Curt Meyer, WSN civil engineer updated council on several issues
Tue, 08/20/2019 - 10:01am
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By Bonnie Kirchman for the Leader-Record
City projects for 2020 were among the topics covered at the August 12th meeting of the Clearbrook City Council. Curt Meyer, civil engineer with WSN, was present and updated the council on several issues.
“We’re just about there,” Curt said of the near completion of the water tower project. A walk-through will be scheduled with city representatives before final payment is made. It was also noted during the meeting that the outside of the water tower will be painted later, as part of the larger water and sewer project.
Plans for the water and sewer project are in the approval state. At the September meeting, Curt will discuss issues regarding phasing of the project with council members. Due to the 2-year length of the project, there will be some flexibility in timing various aspects of the project. Scheduling concerns, such as the All-School Reunion, will be included in the phasing discussions.
Zach Thoma, engineer with Karvakko, was present to update the council on the progress of the trail project, also set to start in 2020. The plan is to submit the project memorandum in November. Zach will return at the September meeting to get the go-ahead to proceed from the council.
The Clearbrook City police responded to 61 calls in July, according to Police Chief Dan Gazelka. Many of the calls were for suspicious activities. Descriptions of people and vehicles during these calls have been helpful for the police. Gazelka is researching new vehicles for the department, as one will be needed in 2020. He is currently looking at 3 vehicles, with a price range from $26,500 to $36,500. Gazelka is also writing two separate grants which, if received, will help cover the costs of the new vehicle.
Chief Gazelka is also writing grants for back pay under the COPS program. The program had been halted, but has now resumed. A new officer will be replacing Matt Stiehm, who has moved into a full-time position with White Earth. Stiehm will continue to work for the Clearbrook department every other weekend. The change will not impact the department’s budget.
Other issues Gazelka is currently working on include notifying a resident whose garage was damaged by fire. The structure needs to be removed as soon as possible. Gazelka will also start work on an ordinance specifying where trucks can park in the city.
Fire Chief Adam Krog informed the council that state laws regarding the type of class B foam they use have been changed. Its use will be illegal starting in 2020, and if used now, the department would be required to report the use and do cleanup. The department has a total of about 550 gallons of the foam in the truck and the fire hall, with a value of approximately $20,000. Enbridge will pay for disposal of the foam.
In July, the fire department responded to six medical calls, two motor vehicle accidents, and two false alarms. They also put out one small fire. So far in August, the department has been called for two motor vehicle accidents, two medical calls, and one false alarm.
Other fire department issues include the resignation of member Jon Dahlke, who is moving outside of Clearbrook, bringing the number of members to nineteen. The department is getting quotes for new lights in the office and rest room as well as a new outlet for the new extractor and dryer. A fall fund raiser banquet is being planned for Saturday, October 26th.
Robin Proffit, Kloster Park Manager, reported on maintenance and repairs for the park. Fence repair work is in progress. Five loads of Agrilime are expected to be delivered soon. Ross Faldet has been asked to build a shed on the park property as a project for his high school shop classes.
Pool Manager Kayla Walberg presented a repair plan that was recommended by the pool service company. The cost of the repairs would be approximately $20,000 and would include repairs to the kiddy pool. Fund raising for financing of the repairs has begun and the need for more fund raising was discussed. Possible changes to the 2020 swimming lesson schedule to include an evening session was brought up to the council. The pool is scheduled to close on Sunday, August 18th.
Joy Walberg, liquor store manager, updated the council on activities scheduled at the bar. A Build-A-Burger fundraiser for the swimming pool will take place on Friday, August 16th from 4:30 to 7:00. The proceeds from the meat raffle on August 24th will go to the fair. The last Thursday of August will be a Vikings Night with food specials to celebrate the last preseason game. On September 7th, bingo will resume.
The new window at the bar has been installed at a cost of $493.00. New bar stools have arrived and the old ones will be sold. A change in credit card sale processing has been suggested to reduce costs to the bar. The plan will be looked into and discussed at a later date.
Mark Snobl represented the utilities and maintenance department, reporting on current projects. The fire hydrants on highway 92 and the high school will be repaired on August 15th. Wind caused damage to fans in the gym and at the dugouts in July. The plumbing at the Roxy is deteriorating. Mark will obtain bids to repair a leaking valve at the Roxy, a major plumbing issue now. Upgrading the electric service at all campsites to 50 amps was discussed. Bids will be obtained before a decision is made on the change.
Measurements have been made and the new fishing pier will be delivered in late August according to council member Gary Prosser. Jag Signs of Bagley will make the signs for the pier area.
The council gave city clerk Lucie Thompson the go-ahead to begin the process of replacing the office server and computers. The current system uses Windows 7 and will not be supported after this year. A new printer lease is available that would provide more printing options at a lower price.
Lucie has prepared the new building ordinance regarding roof pitch and off-street parking requirements as well as minimum square footage for new residences. The ordinance will be available for the first reading at the September council meeting.
A motion was made and passed to raise the prices for land sold by the city. Currently, the price is twenty cents per square foot. The new price will be one dollar per square foot.
The Little Library box made by members of the Jack Pine Pals 4-H Club will be placed by the new picnic shelter and playground.
Mayor Dylan Goudge presented information to the council on “Respect Minnesota”, a pledge to honor and respect all people and all opinions, especially during discussions on contentious issues. Respecting both freedom of speech and personal safety are emphasized. Respect Minnesota is looking for community and local government support. The support would involve adding the city’s name to the list of those who pledge and being aware of these concerns when discussing ideas.
Monthly claims of $335,409.55 and additional claims of $122,711.45 were approved. North Country monthly claims of $400.36 were approved with Shawn Johnson abstaining. Gustafson and Goudge monthly claims of $200.00 were approved with Dylan Goudge abstaining.