Nerstrand Council Meeting Minutes
March 12, 2024
7:00 P.M.
COUNCIL PRESENT: Mayor Todd Evavold, Council Members Dan Pfleger, Monica Gernandt, Kevin O’ Brien
ABSENT: John Harris
STAFF PRESENT: Public Works Steve McDowell, Sandy Borders, Interim City Clerk, Frances Boehning - City Clerk
GUESTS: Don Quistorff, Tony Vezzoli, Annette Evavold.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Motion to approve the agenda with discussion regarding the new state seal under New Business. Motion made by Monica Gernandt, second by Kevin O’Brien. All approved.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Payment of claims dated March 12, 2024:
B. Resolution 2024-11: Hiring of Part-time City Clerk
Council Member Monica Gernandt noted a typo in the resolution and requested that it be corrected.
Council Member Gernandt inquired about the possibility of taking taxes out of the election pay. The Clerk will speak with Abdo and request that the payment be run through payroll. A request was made to see if elections judges expected to make in excess of $600 would also like taxes taken out.
MOTION:
Motion to approve the Consent Agenda with changes regarding taxes for election workers.
Motion made by Council Member Gernandt, second by Council Member O’ Brien All approved.
NEW BUSINESS
LETTER TO NORTHFIELD REGARDING HWY 246:
Mayor Evavold reviewed the Northfield request to MNDOT for the turnback of Hwy 246 to the City of Northfield and the affected counties. He noted that Nerstrand is a commuter city and the turnback of the Hwy would be detrimental as the plowing and maintenance of the road by the cities and counties would not be at the level of the current service. Council Member Gernandt expressed similar concern as she reviewed current maintenance on other Rice County roads. The City Council agreed that it is better for the City of Nerstrand if the road is not turned back.
MOTION:
Council Member Gernandt made a motion to submit a letter to the City of Northfield stating that the City of Nerstrand is not in favor of the turnback. Council Member Pfleger seconded the motion. All approved.
DISCUSSION REGARDING REQUEST FOR PICKLEBALL COURT:
Council Member Gernandt asked Council Member O’Brien if the current basketball court is big enough to double as a pickleball court. O’Brien noted that it is not quite big enough. A request was made to Council Member O’Brien to research the cost and size of a single court pickleball court to be placed in the park. Council Member O’Brien noted that a pickleball court does have the possibility of bringing in noise complaints. Council Member Gernandt mentioned that a windscreen may also be requested by the players.
The results of the research into costs and size will be reviewed at the April meeting.
MN STATE SEAL/FLAG:
Council Member Gernandt expressed frustration regarding the methods taken by the state in designing the new state seal and flag. The concern was the lack of appropriate approvals and the process of the adoption of the new seal and flag. A request was made by the Council to have the Clerk draft a letter to the state expressing disapproval of the process.
OLD BUSINESS
UPDATE ON TREE STUMP PROJECT:
The stump will be ground out in May pending the ability to move the propane tank.
UPDATE ON PUMP HOUSE DOOR REPAIR:
The new door has been received from Lamperts and will be installed this spring.
REPORTS OF OFFICERS
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR - STEVE McDOWELL:
- Flushing Water Lines - The hydrants will be flushed within the next month. Steve McDowell will notify the clerk regarding the date so that residents can be notified.
- Tony Vezzoli’s Garage - A request was made to install a bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom in the garage. It was noted that the property can not be split into two properties following the conversion of the garage. Current plans involve service coming from the house. A suggestion was made to the owner to look into separate hookups for the water. Steve McDowell mentioned that a second access could be used, but is fine either way. It was noted that the empty lot next to the Vezzoli property is owned by a different property owner. Mayor Evavold noted that the driveway should be 20’ per the ordinance. Tony stated that the ordinance also said the driveway should match the surrounding properties. The Council will review the ordinances and draw up a variance for the April meeting.
MAYOR - INSURANCE UPDATE REGARDING ROOF REPAIR:
Mayor Evavold stated that insurance has approved the use of Valentyn Builders for the roof repairs. Mayor Evavold will obtain new globes for the front of the building.
FIRE DEPARTMENT - JOE JOHNSON:
The fire report was included in the Council packet.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
Council Member Gernandt mentioned that Linda B. was interested in opening the library this summer. Additional information regarding this will be obtained and presented at the April meeting.
MOTION ADJOURN:
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Pfleger second by Council Member Gernandt to adjourn. All Approved.
Frances Boehning, City Clerk
Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for April 9th, 2024 at Nerstrand City Hall
