City Council Meeting Minutes City of Nerstrand
February 11, 2025 221 Main Street
7:00 P.M. Nerstrand, MN
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Todd Evavold, Council Members John Harris, Karla Ingersoll, Betty Voge, Pam Caron
ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT: Clerk Frances Boehning, Public Works Steve McDowell
GUESTS: Bollig Representatives; Zack Bubany and Bryan Caffin. City residents –Monica Gernandt, Annette Evavold, Luanne Kuntz, Amy Harris, Jill and Richard Swenson, Don Quistoff.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Council member John Harris made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Council member Betty Voge. All approved.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Payment of Claims dated February 11, 2025.
B. Minutes from January 14, 2024
MOTION:
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion made by Council Member John Harris, second by Council Member Karla Ingersoll. All approved.
CLERK’S REPORT:
A. The Clerk reviewed a recent recommendation for elevator repairs totaling $383.07. Council Member Karla Ingersoll made a motion to approve the repairs, Council Member Harris seconded, all approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Bollig SCDP public hearing
a. Proposed infrastructure project and the submission of an application to DEED’s SCDP program and to the Rural Development program.”
b. Council Member Harris made a motion to open the public hearing at 7:04 pm, Council Member Ingersoll seconded, all approved.
c. Zack Bubany reviewed the program that Bollig is pursuing to obtain funding for improved City water infrastructure. A preliminary grant request has been submitted. The possible improvements and funding sources were discussed. Bubany reviewed how the program determines the grant versus loan funding and reiterated that all final decisions are made by the City Council. It was noted that the USDA Rural project has two types; water environmental program and Mn DEED small cities grant program. The City Council members were given a Conflict-of-Interest Disclosure statement to sign in preparation of further funding submissions.
d. The motion to close the public hearing at 7:45 p was made by Mayor Todd Evavold, and seconded by Council Member Harris.
B. Public Hearing regarding variance for 302 3rd St. N
a. Council Member Harris made a motion to open the public hearing at 7:49 pm, seconded by Council Member Voge.
b. Don Quistorff reviewed the discussion at the Planning Commission meeting held on February 11th. The information from the City attorney was reviewed. Commissioner Quistorff stated that the Planning Commission recommends approval of the variance as the pre-existing garage structure limits the placement of the house.
c. Council Member Harris made a motion to approve the variance, Council Member Voge seconded the motion, the Council started discussion.
d. Council Member Ingersoll asked if there was a minimum distance needed between the garage and house for safety reasons. Mayor Evavold replied that 3 feet was the minimum distance without adding additional fire prevention siding.
e. Council Member Ingersoll reviewed the current state statutes and how and why variances can be approved.
f. Council Member Harris made a motion to approve resolution 2025-08 approving the variance with the side yard setback of 12 feet from the eastern side property line, Council Member Voge seconded the motion, all approved.
g. Council Member Harris made a motion to close the public hearing, Council Member Ingersoll seconded the motion, all approved.
C. Rice County Commissioner Jim Purfeerst – Update from Rice County
a. Commissioner Purfeerst reviewed the current issues in Rice County, upcoming changes in transportation, and 911 service changes. A short discussion was held regarding tobacco and cannabis sales.
D. Resolution 2025-06: Endorsing federal legislation to reimburse body armor costs for all emergency responders.
a. Council Member Karla Ingersoll made a motion to approve resolution 2025-06, Council Member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
E. Resolution 2025-07: Resolution accepting resignation of City Clerk
a. Council Member John Harris made a motion to approve resolution 2025-07, Council Member Karla Ingersoll seconded the motion, all approved.
b. Council Member John Harris made a motion to hire Jeanette Baalson for 180 days as interim City Clerk, Council Member Karla Ingersoll seconded the motion, all approved.
c. Council Member Karla Ingersoll made a motion to request the interim Clerk to post the permanent Clerk position, Council Member John Harris seconded, all approved.
d. Council Member Karla Ingersoll will reach out to Jeanette Baalson regarding the position.
Old Business
A. Update regarding cannabis ordinance – Council Member Harris recommends following Rice County regarding a cannabis ordinance. He does not want to restrict farmers from growing cannabis. Council Member Karla Ingersoll requested that the Kenyon cannabis ordinance be reviewed at the March meeting.
B. Farm Street Update– The final legal and survey costs of $16,661.06 were reviewed. The project will move forward with paving in the spring. Council Member John Harris made a motion to send an invoice to John Meyers for half of the total legal and survey costs, Council Member Pam Caron seconded the motion, all approved.
Reports of Officers
A. Public Works Director –
a. Steve McDowell said that he had received a promotion at work and will no longer be able to cover Nerstrand on his own. He is actively looking for an employee that could assist in the day-to-day water/sewer activities that need to be covered. Council Member John Harris suggested that the position be posted. Steve will assist in writing the posting and job description for the March meeting. Steve McDowell stated that he would be willing to continue to oversee the public works paperwork and the paving of Farm Street.
b. Steve McDowell reviewed tree trimming along city streets that will take place later this winter.
c. The heat tape behind City Hall failed and will be reviewed for replacement.
B. Fire Department – Update provided by the Fire Chief.
C. Council Members - Council Member Harris requested that the City look at bringing back summer get togethers for City residents.
MOTION ADJOURN:
MOTION: Motion by Council Member John Harris second by Council Member Karla Ingersoll 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 March 11th, 2025, at Nerstrand City Hall
