City Council Meeting Minutes City of Nerstrand
December 10, 2024, 221 Main Street
7:00 P.M. Nerstrand, MN
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Todd Evavold, Council Members Monica Gernandt, John Harris, Kevin O’Brien
ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Clerk Frances Boehning, Public Works Steve McDowell, Fire Chief Joe Johnson
GUESTS: City residents –Karla Ingersoll, Darren, Luanne Kuntz, Don Quistorff, Nick and Trisha Streitz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Council member John Harris. All approved.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Payment of Claims dated December 10, 2024.
B. Minutes from November 12, 2024
MOTION:
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion made by Council Member Monica Gernandt, second by Council Member Kevin O’Brien. All approved.
CLERK’S REPORT:
A. The Clerk reviewed the status of current projects including a suggestion by the City Attorney to conduct a comprehensive review of the City Code/ordinances in 2025. A committee will be formed in 2025 to review the ordinances.
B. The Clerk noted that a grant is available to complete the upstairs of City Hall. Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve application for this grant through Bollig, Council Member John Harris seconded, all approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Public Hearing for final 2025 budget/property tax levy resolution 2024-22 – Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the 2025 tax levy at $150,000 with no increase, Council Member John Harris seconded the motion. Following discussion, Mayor Todd Evavold noted that while he does not agree with keeping the levy with no increase, he is willing to approve the motion to avoid a standstill with two members for the motion and two against. Council Members approving the motion of the 2025 tax levy at $150,000 with no increase; Monica Gernandt, John Harris, Todd Evavold. Council Members not approving the tax levy; Kevin O’Brien.
B. Public Hearing regarding Fee Schedule Ordinance – 2024-01 and resolution 2024-24- Council Member John Harris made a motion to approve Ordinance 2024-01 with the correct sewer increase numbers, the schedule will also remove the E-1 Pump2 line item. The Council determined that the late fee for utility payments would take effect 10 days after the utility billing due date. Council Member Monica Gernandt seconded the motion. All Council Members approved Ordinance 2024-01. Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the publication summary in Resolution 2024-24, Kevin O’Brien seconded the motion, all approved.
C. Rick Swenson new house concern– Planning Commission member Luanne Kuntz reviewed that following a planning commission meeting with Mr. Swenson, the builders would like to build the house at an angle with a 10-foot setback. The Mayor and Planning Commissioner noted the current ordinance language and determined that the ordinance setbacks of the R2 zone would apply to the property.
D. Bollig SCDP public hearing schedule for January 2025. – Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to schedule a public hearing at next month’s regular meeting at 7:00pm on January 14th, 2025, to discuss the proposed infrastructure project and for the submission of an application to DEED’s SCDP program and to Rural Development program, Council Member John Harris seconded, all approved.
E. Insurance Renewal – Following review, there were questions regarding why the Band Shell parcel number was listed twice and if one of those listings was the playground equipment; and a request to review the vehicle equipment. The Clerk will follow up on these questions. Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to allow the mayor to sign the form stating that the City would not waive monetary tort limits, Council Member Kevin O’Brien seconded the motion, all approved.
F. ATV Concern – Follow discussion, Council Member Monica Gernandt noted that the City does not have enforcement capabilities and the resident should call local law enforcement.
G. Resolution 2024-23 accepting donation from Dennison Lions Club– Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve accepting the donation, Council Member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
Old Business
A. Update regarding liquor ordinance, and zoning map – Mayor Todd Evavold reviewed that the attorney is working on the ordinances. Mr. Streitz noted that for their business the person renting the facility and caters would be responsible for obtaining the annual liquor license. Council Member Monica Gernandt suggested to Mr. Streitz that the renters also be asked to provide a certificate of insurance.
B. Cannabis Ordinance discussion – The attorney is working on a draft ordinance.
C. Resolution 2024-25 Approving Minor Subdivisions – Farm Street – Steve McDowell reviewed the layout of Farm Street and the lot splits. Council Member John Harris made a motion to approve the resolution approving the lot splits for Farm Street, Council Member Monica Gernandt seconded the motion, all approved.
Reports of Officers
A. Public Works Director – Steve McDowell reviewed that everything had been winterized. A new standpipe was installed, and hydrant markers were placed. The lead and copper informational letters were sent to all residents. Harvey Anderson’s property has been disconnected from the sewer system. Per a prior approved quote, a tree service will be coming through to trim the trees. The sewer and water heaters in the utility buildings are good. The brush pile will be burned when conditions are good. A short discussion was held regarding how possible grant monies could be spent.
B. Mayor – Mayor Evavold thanked the outgoing Council Members for their service and commitment to the community.
C. Fire Department – Truck purchase. – Joe Johnson reviewed recent meetings with the townships and City in the contract area. The other jurisdictions will donate funds toward the new truck as much as they are able. Joe Johnson noted that he may have funds left over at the end of the year to contribute also. Following discussion regarding the bids and quotes (per state statute) for the new truck and outfitting, a request was made for Council to approve the purchase of the truck. Two quotes were received for the truck base while only one quote was received for outfitting (requests for bids were sent to multiple companies). Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the purchase of the truck from Harry Browns for $49,590, outfitting of the truck from Fire Safety USA for $47,117.38, and graphics from National Fleet Graphics for $1,750 for a total cost of $98,497.38, Council Member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
MOTION ADJOURN:
MOTION: Motion by Council Member John Harris second by Council Member Monica Gernandt to adjourn. All Approved.
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Todd Evavold, Mayor
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Frances Boehning, City Clerk
Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for January 14th, 2025, at Nerstrand City Hall
