City Council Meeting Minutes City of Nerstrand
November 12, 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
GUESTS: City residents –Karla Ingersoll, Betty Voge, Darren, Annette Evavold, Luanne Kuntz
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
Council member Kevin O’Brien made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Council member Monica Gernandt. All approved.
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Payment of Claims dated November 12, 2024.
B. Minutes from October 8, 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 the transition from Softline Gworks to Banyon utility. The Clerk was concerned about the legal language gworks required before approval to access information. Following discussion, Council Member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve signing the legal document to access files to transfer, Council member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
NEW BUSINESS:
A. Discussion regarding Liquor Ordinance 2024-01 – The Council reviewed the draft ordinance from 2014. There was concern regarding the alcohol limits and their effect on current fundraising and new business in the city. The Council would like to add a section to address the need for an annual business license, expanded days, and concerns regarding the limits of only 3.2 alcohol. The city attorney will be consulted regarding the changes. Council member John Harris made a request to table the topic until the December meeting when additional information will be available. The council agreed to table the matter.
B. Discussion regarding fee schedule ordinance 2024-02. - The Council reviewed the current fee schedule. It was decided that the Chicken Fee would be an annual fee. Following a review of the current utility fees, it was decided that the sewer rates would be increased by 3% with the rates for the first 1,000 gallons being rounded to the nearest whole number (Commercial Sewer to equal $82.00, Flat Sewer to equal $71.00, and Residential Sewer to equal $71.00). The remaining amounts will be raised by 3%. The water shut off fee will be removed. The changes requested will be made and the fee schedule ordinance will be reviewed again at the public hearing in December.
C. Property tax assessment to taxes resolution 2024-19. – Following a short discussion regarding the aged payment list of utility customers, the Council chose to assess to taxes one resident. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to assess the property 21.13.2.50.003 for the unpaid sewer and water utilities that are past due, Council member Kevin O’Brien seconded, all approved.
D. Cannabis resolution 2024-20. – The purpose of the resolution is to delegate the cannabis licensing authority to Rice County. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve resolution 2024-20, Council member John Harris seconded, all approved.
E. Cannabis ordinance discussion – A discussion regarding the pros and cons of cannabis businesses was held. There was a suggestion to limit the size of businesses growing cannabis by acreage. The Council indicated that they would like to see a draft ordinance to allow cannabis businesses in the agricultural and commercial zoning areas. There was a question regarding how zoning rights within City limits intersect with Rice Cty zoning. A draft ordinance would be presented to the Council during the December meeting.
F. Bollig SCDP application resolution 2024-21 – Mayor Todd Evavold reviewed the current standing of the grant project and next steps. The resolution states that the City Council is authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to move forward with the applications for grant money for the city. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the resolution, Council member John Harris seconded, all approved.
G. Agreement with Goodhue County for Building Permit services – Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve continuing with Goodhue County to oversee permitting and inspections in the City of Nerstrand for 2025, Council member John Harris seconded the motion, all approved.
H. Sign Fire Contracts – The contracts for fire service from Holden, Wheeling, and Warsaw Townships, and the City of Dennison have been received and Mayor Evavold will sign them.
I. New House recommendation from the Planning Commission – Luanne Kuntz reviewed the Planning Commission’s meeting and past communications with the future homeowner. Following recommendations from the Planning Commission, the Clerk will send a letter to the applicant with the request for a survey and revised drawings that meet the setbacks.
Reports of Officers
A. Public Works Director – Steve McDowell reviewed the recent lead service line inventory project. A letter to most residents will be printed and sent later this week. Mr. McDowell also reviewed recent road work by CSG on Cherry Street to improve drainage.
B. Mayor – Mayor Evavold requested permission to wire an outlet near the Parkside sign. This project would then permit the pine tree to be decorated with lights and decorations for the holidays. The Council agreed this would be a welcome addition to the city.
C. Fire Department – Joe Johnson provided a written review of a recent grant application and award. In order to accept the grant of $50,000 from Taylor Farms, the department needs to be able to match the amount. If matched, the money would be used to purchase and outfit a new emergency vehicle in 2025. Council member Monica Gernandt made a motion to approve the City allocating up to $20,000 in matching funds, Council member John Harris seconded, 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 December 10th, 2024, at Nerstrand City Hall
