February 4, 2019 Regular Meeting
The Lakota City Council held its regular meeting February 4, 2019, at the City Hall. Mayor Russo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All Council Members were present, except Members Vasichek and Hess who were absent. Engineer Brad Muscha attended via speaker phone and employee Matt Herda was in attendance. Brad Hooey was an audience member.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 7th, 2019 regular meeting, seconded by Member Rainsberry. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Russo recognized Brad Hooey.
Mr. Hooey stated he had numerous questions regarding the city hall building, the child care center and the swimming pool. Mr. Hooey questioned if the council has considered moving the city hall to the city shop. Mr. Hooey stated he thinks it is foolish to keep the two separate and to put any additional money into the city hall facility.
Mr. Hooey questioned who holds the liability insurance on the child care center. Mayor Russo stated the child care would hold the expense of that as it is their own business. Mr. Hooey questioned who pays the utilities at the child care. Mayor Russo stated the child care pays their own utilities. Mr. Hooey questioned why the city crew is moving the snow for the child care. Mayor Russo stated the building is owned by the city and the responsibility of the city to maintain.
Mr. Hooey stated the repair to his driveway was not complete as intended by Knife River last fall and he would like it corrected. Mayor Russo stated the council will be speaking with Engineer Muscha throughout the meeting and will relay the issue.
Mr. Hooey stated he would like to know how much the city has paid to Moore Engineering so far for the street project.
Mr. Hooey questioned what is going to be done with the swimming pool. Auditor Vasichek stated they are currently grant writing and fundraising for the improvements and will not move forward until all funds are acquired.
Mr. Hooey left the meeting at 6:13pm.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mayor Russo stated he would like to gather more information on small cell tower ordinances.
Mayor Russo stated the city attorney has reviewed the sewer re-lining contracts as requested and has no issues.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the notice to proceed for Visu-Sewer on the re-lining of the sewer lines under the railroad tracks, seconded by Member Rainsberry. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Auditor Vasichek stated MRES has reviewed the WAPA contacts with the city and has recommended to sign the documents.
Member Rainsberry made a motion to approve the WAPA contract and the WAPA Transmission Operator Procedure, seconded by Member D. Mattern. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor.
Auditor Vasichek stated 2 applications for BND Flex Pace interest buydown have been submitted by the new owners of the Lakota Hardware Store and Nelson Country abstract. It was requested by the council to discuss at a later meeting.
Engineer Muscha entered the meeting at 6:16pm via phone conference.
Engineer Muscha stated Moore Engineering would recommend allowing the 15 days as requested by Knife River for additional work completed and to remove the disruption cost of $60,000 as suggested by the city council. Engineer Muscha stated this bring the total of liquidated damages to $46,500.
Member D. Mattern stated he does not agree with the warranty work starting of November 3rd in the attorney response from Knife River. Engineer Muscha stated there are things listed in the letter provided by Knife River’s attorney that he does not agree with and that item would be one to discuss.
Member D. Mattern suggested waiting to discuss this topic until the council can meet as a whole. Auditor Vasichek suggested having a special meeting mid-month to be prepared by the March regular meeting. It was decided to meet February 19th at 6pm and Engineer Muscha will attend via phone conference.
Member D. Mattern stated to Engineer Muscha that Brad Hooey would like his drive way area be re-done as Knife River placed sub-grade gravel on the property and leveled it too high. Engineer Muscha stated he will put the item on his check list.
Member D. Mattern questioned the 2nd St East railroad track paving option. Engineer Muscha stated he is waiting to hear form BNSF.
Engineer Mucha left the meeting at 6:38pm.
CITY SUPT. REPORT
Supt. Zeug report provided within the council book.
Employee Herda stated he would like to have the city purchase a new or used heated pressure washer for the shop. Employee Herda provided the council with a few price options. Mayor Russo stated he would like to see a price from state surplus before making a decision.
Auditor Vasichek questioned if Julie Tronson contacted the crew about the city tractor that is holding up the power pole be removed. Employee Herda stated he believed she may have spoken to Supt. Zeug on that. Mayor Russo instructed Auditor Vasichek to question Supt. Zeug as to why that power pole could not be removed come spring as it is no longer servicing a building.
ENGINEER REPORT
No additional report provided.
SHERIFF’S REPORT
Report provided in the council books.
COUNCIL REPORTS
No reports provided.
ADVISORY REPORTS
No reports provided.
MAYOR REPORT
Mayor Russo stated the legislative session is going on currently and he is following a bill that would penalize the owner of the drone for any damages if an accident occurred.
Member R. Mattern questioned the status on the city attorney and if he is looking to be done. Mayor Russo stated a replacement is hard to find in this area but agreed that it should be something to look into.
AUDITOR REPORT
Auditor Vasichek’s written report was provided and attached with minutes.
Auditor Vasichek stated the community club would like to purchase the main street speakers as previously discussed if the council would approve the expense to allow the speakers to be plugged into the light poles.
Member R. Mattern made a motion to allow the Lakota Community Club to place two speakers on main street for light music and power access on the light poles, seconded by Member Rainsberry. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor except Member D. Mattern who opposed. Motion carried.
Auditor Vasichek stated she will check with the city of Cavalier to find out how much Polar Communications donated to their community electronic board.
Mayor Russo asked Auditor Vasichek to find out if a lock box was placed on the swimming pool room heaters.
Council members reviewed the financial and utilities reports.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Manbeck was not present for a report.
After review of the bills and vouchers, a motion was made by Member D. Mattern to pay all the bills presented for payment and those bills paid prior to the meeting. Member R. Mattern seconded the motion. Motion carried on roll call vote of 3-0.
Advance Auto Parts $ 53.99
Advanced Business Methods $ 281.00
Advanced Engineering $ 15,871.02
Aflac $ 293.18
Agcom $ 2,833.42
At&t $ 235.85
BND $ 1,530.00
BCBS $ 4,276.80
Blue Tarp Financial $ 9.99
CMS $ 73.67
Dakota Implement $ 73.38
EFTPS $ 2,388.97
EFTPS $ 2,185.44
Farmers Union Oil $ 3,336.36
GF Utility $ 41.00
Interstate Billing $ 41.98
Knife River $ 18,859.54
Lakota American $ 302.28
Lakota Auto Truck & Tire $ 20.00
Lakota Drug $ 4.19
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 280.00
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 100.00
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 595.64
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 7,838.98
Lakota Sanitation Service $ 7,660.88
Mailfinance $ 795.54
MRES $ 69,823.2
Moore Engineering $ 1,203.86
MMUA $ 600.00
Nationwide $ 72.50
ND Dept. of Health $ 37.66
Nelson Co. Sheriff $ 2,318.40
Nelson Electrical Solutions $ 2,026.13
Neonlink $ 43.00
Newman Traffic Signs $ 86.52
Nodak Electric $ 835.21
ND Telephone $ 59.31
Northern Technologies $ 1,680.00
Polar $ 711.46
Quill $ 255.44
Rough Rider Industries $ 368.82
Stuart C. Irby $ 38.30
City Salaries $ 12,177.99
City Salaries $ 11,307.28
TOTAL $ 173,628.27
Next regular meeting is scheduled for March 4th, 2019 at 6pm. A special meeting will be held on February 19, 2019 at 6pm.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member R. Mattern.
Meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Jeff Russo, Mayor Amie Vasichek, Auditor