Mac Council agrees to raise utility rates

The McIntosh City Council met in regular session on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 at the Community Center. The meeting was called to order and roll call was taken. Members of the Council present were Mayor Toby Strom, Melissa Finseth, and Ann Lian. Absent from the meeting were Wanda Stordahl and Steve Urness. A quorum was met and the meeting moved forward.

Present at the meeting was Ken Beuchanen from the Housing and Redevelopment Authority. He discussed with the council about a homeowner in McIntosh applying for a grant/loan for home improvement. The Council unanimously agreed to approve a loan in the maximum amount of $9,000 and for HRA to handle administering the project. The Council and Ken also discussed the contract the City has will HRA to handle all housing projects for the City. It would cost $1,500 annually, but they would take care of all the finances and administrative work. The Council stated they were currently not interested in the contract with HRA.

It was reported by the City Clerk that there have been no applications for the janitorial position to date. The Clerk also stated that she will widen the area in which the position is advertised.

Bob and Laurie Bursheim presented to the Council the plans for the McIntosh Heritage and Arts Center. They have opened 2 thrift shops, one in The Shop building on Main Street and a clothing store in the upper part of the Hardware Store, to aid in the roof fund for the old McIntosh school building and plan to replace the roof this year Afterwards, MHAC plan to move into the building and apply for grants to further repair the building and for future projects for the community. They explained the past community projects and that there are plans for more.

City Maintenance Manager, Larry Hedlund was present and explained to the council that the water tower is in need to be inspected and cleaned. There is a quote for $6,200 for the services. The council decided to include this in the budget for 2016.

Larry also explained to the council that J & R Wastewater did not do their annual sewer inspection in 2014. It is included in the budgeted for the amount for $7,500. The council allowed the inspection for one year, since they were not here last year.

After discussion and review of financials, the Council voted to raise water and sewer rates by $0.25 beginning in January of 2016. The late fee will also be raised from 5% to 10% to match what is states in the City Ordinances. Garbage and Campground rates will be looked into after more information is received.

The council also agreed to accept a sidewalk inspection policy for repairs and maintenance.

After several complaints of chickens being held in cages and running loose in the City. The ordinance states that any animals that are commonly associated with farming or an agricultural setting, such as horses, cows, sheep, poultry, fowl, swine, goats, bees, and more, shall only be allowed in an agricultural district of the city, or on a residential lot of at least ten acres in size, provided that no animal shelter is within 300 feet of an adjoining piece of property. The problem with the chickens has been corrected prior to the Council meeting so, no action was taken.

The council agreed to accept the resolution to list Poplar Meadows for sale with Marcus & Millichap. The matter was passed unopposed.

There was a building permit approved for Robert Knudson to add a porch to his home.

Larry Hedlund informed the Council that the Sentence to Serve crew will be in town painting curbs and fixing the fencing around the wastewater ponds. He will need more fencing material to finish the project. He is also working on finding the parts to fix the old fire hydrant on the corner of 1st St and Broadway. 

There has also been several residents that have been leaving branches and yard waste on the curb for the City to pick up. There is currently no one to pick up the debris, due to a decrease in maintenance staff. 

The Council will meet for its next regular meeting on Thursday, September 10, 2015 at 5:30 pm at the McIntosh Community Center.