May 6, 2019 Regular Meeting
The Lakota City Council held its regular meeting May 6th, 2019, at the City Hall. Mayor Russo called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m. All Council Members were present. Engineer Donovan Voeller from AE2S, Engineer Brad Muscha from Moore Engineering and Supt. Zeug were in attendance. Audience members were Dennis Winkler, Bob LaChapelle, Jason Sorlien, David Matejcek and Jayme Tenneson were in attendance.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8th, 2019 regular meeting, seconded by Member Rainsberry. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8th, 2019 Tax Equalization meeting, seconded by Member R. Mattern. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 8th, 2019 Tax Abatement hearing, seconded by Member Rainsberry. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Russo recognized Dennis Winkler.
Mr. Winkler stated he was in attendance to find out when the city wide clean up would be. Mayor Russo stated it is scheduled for the week of May 13th, 2019 to be held on Wednesday and Saturday from noon until 5pm and would be open dumping
Mayor Russo recognized Bob LaChapelle.
Mr. LaChapelle stated he was in attendance as the new golf course clubhouse manager and would like to request from the council to donate a single and family membership towards a raffle fundraiser he is starting for the clubhouse. Mr. LaChapelle also requested to have 10 coupons to give out for a free round of golf and to be able to give out a punch card to non-members to have the 10th round free. Member Vasichek stated the council has always been in favor of helping the clubhouse gain exposure and believes these are acceptable requests.
Dennis Winkler left the meeting at 8:06am
Member Vasichek made a motion to provide a family and single golf course membership for a raffle drawing, coupons for free rounds of golf and punch cards to non-members to get the 10th round free, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Mr. LaChapelle left the meeting at 8:07am.
Mayor Russo recognized Jason Sorlien.
Mr. Sorlien stated he was in attendance as a representative of the Lakota School Board to discuss the upcoming renewal of the community center lease. Mr. Sorlien stated with the assistance of school superintendent Kevin Baumgarn, they have tried to understand the rate or calculation for the annual lease of the community center. Mr. Sorlien stated the school understands that they are the majority renter of the building but indicated at a typical $100/day rent for the facility for a walk-in customer and the school calculating they use the facility 150 days/year, the school would be overpaying with a lease agreement.
Member D. Mattern stated other factors of renting the facility to the school need to be put into consideration with maintaining the building, janitorial fees and additional utilities. Mr. Sorlien stated the school has had issues with the janitor, but it could be discussed a different day. Mayor Russo suggested if there are issues in the meantime with the janitor to please communicate with the city hall so they can be dealt with immediately.
Mayor Russo stated as indicated at the April meeting, the city would entertain a year lease as requested be school board member Mark Huso. Member Vasichek volunteered to attend the next school board meeting. Mr. Sorlien stated Member Vasichek’s attendance would not be necessary, but stated he is always welcome to come.
Moore Engineer Brad Muscha entered the meeting at 8:14am.
Mayor Russo questioned Mr. Sorlien on his thoughts of the option of purchasing a floor scrubber for the facility. Mr. Sorlien stated the school board was not excited about the idea of cost sharing for the scrubber as the initial price was $11,000. Mr. Sorlien stated the school came found a used option for the scrubber that was apparently not good enough for the city. Auditor Vasichek stated she has communicated to Supt. Baumgarn via e-mail about the process of demoing different scrubbers along with the used option the school found. Auditor Vasichek stated she has also communicated with Supt. Baumgarn that she applied to WSI for ergonomics improvement for the purchase of a scrubber but needs to hear back if a used option would comply with the purchase guidelines. Auditor Vasichek stated janitor McLean was also very happy with the used option.
Bill Solberg entered the meeting at 8:15am.
Mr. Sorlien stated he will be in contact with the city after the school’s next board meeting.
Mr. Sorlien left the meeting at 8:17am.
Mayor Russo recognized Bill Solberg.
Mr. Solberg stated he was in attendance to accept the vacant council position if the council approves.
Member R. Mattern stated Josh Nelson has also expressed interest of being on the council. Mayor Russo stated Mr. Solberg was the person the council spoke of previously for the position and should be considered.
Member Hess made a motion to appoint Bill Solberg to fill the unexpired council position, seconded by Member R. Mattern. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member Solberg took his seat at the council table.
Mayor Russo recognized Engineer Donovan Voeller.
Engineer Voeller provided the council with paint samples for the logo on the new water tower.
David Matejcek entered the meeting at 8:23am.
Engineer Voeller stated the water tower painters should be on site in 4-6 weeks and will be there for approximately 1 month. The council reviewed the paint samples provided and recommended the 2nd blue option for the logo.
Member R. Mattern made a motion to approve provided paint samples for the water tower logo, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Russo requested to know how much it would cost to put a 2nd logo on the opposite side of the water tank to be visible from the north. Engineer Voeller estimated the additional expense would $8,000-$10,000 and would need a change order. The council decided the expense was not worth the addition.
Engineer Voeller stated Caldwell Tanks has communicated to him that they have omitted the allowance required on their awarded bid price to the City of Lakota and they would like to meet on May 8th, 2019 at 11am to discuss the issue. Engineer Voeller stated AE2S stance on the error is that it would be the expense of Caldwell Tanks. Mayor Russo requested to have information on the other submitted bids for the project by the meeting date.
Engineer Voeller left the meeting at 8:30am
Mayor Russo recognized David Matejcek.
Mr. Matejcek gave a detailed history of his business Lakota Feed and that he currently is operating it out of his garage at his residence. Mr. Matejcek stated he understands he is out of compliance with zoning for the city with his business and is interested in leasing a portion of the cold storage building by the lift station from the city.
Mr. Matejcek suggested a two-lease program with the first year rent free and the second year if still needed, he would pay $100/month to the city. Mr. Matejcek stated this could be an incubator opportunity for the city and would help bring start up businesses into town if this space was provided again after him.
Member Solberg suggested blocking off Mr. Matejcek’ s area he would need in the cold storage if approved. Mr. Matejcek stated he would like to house his minerals on pallets and a skid steer inside the building and be able to park a trailer outside the building. Mr. Matejcek stated he could help with snow removal of that area with his skid steer.
Member D. Mattern stated he is concerned with a potential rodent issue in the building if this type of product was held inside. Member Vasichek suggested having Mr. Matejcek pay for pest control services instead of paying for utilities.
Mayor Russo stated he spoke with Attorney Manbeck on the possibility of leasing this space and the city would need to publish in the newspaper for 2 weeks that the city is accepting applications to lease the space. Mayor Russo suggested Mr. Matejcek write his proposal and submitted it to the city hall for the space in question and it will be reviewed at the next meeting.
Auditor Vasichek was directed to start the publishing requirements for the lease space to use for economic development startup businesses.
Mr. Matejcek left the meeting at 8:48am.
Mayor Russo recognized Jayme Tenneson.
Mr. Tenneson stated he would like to again change his building permit for his proposed building project on Block 7 OT. Mr. Tenneson stated he would no longer need a variance for his building by setting the building to run east and west and add ten feet to be able to include two more storage units. Mr. Tenneson stated his building would be 60’ X 110’ and 18’ in height. Mr. Tenneson stated the building would have 4’ wainscoting on the bottom and would most likely be a green/grey color scheme.
Supt. Zeug stated the streetlight facing south hasn’t been working and could be removed to help with his driveway. Member R. Mattern questioned if the setbacks from the building to the east were reviewed. Mr. Tenneson stated he would be set back over 20’ from the Dietzler Electric building.
Member R. Mattern made a motion to approve the changes to Jayme Tenneson’s building application to the size of 60’ X 110’ X 18’, seconded by Member Rainsberry. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor.
Supt. Zeug suggested to Mr. Tenneson to have his contractor put in a temporary electrical service via an electrician.
Member Hess made a motion to approve change order #4 for the street improvement project, seconded by Member Vasichek. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve a pay request of $2,678.86 from BND for the street improvement project, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Engineer Muscha stated Knife River is planning to be on site in approximately 2 weeks to start punch list items.
Jayme Tenneson left the meeting at 9:14am
The council decided to get together to conduct a drive around on May 8th after the scheduled special meeting.
Jayme Tenneson re-entered the meeting at 9:16pm.
Engineer Muscha stated the removal of the unused railroad tracks owned by BNSF will more than likely be handled this summer, however he will need to verify it with one more department at BNSF.
Engineer Muscha stated the contingencies for the street project are around $500,000, but that would not include the extras recently discussed. Member Hess questioned if a seal coat could be added to the parking lot of the community center. Engineer Muscha stated that would be something to include but handled directly with the seal coat company, rather than Knife River.
Engineer Muscha left the meeting at 9:45am.
Member D. Mattern stated the shop is still in need of a pressure washer and a refurbished unit is around $1,500 from Home of Economy. Mayor Russo stated he would like to hold off on the purchase as he believes it will be used more for personal use rather than city use. Member R. Mattern stated the city needs a pressure washer regardless.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve up to $1600 for the purchase of a pressure washer for the city shop, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor except Member Solberg who voted against. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Auditor Vasichek stated the sweeper rate should be reviewed and adjusted for the year.
Member Hess made a motion to increase the sweeper rate to $100/hr., seconded by Member Vasichek. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the gaming site authorization for the Lakota American Legion, seconded by Member Rainsberry. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Auditor Vasichek stated Denise Uriell approached her about handling the water drainage issue between the city hall and her building to the west. Denise Uriell’s building has experience water damage due to the higher slope of the lot owned by the city on the east side of her building. Auditor Vasichek stated she has received an estimate from Monster Lawn to re-slope the area and Mrs. Uriell expressed interest to contribute to half of the expense.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the estimate from Monster Lawn of $2,100 to create a swale in the lot west of the city hall and cost share it with Ed & Denise Uriell, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
The council directed Supt. Zeug to remind the crew not to push snow in that lot in the winter months.
CITY SUPT. REPORT
Supt. Zeug report provided within the council book.
Supt. Zeug stated there were 3-4 water leaks in town recently and about 400’ of water line was replaced by 7th st west.
Member D. Mattern questioned why the city crew spent a large amount of time at the landfill picking up nails when that was a job for Forest River Colony. Member D. Mattern stated he is aware that employee’s Burkland and Supt. Zeug then placed the nails in a pile directly in the line of traffic to the compost pile. Member D. Mattern stated he contacted employee Herda to push the nail pile away from the area, so it not be an issue for customers. Supt. Zeug stated he did not realize employee Burkland had placed the nails in the area and stated he will speak to Burkland about it.
ENGINEER REPORT
No additional report provided.
SHERIFF’S REPORT
Report provided in the council books.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Member Hess stated most of the handicap parking signs are out of date and need to be replaced. Auditor Vasichek stated she had purchased the correct signs and they are on her desk to give to the crew.
Member Rainsberry questioned if the city owned the ball diamonds by the elementary school and who is responsible to maintain them. Auditor Vasichek stated that would be Lakota school property and would be maintained by the school.
Member D. Mattern stated employee Herda came up with a material list for the improvements to the electrical room at the city shop. Supt. Zeug stated he didn’t believe money should be spent on the building now when improvements should be made rather on the electrical system throughout the city. Member Hess stated the electrical room at the city shop needs to be closed now instead of waiting. Mayor Russo stated he would still like to see at least 2 more estimates for the switch gear at the city shop. Supt. Zeug was directed to obtain those quotes by next meeting.
Member Hess made a motion to approve the purchase of building materials for the city shop, seconded by Member D. Mattern. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor except Member Solberg who abstained. Motion carried.
Member D. Mattern stated he has counted roughly 10-12 streetlights that are out and would like them fixed. Supt. Zeug stated he knew of 2-3 lights and one was by Elaine’s House of Dreams that he believes was damaged by Knife River during the street project last year. Member Hess stated Supt. Zeug should contact Knife River to pay for the damage. Supt. Zeug stated he thought it would be hard to prove since it was so long ago.
Member D. Mattern stated he would like the tractor removed by Tronson Grain that is holding up the electrical pole. Member D. Mattern stated he has been contacted by Tronson Grain and they also would like it removed. Supt. Zeug stated he received permission from Julie Tronson to leave it until spring.
Member D. Mattern stated he was made aware that Supt. Zeug assisted Cory Kleven with removal of a private shed on city time and city equipment. Supt. Zeug stated he has not yet met with Auditor Vasichek to come up with a price for the expense to Kleven but will do so.
Member D. Mattern questioned why there was still a minnow farm in the city shop when Supt. Zeug was told to get all personal items out of the city shop previously. Supt. Zeug stated he wasn’t aware he couldn’t keep the minnows in the shop and felt it was a service to the community by having it there.
Member D. Mattern stated he was frustrated by the lack of work getting done in the city by Supt. Zeug and felt Supt. Zeug was wasting time or hiding out at the landfill. Supt. Zeug stated he was frustrated with employee Herda working with Member D. Mattern at his personal shop. Member D. Mattern stated employee Herda has nothing to do with his frustrations of Supt. Zeug.
Member D. Mattern stated he was done with having Supt. Zeug employed by the city and suggested putting Supt. Zeug on paid leave until the end of the month. Supt. Zeug stated he was fed up with employee Herda and issues between Member D. Mattern and always working together.
Member R. Mattern stated he obtained an estimate from Monster Lawn for washes sand at the golf course for $75/yard. Member R. Mattern was told to contact groundskeeper Sateren to find out how much he needs.
Member Vasichek stated he has not heard from Ross Sundeen about the letter received from him and will continue to wait for a response. Mayor Russo stated he will share the information in the letter to groundskeeper Sateren prior to next month’s meeting.
ADVISORY REPORTS
MAYOR REPORT
Mayor Russo stated there is a special event permit for Dusty Roads for the Devils Run steak fry on May 30th, 2019 at the fire hall.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the special events permit for Dusty Roads on May 30th, 2019, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Auditor Vasichek stated the water tower crew will not be in Lakota prior to the Devils Run event and suggested have the lot adjacent to the event be cleaned up by the crew. Mayor Russo stated there is additional snow fence at the golf course that the city could borrow for the event.
AUDITOR REPORT
Auditor Vasichek’s written report was provided and attached with minutes.
Auditor Vasichek questioned what the council would like to do about the applications for the superintendent position. It was decided to keep publishing the article in hopes of receiving more applications.
Council members reviewed the financial and utilities reports.
Member Vasichek reminded Supt. Zeug to remove all personal property from the city shop immediately.
Member Solberg stated he is new to the council but would suggest a little more civility going forward between all.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Manbeck was not present for a report.
After review of the bills and vouchers, a motion was made by Member Hess to pay all the bills presented for payment and those bills paid prior to the meeting. Member D. Mattern seconded the motion. Motion carried on roll call vote of 6-0.
Advanced Auto Parts $ 57.98
Advanced Business Methods $ 281.00
Agcom $ 34.51
Ameripride Services $ 45.71
At&t $ 281.25
BCBS $ 4,276.80
Caldwell Tanks $ 137,199.57
Cardmember Service $ 769.25
Dakota Fence $ 14.03
Dakota Implement $ 113.99
EFTPS $ 1,991.80
EFTPS $ 2,264.70
EFTPS $ 2,431.61
Ferguson Waterworks $ 1,923.29
Hawkins $ 988.53
IHeartmedia $ 99.00
Job Service $ 1,102.09
Jutila, Angela $ 69.11
Krabbenhoft $ 67.68
Lakota American $ 322.96
Lakota Auto Truck & Tire $ 382.68
Lakota Golf Club $ 700.00
Lakota Hardware $ 144.76
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 140.00
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 479.15
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 5,758.62
Lakota RV $ 498.96
Lakota Sanitation Service $ 7,963.93
Langdon Fire $ 572.00
Leach, Rick $ 822.92
Mailfinance $ 195.54
Manbeck Law $ 240.00
MRES $ 59,056.15
Municipal Government $ 340.00
NDPERS $ 3,166.57
NC Soil Conservation $ 100.00
Nelson Co. Sheriff $ 2,318.40
Nodak Electric $ 981.33
ND One Call $ 6.00
Office of State Tax $ 333.43
Petty Cash $ 2.84
Polar $ 699.50
Quill $ 53.95
Rysavy Plumbing $ 383.94
Shanks, Deb $ 150.00
Sateren, Roger $ 73.00
State Bank of Lakota $ 4,661.59
Therma-Stor $ 161.53
City Salaries $ 11,645.75
City Salaries $ 12,760.62
TOTAL $ 269,128.02
Next regular meeting is scheduled for May 6th, 2019 at 6pm.
Member Vasichek made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member D. Mattern.
Meeting adjourned at 10:49 a.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Jeff Russo, Mayor Amie Vasichek, Auditor