PRESENT: Mayor Todd Evavold, Council Members Dan Pfleger, Monica Gernandt, John Harris
ABSENT: Council Member Kevin O’Brien
ALSO PRESENT: Public Works Steve McDowell, Fire Chief Joe Johnson, Sandy Borders, Interim City Clerk
APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
MOTION: Motion to approve the agenda as presented.
Motion made by Council Member Gernandt, second by Council Member Pfleger
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
CONSENT AGENDA:
A. Regular Meeting Minutes of September 12, 2023
B. Budget Meeting Work Session Minutes of August 29,2023
C. Payment of Claims dated:
1. October 10, 2023
MOTION: Motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented.
Motion made by Council Member Gernandt, second by Council Member Harris
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
LP Gas Pricing – Council Member Gernandt
Council Member Gernandt clarified that the LP Gas pricing from Community Co-op would be $1.38 per gallon. The check for the prepayment was corrected to $2,500 because the city has a credit there already.
Council Member Gernandt mentioned that the Sandy Borders, Contracted worker would need either insurance or she would be classified to receive work comp insurance. Borders informed the Council that as a vendor she would be receiving a 1099 Misc. form at the end of the year. Staff will check with the League of MN Cities regarding the work comp insurance.
Interviews for City Clerk Position:
The council has received eight applications for the City Clerk position. There was discussion and decided that they would interview all of the candidates. Interviews will be held on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 starting at 6:30 pm with 20 minutes between the interviews. Staff will contact the applicants.
Fire Department Event
Fire Chief Joe Johnson informed the Council that the Fire Department will be doing standby first aid at a wrestling event in Northfield. The event will be compensating the department for their time.
Consensus of the council to allow the Fire Department to participate in the event in Northfield.
Delinquent Utility Accounts
The council was presented with a listing of delinquent utility accounts. Letters will be sent to the accounts that the water would either be shut off or certified to the property taxes if not paid by November 4th. Accounts that will be certified will have a 10% interest cost added and would be for one year.
New Computer / Computer Software
Mayor Evavold introduced the item for discussion. He received a quote for computer equipment from Aldrich Technology Consulting in Northfield regarding the replacement of the existing computer. The quote included monitor, computer (either new or refurbished), and Microsoft 365 Business. There was discussion that currently there is Google software.
MOTION: Motion to Table the computer / software and get a new quote.
Motion made by Council Member Harris, second by Mayor Evavold
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
Inactive Checking Account
Mayor Evavold brought it to the attention of the council that the city has an inactive checking account held at Lake Community Bank. There was discussion regarding moving the money from the checking account to a CD account because of the interest rates. The bank is currently offering a CD at an interest rate of 4.5%. Staff will check as to what the city can invest the money in.
MOTION: Motion to Table checking account discussion.
Motion made by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member Pfleger
Ayes: Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
Public Works Director: Steve McDowell
McDowell reported that he is working on some drainage issues; meter reading will be done next week. McDowell also stated that the PCA will be doing an on-site inspection on Thursday. This is response of the report regarding nitrates in the water.
Mayor Report:
Mayor Evavold reported that the City of Nerstrand is the only city in Rice County that didn’t increase their levy for 2024. The report showed that the other cities in Rice County had a levy increase anywhere from 3.5%-11.4%.
Next City Council Meeting is scheduled for November 14, 2023 at Nerstrand City Hall
Motion Adjourn:
MOTION: Motion by Council Member Harris, second by Council Member Pfleger to adjourn.
Ayes: Harris, Evavold, Pfleger, Gernandt, Harris Nays: None
Todd Evavold
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Mayor Todd Evavold
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Sandra Borders, Interim City Clerk
