City of Oklee’s first council meeting of 2017

On January 9, 2017, the first meeting of the year was held for the City of Oklee’s Council. Council in attendance was Mayor George Burthwich, Council persons, Lori Melby, Kaye Munt and newly elected, Matthew Genova. Paul Cyr, also newly elected, was unable to attend. City personnel: Darrell Tougas and Clerk: Derek Cross. Gale Schmitz representing Gale Schmitz, LTD (accountant). Also in attendance were Casey Roisland (Sheriff’s Deputy), Toni Burthwick, Dave Olson, Kent Bergerson, and Bonny Cote (Oklee Herald).

Burthwick called the meeting to order. The minutes for December were approved by a motion by Munt and seconded by Melby with one correction.

Darrell Tougas from Maintenance gave his report to the council starting with most of his time has been moving snow this month. Genova complimented the city crew for the good job they have been doing removing the snow.

Burthwick brought up to the council that he had been asked why the City of Oklee didn’t ask for quotes from local business’s on items purchased recently. Tougas said he didn’t realize they had the product but will check from now on for local quotes.

Tougas also reported that the fire hall door needs painting and was instructed to get a couple of gallons of paint if needed.

Cross presented a letter from NW Development Commission asking for any council members interested in serving on their board. The Council showed no interest.

NW MN Multi Housing & Redevelopment Authority sent a letter stating they have been administering the funds for the FY14 grant on the City’s behalf and the grant will end on December 31, 2016 and submitted a proposal to insure up to date collections of monthly payments from the grant recipients, and take care of all the record keeping required by the MN DEED, giving program updates and financial reports to the City for an annual fee of $1,500. The Council approved the proposal with a motion by Genova and seconded by Munt.

Next on the agenda was a request from a person to purchase a trailer located at 606 Bourdon St. Cross had found out that the trailer was being sold and the current owner hadn’t completed the requirements the City of Oklee had requested when the current owner originally brought the trailer into Oklee. Cross got a hold of the person wanting to purchase the trailer and asked to have a conversation with the purchaser of the trailer. Cross explained that the City of Oklee would require the trailer be brought up to the City’s standards, but didn’t expect things to happen during the winter. The purchaser stated he intends to start right away on the improvement and would also like to buy the lot in the future with the City of Oklee’s permission. Cross told him the City would not sell the lot until the trailer home is in decent condition.

Discussion began on this situation. Genova asked who owns the land the trailer is on and Cross said the City owns the lot and $50 a month is the rental fee. Genova asked if the current owner owes money to the City of Oklee and the answer was yes. Cross said the current owner wants to use the money from the sale of the trailer to pay back the city. Genova was concerned that the money owed to the City of Oklee wouldn’t get paid if the trailer was sold and the City of Oklee’s bill should be paid first. Genova suggested that something in writing should be done to guarantee the money is paid to the City of Oklee before the sale. Cross said he was assured that it would be paid, but Genova pushed back again stating that a document in writing needs to be done. Genova also stated he knew the person asking to purchase the trailer and felt he wasn’t trustworthy to follow through with the fixing of the trailer, and asked if he owed money to the City on the property where he is now living. Cross said he didn’t know and would have to check. A motion was made by Genova to get a document signed by the seller to pay City of Oklee within 30 days and to contact the lawyer if needed. A second motion was asked for a couple of times, the motion failed, Genova withdrew his motion. Munt stated she felt things could be checked on without a motion.

Melby then chastised Cross about this trailer issue. There had been paperwork in place before for the current owner and nothing was done. Cross apologized for bringing the original paperwork to the council with the paperwork that the current owner would fix it once it was in place. There was no follow up on the situation and now another owner of the same trailer needs to have paper work that if things don’t get done, the City of Oklee will move to have the trailer removed if not done by June 30, 2017. Motion was made by Genova and seconded by Munt.

Kent Bergerson came before the Council to let the City of Oklee know that the water tanker will be upgraded and all equipment from the old truck will be fitted to the new one. The Rural Fire Association will be purchasing the equipment, and the old truck will be sold on bids, with the City of Oklee’s blessings. Genova made a motion, Melby seconded.

Sheriff Mitch Bernstein reported that there wasn’t much to report. In the nuisance properties, one has cleaned up his property and the seconded one hasn’t gone to court yet. Otherwise, the only issue is a few dog complaints. Dave Lovly had taken a job in Pennington County so the extra coverage will be done in Oklee by Deputy Casey Roisland along with Kelly Brekke.

Genova asked Bernstein about a cop having to be present at all council meetings. Genova didn’t feel it was necessary. Genova asked why a cop is needed, he didn’t feel he was a threat and now that he is on the council, it should be stopped. Melby pointed minutes from a past meeting where the council had made motion that a cop be present at all meetings because of the threat of violence. Genova asked Melby if he had ever threatened her and she replied, yes. Genova, responded that Bernstein didn’t seem to think he was a threat. Melby said that a council can’t just stop doing something that was voted on so as of now the cop at a meeting rule stands until changed. Genova asked if he was that threatening, maybe Melby should hand in her resignation. 

Burthwick butted it with the statement, “Let’s start out the new year…Let’s argue but not fight.”

Genova asked Melby to stop this and let’s work together. Leave our feelings outside the door. Genova stated he wouldn’t be out of line.

Gale Schmitz, the accountant for the City of Oklee, gave his report. During the report, Genova asked a few questions, which were answered. The financial statement was approved with a motion by Genova, seconded by Munt. The bills were paid with a motion by Munt and seconded by Genova. 

Genova addressed the council with a statement about the situation in Oklee, with houses, cleaning up the City of Oklee that it needs to be a more intense effort in the spring. This effort should be started in March. House values and property values go down and no one wants to purchase. Genova said he received many letters and requests to get the town cleaned up and is asking the Council to work together – no more tabling issues – please cooperate in this effort. Melby and the others agreed to work on this issue.

Burthwick asked for a motion to adjourn, motion made by Melby, seconded by Genova. Meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.