Mac City Council talks Poplar Meadows

The McIntosh City Council met in regular session on Thursday, March 10, 2016 at the McIntosh Community Center.

All members of the Council were present, as well as Larry Hedlund, Maintenance Supervisor.

Mayor Toby Strom informed the Council that Poplar Meadows Senior Living was showed to an interested party on the previous Monday The group was intrigued and seemed to like the facility very much. The realtor has had no update from them personally and wanted to wait a couple more days before contacting them on whether they want to pursue the sale.

City Clerk, Elena Boianoff informed the Council that she has been inquiring about different ways of finance options if the facility does not get sold or there is no offer by the end of the contract period with Marcus and Millichap. To refinance there seems to be not a big difference with the bond securities but another option could be to sell the facility to cover the first bonds and refinance the refunding bonds. There is not a requirement to have to own the facility with the refunding bonds.

There will be a Clean-up week at the end of April and City Clerk, Elena Boianoff made a flyer for the Council to look over using examples from other cities. The dates of the Clean-up Week will be April 23rd through April 30th. Hagen Construction gave a quote to the City for roll-off dumpsters of $350 each. The City will start with one dumpster and order additional dumpsters, if needed. Lucken’s in Winger is willing to take metal and will provide a container for residents to put any metal recycling in. The most probable area for these containers will be near the pump station that is on the east side of Riverside Avenue, south of the baseball fields. The City Council is recruiting volunteers and equipment to use for the week.

City Maintenance Manager, Larry Hedlund received a quote from Northland Lumber for the installation of the RCV valves. The bids are similar as the ones received arlier from Frank Soukup. Council is in agreement to have Northland Lumber do the installation to keep the business local. 

There were several resolutions passed by the council, including a resolution for Polar Beach Snowmobile Club stating that the City of McIntosh will act as legal sponsor for the Club. Both resolutions, one for The Club Bar & Grill and one for The Coop were passed to approve their gambling licenses with proceeds going to the McIntosh Fireman’s Relief Fund. The final resolution was to renew the contract for combat Material, namely the tank, in Roholt Park.

The Council was informed by Mayor Toby Strom that the Business Revolving Loans Annual Budget has a negative balance of $13,263 and he was wondering if the General Fund would be able to replenish it. There are just not enough funds in the Revolving Loan account to continue it the way it has been in the past. The issue was tabled until April’s meeting.

The Council approved quoted submitted by Premier Signs for new signage at the Bjella Building for Polk County Nursing and a new Yard of the Week sign. The proposal was for $195.

Mayor Toby Strom presented a proposal from John Deere for a new mower in the amount of $10,129. They are able to finance the mower for sixty months with annual payments and zero percent interest. The Council approved the purchase with annual payments for 5 years.

The Council heard from Toby Strom and Larry Hedlund that the playground equipment at the park on the South side of town is rotted through and needs to be taken down Toby will take care of it. Toby also informend the Council that he purchased a new basketball net for the hoop at the park there. He is also looking into playground equipment for Roholt Park.

There was a proposal presented by Strom Excavating to tear down and remove the old block building at Roholt Park for $2,500. That is where the new basketball court is planned to be built. The Council passed the proposal and Councilmember Steve Urness suggested to sell items in the building to defray the cost of the building removal. City Clerk Elena Boianoff will research this.

The Clerk also informed the Council that there is an electrical rebate of $2,874 for the City from Ottertail Power because Polk County Nursing installed energy efficient lighting in the Bjella Building. Polk County Nursing is asking for the rebate to be signed over to them. Council was in agreement in doing so.

Mayor Toby Strom informed the Council that there are several yards that need to be cleaned up and are becoming a hazard. The Clerk will send letters to property owners and if they are not cleaned up the City will have to move forward with cleaning some and condemning others. Strom also informed the Council that the Fire Relief Association donated four bikes to the McIntosh Community Club for the events at the Easter Egg Hunt.

The McIntosh City Council will meet again in regular session on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 5:30 pm at the McIntosh Community Center.