July 1, 2019 Regular Meeting
The Lakota City Council held its regular meeting July 1st, 2019, at the City Hall. Mayor Russo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All Council Members were present. Engineer Brad Muscha from Moore Engineering, City Supt. Josh Ulland and City Employee Kim Burkland were in attendance. Audience members were Roger Sateren, Jayme Tenneson and Keith Olson.
Member Hess made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 3rd, 2019 regular meeting, seconded by Member R. Mattern. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 12th, 2019 special meeting, seconded by Member Hess. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Russo recognized Roger Sateren.
Mr. Sateren stated the city golf course is need of new mower reel heads. Mr. Sateren stated he could purchase 3 sets for $3,000 or possibly getting used ones for $2,000.
Member Solberg questioned how often the reels were sharpened. Mr. Sateren stated he would have them done twice a year, but with new it would be once.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the expense up to $3,000 for new mower reels at the golf course, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Mayor Russo questioned the amount of diesel fuel purchased at the end of last year and the beginning of this year. Mr. Sateren stated the fuel purchased last year was to be prepared for the first part of spring and once that was used, the golf course needed to purchase more.
Member Vasichek requested Auditor Vasichek to supply the council with the Pro Turf Consulting contract via e-mail.
Mr. Sateren left the meeting at 6:11pm.
Mayor Russo recognized Jayme Tenneson.
Mr. Tenneson stated the concrete work on his storage building should be wrapped up today and the building could possibly be complete in 2-3 weeks.
Member Vasichek questioned if Mr. Tenneson projected the project to be complete by August 1st. Mr. Tenneson stated he was hopeful it would be complete by then.
Mayor Russo recognized Engineer Muscha.
Engineer Muscha stated two change orders have not been signed by the subcontractor of the project, so he will continue to try to retrieve those documents.
Engineer Muscha stated the current completion date for the street project is July 31st, however with the additional work the city has requested Knife River would like the final completion date to be September 1st, 2019. Engineer Muscha stated according to DOT standards no seal coating can be done after September 1.
Mayor Russo stated he would like to appoint Rob Ouradnik, Bill Solberg and Doug Manbeck to the special assessment commission. Engineer Muscha stated he will be in touch with the commission shortly to plan a meeting for the street improvement specials.
Engineer Muscha stated he has a request for funds to the Bank of North Dakota that will need to be approved.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the bond advance of $10,372.90 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 Visu-Sewer has completed their cleaning and televising of the 2 sewer lines under the racetrack and they should be starting the month of July.
Mr. Tenneson and Engineer Muscha left the meeting at 6:35pm.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Auditor Vasichek stated the renewal for health insurance is required now and BCBS is showing a 19.8% overall increase for this year. Auditor Vasichek was asked to look around for alternative plans prior to next meeting.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the special events permit for July 6th and 27th for DD’s Place, seconded by Member Rainsberry. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Auditor Vasichek provided the council with a response letter to the State of ND Labor Department for Bob Zeug’s overtime claim. Attorney Manbeck reviewed the letter and stated he agreed with the wording. Auditor Vasichek was instructed to submit the response letter to the Labor Department.
Member D. Mattern a made a motion to approve the firework sales permit for B & K Fireworks for June 27th, 2019-July 5th, 2019, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members in favor. Motion carried.
CITY SUPT. REPORT
Supt. Ulland stated the electrical line at Allen Hejlik’s is needing to be trenched as it is low hanging. The estimated expense for trenching is $724. Supt. Ulland clarified the meter can is the homeowner’s expense and he will order immediately.
Member Hess stated the city park has a low spot that has standing water in it. Member Solberg suggested planting trees in the location to help absorb the standing water. Member Hess questioned if the crew could just pump the water out and add dirt for the time being. Supt. Ulland stated he will look at the area. Auditor Vasichek stated she will look into purchasing trees for the area.
Member D. Mattern questioned if flushing hydrants has been complete. Supt. Ulland stated he spoke with employee Burkland and he indicating it was done.
Member D. Mattern stated the hydrant at C Ave needs an extension put on.
Member Hess stated a portion of the sidewalk at Steve and Paula Halvorson’s has heaved and should be replaced. Auditor Vasichek stated she will contact the homeowner to coordinate the replacement when the street crew is in town to help lessen the expense.
ENGINEER REPORT
No additional report provided.
SHERIFF’S REPORT
Sheriff Olson stated his office took in 145 verified calls.
Member Rainsberry requested more deputy presence at 2nd St West to help combat the erratic driving.
Member D. Mattern stated there is an excessive amount of junk in the backyard of Brad Boyer. Auditor Vasichek was instructed to send a letter to Mr. Boyer about the condition of his yard.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Member D. Mattern stated the Pekin wells need new roofing and doors. Supt. Ulland stated he will have employee Herda look into material costs.
Member D. Mattern stated he would like the town sprayed for mosquitos prior to July 4th.
Member Hess stated he surveyed a few residents in Lakota who are in favor of establishing an urban renewal fund by placing $1 on each monthly utility billing to build the fund to demolish unkept properties.
Member Vasichek stated the proposed wind farm has been put on hold by the county commissioners at this time, stating they would like to require proper FAA lighting of the towers.
Member R. Mattern stated grass clippings are being blown into the streets. Member R. Mattern stated he has witnessed Chuck Ryba and Matt Herda of this act. Auditor Vasichek stated she will contact the individuals, place an article again in the utility newsletter and place it on the electronic message board.
Member R. Mattern stated Heidi Hurt has had a vehicle parked on the street for some time and should be removed.
There was discussion of assessing a cost to homeowners who do not clean up their yards and having the city crew complete the cleanup. It was decided to come up with an ordinance establishing a rate of $250 minimum of 1 hr. with $50/hr. after associated with clean up costs. Attorney Manbeck was instructed to write up an ordinance for next meeting.
ADVISORY REPORTS
MAYOR REPORT
Mayor Russo had nothing additional to report.
AUDITOR REPORT
Auditor Vasichek’ s written report was provided and attached with minutes.
Council members reviewed the financial and utilities reports.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Manbeck had nothing to report.
After review of the bills and vouchers, a motion was made by Member Vasichek to pay all the bills presented for payment and those bills paid prior to the meeting. Member Hess seconded the motion. Motion carried on roll call vote of 6-0.
ADAPT $ 185.00
Advance Auto Parts $ 438.90
Advanced Business Methods $ 281.00
Agcom $ 79.78
Ameripride Services $ 45.71
Anderson, Deb $ 25.00
At&t $ 328.25
BCBS $ 3,529.70
Border States $ 300.40
Cardmember Service $ 728.86
CHS $ 332.10
CMS $ 60.03
Dakota Implement $ 32.95
EFTPS $ 3,342.94
EFTPS $ 2,767.41
Farmers Union Oil $ 1,789.15
Ferguson Waterworks $ 2,638.01
GF Utility $ 26.00
Hawkins $ 1,947.72
Holm, Anne $ 50.00
Home of Economy $ 1,500.00
Halvorson, Jesse $ 123.19
Huso, Elizabeth $ 132.10
Indigo Signworks $ 12,898.67
Interstate Billing $ 265.42
Jobs HQ $ 671.00
Karas, Doris $ 23.87
Krabbenhoft $ 251.14
Lake Region Pest Control $ 355.00
Lakota American $ 855.94
Lakota Auto Truck $ 40.00
Lakota Golf Club $ 2,590.49
Lakota Grocery $ 42.05
Lakota Hardware $ 353.66
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 380.00
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 379.44
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 8,580.67
Lakota Sanitation Service $ 8,229.49
Manbeck Law Office $ 290.00
Marketplace Motors $ 1,122.44
Menards $ 181.61
Mid-Land Excavating $ 780.00
MRES $ 28,955.91
Moore Engineering $ 5,382.90
MMUA $ 600.00
ND Dept. of Environmental $ 20.00
ND Dept of Health $ 49.43
NDPERS $ 3,120.34
Nelson Co. Sheriff $ 2,318.40
Nelson Electrical $ 4,409.21
Neonlink $ 100.80
Nodak Electric $ 2,578.23
ND One Call $ 33.60
ND Telephone $ 59.14
Polar $ 698.72
Powermanager $ 50.00
Praxair $ 93.75
Pro Turf $ 5,332.65
Quill $ 148.89
Ringsrud, John $ 500.00
Rysavy Plumbing $ 604.15
Schoeberl, Dawn $ 122.20
State Fire & Tornado $ 5,811.42
Thein Well $ 275.00
Taverna, James $ 170.14
City Salaries $ 16,392.96
City Salaries $ 15,565.65
TOTAL $ 152,368.58
Mayor Russo provided each council member a flow chart showing the proper chain of information and communication between the community, staff and council members.
Next regular meeting is scheduled for August 5th, 6pm.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member Rainsberry.
Meeting adjourned at 8:04 p.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Jeff Russo, Mayor Amie Vasichek, Auditor