City of Dennison
Regular Council Meeting
February 2, 2023
The February Dennison City Council meeting was called to order by Acting Mayor Heidi Cooke on Thursday, February 2nd, 2023 at 7:00 pm. Present were Councilors Nichole Schloesser, Diane Ruddle, and Clerk Jessica Page. Councilor Kaylyn Nygaard and Mayor Jeff Flaten were unable to attend.
Councilor Ruddle move to approve the regular meeting minutes for January. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 3:0. Councilor Schloesser move to approve the Treasurer’s report. Councilor Ruddle second. Motion passed 3:0.
Old Business/Committee Reports/Building Permits:
Request from Ryan Olson. He is looking at purchasing a property on 3rd Ave., he wants to insulate and install sewer and water in the large shed on the back of the property. He is wondering if there would be a cost, and can he install it himself? There was discussion regarding the project , including some input from those in attendance who were familiar with the situation. It will not an issue if running it through the house, and not a new hookup. Ryan will need to follow all current building standards and inspections if he does the work himself.
Administrative Issues:
1. Jared Petersen from OurTech CO-OP was present along with Hyon Kim to discuss the broadband proposal emailed to the council last month. He discussed the next steps in the process and submission dates. Final numbers for the broadband are almost done. The plan is to do three cables instead of one. Cost would be very similar. Two input areas coming into town. East and west. 5 possible providers can serve as the backbone of the infrastructure project. Need a 10-by 21 area for a communications building. Need somewhere to build it. This is considered a Low density project. State is looking at 50-75% of help with costs. Still need 1.5 million in financing to find. Both Rice and Goodhue County’s are willing to work with the City and they have ARPA $ available. Rural area’s have been forgotten regarding internet as it isn’t as profitable. Looking at the people with a Dennison Address, not just within the City Limits. Jared stressed the need for the City to commit to work with counties in the next week, as well as work with them (Our Tech) for the mini grant. They will send contact info to the clerk and will work with council members to get folks there to meet.
2. Daniel Moore from Core and Main will discuss water meters. $540 is for a hand held device to read the meters. He spoke about what they have to offer for meters and more automated reading systems. There are radio’s for each of the touch pads at each meter site, and an app to use is purchased, then basically a subscription service/annual fee to continue using it. Can phase into the program to reduce upfront costs. Left a price list for reference.
Sheriff’s deputy here answering questions and to ask if there were any concerns.
3. Bolstrom property. Recommendations from the city attorney how to proceed. Councilor Ruddle move to send him the second notice of nuisance and let him know he has the right to come to meeting to talk about the issue. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 3:0. A discussion followed as to the date to hold the March meeting, to stick with the 2nd, or move to the 9th. It was decided to move the March meeting to the 9th. Send out letter asap via Sheriff delivery, and post it on his property also.
4. Previously tabled discussion on adding a fee for new driveway entrances. Councilor Ruddle reviewed Northfield’s Ordinance and though it was well done. She asked if we need to look at sidewalk info—do we need? General and well written and similar to other cities. Councilor Ruddle will work on a draft of it.
5. Also, previously tabled discussion regarding water usage and other entities outside of the city using our water. A water fee (tier system) was proposed. Tier proposal, less than 5,000 gallons used, $100. Up to 10,000 gallons used, $200.00. Up to 20,000 gallons used, $300.00. (Special Events Usage Fee) was discussed at our previous meeting. It was found that surrounding cities use tiered systems. Councilor Schloesser move to use the pricing as noted above, and for amounts over 20,000 gallons, will be an $100 per ten thousand gallons. Councilor Ruddle second. Motion passed 3:0.
6. When it comes to public entities using water, the State of Minnesota was inquiring about securing water sources in case the bird flu (HPAI) became a severe problem in our area. Josh Hanson, Goodhue County Emergency Coordinator, has reached out to city officials asking for potential help. Mayor Flaten asked the Fire Chief if this would pose a problem for the fire department if the state needed to use our water. He had no problems with this. The state would reimburse the city if they ever used our water. Is council alright with the state using our water for a potential crisis/event? Councilor Ruddle move that in event of an emergency, the State of MN can use water from the City of Dennison. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 3:0.
7. Website domain renewal 1 year at $55 to 5 year at $220 options. Also, there is the possibility of someone interested in updating the City of Dennison Website for a class she is is taking. Would the City be interested? Councior Schloesser move to approve the 5 year renewal plan. Councilor Ruddle second. Motion passed 3:0. City Council is ok with having F. Boehning to assist with updating the City’s website this summer, at no cost to the City.
8. Was contacted by the FCC regarding aviation signal interference that emanated from the City of Dennison water tower. Clerk gave contact information for Northfield WIFI, and LTD Broadband.
Citizens Issues:
Mayors Issues:
Utilities:
1. Update from Nate: Fluoride system is running with the loaner pump and compliant. Quarterly samples are done. Generator for the lift station is not operable. Travis is going to talk with some folks to see what to do. Runs for about 30 seconds. Worked fine last summer. New in 1991. Control board. Will ask for help from Louis Wilder from Cedar Lake.
Nate is planning on going to the MRWA training in St. Cloud in early March. He would like to set up a day with a C license operator to see that operation . Councilor Ruddle move to send Nate to the refresher course in St. Cloud to take the C test (Includes the lodging and mileage.) in March. Councilor Schloesser second. Motion passed 3:0.
Things are working well with Travis, he is a good asset to have as he knows both water and sewer. He brought up his spare pump to help with the Fluoride issues until they can be fixed. Nate and Travis are taking pictures to send to companies to see what it would cost to replace everything in the fluoride system.
Upcoming Annual review for Nate in March.
Councilor Schloesser move to pay the bills, including the one to Goodhue County Land Use for permit fees. Acting Mayor Cooke second. Motion passed 3:0.
Councilor Ruddle move to adjourn. Councilor Schloesser second. Meeting was adjourned at 8:40 pm.
Next meeting: Regular meeting is Thursday March 9th, 2023 at 7:00.
