the City that in
the case of grievance it might be easier for an employee to go
directly to a Council Liaison person instead of the City
Administrator. Bob pointed out that he felt that the Administrator is
the focal point for the Council and that it is important that this
person serve as point of reference for these types of problems without
necessary involving the Council. He also noted that there has to be a
chain of command within the City and that the Administrator should be
a key representative within the organization.
Ken pointed out that he was concerned about how the Personnel
Policy would effect him because policies have been established in the
past that have since been changed. It was noted that up until this
point no formal policy has been in effect and therefore not binding.
Bob noted that the Personnel Policy functions as the rules and
policies under which the City operates.
one
of
Tool
Ken pointed out that he felt that the Personnel Policy
sided. protecting the City and Council but limiting the
the employee. Bob noted that the Personnel Policy is a
which truly protects both the City and the employee.
was far to
protection
Management
The next point brought up was that of a Grievance Board. Ken
comment that he felt that the employees were being left without any
protection for decisions made by the Council. He questioned what
option would the employee have if they did not agree with an action
taken by the Council if the Grievance Board is eliminated. Bob pointed
out that the purpose of the Board is to deal with issue that are not
directly related to Council action and in all cases the final decision
is always the Council's.
It was questioned what would happen when there was a complaint
against the Council. Bob Miller noted that as hard as it might be to
understand that Council can not surrender their authority of action
and that in all cases they are the employer and their decision stands.
It was again noted that the Grievance Board does not override the
policy maker's decision.
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Ken state that the employees felt that that the rights and protection
of the employees are being violated with the adoption of this
Personnel Policy. This point was argued that the policy is for the
protection of the employee because it establishes the guidelines for
day-to-day operations of the City.
Bob noted that this Council can not and should not ever lock in
any future Councils from making changes to the policy because
conditions changes and they should have the ability to react to these
changes.
At this point. Maureen asked that it made made part of the record
that at no time did any employee come to her to discuss the Personnel
Policy and their concerns. but instead went to one or two of the
Council members to raise their points of concern. It was noted that
some of the points being raised may have been able to be clarified if
they had.
After some additional discussion it was agreed that the policy
should be tabled until the next meeting so that Council would have
additional time to review the recommended changes.
Ken requested that it be noted that as an employee of the City he
felt that following issues need to be reconsidered by the Council
prior to final action. These issues include:
1. The Grievance procedure being proposed by the Personnel
Policy.
2. Sick Leave Buy Out.
3. Vacation Leave.
4. The issue of At Will Employees.
Ken thank the Council for their time in reviewing the Policy and
asked if there was anything else he was needed for.
The last issue discussed by the Council was the need for a light
at the intersection of C.A.S.H. 37 and 19 and the 1-94 ramps. It was
noted that this area is extremely dark and should have some type of
lighting installed. Maureen was asked to contact the Minnesota
Department of Transportation to see if they could put in lighting to
effectively light the on and off ramps of 1-94.
Hearing no other questions or comments a motion was made to
adjourn the meeting. The motion was made by Jim Krystosek and seconded
by Donatus Vetsch. All were in favor and the motion carried.
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