The Chatfield City Council again met via Webex for their April 27 meeting.
Brian Burkholder, Public Works, said two bids had been submitted for the purchase of a bulk water sales machine. The installation of the machine on the front of the public works building will allow the purchase of water with coins, debit card, or by setting up an account with city hall; account purchases will be billed out later.
The bid from Core and Main was accepted for the machine at a cost of $7,950. Southeast Mechanical will install the machine for $2,980 and a water meter will be purchased from Badger at an estimated cost of $1,500. This will allow people to buy water any time of day; the meter will automatically bill through the city’s billing system. Approval was given for the purchase of the equipment and installation at a total cost of about $12,430.
Burkholder recommended the hire of two summer helpers. Three individuals had applied for the positions. Tony Lammers was hired for seasonal mowing and Brent Nigon was brought on for the second summer position. Both are experienced in public works and ground maintenance.
Burkholder also discussed a service leak on Burr Oak. A special meeting was held with the property owner, who agreed to split the cost for the repair. Burkholder explained the damage to the service line was not the city’s fault or the property owner’s.
Councilor Mike Urban expressed concern that this could set a precedent with the city helping with the repair expense. The service line is the responsibility of a property owner. Burkholder said he was looking for direction as the leak was getting worse every day. A contractor is in place to do the work.
City Clerk Joel Young stated an agreement can be drafted for the property owner to sign agreeing to pay for half of the cost. Vandals apparently caused the damage. Councilor Paul Novotny explained the homeowner called last fall. Burkholder did not see it as the city’s responsibility. The shutoff is in the public right of way. The city paying half of the cost is reasonable. The leak, if not fixed soon, could damage the road. Mayor Russ Smith said we need to look at these things on a case by case basis. A motion was approved to share the cost with the property owner. Urban voted no.
Audit report
Jason Boynton, Smith Schafer & Associates, LTD., reviewed the audit report for the year ending December 31, 2019. The city earned an unmodified “clear” opinion. Its financial statements were fairly stated as presented. The city held adequate reserves for cash flow purposes. Payments are being made on a timely basis on all debt.
Other business in brief
•A proposal for the development of construction documents and a cost estimate for Hill St. drainage improvements submitted by WSB was accepted. City Engineer Chris Barber explained that about six weeks ago residents from the Hill St. area came to the Public Works Committee about the drainage issues. The cost of the scope of services outlined in the proposal will be billed hourly, not to exceed a total of $6,500.
•The Committee of the Whole met prior to the regular council meeting and discussed the City Charter Commission’s proposal to amend the city’s charter to create a staff position, Chief Administrative Officer. The commission believes the new organizational structure will be more effective. The elected mayor and council will focus on the budget and tax levy authority and develop legislative policy. The administrator will be tasked with carrying out the administrative functions of the city. Curt Sorenson, commission chair, said the commission recommended unanimously to move forward on this proposal. A motion was approved to set a public hearing on the commission’s proposal.
•Approval was given for the hire of lifeguards for the 2020 swimming pool season. The lists were recommended by pool manager Noah Friedrich. Dan Narveson will be responsible for concessions. Mayor Smith expressed optimism that the pool can open pretty much on time. Burkholder said they are taking baby steps preparing to open. Smith said it is prudent to keep moving forward as if we are going to open.
•A resolution was approved to assist some residents who are dealing with COVID-19 economic losses and to assist with economic recovery. The city will waive late fees for the second and third quarter utility billing. The city will suspend through September 30 all city charged building permit fees for existing single/duplex family home improvements (owner occupied and rental properties). EDA will allow a three month payment holiday for any outstanding loans from the Revolving Loan Fund, effective March 23, 2020.
•Approval was given for a request from Geoff Griffin who owns lots 11, 12, and 13 of Hilltop Estates. He asked to split lot 12 and add a portion of it to lot 11 and a portion of it to lot 13. The changes to the lots are expected to make the lots more attractive to perspective home buyers. The property is located on Hillside Dr., south of Hilltop Lane SE and north of Wisdom Lane SE.
•Young noted the city has been without a city planner for four months. A request for qualifications has been drafted for a city engineer/city planner. Young said it makes sense to consolidate these services. The request will be sent to engineering firms. Proposals should be submitted by the end of May. The dissemination of the request for qualifications was approved.
•The city’s 2020 first quarter financial report was accepted.
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Chatfield purchases bulk water sales machine - Fillmore County Journal
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