Osakis City Council Proceedings

Osakis City Council –
Regular Meeting
City Hall –
14 Nokomis Street East
March 11, 2024
7:00 PM
Editor’s Copy
Present: Dan Wessel, Laura Backes, Tim Thornbloom, Stephanie Finnegan, Al Larson
Motion by Backes, seconded by Thornbloom, to approve the agenda as presented. Motion Carried
Motion by Larson, seconded by Finnegan, to approve the general consent items, including the February city bills in the amount of $272,884.38 and meeting minutes from February 12, 2023 pull #24 Liquor Store and #76 Police for discussion. Motion Carried
PROJECT #24: LIQUOR STORE
MN Municipal Beverage Association was at the Liquor Store on February 29th and March 1st. A report will be given to the city for recommendations on what can be done to increase profits for both off-sale and on-sale.
PROJECT #60: ORDINANCE – ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION
Gulbranson said a list has been generated for administrative citations. Gulbranson will get the approval letter then send out about 26 letters.
Council informed Gulbranson that the house on Main Street West needs to be cleaned up and the owner needs to get a letter.
PROJECT #76: POLICE
Resolution 2024-07 was presented by Larson, seconded by Thornbloom, to approve part-time officer Allyssa Engfer to be enrolled in Police PERA. When put to a vote, the resolution passed unanimously.
The Postboard does check on training for the officers periodically. A copy of the training will be given to Jacobson for their personal file.
PROJECT #197: WATER PLANT / WATER TOWER
Estimated start date for the water tower project is April 15th.
PROJECT #4444: WASTEWATER PROJECT
A meeting has been scheduled for March 25th at 6 p.m. to meet with Eric Meester to discuss how to handle I & I and the waste water facility.
PROJECT #489: MAIN LIFT STATION
Council received a cost estimate for Phase II for the lift station project in the amount of $568,000. Building designs were included for the council to review.
Motion by Finnegan, seconded by Thornbloom, to approve the bill from Nero Engineering in the amount of $12,954.00. Motion Carried
Motion by Thornbloom, seconded by Larson, to approve to go for bids for the Main Lift Station project. Motion Carried
PROJECT #151: STREET REPAIR / PLANNING – PIKE STREET EAST
Motion by Larson, seconded by Finnegan, to approve to pay $33,928 for 30% of the design and grant submission. Motion Carried
PROJECT #205: PUBLIC WORKS
Motion by Thornbloom, seconded by Backes, to approve to purchase a new John Deere Z970R in the amount of $15,900. Motion Carried
OPEN FLOOR
No comments.
PROJECT #110: GAMBLING
The EDA Board discussed gambling contributions to the Osakis EDA. The EDA Board requested each gambling organization to contribute funds to help with economic growth.
EDA wanted to have the council discuss and review the information regarding a charge of 10% to all gambling organizations.
Backes stated this is information for the council. The council has not discussed this matter. The EDA asked the council to have a discussion and Jacobson was asked to put it on the council agenda.
Chub Hensley stated the VFW gave out $60,000 to those in need. Hensley is not opposed if it is good for the community.
Motion by Larson, seconded by Backes, to approve to schedule a meeting with the charitable gambling organizations, EDA Board members and city council members for discussion. Motion Carried
PROJECT #441: PARK COMMITTEE & RECREATION BOARD
The Park Board also wanted to see some spring projects. Amber Kral volunteered to get bids for updating the current bathroom at Park Osagi. Sourcewell has a $10,000 grant that we can apply for to help with this project.
The Park Board decided to apply for the MN Outdoor Recreation grant in the amount of $350,000.
The Olson Foundation stated they would dedicated funds to help pay the 50% match and additional cost up to $258,000 if we receive the grant.
WSB contacted MN Soil and Water and they did not have an issue with working on the shoreline at Park Osage. Paul Sandy will contact SRWD to see if clearing the shore and bank is ok with them.
Resolution 2024-06 was presented by Backes, seconded by Thornbloom, to approve to authorize the city of Osakis to apply for the MN DNR Grant and to have Clerk Jacobson as the authorized signer. When put to a vote, the resolution passed unanimously.
Motion by Backes, seconded by Finnegan, to approve the Park & Recreation Board meeting minutes. Motion Carried.
Motion by Backes, seconded by Finnegan, to approve the bill from WSB in the amount of $5,154. Motion Carried
PROJECT #312: PARK BEAUTIFICATION TEAM
Kral informed the council that the Hootenanny fundraiser made over $11,000.
PROJECT #447: TOBACCO LICENSE
Motion by Larson, seconded by Thornbloom, to approve a $60 refund to Chris Stoetzel for Pauls Pump & Pantry. Motion Carried
Motion by Backes, seconded by Larson, to approve the 2024 Tobacco License for Morning Star Market. Motion Carried
PROJECT #249: PLANNING & ZONING
Council received a draft ordinance on Solar Energy Systems in city limits. This ordinance consists of roof mounted, solar collectors, wall mounted and ground mounted.
Council should consider this ordinance and how it will effect Osakis. The ordinance has a provision to allow solar ground mounted farms in the Urban Reserve District with 10 acres or more. Solar farms have a life expectancy of 25 to 30 years and ties up the land for the life of the solar panels.
Randy Anderson and Mayor Wessel have met with Rollie Walsh regarding a solar farm on his property. The EDA would like to purchase some of the land for future development by no agreement has been finalized at this time.
Council discussed the setback of 1,200 ft from the highway and changing this to allow the solar panels to be closer to the land.
PROJECT #160: OSAKIS PUBLIC SCHOOL
At the last council meeting, a letter was received from the Osakis Public School regarding the possibility of an SRO officer for the Osakis Public School. The school is reaching out to the local police department for this request.
Council also received a letter sent to the Douglas County Commissioners from Osakis Public School asking to have parking allowed on 1st Avenue East as indicated on the map. Their comments include to have not parking during school hours.
Motion by Backes, seconded by Thornbloom, to approve to no parking during school hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. For: Wessel, Backes, Thornbloom Nays: Finnegan, Larson
PROJECT #310: BLOCKING LAKE STREET – BLACKS RESORT
Motion by Backes, seconded by Finnegan, to approve to allow Blacks Resort to block Lake Street East for one day in April to put in docks. Motion Carried
PROJECT #7: COMMUNITY CENTER
A meeting was held with Larson and all the contractors to discuss the timing of the completion of the kitchen remodeling project. The current timeline is to have the project completed by April 1st and reopening by April 8th.
The dishwasher/sanitizer was removed and will need to be replaced. Al Newmann received a cost from Restaurant Supply in the amount of $13,000 for a new one. New electrical and new lights costs are being covered by Al Newmann. He is also getting bids for the backroom, tables and chairs.
Motion by Larson, seconded by Wessel, to approve to advertise for sealed bids for the church pews. Motion Carried
PROJECT #42: CLEAN UP DAY
Clean Up Day is scheduled for May 11th. Amber Kral’s clean up event with the school will be May 14th.
PROJECT #43: BOARD OF REVIEW
Board of Review will be held on Tuesday, April 9th:
•Todd County at 9 a.m.
•Douglas County at 10 a.m.
PROJECT #321: VISITORS CENTER
New carpet and flooring has been installed at the Visitors Center. Council is ok with painting. The Heritage Center is paying for the paint.
OTHER DISCUSSION:
Jacobson mentioned a Sourcewell Grant in the amount of $50,000 for community impact and is looking for technology updates and other items for government offices.
Motion by Larson, seconded by Backes, to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Motion Carried.
M1C
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__________________________ ____________________________________
Mayor – Daniel J. Wessel City Clerk/Treasurer – Angela A. Jacobson