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HOLDINGFORD CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 2007
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City Council Meeting Minutes (Unapproved)
and   Public Hearing on 2008 Budget
December 10, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Pat Meier, Louis Walz, Gordon Sjaaheim, Eric Smith Tim Berscheid, Sue Marstein, Kristin Marstein, Gary Lange, Deb Meier. Councilman Dick Paggen was not present.

Mayor Ernie Schmit called the public hearing on 2008 budget to order at 7:00 p.m. Mayor Schmit commented that the levy of property taxes for the citizens of Holdingford will remain the same as the past several years. Total levy will be $258,663. Hearing no responses from the public, Mayor Schmit closed the public hearing at 7:05 p.m. on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Mayor Schmit called the regular council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

To certify the tax levy of $258,663, a motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Approval of checks was made on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Approval of minutes from November, 2007 council meeting was made on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Liquor Store report was given by manager Pat Meier. Upcoming events for the Liquor Store, there will be live music on Friday, December 28th. Liquor store manager and council will be doing inventory on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 9 a.m.

            December, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
NOVEMBER    2007     $      30,397.02    GROSS RECEIPTS    $     30,397.02
OCTOBER    2007     $      29,043.15       
NOVEMBER    2006     $      27,964.26    PREVIOUS GROSS    $   295,454.82
Lottery’07  November     $           438.17    ’07 GROSS     $  325,851.84
’07 YTD    $         4,951.35    07 EXPENSES     $  327,837.41
        PROFIT/(LOSS)             (1,982.57)
GT BANK         $       10,995.49     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      4,951.38
            BAND REIMBURSEMENT     $      1,333.00
            GARDEN CLUB REIMBURSE     $            82.50
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $      4,384.31

Fire Department report was given by Fire Chief, Pat Meier. Annual payroll for fire fighters is $17,192.50. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to pay this payroll. AIF Payroll goes from December 1, 2006 to November 30, 2007. Budget for the payroll was $20,000 so they are under budget for the year. Truck fund has 11,208.98. There is also a $40,000 CD.

There were a total of 80 calls for the year 2007 (including Dec. 2006); Brockway 9; Holding 24; City of Holdingford 37; Krain 8 Avon 1; Two Rivers 1.

The Holdingford Fire Department received an award;              .This was presented to them on Thursday evening, 6:30 p.m. during their regular meeting.

The six people that came on as fire fighters in April, 2006 were recommended by Chief Meier to come off probation. Lloyd Rausch made that motion, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF. These six are now full fledged fire fighters. Two new people have come on the Fire Department at the recommendation of Chief Meier. Mike Odden made a motion to accept on probation Melvin Breth and Tim Winter as new recruits as of October 1, 2007. AIF

There are county and region courses for the fire fighters to attend. Chief Meier has asked for 20 refresher courses: 1st Responder, 4 Initial 1st Responder and 1 EMT course. The Fire Department pays for the course, then they get reimbursed by the county and/or region.

Mayor Schmit gave his mayor’s report. See end of minutes for complete details.

Old Business

Eric Smith, from the Minnesota State Retirement System, addressed the council on Health Care Savings Plan for the employees. This would be a group benefit with a portion of employees’ salary going into this plan. The council has an option of the city putting dollars into this plan for the employees and also has the option of putting part of their salary into this plan. Mayor Schmit and the city clerk will work out the details of this, submit the wording to the State to get approval, then bring it to the council at the January meeting for approval. This will become part of the Personnel Manual.

Speed study was discussed. There can be a speed study requested by the council in the form of a resolution. This gets submitted to the county for approval. If they approve it, it then goes to the state, which actually does the speed study. There is no cost to the city for this speed study.  Resolution 07-12-10-1 reflects our request. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to request a speed study via a resolution. AIF

Final payment on the City Hall/Fire Department roof repair was discussed. Final payment is $16,606. There is a discrepancy on the invoices submitted for the extra work done. The city clerk is to look into this. If clerk can clear up discrepancy she is to pay the rest of the bill. If it can’t be cleared up, the clerk is to deduct $322.16 from final payment. This was made on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF (The clerk called Jerry Vosen from Buttweilers Do-All, Inc. on Tuesday. The discrepancy is for Buttweilers time in working with doing these extra items. Clerk paid full final payment.)

Transfer of property where the Old Old Well #1 was located will be made to Louis Walz by warranty deed. This will include the elimination of the contamination agreement which became null and void when the well was abandoned and closed. Motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF City attorney is to make up the deed.

The liquor store operation options were discussed at length. The liquor store had in its budget to make a net profit of $17,000. This is not going to happen by the end of 2007. Some of the options for improvement are: Replace present manager and staff; put the Municipal on the market to sell if we can get a fair price; lease the store out for a set monthly fee; contract with a company to run the store; council to take over and manage the store; continue as we are and hope it gets better; have more events; keep same manager but have a consultant come in for ideas for improvement; bar bingo; look at hours to see where they can be reduced; look where overhead can be reduced; explore remodeling the front of the liquor store; having “pop up” foods, i.e., French fries, short order foods; etc. Other ideas are welcome. The council will be looking at bringing in a consultant for fresh ideas.

Tri-County Humane Society sent the city a contract for 2008 for stray animals picked up in the city. This contract is the same as we had in 2007. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to renew contract. AIF

CD 20523 will be maturing in January 2008. Motion made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet to roll over this CD at the best rate when it comes due. AIF

COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) for public employees for 2007 was 2.3%. Raises for city employees was discussed. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet to give a raise of .34/hour for employees. AIF

Bryan Young has been contacted about cutting down trees that are leaning over the fence along Veteran’s Park. He has not gotten back to the city about doing this. Kim Ebnet made a motion to spend not over $1,000 on doing this work, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Tim Berscheid asked about our zoning laws on sign size. The city clerk will get him the information.

Resolution 07-12-10-02 on taxation training for Lloyd Rausch in 2007, Kim Ebnet and Dick Paggen for training in 2006 was made on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Ernie Schmit. AIF

Louis Walz asked if the city would pay a portion ($500) of the concrete he had laid in front of his property for his sidewalk. Kim suggested that before the city pays Louis, the council needs to look at what sidewalk repairs need to be done throughout the city, who pays for what and take it all into consideration. A motion was made to this effect by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to replace the yield sign on 3rd Street, with a stop sign, where it crosses Washington. Since more parking is made available along this street, by St. Hedwig’s church, Kim said it is hard to see cross traffic. AIF

Motion to adjourn was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Victoria Statz, City Clerk




City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
November 13, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Dick Paggen, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louise Winkler, Louis Walz, Don Elfering, Melyssa Sakry, Jeanette May.

Mayor Ernie Schmit called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m

Kim Ebnet made a motion to pay bills, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Lloyd Rausch made a motion to accept the October 9, 2007 minutes, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Mayor Schmit gave the Liquor Store report in the absence of Manager Pat Meier. There are two upcoming events for the Liquor Store, Nov. 23rd there will be live music; Nov. 24th will be a Game Day. All are welcome to come and participate.

            November, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
OCTOBER    2007     $      29,043.15    GROSS RECEIPTS    $     29,043.15
SEPTEMBER    2007     $      28,122.71       
OCTOBER    2006     $      27,063.35    PREVIOUS GROSS    $   266,411.67
Lottery’07  October     $           497.10    ’07 GROSS     $  295,454.82
’07 YTD    $         4,513.21    07 EXPENSES     $  301,280.67
        PROFIT/(LOSS)             (5,825.85)
GT BANK         $       10,557.32     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      4,513.21
            BAND REIMBURSEMENT     $      1,333.00
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $            20.36

Mayor Schmit gave the Fire Department report in the absence of Fire Chief, Pat Meier. There has been 78 calls so far this year, seven for the month of October. The truck fund has $11, 208.98 including interest. There is a $40,000 CD for the Fire Department also. The gambling manager duties are being shifted to Dave Yurczyk. On November 29th the Fire Department will be canvassing the city, going door to door asking if the residents have a good working smoke detector. If they do not, one is available FREE of charge. These smoke detectors were purchased to fill out a grant given to the Fire Department. Anyone who does not have a smoke detector is welcome to get one

Payroll for the Fire Department will be cut off as of November 30th so salaries can be paid out in December.

Mayor Schmit gave his report. See the end of the minutes for complete details.

Old Business

There was discussion on the water/sewer snow bird rates that was established in the January, 2007 Schedule of Charges list. Several of the “snow birds” have felt that doubling the rate from $10/month to $20/month charge was too much. The city clerk did a short review of the neighboring cities as to what they charge their “snow birds.” The $20 rate is on the low end of the three other cities called. The city has to maintain the operation whether or not people are here for the winter. The mayor asked the council if this should be reduced to $12 or $15/month. Dick Paggen rescinded his motion from back in January. Kim Ebnet did not second the rescind. The $20/month rate stands in effect for those “snow birds” leaving Holdingford during the winter. As it stands now, the option of “snow birds” having their water turned off for a $25 fee is available to them.

Melyssa Sakry talked to the council about barking dogs in her neighborhood. The city has a noise ordinance against habitually barking dogs and dogs barking outside after 10 p.m. Anyone who believes a neighbors dog is in this category, will need to contact the city clerk at 746-2966 so a letter may be sent to the offending dog’s owner.

Attorney Paul Ampe sent a letter to the city requesting a split of Bias property. The area of land in the city limits owned by Bias’ allows for the split according to the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning laws. R58.33516.000 was approved for split by Resolution 07-11-13-01 a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Summer Rec program for the area children was discussed. A motion to approve $3,000 to help pay for this program was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

The Initiative Foundation has a grant available to the City of Holdingford for $10,000 to be used for programs and community development. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to allow the city to apply for this $10,000 grant. AIF

LUCA (Local Update of Census Addresses) will begin late 2007 and on into the early part of 2008. Mayor Schmit asked the council for extra hours for Vicki Statz, city clerk and Kathy O’Hara, utility worker to do this addressing verification. Accurate addressing is necessary as it will affect the city for the next ten year cycle for LGA (Local Government Aid). Lloyd Rausch made a motion to allow extra hours, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Speed study for downtown Holdingford and south of Holdingford on Co. Rd. 9 was discussed. There is a process the city has to go through before speed limits can be changed. The city must request the county for this change, who in turn requests the State Highway commissioner for this area. If the State highway agrees, then a study needs to be done for these areas. Kim brought up the issue of who has to pay for this study. Mayor Schmit will talk to the county to see what costs would be involved. It was suggested that maybe the city could rent an electronic speed indicator (such as was in Avon). Herman is to see if they have one available. Mayor Schmit will check with the county as to the cost of a speed study.

Resolution 07-11-13-02 thanking the Lioness Club for their help in redoing all the play equipment at Veteran’s Park this past summer was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

A big thank you to the Commercial Club for donating finances from Holdingford Daze to purchase two infant safety swings for down at Veteran’s Park. It is very much appreciated by the city.

Time sheets were discussed. The council got clarification on winter/summer hours for our utility worker. There are more summer hours because of extra cleaning and extra duties when any of the other city employees are on vacation. She fills in where needed. Her winter hours are less because of less bathrooms to be cleaned on a weekly basis and less vacation time by other city employees.

There is a Health Care Savings Plan available to city employees through the State of Minnesota. The city clerk attended a seminar where this was explained. The council went through this Plan. It was decided by the council that at the time an employee retires, all of the compensatory time that has accumulated for that employee, up to 40 hours, will be put into this plan. The employee will have the option to put his/her sick leave available at the time of retirement, (a maximum of 120 hours), into this plan. All vacation time available to the employee at the time of their retirement, the employee will have the option of putting into their HCSP. The city and employee both benefit from this plan since no taxes are paid on the money that goes into this plan.

The city’s Personnel Manual Sections 4, 6, 7, 9, 11 and Appendix A was updated by the council.

Resolution 07-11-13-03 thanking the Garden Club, Pedals to Petals, for their beautification of the city this past summer and fall was made on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Louis Walz brought up the item of the abandoned well property R58.33728.500/001 to be given back to parcel # R58.33728.000/001. This parcel of property, 45’ x 25’ of Lot 5, Block 2, Townsite of Wardville is the location of Old Well #1. The city clerk will be getting this information to the city attorney. This was tabled until such time as the attorney has looked over papers brought in by Mr. Walz.

Dick Paggen made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF Meeting adjourned at 10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Victoria Statz, City Clerk


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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
October  9, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Dick Paggen, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louise Winkler, Joe Scepaniak, Bill Scepaniak, Pat Meier

Mayor Ernie Schmit called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to approve the checks. AIF

A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen to approve the September meeting minutes. AIF

The mayor gave his monthly report. See end of minutes for full details.

Pat Meier, Liquor Store manager, gave his report. The Liquor Store will be having a band play on Friday, October 26, 2007.
Mayor Schmit asked Pat for an inventory at last month’s meeting. Pat and Pam took inventory the early part of October.
Inventory at the end of 2006:    $41,096.43    Inventory on Oct. 8 2007:    $40,236.19

            October, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
SEPTEMBER    2007     $      28,122.71    GROSS RECEIPTS    $     28,122.71
AUGUST    2007     $      31,279.64       
SEPTEMBER    2006     $      28,751.35    PREVIOUS GROSS    $   238,288.96
Lottery’07  September     $           503.35    ’07 GROSS     $  266,411.67
’07 YTD    $         4,016.11    07 EXPENSES     $  261,945.44
        PROFIT/(LOSS)              4,466.23
GT BANK         $       10,060.22     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      4,016.11
            BAND REIMBURSEMENT     $      1,333.00
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $      9,815.34

Fire Chief, Pat Meier gave the Fire Department report. There have been 71 calls so far this year. The truck fund has $11,208.98. Donations for the Ram and accessories was received from the Fire Relief Association and SnoFlyers.  It was reported that there was a slow response to the fire call on 9-20-07. This was due to many towers being knocked off line because of the electrical storm. Other city’s also reported being knocked off line for a time.

We are close to closing the $65,829 Homeland security grant. We will be writing up the narrative on it on Wednesday. The 2007 EMV and percentages were sent to the Fire Department. There has not been much change from last year to this year. The percentages for the townships and city of Holdingford are: Krain 12.714%; Brockway, 19.151%; Holding 53.324% and City of Holdingford 14.811%.

There is concern with the Fire Hall ceiling having screws from the new roof repair showing through that condensation in the winter may form.  They will keep a watch on this over the winter.

Old gear from the Fire Department will be donated to a non profit organization in St. Cloud for Guatemala or to the VoTech.

Mayor Schmit will be calling our building inspector to go over what we as a city expect from our building inspector. The city clerk is to call her for the dates she has when she did final inspections on permits issued.

Phase II of the Ridgeview Addition was discussed.  The south end of Main Street (south of Park Street) will be extended approximately 875 feet. Because of a pre-existing water drainage issue, it was decided on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Kim Ebnet that the city will pay the cost of one manhole and two catch basins where Main and Park Streets intersect and the piping for storm water run off from Park Street approximately 190 feet south to the next catch basin and pay _ the cost of the approximate 160 foot storm water pipe to the drainage pond. The city will also split the cost difference between an 8” and 10” water main pipe with the Ridgeview developers. AIF

Concerning the Elder Friendly request for street safety improvements in the downtown area, Mayor Schmit will contact Stearns County about putting up 20 mile an hour speed signs at both ends of Co. Rd 62, from Co. Rd. 17 and Washington Street that There is also a request that the 30 mile an hour speed limit sign at the south end of Co. Rd 9 be put at the city limits, just south of Ridge Way.

There will be a Stearns County Municipal City League meeting on Tuesday, October 16, in Paynesville. Mayor Schmit asked the council who would be willing to join him at this meeting. Lloyd Rausch said he could go.

The park shelter rentals for the summer were discussed.  The city clerk is to talk to Cyril Ebnet about the list he gave to the council.

The regular council meeting was suspended at this time for a closed meeting. The council met in closed meeting concerning a personnel issue.

After the closed meeting, the regular council meeting was resumed. Dick Paggen made a motion to accept the resignation of bartender Betty Gaida, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

The city council went over City Ordinances 50 and 51. These were on Garbage and Rubbish and Sewer Regulations.

Dick Paggen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF Meeting ended at 9:45 p.m. AIF

Respectfully submitted,
Victoria R. Statz, City Clerk


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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
September 10, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Dick Paggen, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louis Walz.

Mayor Schmit called the September regular council meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to pay the bills. AIF

A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen to approve the August meeting minutes. AIF

Liquor store report was given by Mayor Ernie Schmit in the absence of the Liquor Store manager.

            September, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
AUGUST    2007     $      31,279.64    GROSS RECEIPTS        $31,279.64
JULY    2007     $      41,497.75       
AUGUST    2006     $      30,789.48    PREVIOUS GROSS    $   207,009.32
Lottery’07  August     $           355.37    ’07 GROSS     $  238,288.96
’07 YTD    $         3,512.76    07 EXPENSES     $  241,236.15
        PROFIT/(LOSS)             (2,947.19)
GT BANK         $        9,556.87     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      3,512.76
            BAND REIMBURSEMENT     $      1,333.00
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $      1,898.57

For the next council meeting, the mayor is requesting what the inventory is in the basement of the liquor store. Pat is to give the council a report on it. There was discussion as to what is in place if the liquor store does not meet the goals that were set up earlier this year

Fire Department report was given by Mayor Ernie Schmit in the fire chief’s absence. There have been 63 calls so far this year.  The truck fund has $11,208.98 and there is a $40,000 CD that is coming due in October. The cutters and spreader was purchased with donated dollars from the SnoFlyers $5,700and the Fire Relief Association $4,000.  There was service to a pump, tools and oil bought for $267.66. The Bulldog I tanker was taken to Ramler Trucking for servicing $220.75. There is one accident to be billed out. The fire chief will be getting the township percentages for the EMV tomorrow for budgeting purposes.

Two potential firefighters were interviewed and they are looking for one more volunteer firefighter.

Mayor Ernie Schmit gave the Mayor’s Report. See complete details at the end of these minutes.

Two bids came in for cleaning out the rest of the sewer lines at the north end of town. Ritter and Ritter came with a bid of $1.20/foot with cleaning of calcium buildup of $250/hour.  Infratech came in with a bid of $1.20/foot also with calcium cleaning of $200/hour. Several references were called and got good reports from all who were called. Infratech and Ritter and Ritter have done a good job in the city’s they have worked in.

The calcium build up cleaning was recommended not to be done until such time that new liners can be put in the sewer lines. On a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden, Infratech will be hired to do the sewer cleaning work up to $6,000. The council is looking at $5,000 for the complete job, but if Infratech is close to being done, then the council is willing to spend up to the $6,000 to get the north end of town cleaned out.

The returned building inspector surveys were gone over. The mayor will be talking with the building inspector that does Avon to see what he does for each permit, how much oversight he gives to each permit. Then the mayor and a council person will talk with Nancy Scott about the results of the survey.

Central Minnesota Home Rehab was discussed. The City of Holdingford has a little over $92,000 for home rehab, but in order to get federal dollars we are working with the city of Upsala and Holding Township to boost home rehab in our communities. These dollars can only be used for home rehab, commercial updating and rental entities. The city cannot use this money for any of its own buildings.  We will try again next spring/summer to do a home rehab application with Central MN Housing Partnership (CMHP).  The application alone will cost the cities around $5,000. In order to have a better chance at getting the federal grant dollars, there needs to be greater involvement of all three communities.

The Old Maintenance Garage was brought up for discussion again. Mayor Schmit will get some estimates to fix up the garage and then approach those interested in renting the building to see if they want to do the repairs.

The covered bridge to be built over Two River River was discussed. The Lion’s Club has done a tremendous amount of work getting this project put together. They are looking to the city for its approval of the project. On a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch, the council has agreed to the Release and Hold Harmless Agreement with the U.S. Army Reserve (APPENDIX H (General Release of Liability, Hold Harmless, and Indemnification Agreement). AIF

On a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet the council has agreed to APPENDIX G (Statement of Non-Competition with Commercial Sources); the City of Holdingford, MN has requested the 367th Engineer Battalion to perform certain construction activities.  AIF

On a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden, the council has agreed to APPENDIX C (Sponsor Letter of Request for Assistance) that requests the assistance of the 367th Engineer Battalion to construct a shelter over a bridge within the city limits.  AIF

Mayor Schmit informed the council on the city center’s roof repair. The air exchanger above the kitchen needs to be lifted in order to put the new roof under it. It was found out that the air exchanger has been wired wrong. It will be corrected. There is an extra cost to have the air exchanger lifted,  put a small slant on the roof for water run off, etc. of about $1,000 - $1,500. That amount will be added to the total cost of the roof repair.

Kim Ebnet made a motion to pay for material and labor to this point on the roof repair in the amount of $69,000, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF The final payment will be after repair work is done and the city gets a written 20 year warranty on the work done.

The city received two bids back on abandoning Old Old Well #1 and closing the three monitoring wells in that area. Traut Wells came in with a total bid of $5,225; Thein Well came in with a bid of $4,656. Thein Well from Spicer, MN will be doing the closing of these monitoring wells and completing the abandonment of Old Old Well #1 this fall on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Training session for Local Board of Appeal and Equalization was brought up. Lloyd Rausch will be taking the training this fall. Gary Grossinger from Stearns County will let us know when the training session will take place. Mike Odden made a motion, seconded by Ernie Schmit for Lloyd to take this training. AIF

The council voted that CD 20924, ($40,000) the Fire Department special truck and equipment fund, be rolled over again to another 8 month CD on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

The council voted that CD 20925, ($10,000) the MN State Lottery Acct, be rolled over again to another 8 month CD on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF. Both of these CDs are due the beginning of October, 2007.

Helping Hands has asked the city if they can put up a sign advertising the surrey bike rentals on the back of one of the benches at the Wobegon Shelter.  The council suggested the signs be put on the parking posts in the Wobegon Shelter parking lot for better exposure to the public.

The city council went over the 2008 preliminary budget for the city and Fire Department. Only a couple minor changes were made to the budget. Motion was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden to accept the preliminary 2008 budget for the City of Holdingford. AIF

Public hearing on the proposed budget and tax levy has been set for Monday, December 10th, 7 p.m. before the regular city council meeting on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

October 4th there is a Leadership training session at the Initiative Foundation in Little Falls. Council members Kim Ebnet, Lloyd Rausch, Mike Odden, and Mayor Ernie Schmit will be attending. They will leave city hall around 3:15 p.m. for the session that is from 4 – 9 p.m. in Little Falls.

The council asked that business owners who have buildings on Main Street please keep the weeds cut in front and back of your business places.

The city clerk will not be in the office on Tuesday, November 6th.

Respectfully submitted:
Victoria Statz, City Clerk


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PUBLIC HEARING ON

ZONING ORDINANCE
SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE
ADULT ESTABLISHMENT REGULATION ORDINANCE

AND

City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
August 13, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Dick Paggen, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louis Walz, Shirley Graveen, Jill Sinner, Joe Scepaniak, Janice Paggen, Dan Kobylinski.

Mayor Ernie Schmit called the public hearing to order at 7:05 p.m. Public comments were received on the Zoning Ordinance. The intent of the zoning ordinance is to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of the city and its people through the establishment of minimum regulations governing land development and use. 

Hearing no comments from the general public on the zoning ordinance, the mayor introduced the Subdivision Ordinance for public comment. The intent of the subdivision regulation ordinance is to assist the orderly, efficient and integrated development of the city in compliance with the Holdingford Comprehensive Plan. It is also being instituted to promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the residents of the city. To secure equitable handling of all subdivision plans by providing uniform minimum standards and procedures. 

Hearing no comments from the general public on the subdivision ordinance, the mayor introduced the ordinance providing for the regulation of Adult Establishments in the city of Holdingford.  The purpose and intent of regulating adult establishments is to protect  the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the city and its people. It was suggested by Councilman Mike Odden to include Subdivision 1 wording that the city of Freeport uses in its adult establishment ordinance. Hearing no further comments from the general public, Kim Ebnet made a motion to close the public hearing, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF. The public hearing closed at 7:25 p.m.

Mayor Schmit opened the regular monthly council meeting at 7:25 p.m. Dick Paggen made a motion to accept the Zoning Ordinance as printed, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Lloyd Rausch made a motion to accept the Subdivision Ordinance as written, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Mike Odden requested that the Adult Establishment Ordinance include wording in Subdivision 1 that the city of Freeport used. Kim Ebnet made a motion to include the city of Freeport Subdivision wording in Holdingford’s Adult Establishment Ordinance, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF The wording that is to be added is as follows:  Subdivision 1. Authority.  The United States Supreme Court has ruled that sexually-explicit speech, including nude dancing is entitled to some level of protection under the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.  As a result, municipalities may not ban adult establishments. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that cities may adopt content-neutral zoning and licensing provisions to regulate and control the adverse secondary effects of adult establishments on the community.

One change was brought up on the council approval report for paying bills for the Internet Planners, we paid for the host name, not the domain name. The change is noted. Mike Odden made a motion to pay all bills, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF.

One change on the minutes for the July 9, 2007 council minutes. Insert the words ‘representing the Lion’s Club’ where Al Leinen came before the council requesting a gambling license. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen to accept the minutes for July 9, 2007 council meeting with notation. AIF

A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet to accept the minutes for the special meeting of July 23rd, 2007 regarding the Central MN Housing Partnership Rehab Program. AIF

Liquor store report was given by Mayor Schmit in the absence of Manager Pat Meier.

On August 25th, the Liquor Store will be having another Game Day, the first one was well attended, so we will be doing another one.  August sales in general are going well. We are planning a bus to Norwood, MN on Saturday, August 18th, to cheer on the Holdingford Express baseball team in the state tournament.



            August 13, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
JULY    2007     $      41,497.75    GROSS RECEIPTS, JULY        $41,497.75
JUNE    2007     $      32,885.06       
JULY    2006     $      41,287.94    PREVIOUS GROSS    $  165,511.57
Lottery’07 July     $            556.29    ’07 GROSS     $  207,009.32
’07 YTD    $         3,157.39    07 EXPENSES     $  203,914.02
GT BANK         $        9,201.50     NET PROFIT      $      3,095.30
            NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      3,157.39
                 $     6,252,.69
            BAND REIMBURSE FOR H.D     $      1,333.00
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT      $      7,585.69

Fire report was given by Mayor Ernie Schmit. So far this year there have been 50 fire calls: 7 for Brockway, 15 for Holding, 21 for city of Holdingford; 5 for Krain, 1 Two Rivers and 1 good intention. Fire Truck fund has $11,208.98. There is also a $40,000 CD for the Fire special truck fund. The Relief Association has donated $4,000 for a RAM and Blox. Next month the fire fighters will be giving a demonstration for the council and media pictures. 

Thursday, August. 16, at 6:30 there will be the budget meeting for the fire department and liaison, city clerk and mayor for 2008 budgeting.

Relief Association required contribution for 2008 will be $0. The investments are doing well. Have received 2nd quarter payments from Holding Township $7,500; and Brockway Township $2,700.

A request is made for the Fire Department to send one fire fighter to FFI class. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to send this fire fighter to FFI class. AIF

Sewer cleaning lines was discussed. The council wants to see a more complete bid from Infratech before making a final decision. Herman is to take care of this. They are also requesting referrals from other cities that have worked with this company. (Infratech) A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen to table this until September council meeting. AIF

Home rehab update. We have run into a challenge with DEED (Department of Employment and Economic Development) of MN. The city clerk and mayor are looking into it. It seems that there should have been some reporting from the earlier home rehab project the city did in 1997. There has not been an updated report since 2004. The city clerk will be checking into this more thoroughly in the coming days. Holding Township is in favor of doing a home rehab as well as the city of Upsala. There are community informational meetings set up for our areas. Small businesses are also eligible for this rehab.

Repair of the city center roof was discussed. It was decided on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet to fund all of the center’s roof repair this year. This will mean using some of the Truck Fund $s now and also hopefully putting the Fire Department portion in its budget for 2008. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet to repair the entire roof. Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch voted yes, Dick Paggen voted no. Total cost for the repairs are:
Base Bid: (includes the foyer, city offices, city center,   $44,851  This price includes Alternate #1 area which is the hallway
                 Alternate #2           $18,175
                Alternate #3           $22,940
                TOTAL BID     $85,966
$40,000 of this will come from our Equipment Fund, $22,940 will be for the Fire Department roofing. The rest of it ($23,026) will come out of our Building Fund account #8054679. The Equipment Fund will be left with approximately $39,000.

Karen Larsen needs council approval to deed the north 15 feet of the vacated Grove Street to Vernon and Delores Voss. Ms. Larsen was deeded this property when the city closed that street. At that time, Voss’ were not part of the city, so the city could not split this street between Voss’ and Larsen’s.  Kim Ebnet made a motion to the city was aware of this transaction and approves of it. Lloyd Rausch seconded the motion. AIF

Jill Sinner asked the council if there was anything that could be done with the ‘jake breaking’ that goes on at all the incoming roads to the city. The city clerk will contact the county highway department to see if they would put up signs disallowing the ‘jake breaking.’ If the county will not do it, the city council said they would provide the signs on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF There will be four signs, two on the north and south end of the city on Co. Rd 9 and two on the east and west end of town on Co. Rd. 17. 

The issue of farmers hauling farm products through town and losing some of it on the city streets was discussed. Lloyd Rausch stated that if that happens residents can call the Stearns County Sheriff’s Department (the non-emergency line) to report it. They will contact the farmer and have them clean it up.

Comments were received on the building inspector survey sent out last month. The city clerk will do a compilation of the answers and bring it to the next meeting. No action on this until the next meeting.

The Initiative Foundation is giving a Leadership training opportunity. Mayor Schmit will be going on Thursday, October 4, in Little Falls from 4-9 p.m. Mike Odden will also be going. The rest of the council is encouraged to attend also.

The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have given the City of Holdingford an okay to pull the monitoring wells around Well #1. We have been working to get this completed for a long time. The Site ID# is LEAK00013957. The MPCA staff has closed the release site file which means there will be no additional investigation and/or cleanup work for this site.  The city has been working with Braun Intertec for some time on this project. They will be overseeing the closing of these monitoring wells and also doing the paperwork for the city to get reimbursement from the Petro Fund.

Jerry Schueler, our Wastewater Supervisor has requested the purchase of a new blower for the wastewater treatment plant. It would be to replace an old blower bought in 1960. Jerry would do the install and Gene Cipala will be doing the electrical work. Kim Ebnet made a motion to purchase the blower, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Dick Paggen made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF. Meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by,

Victoria Statz, City Clerk


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City Council Special Meeting Minutes (Approved)
July 23, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Dick Paggen, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz,  Louise Winkler

Mayor Ernie Schmit called the special meeting to order at 7 p.m.

Several questions had come up at the regular council in regard to the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership Rehab.  Homes must be brought up to code when getting this federal rehab grant. The average amount spent on rehabbing a home is $20,000.  There is a financial qualification for families to meet. CMHPR will be doing the application process with homeowners to see who meets the financial qualification.

Mayor Schmit will be going to the Holding Township meeting to invite them into the process. The mayor of Upsala will be inviting Elmdale Township into this process also. The job of the city/townships is to get the word out to the residents about this opportunity for home improvements.  There will be an informational meeting in Holdingford and in Upsala for this. Upsala will be having their meeting on Tuesday, August 14. The city of Holdingford will be having an informational meeting on Thursday, August 16, at 8 p.m. at city hall.

The city, along with Upsala and maybe other area townships will be going in with Holdingford for this grant process. The application fee of $2,500 will be split among those cities and townships who are applying for the federal grant.  Once the city decides to do this process, we have committed to seeing it through.

There will also be a minimal cost to the city/township for each home that is rehabilitated in that area. The cost is yet to be set. It will be decided once we know who will be involved in this process. An area city set it at $400 last year and was able to obtain the federal grant. It had previously applied at a lower rate and did not receive the grant. However, the feeling of the council is that with the rehabilitation of these older homes, the resale value will be greatly improved. 

Mike Odden made a motion to go ahead with the Central Minnesota Housing Partnership home rehab process, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Holding Heights project was discussed. Mark Rodenwald and Sam DeLeo had met with Mayor Schmit, Mike Odden, Scott Lange, and Vicki Statz on revising the original plat for his development. Mr. Rodenwald wants to have less lots so they will be bigger lots, which means the lift station can be located at the northeast corner of the development, have a smaller lift station, etc. The council wants the new design shown to them before making any final decisions. Mr. Rodenwald had also requested narrower streets with a walkway for pedestrians. The idea of a narrower street was not acceptable to the council.

Mr. Rodenwald will be financing the project himself with no help coming from the city. More information from Mr. Rodenwald will be presented at the next council meeting.

The estimate of $1,300 for installation of the civil defense siren at Veteran’s Park was passed on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Mayor Schmit then suspended the special meeting to hold a closed meeting.

Discussion was held on an active investigation. Closed meeting was adjourned on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

The special meeting was adjourned on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Respectfully submitted by Vicki Statz, City Clerk


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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
July 9, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Dick Paggen, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Scott Lange, Louis Walz, Shirley Graveen, Al Leinen, Pat Meier, Jerry Vosen. Linus Ebnet, Louise Winkler


Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit at 6:35 p.m. at an unrestored manhole. The council then looked at a restored manhole, done by Key Contracting, Inc. from Fargo, ND. They completed work on the ten worst manholes. The city will do the rest next year.

The mayor suspended the meeting at the manholes and reconvened the regular council meeting at city hall at 7 p.m.

A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to pay the bills. AIF.

A motion was made to accept the minutes from the June 11, 2007 council meeting by Dick Paggen, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Liquor store report was given by manager Pat Meier.

            July 9, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
JUNE    2007     $      32,885.06    GROSS RECEIPTS, JUNE        $32,885.06
MAY    2007     $      31,272.15       
JUNE    2006     $      28,119.56    PREVIOUS GROSS    $  132,626.51
Lottery’07 June     $           403.03    ’07 GROSS     $  165,511.57
’07 YTD    $         2,601.10    07 EXPENSES     $  162,302.31
GT BANK         $        8,645.21     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      2,601.10
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $      5,810.36

The liquor store’s ‘game day’ went over very well. Had a lot of participants. There was also a motorcycle stop here in Holdingford. A couple hundred motorcyclists stopped in at the local establishments for refreshments.  The liquor store is getting geared up for Holdingford Daze, this coming Saturday, July 14, 2007.

Pat Meier had an employee performance review for Annie Philippi. The council reviewed it. A motion made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet to raise Annie to the next step (2). AIF

The Fire Department report was given by Fire Chief  Pat Meier. There are a total of 42 fire/rescue calls so far for the year; 10 for fire; 24 for Rescue/emergency medical; 1 hazardous condition/no fire; 6 false alarms;1 severe weather. Breakdown by community: 5 for Brockway; 13 for Holding; 4 for Krain; 19 for City; 1 for Two Rivers. There was no activity in the Truck Fund or in the CD. 

The Cutters and Ram has been ordered. SnoFlyers have donated $5,700 for the Cutters and the Fire Relief Association donated $3,500 for the Ram.

Several firefighters have gone to the convention and training. They have stayed within their budget for the year.

Mayor Ernie Schmit gave his report. See entire report at end of the minutes.

Al Leinen, representing the Lion’s Club, came before the council seeking two gambling licenses for the Lion’s Club. The first is for Pot O Gold to be held during the September 9, 2007 community picnic. Resolution 07-07-09-01 was passed on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF This will be held at the Veteran’s Park in Holdingford.

Resolution 07-07-09-02 to hold a bingo and raffle gambling event at TKs Restaurant on November 24, 2007 was passed on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF This gambling event is to raise funds for the covered bridge.

Resolution 07-07-09-03 to renew the American Legion two year gambling license for pull tabs and bingo at the American Legion was made on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Scott Lange came before the council to go over the bids on re-roofing parts of the city center. He received two bids back. They were opened at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2007.

The engineer’s estimate was $31,782.00
Buttweilers Do-All, Inc. from Alexandria, MN  was $35,231.00
Granite City Roofing from St. Cloud, MN was $59,110.00

The bid was awarded to Buttweilers Do-All, Inc. from Alex., MN. Jerry Vosen from Buttweilers was at this council meeting to answer any questions the council may have had. In this bid were three alternate bids in doing areas next to the bid areas. On a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen the base bid of $35,231 with Alternate #1 for $9,620 for a total cost of $44,851 and a 20 year warranty was accepted by the city council. AIF  Work to be completed by October 1, 2007

Several weeks ago, Terry Roth, from the MPCA came to Holdingford to do a check on our sanitation department. The city was missing several permits in our files. SEH, our engineering firm had them in their files and we forwarded the information to Ms. Roth. We have been working with the MPCA to get all the permits in order.

The city has been looking at changing the health care provider for eligible city employees.  John Holthaus, our health care provider insurance agent, got quotes from Health Partners and Blue Cross/Blue Shield. In going over the quotes, it was decided on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded Lloyd Rausch to go with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. AIF Coverage with Blue Cross/Blue Shield will start in August.

A surge protector was talked about for the new well monitoring system. Avon Electric recommended that there not be a surge protector on it. What is there is sufficient. Mayor Schmit will check with the insurance company to see if the boards that were blown will be covered by the insurance.

There will be a civil defense siren put up at Veteran’s Park that has a rotating sound for emergencies. Cost estimate for installation and equipment from Granite Electronics is $1,998.15. We did not have this item specifically in the budget for this year, however, it will be covered under the Parks budget. Lloyd Rausch made a motion, seconded by Dick Paggen to accept this bid. AIF In addition to this the city would like to transfer the light on the old pole to the new one.

There will be a public hearing on Monday, August 13, 2007 before the regular council meeting for hearing public comments on the Adult Establishment Ordinance, the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Regulation Ordinance. The public hearing will start at 7 p.m. We encourage the public to come and view these ordinances prior to the public hearing. Copies are available at city hall. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to hold this public hearing. AIF

Senior dining participants have requested that the $100 monthly fee for use of the city center and kitchen be waived. No action was taken on this request.

Two bids for re-tarring part of the city streets came in. Herman Ebnet had requested three bids, but only two companies responded. Hardrives from St. Cloud quote was $16,311.60; Tri-City Paving, Inc. from Little Falls had a quote of $12,764.00. A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Kim Ebnet to accept Tri-City Paving bid for $12,764.00. AIF It was noted that Tri-City does the road repaving for Holding Township.

Three conditions were put in place before the property where the old well is will be transferred to Louis Walz. 1. Eddie Opatz is to give the city proof of insurance before demolishing the building. 2. Herman Ebnet gives his okay for demolition. 3. The expense of the demolition of the building, including removal of the cement slab will be Louis Walz’s expense. When these three criteria are met, the property will be transferred. They are not to disturb the test wells in any way, however. This motion was made by Ernie Schmit, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

The city council went over the Administration portion of the MN Basic Code of Ordinances and made several minor changes.

Building inspector question came up. The city has been hearing quite a few complaints on the inspector. The city clerk will be compiling a short survey for past building permit holders to get their input before proceeding further with this issue.

Liquor Store water softener installation came up. Manager Pat Meier would like to hold off on this to see how the store does financially this year.

It was noted that Herman Ebnet has ordered the two signs for down at the ball park, the speed sign and Children at Play sign.

Gerard Wentland will be pouring the cement slab for the skateboard park in the next couple weeks. It will be down at the south end of Veteran’s Park, where the old ice rink used to be.

A city employee has asked that they be able to contribute to a 457b tax deferred tax plan through the city. It would involve the city clerk to make a change in their pay schedule. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet to allow them to do this. AIF

Motion to adjourn was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

After adjournment, there was a closed meeting on a personnel issue. There was no decision to be made because of this meeting. It was information only.


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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
June 11, 2007

Present at the meeting: Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Scott Lange, Louis Walz, Dennis from SEH, Dan Fiedler, Cyril Ebnet, Jon Lentz from Stearns County Sheriff’s Dept. Councilman Dick Paggen was absent.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit at 7:05 p.m.

Motion to approve payment of checks was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Motion to approve minutes from May city council meeting was made be Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Motion to approve minutes from Local Board of Appeal and Equalization from May 10, 2007 with correction on dollar value on Louis Walz property was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Liquor store report was given by manager Pat Meier.

            June 11, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
MAY    2007     $      31,272.15    GROSS RECEIPTS, MAY        $31,272.15
APRIL    2007     $      25,828.04       
MAY    2006     $      27,819.20    PREVIOUS GROSS    $   101354.36
Lottery’07 May     $           465.96    ’07 GROSS     $  132,626.51
’07 YTD    $         2,198.07    07 EXPENSES     $  141,160.66
GT BANK         $        8,242.18     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      2,198.07
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $     (6,336.08)

The municipal liquor store will be having a Game Day on Saturday, June 30th. See attached flyer for more details and how to sign up. Pat Meier and Pam Voss will be meeting with Mayor Schmit and Lloyd Rausch to go over liquor store hours, etc.

Fire Department report was given by Fire Chief, Pat Meier. So far this year there have been 34 incident calls. Breakdown is 4 to Brockway; 10 to Holding; 15 to City of Holdingford; 4 to Krain and 1 to Two Rivers. There was no financial activity in the truck fund, $11,157.78. They will close the FEMA grant after all invoices have been received and paid. Xcel Energy had a wire down on June 10, 2007 due to the high winds at Co. Rd. 9 and Cedar Street. Fire Department was at the scene for several hours. The old radios taken out of the fire trucks have a FCC license until 2012. Pat asked if the city could use them. They will utilize a couple of them. The radios will have to be deprogrammed before being put to use in the city.

Sno-Flyers are willing to donate $5,700 for a cutter (for car extractions) for the rescue crew and also $3,500 for a Ram. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to accept the donations from the Sno-Flyers for the purchase of both the cutter and Ram. AIF

The Fire Convention was held in Brainerd this past month. Five people from the fire department went. Will have a report for the council at the next meeting. Lloyd Rausch said that Dorine has learned a lot, with more to learn.

Mayor Ernie Schmit gave his report. See full report at end of meeting minutes.

Jon Lentz introduced himself as the new liaison from Stearns County Sheriff’s Department. He is replacing Joe Litchy. Two items from the council were brought up to him. One being speeding vehicles at the corner of Co. Rds 9 and 17 early in the morning, from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. The other issue is cars speeding on Prairie Street, going up on the Pedestrian walkway of Prairie Street. Lt. Lentz said he would look into both of these. He will be coming to the council meeting once a quarter. The next time he will be here will be the September 10th council meeting. If any citizens have anything they would like to talk to him about, they are invited to attend this meeting.

Cyril Ebnet has requested a beer license for the softball park for the summer. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to allow the beer license at the ball park. The cost of the beer license is $93.76. AIF

Scott Lange informed the council of the roof repair estimates made by Steve Robinson of SEH. Scott will get bids on the first priority repair, that being the office area, Community room and vestibule of the city hall. Mayor Schmit wants a 20 year warranty on the work that will be done. Scott will have the bids by the July meeting for the council to review.  The council also wants to have references checked before awarding the bid to a contractor. A motion to go ahead with the bids and repair was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Dennis, from SEH engineering office showed the council how the ARC Reader works with the digital cartographic data mapping that was done last summer. The city can get the software for this mapping free, but Dennis’ time will be charged for his installing it on our computer. We will also get the CD’s for this that our tech person can install it on other city computers. Mayor Schmit signed an agreement with the county that we would not sell, copy or reproduce this information for use other than that for which it is released. Mike Odden made a motion to approve up to $400 for labor to put this info on city computers, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. Voting yes was Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, voting no was Kim Ebnet. Motion carried.

A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to pay $150 for photos of the 6 sections of aerial views of the city. Voting yes was Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, voting no was Kim Ebnet. Motion carried.

Dan Fiedler, the city’s insurance agent, showed the insurance savings for the city for the Municipal Liquor Store. Going with the company, The InterAgency, the city will realize a cost savings of about $6,000 per year. The coverage rates are the same as with LMC, our current carrier. In addition, there is no additional charge for the municipal to hold outdoor events, such as Holdingford Daze, with InterAgency. There is an additional charge with the LMC insurance. Motion to accept The InterAgency premium for $3,996.40/year was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF Dan will cancel the LMC policy and instate The InterAgency policy for the city.

The city clerk’s office was notified by the Alcohol and Gambling Department of the State of Minnesota that the maximum license fee for Sunday liquor is $200. The city will be reimbursing TK’s Restaurant and the American Legion $112.50 each for this overcharge.

Getting the noxious weeds under control here in the city was discussed by the council. It was decided that the city will purchase its own sprayer and weed killer, rent a 4 wheeler to put the sprayer on and do the spraying by the city maintenance crew. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to purchase the sprayer equipment for the city. AIF

The American Legion made a donation to the city of $3,987.77. Of that, approximately $800 will go to pay for their portion of the band for Holdingford Daze, $300 to the Garden Club, $1,000 for Veteran’s Park upkeep. The rest will go to the city for it’s use.

The skateboard park was discussed. The Eagle Scout, Andrew Piasecki, who is heading up this project, sent a letter to Mayor Schmit, letting the council know he is done making the skateboard jumps, etc. Andrew has also gotten a donated piece of skateboard equipment from Tim Berscheid, which Andrew modified for the park. Two Rivers Enterprise also donated steel for this park. He has asked The Youth Shelter Supply skateboard shop in St. Cloud to do a demonstration for us at the Holdingford Daze celebration. He will try to incorporate this in our celebration.

Andrew has requested the cement slab be enlarged from 30’ x 40’ to 30’ x 50’. There were three bids that came in for the cement slab. Since there are changes made for the skateboard park area and the size of the slab, Mayor Schmit will contact all three bidders of these changes: enlarging the slab, and location of the slab, so they may rebid. Once this is done, the council, on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden, approved for Mayor Schmit to accept the lowest bid. AIF The slab will be put at the north end of what was the old ice rink at the south end of Veteran’s Park. There is ample room for it there.

Mayor Schmit informed the council that the variable drives for Well #3 will be installed sometime in the next week.

Avon Electric submitted a bid to rewire Christmas tree lights from the old Xcel power pole (that caught fire last week) to a new Xcel power pole.  New equipment to meet code also needs to be installed. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to accept Avon Electric bid of $1,298 to do this repair and replacement of equipment to get it up to code. AIF

Grass cutting during the summer takes up a significant amount of the maintenance crew time. It was discussed that the maintenance crew time can be better spent on other city projects so the council decided to hire this out. Phil May has been approved by the council to run the John Deere mower. Mayor Schmit will talk with Mr. May about this. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to hire this out at $8/hour. AIF

Mayor Schmit brought up that the Lion’s Club would like a bingo/raffle gambling permit for September 9th, the Lion’s Club community wide picnic. To keep things equal, the council wants a member of the Lion’s Club to come before the council to request this. This permit was tabled until then.

Fire Department Relief Association and general meetings are held the second Thursday of each month.

Louis Walz inquired as to when the monitoring wells will be closed. Mayor Schmit noted that Xcel Energy needs to do some finishing work before the land can be transferred.

Two signs: the Children at Play and Parallel Parking signs at the north end of the ball park need to be replaced. The city clerk will inform the maintenance crew about ordering new signs for there.

Overgrowth of trees is starting to obstruct intersection clear vision, especially at Co. Rd. 9 and Co. Rd. 17. Anyone who has trees and/or shrubs that are obstructing intersections need to cut them back.

Motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to adjourn meeting. AIF. Meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.

Mayor Schmit gave each of the council members and the city clerk a chapter of the Ordinances for them to go over. They are to give their input as to changes at the next meeting.

Respectfully submitted by Victoria Statz, City Clerk

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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
May 14, 2007

Present at the meeting: Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Scott Lange, Louise Winkler, Louis Walz, Shirley Graveen, Joel Imholte, Donna Pueringer, Barry Cordingly, Herman Ebnet, Jerry Schueler.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit at 6:30 p.m. at the pumphouse that houses Well #2 and #3. The maintenance men gave the council a review of how the new well has been installed and how the two wells work in conjunction with each other along with the new solid state controls that run the system.  The meeting was suspended at 7 p.m. in order to reconvene at the city center.

The city council meeting was reconvened at 7:10 p.m. at the city center.

Motion to approve checks was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Motion to approve the minutes from the April 9, 2007 meeting was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Mayor Ernie Schmit gave the Fire report in the absence of the Fire Chief, Pat Meier. There was no activity in the Truck Fund which has a balance of $11,157.78. Donations for this month included $500, personal donation, $1,000 personal donation, $500 to the city for Fireworks, $100 to Cystic Fibrosis.

All the FEMA grant dollars we received for radios has been spent. The truck radio will be installed this week. The portables are working great.

There is one fire bill to be sent out. We received one fire application after putting the notice in the Stearns Morrison Enterprise. We are looking for two more applicants.  We have put our fire truck on the list to go to fight the wild fire in northern Minnesota. If it is called it could be good revenue for our Fire Department. They would get reimbursed for all expenses. So far this year there have been 30 fire/rescue calls, breakdown is as follows: Brockway, 4; Holding, 9; City of Holdingford, 12; Krain, 4; Two Rivers, 1.

Liquor store report was given by Mayor Ernie Schmit in the absence of Pat Meier.

            May 14, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
APRIL    2007     $      25,828.04    GROSS RECEIPTS, MAR        $25,828.04
MARCH    2007     $      27,057.68       
APRIL    2006     $      25,782.95       
Lottery’07 April     $           295.43    PREVIOUS GROSS     $    75,526.32
’07 YTD    $         1,732.11    07 EXPENSES     $  112,743.38
GT BANK         $        7,776.22     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      1,732.11
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $      (9,656.91)

There will be an outdoor band at the liquor store on Friday night, May 25th. Mike Odden will put this information on our city website.

There will be a tailgate party before the NASCAR Nextel race, Saturday, May 19th, serving hamburgers outside.

If weekly sales stay the same, the liquor store will be closing at 11 p.m. or midnight, if no one is present.

Mayor Schmit gave his mayor’s report. See complete report at end of minutes.

On a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Kim Ebnet, the American Legion liquor license was renewed for another year. The license fees are: Club, $500, Sunday Liquor, $312.50.

Scott Lange explained the final Traut Wells bill. They came in under budget by $5,742.50 after the change order. Final bill of $6,657.62 was paid on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

The pump from Well #1 was worn out, so Traut Wells installed a new pump for Well #3. Council approved the cost of $4,779 on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Avon Electric’s final bill of $1,173 for wiring of Well #3 was approved on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Preferred Controls’ final bill will be paid when the controls are working properly for at least two weeks and okayed by our Maintenance Crew and the Mayor to pay the invoice. Final bill of $3,586.88 will be paid when all is working properly. Motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Scott Lange went over the bids received for six manhole reconstruction areas. There is a total of 71 vertical feet that was bid. Bids are as follows: Infratech:  $170/VF (Vertical Foot) (or a total cost of $12,070); Veit and Company, Inc. $175/VF (or a total of $12,425); Key Contracting, Inc. $126/VF (or a total of $8,946). Scott talked with the City of Moorhead who has used Key Contracting for several projects and they are well satisfied with their work. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to contract with Key Contracting, Inc. to do the ten worst manholes at a cost of $126/VF. Six manholes were marked as in most need of repair, they will be doing the next four manholes most need of repair. The rest of the manholes will be repaired at a later date.

Scott also showed the council information from Jerry Schueler on our annual water production (usage) and sanitary sewer treatment levels from beginning of 2003 to the end of 2006.

Scott talked about the Litar maps, aerial maps from Stearns County fly over, showing the contour of land in and around the City of Holdingford. He will have Dennis from Stearns County come to our next council meeting to show the council the value of and use for these maps.

Joel Imholte came before the council with his property split north/south from east/west. He had come before the council about a year ago and asked if the council would approve it. Lot sizes for parcel R58.33599.000 are Tract A 19,240 sq. ft.; Tract B 19,238 sq. ft. He will be putting in one wide driveway to service both parcels. Driveway will be elevated so that any run off of water will go onto each of their respective lots. Lloyd Rausch made a motion to approve the Certificate of Survey project # 900-07162, dated April 19, 2007, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF City clerk is to send Joel a copy of these minutes showing council approval.

Barry Cordingly, a Blue Bunny ice cream distributor, came before the council to seek permission to do business in the city limits. He presented his state license, his state inspection form and his background information for the council. He would be in town once each week from around 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Council gave its approval.

Clean up day for the City of Holdingford is set for Saturday, June 16, 2007 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. Dick, Kim, and Mike from the council will be working during that time. The city clerk will also be on hand that day to also help. The clean up fee schedule, what the city allows is attached to these minutes for resident information. It is also posted on our website: www.holdingfordmn.us. 

The Initiative Foundation has again awarded the City of Holdingford a $10,000 grant. Motion to accept the grant was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF It can be used for improving the city, however, not for capital improvements.

The city council went over the Five Year Plan for the city. For 2007, improvements going to be worked on are fixing 10 manholes, using money from the sale of the Bulk Plant Properties earlier this year; redoing the center part of the city center roof. Kim Ebnet requested getting two bids on the roof repair before awarding it to a contractor. It was spot repaired in 2003, but needs an overhaul now. Money from that will be coming out of our Building Fund.

A street sweeper is on the 2007 schedule for replacement. There is $75,000 in the Equipment Fund. If Herman can find a good used street sweeper for under $40,000 the council gave its permission for Herman to purchase it on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. They requested Herman would check with the mayor before the purchase of it. Voting yes was Mike Odden, Kim Ebnet, Lloyd Rausch. Voting no was Dick Paggen.

Louis Walz requested on behalf of Dick Kiley to put in a driveway on the north side of his property on Cedar Street to have a smoother entrance to his overhead door. Questions came up on how the sidewalk would be if the driveway were to be put in. The council requested that Mr. Kiley come before the council, before any further discussion will be held on this item.

The investments for the City of Holdingford were gone over. CD 20667, $75,203.29; (Equipment Fund) will be rolled over for the best short term value on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

CD 20664 (W/S Capitalization), $69,170.61 will be rolled into the water account (601) for payment of Well #3 on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Transferring from 8055938 (the General Fund reserve account) $75,000 to cover costs until the LGA and property tax dollars come to the city to General account 1000141 was made on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

The skate board park was discussed. The proposed park was to be put up on the school parking lot for this summer, however; the tar in the school parking lot is in too bad of shape for an adequate skate board park. After much discussion, it was decided on putting a permanent cement slab on the west side of the ball park between the outfield and the river. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to put a 30’ x 40’ cement slab in that location if the cost can be kept around $3,000, including labor. Voting yes was Lloyd Rausch, Mike Odden, Kim Ebnet. Voting no was Dick Paggen.

Spraying for dandelions/weeds was discussed. Three bids are requested and the one with the lowest bid will be doing the spraying. Herman and/or Jerry will get the bids for the city. Money was set aside in the budget for doing the spraying this year.

Sheltering the surrey bicycles in the old Maintenance shop that Helping Hands has purchased was discussed. It was decided to not have the surrey bikes stored there because of the condition of the shop.

Louis Walz asked about the removal of the electrical items from Well #1 now that it is abandoned. The meter and pole need to be removed.

An insurance quote for liquor liability was brought up. There is a quote from The InterAgency. Dan Fiedler was to come and discuss this bid. This was tabled until next meeting. If the city were to decide to drop LMC Insurance for another company, the city could not go back to LMC for three years.

Cyril Ebnet was approved again to be paid by the city for managing the softball park.

John Ebnet was approved again to do lawn trimming on city property for the summer.

Motion to adjourn was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF Meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by city clerk, Victoria Statz.



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Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
City of Holdingford Local Board of Appeal and Equalization
City of Holdingford
May 10, 2007 (Approved)

Present at the meeting: Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louis Walz, Gary and Audrey Lange, Janice Paggen, Teresa Ebnet, Roger Schmit, Gene Cipala, Don Elfering, Bernice Euteneuer, Cheryl Foster, Mark Koehn.

The Local Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit on Thursday, May 10, 2007 at 7 p.m.

Teresa Ebnet questioned the assessment of taxes on 3 of her parcels of land they own that are wetlands. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen to lower the assessment of taxes from their current values ranging from $1,500 - $2,300 per parcel to $500 per parcel. AIF. Kim Ebnet made a motion seconded by Lloyd Rausch to lower the other 2 parcels of her wetlands to be the same as the other three. These five lots equal about 1.5 acres. AIF

Janice Paggen asked for a reduction on her wetland area as well. Her wetland acreage is about 3.5 acres. A motion was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden to lower her value from $13,100 to $5,000. AIF

Bernice Euteneuer asked for a reduction in her 2007 value payable in 2008. There was an adjustment made by the county assessor, however, that won’t take effect until 2008. She will have to pay her tax as is in 2007. She may apply for a refund through her tax preparer. There was an overage of estimated market value on her property.

Audrey and Gary Lange will have their property valued assessed by a second assessor for the 2008 taxes, payable in 2009. There was no change in their value on a motion by Dick Paggen seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Louis Walz asked for a lower assessment on his vacated alley land. It is not a buildable lot. A motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet to lower his tax value from $5,880 to $3,500. AIF

Don Elfering questioned why his market value is so much higher than that of his neighbors. It was stated that his home is almost twice as large as his neighbors. Dick Paggen made a motion to drop his EMV from $127,900 to $120,000. His motion died for lack of a second. Kim Ebnet made a motion to lower his EMV from $127,900 to the 2006 value of $125,500 rate, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF

Gene Cipala requested a change in his EMV of $209,500 citing a good part of his land is in wetlands also. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Dick Paggen to lower his rate to $203,700. AIF

Roger Schmidt asked to have his EMV reduced. After some discussion about his property and that of values in his neighborhood, no change was made.

Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF  Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Minutes respectfully submitted by City Clerk, Victoria Statz.




City Council Meeting Minutes (approved)

April 9, 2007

Present at the meeting: Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Pat Meier, Louise Winkler, Louis Walz, Florence Voss, Arnold Voss, Mary Ann Hartung, Brenda Engelking, Cheryl Foster, Molly Thompson.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit at 7 p.m.

Motion to approve checks with changes noted on accounts was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Motion to approve minutes with change to Liquor Store Report noted for the March 12th, 2007 meeting was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Liquor store report was given by manager, Pat Meier.

            April 09, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
MARCH    2007     $      27,057.68    GROSS RECEIPTS, MAR        $27,057.68
FEBRUARY    2007     $      22,834.09       
MARCH    2006     $      24,471.95       
Lottery’07 March     $           432.56    PREVIOUS GROSS     $    48,468.64
’07 YTD    $         1,436.68    07 EXPENSES     $    84,254.95
GT BANK         $        7,480.79     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $       1,436.68
’06 CD    $10,000     ’07 CD   $10,000    TOTAL PROFIT (LOSS)     $      (7,291.95)

The alcohol compliance letter from Stearns County that the liquor store gets each year is on file with the liquor store.  Kim Ebnet made a motion to pay $200 for the tobacco fee for the liquor store, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF It is due May 15, 2007.

The cost for the band (Keystone) that was hired for Holdingford Daze will be split three ways; TK’s, American Legion and Liquor Store.

Fire Department Report was given by Fire Chief Pat Meier. The truck fund has $11,157.78 and a $40,000 CD, The Firemen’s Relief Association gave out eight $500 scholarships this past month. Also a $500 donation was given for a firearm safety course at school. Kelly Kobernusz is a teacher at the school and is also on the fire department.

Firemen’s Relief Association Pension seminar will be held the next two Thursday evenings at the St. Cloud Wastewater Treatment facility. Members of the Fire Department and city council and city clerk will be attending.

Pat will be filing on line tomorrow for payment of $53,141 grant with the Department of Homeland Safety for radios. They are here and will be programmed on Thursday.

Prices are being gathered for the 2007 DHS grant. Holdingford is looking into getting air packs.

Six people attended the Skywarn classes last week. Four people attended the Lake Region fire school in March. Steve Ebnet went to the I-300 course and three people will be going to the safety and loss control workshop this Thursday in St. Cloud.

The mayor gave his report. See the end of council minutes for his complete report.

At the last meeting, Ron Hylla had requested that the city temporarily forego the 10 percent gambling funds currently directed to Equipment Fund and redirect all of the gambling funds to their current project, restoring the high school gym floor. No action was taken by the council on this request.

Brenda Engelking, from the MN Housing Finance Agency gave a presentation to the council and interested people on doing repairs to their homes with forgivable loans. Homeowners must meet certain eligibility requirements but this is a good program for homeowners here in Holdingford. Mayor Schmit will have more information in his mayor’s report on this. This is very similar to the “This Old House” program residents participated in when the city put in the new water tower some years ago.


Cheryl Foster, the Stearns County assessor for the city of Holdingford, gave the county analysis for our city. We are no longer in 1st place with the highest tax capacity for Stearns County. We actually dropped to third place, behind Freeport and Belgrade. The city had six home sales from a year ago. The Board of Equalization meeting for Holdingford will be on Thursday, May 10th at 7 p.m. Anyone who has an issue with their current tax statement, should come to this meeting.

Molly Thompson, CPA for the City of Holdingford, gave the council the 2006 audit. She gave a brief overview of how the city did this past year. We did very similar to 2005. Anyone wishing to view the audit, may do so at city hall during normal business hours. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to accept the audit given by Ms. Thompson. AIF

The city clerk is working with the State of Minnesota on a non-compliance issue in regard to pay equity. Two categories appear to be out of compliance.

Resolution 07-04-09-02 regarding the Garden Club being supported by the council in putting in electricity next to the bike trail was approved on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Resolution 07-02-12-02 was rescinded by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet in order to make a change in the resolution. The words “and bingo” were taken out of this resolution, so it will now read, “Resolution 07-02-12-02 was passed on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet to permit the Holdingford Commercial Club to hold a Drawing in conjunction with “Holdingford Daze” on Saturday, July 14th, 2007. Drawing to be held at 9 p.m. in front of the Holdingford Liquor Store. AIF This changed resolution was passed on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Resolution 07-04-09-01 to permit bingo to be played during “Holdingford Daze,” July 14, 2007 at the American Legion was passed on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

The old Maintenance Shop rental was discussed. It was decided by the council to pursue renting it out. More information will be needed before final approval will be given. A sample rental agreement is being looked at by the mayor.

Meeting with the Liquor store manager and assistant took place this past month with Mayor Schmit and Lloyd Rausch. Discussion on raising revenue and consequences if not meeting budget was discussed.

Lidar maps from the County is now available to the city. We can get free software to tap into these maps from the county, but the set up will have to be done by the county. Cost would be between $400/$500. We will be getting the paper maps. Getting the software was tabled for now until there is more information on this.

Cleaning the sewer lines project and lining manholes has been tabled till next meeting. More information on cost is needed before making a decision. Estimates came from Ritter/Ritter and from Infratec.

The front end loader repairs were discussed. Two new tires are needed. It was budgeted for 4 new tires, but the maintenance men believe we can get by with two new ones on the rear, moving the rear ones to the front. Estimate came in at $429.66 for each tire along with mount, dismount, $65.25 each, O’Rings, $18 each and service call $80. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to accept the Wingfoot bid for two new tires. AIF

Poster contest from the MN Rural Water Association was judged by the city council. Third graders were eligible and Emily Ruprecht was the winner.

The city clerk received a $150 grant for the Clerk’s Institute in July. Total cost for the Institute will be $260 for the city.

City wide clean up day is scheduled for Saturday, June 16, 2007 8 – 12 noon by the old Maintenance shop. A list of accepted items and charges will be coming with the May utility billing.

Mark Koehn, Vice President of the Holdingford Area Historical Society is requesting a resolution from the city council to allow the Historical Society to use the city’s mailing address. A non profit organization (501c) needs to have in its Article of Incorporation an official address. Resolution 07-04-09-04 was made on a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch, to allow the Holdingford Area Historical Society to use 420 Main Street, P. O. Box 69, Holdingford, MN 56340 as its official address. AIF

Resolution 07-04-09-03 to allow Holdingford Area Historical Society to place a one room schoolhouse on city property was made on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

May’s council meeting May 14th, will start at 6:30 p.m. down at the pump house  by well #2 and #3. (by the softball park)

Motion to adjourn was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF Meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Victoria R. Statz, City Clerk, City of Holdingford

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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
March 12, 2007

Present at the meeting: Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Pat Meier,  John Holthaus, Ron Hylla, Gary Lange.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit at 7 p.m.

Motion to approve checks was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

Motion to approve minutes from February 12th, 2007 meeting was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Liquor store report was given by manager, Pat Meier.

            March 12, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
FEBRUARY    2007     $      25,834.09    GROSS RECEIPTS, FEB        $22,834.09
JANUARY    2006     $      25,634.55       
FEBRUARY    2006     $      26,260.73       
            PREVIOUS GROSS     $    25,634.55
                 $    48,468.64
GAMBLING         07 YTD EXPENSES     $   (50,753.42)
FEB ‘07    $      464.05    YTD NET PROFIT(LOSS)     $     (2,284.78)
’07 YTD         $   1,004.12     NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      1,004.12
GT BANK    3/01/07    $   7,048.23    TOTAL REVENUE (LOSS)     $     (1,280.66)
8 MO. CD    2/15/07    $ 10,000.00 @ 5.25 APR       

The Liquor Store is planning to have bar bingo. They need to have a non profit organization to run it. He also talked about outdoor music. He has gotten bids on a water softener. The council encouraged him to go with the best price, etc.  Gary Lange inquired why the store needs to be open at 8 a.m. where most other liquor stores do not open until 10 a.m. or noon. Pat said some days he gets more customers during that time than at other times during the day. The council asked Pat for the fixed costs of running the store on a typical day. Pat thought it was around $1,000/day, but that included sales. The council is looking at what the fixed costs are to operating the store.

Fire Department report was given by Fire Chief, Pat Meier. So far this year there has been 13 fire/rescue calls through the month of February. Brockway, 2; Holding, 3; City, 5; Krain, 2; Two Rivers, 1.  There was no activity in the Truck Fund other than a $40,000 CD was taken out for 8 months at 5.25 APR. Balance, including interest in the Truck Fund is $11,157.78. He talked about IC training. There is a Lake Region school in Morris on March 31st. Three out of four new firefighters will be able to get FFI certification.

There is a Fire Relief Association seminar on April 12th in St. Cloud on pensions. The mayor, council and city clerk will also be attending this, as they are on the Fire Relief board. Council liaison, Kim Ebnet will also be attending.

Township annual meetings will be Tuesday, March 13, 2007, at 8:30 p.m. Either Pat or Steve Ebnet will be attending.

Grant: for ’06 they will be ordering radios this week.

Grant: for ’07 the council made a motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to proceed with grant application for FEMA for 2007. AIF It needs to be completed in early April.

Pat requested that five people be allowed to go the fire convention, instead of four. If the Fire Department is within budget, the council okayed this.

Mayor Ernie Schmit gave his mayor’s report. See report at end of minutes.

Well #2 is working well. They will make the switch from #1 well to #3 well after the snow and mud is gone.

Braun Intertec has requested funds from the Petro Fund on behalf of the city for clean up costs to a fuel spill by Well #1 several years ago. Costs to the city for cleanup have been around $18,475. Ninety percent of that is $16,626. The city should be reimbursed about that amount. The city has been working with Braun Intertec to submit this request.

The bulk plant properties the city sold to Dick Paggen and Gerads Oil has been completed. Options to use these funds was discussed. Options included repairing manholes, storm sewer repair, sidewalk repair. The council decided to repair ten of the worst manholes. Herman is to get more information on repair materials.

Ed Ehrlichmann has a house he would like to move into the city. The council talked about this at a meeting in November, 2004, but was tabled at that time. Information from that meeting from the city engineer was looked at by the council. Ernie is to write a letter to Mr. Ehrlichmann asking specific questions on the property, water/sewer installation, etc. They tabled this until the council has more information.

Ron Hylla representing the Booster Club came before the council requesting a renewal of their lease on gambling at the Liquor Store and TK’s restaurant.  A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to approve the gambling lease by the Booster Club at the Municipal Liquor Store in Holdingford. AIF

A motion was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to approve the gambling lease by the Booster Club at TK’s Restaurant. AIF.

Ron also requested a waiver on the 10% that has been given to the Equipment Fund be transferred to the project they are doing now, restoring the gym floor at the high school. The council will consider the waiver, no decision was made at this meeting.

John Holthaus, our health insurance carrier provider gave the council an update on the medical coverage by Medica for city employees. This years’ benefit is increasing by 10.5%. The average in the industry is 12%. No change in policy was made by the council for the employees.

Mayor Schmit told the council there is federal money available through grants on putting in storm sewer ponds and/or filters for the city. He has also requested funds from the South Two River Watershed district that has been disbanded and the money given to Stearns County. The commissioners have stated they would like to see the money from STRWD stay in the area from where it came from. Mayor Schmit has written a letter to the county requesting some of those funds for the storm sewer ponds/filters. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden to have the mayor go ahead in applying for the grant money from the federal government.

Sewer cleaning was brought up. With redoing some of the manholes, this was tabled for now.

Home rehab was brought up. This program is for lower income level homeowners to do improvements on their home, much like the program several years ago when we had the new water tower put in. Brenda Engelking is working with the mayor on this. More on this in the Mayor’s report.

A motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet to send one or two maintenance people to the LMC Safety and Loss Workshop on April 12th in St. Cloud. AIF

Resolution 07-03-12-01, Resolution Adopting the MN Historical Society of City General Records Retention Schedule was passed on a motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF This resolution brings Holdingford into compliance with our records and the retention time for all areas according to MN Stats. 412.151, 235L.12 and 138.

Crack filling our streets was brought up. The maintenance department is recommending we do not crack fill streets this year. Most of the streets don’t need it and the ones that do are so bad that crack fill would not do any good. Maintenance would like to bring in a black top machine to overlay the bad streets and also lay tar around some of the manholes that the snow plow is hooking on. Okayed by the council.

Lawn tractor needs to have preventive maintenance. The maintenance department wants to take it to Mies Equipment for maintenance. Cost should be around $200 plus parts, if needed.

Clerk asked for time off to do a humanitarian trip to Mexico this summer from July 31 to August 10. Approved by the council. Clerk will be in email contact almost daily with the city, should anything come up.

Schlenner, Wenner letter in the council packets informs the council of accounting law changes for the city.

Liquor Store revenue (or lack thereof) was discussed. The council again wants to have a fixed cost list to show actual costs to the city. The mayor and council liaison will be meeting with the manager to talk over this issue and others the council has with the Liquor Store.

A motion by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden to adjourn was made at 9:35 p.m. AIF

Respectfully submitted by Victoria Statz, City clerk.

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City Council Meeting Minutes (Approved)
February 12, 2007

Present at the meeting: Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louise Winkler, Scott Lange, Pat Meier, Louis Walz, Janelle Kendall, Matthew Quinn, Linda Breth, Mary Stalberger.

Meeting was called to order by Mayor Ernie Schmit at 7 p.m.

Motion to approve checks was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Motion to approve minutes from January 8 meeting was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Liquor Store report was given by Manager Pat Meier.  The council would like to look at what the liquor store fixed costs are.
The liquor store will be open on Sunday, Feb 18th for the Daytona 500.

            February 12, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
JANUARY    2007     $      25,634.55     GROSS RECEIPTS, JAN        $25,634.55
DECEMBER    2006     $      27,791.85       
JANUARY    2006     $      27,144.86       
         07 YTD EXPENSES     $    22,252.76
         YTD NET PROFIT-LIQ.     $      3,381.79
              NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $         540.07
GT BANK    2/01/07     $      16,584.18    TOTAL REVENUE     $      3,921.86

Motion was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to put $10,000 from the lottery revenue into a CD for up to 12 months, whichever has the best rate of return. AIF

Fire Department report was given by Fire Chief Pat Meier. The Truck Fund has $51,028.32. A motion was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Kim Ebnet to put $40,000 of the fund into a CD for 12 months. AIF

IC training is going well. Mayor Schmit and the Maintenance Dept is also attending these training sessions. Three firefighters (one now and two in the next few months) will be retiring from the Fire Dept. There will be a ad put in the Enterprise for new firefighters.

Motion by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen to approve four firefighters to attend state FD Convention in Brainerd. Cost will be $680. AIF

Motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch to send from four to six firefighters to the Lake Region Fire School March 31 at Morris. Cost will be $20 per person AIF

There will be a state fire relief board school in Brainerd, April 14-15. Motion to send up to five firefighters for 12 hours of training was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. Classes will be on by-laws, fiduciary responsibility, and accounting. Two trustees, the sec/treas and other officers are to attend. AIF Kim Ebnet, Ernie Schmit and Vicki Statz are to have a meeting with the Fire Relief board before they go to the class in April.

Volunteer Fire Board Association of MN Ins has a very inexpensive supplemental insurance policy for dismemberment the fire department would like to take. Cost is $185/year. Motion made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Dick Paggen to have the Fire Dept get this insurance. AIF

The Fire Department received a $200 reimbursement check from Central MN EMS Region for 2006.

Raising fire rescue rates was talked about. Pat is to check what area towns are charging. Also longevity rates was discussed, those who have been on the department for 10 years or longer to get a higher rate of pay. No action was taken at this time on changing rates.






Elections for the Relief Association and Fire Dept was held. This is the list of Firefighters and Office Holders

2007 Holdingford Firefighters Relief Officers

        President    Doug Paggen            Secretary    Doug Burt
        Vice-President    Dorine Rausch            Trustee        Bruce Gerads
        Treasurer    Doug Marstein            Trustee        Keith R. Hommerding

Ex-official members to the Board of Trustees:
        Fire chief    Patrick J. Meier
        Mayor        Ernie Schmit
        Clerk        Vicki Statz

2007 Holdingford Fire Department Chain of Command

 (Fire Entry Personnel – E; Fire Ground and Transportation – GT; Medical Training – M)

        EGTM        Patrick J. Meier         Fire Chief
        EGTM        Doug Marstein         Deputy Chief, Safety Officer
        GTM        Steve Ebnet        Deputy Chief, Safety Officer
        EGTM        Dean Sowada        Assistant
        EGTM        Bruce Gerads        Assistant
        EGTM        Dan Gerads        Assistant
        EGTM        Dorine Rausch        Medical Officer
        EGTM        Keith Hommerding    Captain
        EGTM        Bill Brinker        Captain

    EGT    Brian Maine        EGTM        Matt Kuklok        EGTM        Doug Legatt       
    EGTM    Doug Burt        EGTM        Steve Stoermann        EGTM        Dylan Risberg
    EGT    Gary Opatz        EGTM        David Yurczyk        GTM        Missy Breth       
    EGTM    Steve Feldewerd        EGTM        Chad Sandstrom        GTM        Kelly Kobernusz
    EGTM    Doug Paggen        EGTM        Jason Anderson        EGTM        Laurie Fiedler

Mayor Ernie Schmit gave his mayor’s report. See report at end of minutes.

Old Business

Discussion on the parcel split of Lots 5 and 6, Block 4 of Baker’s Addition, Wardville. On the opinion of the city attorney, a motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen to deny the split of Lots 5 and 6. Doing so would cause a non conforming use of Lot 5. AIF A letter will be sent out to the owner of the Lots.

Scott Lange reported on Well 2. It is back on line with the new wireless system with Surfsota. They will watch it for the next couple weeks to make sure all the “bugs” are worked out of the system, then will put on Well #3 and abandon Well #1. When Well #1 is abandoned, the test wells will also be closed up.

Payment #3 on Well #3 from Traut Wells was presented for payment. Item #2, Well House Modifications was the only item presented. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden to pay $9,785. AIF

Preferred Controls payment on Well #3 was also presented for payment. 90 percent of total contract is $24,345. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen to pay this 90 percent. AIF (Total of contract is $27,050).

Discussion on reclaiming dog fees that was tabled at the January meeting was discussed. It was decided on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen that if a dog is picked up by our city employees, a $20 fee would be charged to reclaim the dog here in the city. AIF. Reclaiming a dog from the Tri-County Humane Society will stay at $50 charge. This fee will need to be paid to either the city clerk, Victoria Statz, or the mayor, Ernie Schmit BEFORE the dog will be released from the Tri-County Humane Society. The owner will need to have a signed receipt from either the mayor or city clerk before the humane society will release the dog to the owner.

The snow bird rate was discussed and no action was taken on changing the new rate.

Both bulk plant properties owned by the city were sold to the respective leasers. D & D Oil finalized their leased property on Friday Feb. 2, 2007 for $15,281 ($1 per square foot). Gerads Oil finalized his purchase of leased property on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007 for $9,366 ($1 per square foot).

New Business

Stearns County Attorney, Janelle Kendall gave the city of Holdingford the 2006 prosecutions they handled for the city. There was a total of 37 cases handled by the attorney’s office, 34 misdemeanors and 3 gross misdemeanors.

The Commercial Club requested two resolutions from the city council for raffles to be held. Resolution 07- 02-12-01 was passed on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Mike Odden  to permit the Commercial Club to hold a raffle on April 21st, with the drawing to be at TK’s Restaurant at 8:30 p.m. on April 21st.  This raffle is to raise money for a “Welcome to Holdingford” sign at the south end of town, on Co Rd. 9. AIF

Resolution 07-02-12-02 was passed on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet to allow the Commercial Club to hold a drawing and bingo during Holdingford Daze, Saturday, July 14th, 2007. Drawing will be held at 9 p.m. in front of the Liquor Store. AIF

For Holdingford Daze, the city will be paying for the extra dumpster ($300), extra sheriff’s duty people ($40/hour), and the city will pay half of the Porta Potty bill (approximately $400) on a motion by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. Kim, Lloyd, Mike voted yes, Dick abstained.

Linda Breth from Helping Hands requested a resolution to hold a raffle during Holdingford Daze. Resolution 07-02-12-03 was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Dick Paggen to allow Helping Hands Outreach to Elders to hold a “get away” raffle on Saturday, July 14th, 2007, Holdingford Daze. AIF First prize will be a trip to Las Vegas, second prize a weeks’ stay at Quadna.

There was a broken fire hydrant at the south east end of Park Street. It was decided by Pat Meier, Ernie Schmit, the Maintenance men that the fire hydrant in the low land was not needed by the city. It was taken out and the water main was repaired with the help of Larson Excavating.

Council reviewed the annual employee reviews. Anna Philippi will be getting back pay. Her 6 month probation ended in October, 2006, and her employee step went from E-0 to E-1 at that time. In April, 2007 her rate will go from E-1 to E-2 based on the liquor store manager’s recommendation. E-0, 2006 rate is $8.69/hr, E-1, 2006 rate is 8.88; E-1 rate for 2007 is $9.15/hr; E-2 rate for 2007 is $9.32.
A motion to give Anna back pay from Oct. to Dec at E-1 2006 rate and from Jan to present at E-1 2007 rate was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Resolution 07-02-12-04 supporting the design and building of the covered bridge over Two River River by the Holdingford Lions Club and the MN National Guard was made by Mike Odden, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Clerk Items:

Clarification on who cannot play pull tabs at the Municipal Liquor Store. Bartenders, Liquor Store Manager and the person who signs the lease may not gamble with pull tabs at that site at any time.

MCFOA (Municipal Clerks and Financial Officers Association) (Government Training Seminar)GTS  March Conference is held in Alex this year, March 6 – 8. I have signed up to go.

Other Items:

There was discussion on possibility of renting out the Old Maintenance Shop.

A motion to adjourn was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF Meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.

Respectfully submitted by Victoria Statz, City Clerk
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City Council Meeting Minutes
and
Four Public Hearings
January 8, 2007
UNAPPROVED
Present at the meeting: Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Mike Odden, Lloyd Rausch, Ernie Schmit, Vicki Statz, Louise Winkler, Scott Lange, Pat Meier, Louis Walz, Bob and Donna Pueringer, Tim and Becky Kelly, Milt Eiden, Sam DeLeo, Rob Hammerel.

Mayor Ernie Schmit called the public hearings to order at 7:05 p.m.  There was discussion on raising water, sewer rates. The city needs to keep up with expenses. Currently, with the bond payment for the new water tower and sewer treatment plant, the city is not meeting its obligations.  Public hearing on water, sewer rates was closed on a motion by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Public hearing on water/sewer hook up fees was opened at 7:25 p.m. It was suggested that these hook up rates be raised $150 each. A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Dick Paggen to close this public hearing. AIF This public hearing closed at 7:27 p.m.

Public hearing on liquor license fees was opened at 7:27 p.m. Discussion was held on why a 25 percent increase was proposed. Council person Odden felt that the rates were too low to begin with when it was first given out. The need to keep prices low for businesses in our town was also mentioned. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet, seconded by Dick Paggen to close this public hearing. AIF This public hearing closed at 7:35 p.m.

Public hearing on raising city council and mayor salaries was opened at 7:36 p.m. Mayor Schmit gave information on what other central Minnesota cities pay their council and mayor. That information can be viewed at city hall. It was suggested the salary be raised by $25 per month. A motion was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Dick Paggen to close this public hearing. AIF This public hearing closed at 7:43 p.m.

Mayor Schmit called the regular meeting to order at 7:43 p.m. The city clerk swore in the two newly re-elected council people, Mike Odden and Lloyd Rausch and the re-elected mayor, Ernie Schmit.

Discussion was held on raising the minimum rates for both water and sewer as well as raising the rate per unit over minimum. A motion was made by Dick Paggen, seconded by Mike Odden to raise water and sewer minimum rates by 50 cents each and raising the per unit over minimum by one-half cent. AIF This means that starting with the next billing cycle minimum rates go from $17.50 to $18 for both water and sewer for residents and per unit rate over minimum will be increased from .03 cents to .035 cents. Non profit  and for profit businesses will be given the same rate percentage increases.

Hook up fees for new construction for water and sewer was discussed. A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Kim Ebnet to raise the rate $150 each to $900 for water hook up and $900 for sewer hook up, a total of $1800. AIF

Liquor license fees was discussed. It was suggested a 25 percent increase across the board for all liquor license holders. A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Dick Paggen to raise the fees 25 percent. AIF The increases are now: On Sale, $500; Sunday Liquor $312.50; Club License $500; 3/2 On Sale $46.88; 3/2 Off Sale $46.88. One-day License $62.50; Wine License $125; Set-up License $125.

Salary increases for the council and mayor was discussed. A motion was made by Kim Ebnet to raise the salary of the mayor $25/month and not to raise the salary of the council people. There was no second to this motion. A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Kim Ebnet to raise the mayor salary $25. AIF  Mayor salary will now be $200 per month. Extra meeting salary rates will stay the same, $30 for all members of the council. 

A motion was made by Dick Paggen seconded by Lloyd Rausch to pay bills. AIF The question came up as to why the City pays for a Post office box, when residents who live within a half mile of the post office do not. The city clerk will check into this.

A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Dick Paggen to approve minutes of December, 2006 meeting. AIF

Liquor store report was given by manager Pat Meier.  Also noted for coming events that there will be a silent auction on Friday night January 19th from 7 – 10 p.m. Deal or Not will be held on Friday, January 26th, in the evening. There was discussion on whether city employees can do pull tabs. Pat Meier stated that they cannot do pull tabs but they can do the lottery. He said this includes council people and any employees of the city.  Pat is to remind employees of this legality. It was requested that the council would like to see what the average Friday night profits are versus doing a special, like Deal or Not, etc., how the liquor store profits are positively affected by doing these special events.

            January 8, 2007    LIQUOR STORE REPORT
               
        GROSS RECEIPTS       
DECEMBER    2006     $                27,791.85     GROSS RECEIPTS, DEC     $    27,791.85
NOVEMBER    2006     $                27,964.26        
DECEMBER    2005     $                32,929.15       
            PREVIOUS GROSS     $  315,456.13
            06 YTD GROSS     $  343,247.98
05 YTD GROSS     $              396,137.89    06 YTD EXPENSES     $  339,606.82
DIF BETWEEN '05, '06     $              (52,889.91)    YTD NET PROFIT-LIQ.     $      3,641.16
           
    LOTTERY YTD       
DECEMBER    2006     $                     449.75      NET PROFIT LOTTERY     $      6,499.23
YTD    2006     $                  6,499.23     TOTAL REVENUE     $    10,140.39
GT BANK    12/11/2006     $                16,044.11        

Fire Department Report was given by Fire Chief, Pat Meier. For the year 2006 a total of 82 calls were made. Brockway had 10; Holding had 28; City of Holdingford had 34; Krain had 9 and one for Two Rivers. Of these 82, 14 were fire; 60 were medical; 2 were hazardous condition; 2 were good intention calls; 2 were false alarms; 1 severe weather/natural disaster; 1 special incident. $2,000 from the Relief Association was donated to the city and $2,000 to truck fund. $1,000 to firefighter family who is dealing with cancer, $3,000 in scholarships (6 at $500). There was a $200 donation from the Phyllis Breth Family. There will be training this week Thursday from 6 – 10 p.m. on incident and command training.  Fireboard annual meeting set for Tuesday, January 30th.

A motion was made to use the $2,000 donation from the Fire Relief Association to pay for the second civil defense severe weather siren was made by Lloyd Rausch, seconded by Mike Odden. AIF. This siren is going to be placed at the south end of Veteran’s Park.

A motion was made by Kim Ebnet seconded by Lloyd Rausch to accept a $2,000 donation for the Special Truck Fund. AIF

Mayor Schmit gave his report. (See attached at end of minutes).

Kim Ebnet shared with the council her information from the Initiative Foundation training for newly elected council people or for those who have never gone to a training session.

Scott Lange reported on Well #3 progress. From Traut Wells, it is drilled, pumped, developed and ready to go  Avon Electric is waiting for a water meter. Communication between the well and water tower was put in today by Avon Electric and Surfsota. When the meter is put in, Well #2 can be put back into service, then take out the pump from Well #1 and put in Well #3.

Traut Wells sent an invoice for work completed up to this point, $9,500.01, Motion made by Dick Paggen seconded by Lloyd Rausch to pay this bill. AIF

Sam DeLeo and Rob Hammerel came before the council to split parcel Block 4, Lots 5 and 6 in Backer’s addition to Wardville. The council would like to get legal council on this before okaying. A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Dick Paggen to table this until the next meeting. AIF The council told them they will have an answer at the next meeting.

The council went over the Fee Schedule for 2007. Other changes besides those already duly noted were: Dog fee for those dogs that are either spayed or neutered the yearly tag fee remains at $5. For those dogs that are not spayed or neutered the fee will be $20 starting with tags bought for 2008. This change was made on a motion by Dick Paggen seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF Dog owners will have to show proof of this along with rabies vaccination. Reclaiming fee was tabled till next meeting on a motion by Dick Paggen seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF  Rates for hall rental and kitchen did not change on a motion by Lloyd Rausch seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF Park fees will remain the same on a motion by Dick Paggen seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

There was discussion if there were any homes not being charged water/sewer within the city limits that should be. Joel Imholte home needs to be billed the council stated.

During the months snow birds are gone, the increase will be from $10/month to $20/month for water/sewer on a motion by Dick Paggen seconded by Kim Ebnet. Dick Paggen, Kim Ebnet, Lloyd Rausch voted yes, Mike Odden voted no. Motion passed. This will go into effect the fall/winter of 2007.

Late utility fee will stay the same on a motion by Mike Odden seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

Election judge pay was changed last fall when it was noted Krain Township was paying their judges $10/hour for head judge and $8/hour for all other judges. Krain Township and City of Holdingford have combined polling places.

Mileage rates paid for doing city business with personal vehicles will be increased to .45/mile on a motion by Kim Ebnet seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF

Fire rescue rates were tabled on a motion by Dick Paggen seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF They want to talk to Pat Meier about this first.  All other rates will stay the same (use of city Maintenance machinery, men, water usage other than in city fees).

Building permit fees were tabled at this time.

A motion was made by Dick Paggen seconded by Kim Ebnet to raise the monthly fee for the Webmaster to $75, a $25 increase. All voted yes except Mike Odden abstained.

Depositor for the City of Holdingford will be Stearns Bank – Holdingford N.A. Newspaper of official notice will be Stearns-Morrison Enterprise only. These were the only changes made for official retention on a motion by Kim Ebnet seconded by Lloyd Rausch. AIF

A motion was made by Mike Odden seconded by Lloyd Rausch to move the city clerk from “I” Step 2 to “I” Step 3 on the pay scale after her anniversary of hire date. AIF

A motion was made by Kim Ebnet seconded by Mike Odden to raise Assistant Manager of the Liquor Store from “F” Step 2 to “F” Step 3. AIF

The mayor and council liaisons will be doing the yearly review on city maintenance employees and Fire and Liquor.

Authorization for use of the city’s debit card is with the city clerk, Vicki Statz with a $ limit of $500 and the city’s use of the Sam’s Card to the city’s utility employee, Kathy O’Hara with a $ limit of $500 was made on a motion by Mike Odden seconded by Kim Ebnet. AIF

The net profit in the 2007 budget of $17,600 for the municipal liquor store was discussed.

Mike Odden shared more information on the newly formed Historical Society for the Holdingford area. They will have a guest speaker, Mr. Tim Glines, Manager of Outreach Services from the Minnesota State Historical Society at their next meeting, Monday, February 5, at 7 p.m.

Motion to adjourn was made by Kim Ebnet seconded by Dick Paggen. AIF
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