Long Prairie City Council Proceedings
Tue, 02/27/2024 - 3:42pm
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City of Long Prairie
7:00 P.M., Tuesday January 16th, 2024
City Council Meeting Held in Person & Via-Teleconference
The Long Prairie City Council met in person and by phone at City Hall, 7:00 pm, on Tuesday January 16th, 2024, by Mayor Jodi Dixon called the meeting to order with Council members Jim Kreemer and Clint Krueger present. Lilah Gripne and David Wright were absent. Others present were City Administrator Ted Gray, Police Chief Ryan Hanson, Fire Chief Dan Laumeyer, Jeremy Sovich, Amanda Hinson, Pat Schultz, Joe Krueger Carl Buchinger, Bruce Oftedahl, Officer Trevor Larson, Darla John, Mike Chase, Tamie Barber, Jen Steinmetz, Sara Mies, Reggie Lambrecht, Bob Klick, Deb Laumeyer, Kent Louwagie, Jenny Selchow, Skip Duchesneau, and Andrew Duchesneau.
Council member Kreemer motioned Krueger seconded to approve the consent agenda:
(a) Approve Agenda for January 16th, 2024.
(b) Approve Council Meeting Minutes from January 2nd, 2024.
(c) Approve December 2023 – January 2024 Bills
(Public Comment)
Darla John addressed the council regarding concerns with sidewalks not being clean and kids crossing Hwy 71 after BOLT and other after school activities.
Fire Chief Dan Laumeyer addressed the council regarding increased costs for the fire department when assisting with medical calls. Laumeyer asked if we could consider a fee for these calls.
(Public Hearing)
At 7:08 pm Mayor Dixon opened the public hearing on the tax abatement request for the 4th Street Apartments. Kevin Klimek addressed the council opposing the abatement and referenced that the Todd County Commissioners had already denied the request that morning. Pat Schultz addressed the council opposing the abatement. Reggie Lambrecht addressed the council provided support for the abatement and the housing project.
After discussion the council chose to table the decision until the next meeting. Mayor Dixon closed the public hearing at 7:34 pm.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Kreemer to table the decision on the abatement until the February 5th council meeting. Motion passed.
(Council Reports)
Public Works: Council Member Krueger presented the council, the daily water/wastewater rounds and samples are going fine, Public Works has been busy with maintenance at the wastewater treatment plant, plowing snow, and shop projects. In the next few weeks Public Works will be plowing snow as needed, repairing/painting picnic tables, more maintenance at the wastewater treatment plant, and repairs on snow removal equipment.
Public Safety: Police Chief Ryan Hanson provided the council with the 2023 yearly call numbers for the department. Fire Chief Dan Laumeyer provided an update on the department. They will be assisting with the Crashed Ice Demo Derby on January 20th. Alex Air tested the compressor system for the SCBA’s and this is the last time the SCBA’s can be certified, the department is pursuing a grant to replace this system. Laumeyer discussed the option with the council to allow a former Fire Fighter who resigned due to a work scheduling conflict to rejoin the department as a part-time volunteer. This individual would still need to meet all the requirements of a Fire Fighter per the department’s bylaws but would not receive the same benefits.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Krueger to allow for Omar Zamora to be a part-time volunteer Fire Fighter, with a review of the position by May 15th, 2024. Motion passed.
Liquor Store: Council member Kreemer reported on liquor store activities. Discussed the new business item for the hiring of an assistant liquor store manager.
Planning and Zoning: Council member Kreemer reported on an upcoming Planning and Zoning meeting scheduled for Tuesday January 30th.
Administration: Administrator Gray discussed with the council upcoming financial items to be reviewed for 2023, which includes the audit and financial reports for the Fire Department Township meeting.
(New Business)
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Krueger to approve the appointment of Fire Chief Dan Laumeyer for 2024. Council member Kreemer abstained; Motion passed.
Administrator Gray presented to the council the Fire Department Financial Report for 2023, along with the 2024 budget and items to be purchased by the department. The council discussed the proposed wage increase for the department.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Krueger to approve the Fire Department Financials and Budget, with continued discussion on the wage increase for the department to be at the February 5th council meeting. Motion passed.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Kreemer to approve the hiring of Ian Sanchez for the position of Assistant Liquor Store Manager with at starting wage of $19.20, step 1 in the city’s wage scale. Motion passed.
Council member Kreemer motioned seconded by Krueger to approve the hiring for the Part-Time Ice Rink Positions of Harley Van Ruler and Jeffrey Koehn at the starting wage of $15.00, step 1 of the city’s part-time employee wage scale. Motion passed.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Kreemer to approve the Todd Co. Ag Society Temporary Liquor License Request for January 20th, 2024. Motion passed.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Krueger to approve the 2024 Legal Services Contract with Quinlivan and Hughes. Motion passed.
The council listened to presentations from Kent Louwagie and Jenny Selchow with Bolton and Menk on the upcoming City Main Lift Station and Water tower Projects. Kent presented a request to obtain quotes to purchase and install a generator at the water plant. During the review of the rehabilitation project for the Water tower, it was noted that a back up generator should be added to this project. If the tower is down for the rehabilitation and the power would go out, the city would not have water. Along with the review of the water tower project, the city’s water plant is in need of minor repairs and upgrades.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Krueger to authorize Bolton and Menk to obtain quotes for generator work and procurement for the City’s Water Treatment Plant. Motion passed.
Mayor Dixon motioned seconded by Krueger to authorize Bolton and Menk to determine water plant improvements and apply for PFA funding for a combination project that includes the water tower rehab and water plant improvements. Motion passed.
Council member Kreemer motioned seconded by Krueger to approve change order #9 for CSAH 56 & CSAH 38 Road Projects in the amount of $17,142. Motion passed.
Mayor Dixon closed the meeting at 8:24 pm for a performance review of City Administrator Ted Gray.
Mayor Dixon re-opened the meeting at 8:39 pm.
There being no further business, motioned by Kreemer seconded by Dixon to adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m.
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______________________________ _______________________________
Ted Gray, City Administrator/Clerk Jodi Dixon, Mayor
