REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MONDAY, MAY 3, 2021
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited at 6:30 p.m.
Regular City Council Meeting called to order at 6:30 p.m. by Mayor Brett Kuznia.
Council members present: Patsy Heggen, Paige Halfmann, Daniel Douglas, David McGlynn and Brett Kuznia.
Also in attendance: Gordon Dale, Joyce Storeby, Paul Rogus and BreAnne Patterson
Heggen motioned and Halfmann seconded to approve the following Consent Agenda items:
- Previous meeting minutes
- April 2021 donations
- Building permits
Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Joyce was present regarding the status of renting rooms at the Tamarac to a pipeline company. Council stated at this time they will not move forward with this plan.
Gordon Dale was present to discuss the 2020 audit results. He discussed the financial findings, trends, highlights and statements and presented auditor recommendations. He stated the Stephen Airport Commission has a debt owed to the City in the amount of $10,700.00 from fifteen years ago and stated the council could complete a transfer out to remove balance owed. He had no major recommendations or findings for the year-end 2020 and stated the city financials are moving in the right direction.
Douglas motioned and McGlynn seconded to transfer out Stephen Airport’s debt of $10,700.00 from 2005 owed to the City of Stephen. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
On July 18, 2020, representatives from the City of Stephen and the Marshall County Public Health Board conducted an onsite inspection relating to a public health complaint of the trailer located on parcel #56-0067-000. The owner ultimately agreed to forfeit property to Marshall County due to public health safety issues. The trailer has now been demolished and the ownership transferred to the City of Stephen. There has been concern of mature trees on the property at risk for falling and potentially causing damage to adjacent structures. The topic was tabled until determination of bidding process.
Council discussed the potential purchase of Valley Court from Earl Anderson. McGlynn spoke with Anderson regarding the plan to remove tenants/trailers from Valley Court. The council discussed transforming the property into a self-contained campground. Council agreed to offer $27,500 to Earl Anderson and Patterson will check on amenity guidelines for campgrounds.
The council discussed hiring Rachel Weberg for the 2021 Stephen Swimming Pool Manger position at an hourly wage of $19.00 at 20 hours per week.
Douglas motioned and Halfmann seconded to a hire Mike Borowicz for the summer public works position at an hourly wage of $15.00. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Halfmann motioned and McGlynn seconded to hire Jessica Rogus for the campground cleaner position at an hourly wage of $15.00. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
The council discussed the sale of vacant city-owned residential lots. Patterson will publish a list of available lots for sale in local newspaper.
Halfmann motioned and Heggen seconded for vacant city-owned residential lots be available for purchase by submission of bids with the minimum bid being the assessed value of parcel in addition to attorney fees acquired, consent of purchase also subject to zoning rules and building permit approval. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
The SEDA feels the City should pay the property taxes for the properties located on Earth Berry Lane, which are classified as a floodway.
Heggen motioned and McGlynn seconded to pay the property taxes for all SEDA listed parcels in Earth Berry Lane. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Superintendent’s report was read and will be kept on file.
Rogus will look into the cost for replacing the City Office lights with LED lighting.
Douglas motioned and McGlynn seconded to approve the purchase of a gas leak survey machine at an estimated cost of $15,000.00 contingent on receiving the Minnesota Department of Labor & Industry matching grant. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Rogus informed the council the damaged impellor at the Storm Lift Station located on Sixth Street will be covered by insurance.
Douglas motioned and McGlynn seconded to approve the purchase of a 3-yard dumpster from H&S Manufacturing. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Heggen motioned and Halfmann seconded to approve the presented State of Minnesota State Airport Fund Grant Agreement between the State of Minnesota, acting through its Commissioner of Transportation (“State”), and the City of Stephen (“Grantee”). Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Halfmann motioned and Heggen seconded to approve Resolution No. 2021-06: Authorization To Execute Minnesota Department of Transportation Grant Agreement For Airport Improvement Excluding Land Acquisition. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Patterson presented the financial reports for the Tamarac Senior Living Facility for March 2021 and reviewed the presented marketing strategy to increase Tamarac occupancy.
Patterson presented the financial reports for April 2021.
Patterson presented the list of delinquent utility accounts.
Heggen motioned and McGlynn seconded for the Stephen American Legion to be open on Sunday, May 9th. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Halfmann motioned and Douglas seconded to pay the bills. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m. by Mayor Brett Kuznia.
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 18, 2021
Pledge of Allegiance cited at 11:00 a.m.
Special City Council Meeting called to order at 11:00 a.m. by Mayor Brett Kuznia.
Council members present: Patsy Heggen, Daniel Douglas, David McGlynn, Paige Halfmann and Brett Kuznia.
Also in attendance: Rachel Weberg and BreAnne Patterson.
Douglas motioned and McGlynn seconded to hire all lifeguard applicants for the 2021 Stephen Swimming Pool lifeguard positions, contingent on completing certifications. First year applicants will receive an hourly wage of $11.00 and returning lifeguards will receive an hourly wage of $11.50. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Douglas motioned and McGlynn seconded to hire Rachel Weberg as the 2021 Stephen Swimming Pool Manger position at an hourly wage of $19.00 at 20 hours per week. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Weberg and the council reviewed the pool packet and rates.
Halfmann motioned and McGlynn seconded to increase the Family Season Pass to $200.00 and the Single Season Pass to $100.00. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
Weberg asked the council to use a Point of Sale (POS) system at the swimming pool vs. the old till at a cost of $30 per month. The use of a credit card would be an option with this system and the convenience fee of 4% will be charged to customer.
Douglas motioned and Heggen seconded to approve the use of a POS system at the swimming pool at a cost of $30/month. Upon roll call vote, all present voted in favor. Motion carried.
The council also approved the purchase of a stand-up freezer for the swimming pool.
Weberg informed the council she will be hosting a Taco Night Registration on June 1st.
Meeting adjourned at 11:35 a.m. by Mayor Brett Kuznia.
