September 8, 2020 Regular Meeting
The Lakota City Council held its regular meeting September 8th, 2020, at the City Hall. Council President Bill Solberg called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. All Council Members were present, except for Member Rainsberry and Mayor Hooey who were absent. City employee Matt Herda, Engineer Donovan Voeller, Engineer Brad Muscha and Engineer Barry Glienke were in attendance. Audience members were Roger Sateren, ND Rural Water Rep Nathan Olmsted, and Ferguson Waterworks rep Karen Olson.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 3rd, 2020 Regular Meeting seconded by Member R. Mattern. On a roll call vote, all members in favor. Motion carried.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the minutes August 14th, 2020 and August 17th, 2020 Special meetings seconded by Member Vasichek. All voting in favor. Motion carried.
President Solberg recognized Karen Olson.
Ms. Olson provided the council with information on upgrading the city’s water meters. Ms. Olson stated a one way read system would work great for the Lakota community, would be quite easy to use and would cut down on time spent reading and inputting meters. Ms. Olson stated the battery of the system has a 10-year warranty.
Ms. Olson thanked the council for their time and left the meeting at 6:18pm.
President Solberg recognized Roger Sateren.
Mr. Sateren stated the mower the course was borrowing has been sold and the course is still in need of a mower. Mr. Sateren stated there is a Jacobson mower in Canada with low hours and priced at $20,900. Mr. Sateren stated this season will be his last year at the course so he would recommend the council hire a replacement for him before year end to be able to train. The council thanked Mr. Sateren and stated they will review the mower option this winter.
Mr. Sateren left the meeting at 6:26pm
President Solberg recognized Engineer Brad Muscha.
Engineer Muscha provided the council with information on the street project closeout. Engineer Muscha stated Knife River would like to meet with the council sometime the following week to discuss liquidated damages. Engineer Muscha stated he will coordinate a date and time with Auditor Vasichek this week.
Engineer Muscha questioned how many hours Supt. Herda estimated he worked on Brad Hooey’s driveway remove so the amount could be deducted from Knife River’s contract. Supt. Herda stated he thought it was a couple of hours but would have to check.
Engineer Muscha stated the DWSF survey is now open if the city would like to add anything to the list for future projects.
Engineer Muscha left the meeting at 6:35pm
President Solberg recognized Engineer Donovan Voeller.
Engineer Voeller stated he is need of approval for change order #2 for the water tower project that consists of the second logo, adding the Scada system and a deduct of $1,400 for earth work not performed north of city hall.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve change order #2 with Caldwell Tanks of $11,643, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Engineer Voeller reviewed the total project cost along with the allowance portion for the meters. Engineer Voeller stated he is drafting a letter to respond to Caldwell Tanks response for final payment. President Solberg stated he feels the council will need to eventually sit down with Caldwell Tanks to discuss liquidated damages and closing the project.
Engineer Voeller stated he has contacted a few different contractors to bid the city hall project and the ADA work. Engineer Voeller stated he is having difficulty finding additional bids and will speak with USDA to find out if the city can move forward with Naastad Brothers bid for work.
Engineer Voeller provided the city with an updated utility survey for review.
Engineer Voeller left the meeting at 6:55pm.
President Solberg recognized Engineer Barry Glienke.
Engineer Glienke provided the council with information on water main repair or replacement options. Engineer Glienke stated he has four suggestions of repairing the 4200’ line, which are:
Slip line - $1,100,000
Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) - $1,200,000
Pipe Bursting - $865,000
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) - $830,000
Engineer Glienke stated the options of Slip line and CIPP both need to have cameras run thru the line prior to fixing and that would be challenging to complete with the area the current piping is. Engineer Glienke stated an additional option is to extend the repair to the west to highway #1 which would be an additional 1,000’ of pipe. Prices for the option are as follows:
Slip line - $1,400,000
Cured in Place Pipe (CIPP) - $1,525,000
Pipe Bursting - $1,140,000
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) - $1,035,000
Engineer Glienke stated he also estimated prices if the city elected to increase the pipe diameter from 10” to 12” with the pipe bursting and HDD options. The council did not feel the expense to increase the diameter was necessary.
Engineer Glienke stated the gate valves that were installed during the break would not be recommended to be put back in the line but used elsewhere.
Engineer Glienke stated he is still hoping to get this project complete by year end and all prices presented have a 20% contingency and engineering fees included.
Member D. Mattern suggested contacted Dawn Mandt from Red River Regional Council (RRRC) to get assistance with funding options. Auditor Vasichek stated Stacie Sevigny with RRRC has been assisting with the funding package currently.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to move forward with replacing the water main of approximately 5,200’ east of town by Horizontal Directional Drilling with an estimated price of $1,035,000, seconded by Member Vasichek. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Supt. Herda stated he reviewed the WAPA request for improvements from the last meeting and speaking with Travis Keller it was recommended to go with option #1 for jumper modifications only for the price of $4,062.60.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve jumper modifications at the WAPA substation for an estimated cost of $4,062.60, seconded by Member Vasichek. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member Vasichek suggested advertising the golf course Grounds Manager on social media immediately to draw interest before year end. The council suggested a $1,000-$1,500 as a wage for year end training of an individual.
Nathan Olmsted left the meeting at 7:28pm.
Member Vasichek suggested having the golf course grounds manager and the golf course clubhouse manager be the same individual and share the cost with the clubhouse board. Member Vasichek stated he will reach out to Derrick Marquart to discuss the option.
Auditor Vasichek presented the CDBG application under the governor’s emergency budget for funding the replacement of the water main into town. The council reviewed the CDBG application documents.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve the documents associated with the CDBG application for emergency funding of the repair to the watermain piping, seconded by Member Hess. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
NEW BUSINESS
Member Hess made a motion to approve the 2021 Final Budget as presented, seconded by Member R. Mattern. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Auditor Vasichek presented a change order #2 request that needs to be approved. Auditor Vasichek stated this is for $6600 for additional concrete work for the pool project that was previously approved, but the change order would be to add the work to the project would need approval.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to approve change order #2 of $6600 for the pool improvement project, seconded by Member Vasichek. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Member Vasichek stated the city received a letter from Ross Sundeen revising the long-term land lease agreement for the land the golf course cart sheds are on. Member Vasichek stated there were previous issues with the way the land was being maintained by golf course employees that has since been resolved, however the Beatty family trust would now like to reduce the term to 5 years instead of 50 years. Auditor Vasichek stated she has sent the agreement to Attorney Manbeck for review and his only concern was for the reduced term.
Member Vasichek made a motion to approve the revised Golf Course lease agreement with the Bill Beatty Marital Trust reducing the term to 5 years, seconded by Member R. Mattern. All members voting in favor. Motion carried.
President Solberg stated council member Rainsberry will soon be leaving his residency in Lakota and the city council will need to find a replacement. President Solberg stated Dennis Fahey and Josh Nelson have both expressed interest in the position. Auditor Vasichek stated once Member Rainsberry is officially resigned from the council, the city council would need to declare a vacancy on the council and allow 15 days before appointing a replacement. Auditor Vasichek stated this allows the public time to file a petition for a special election if the deem necessary.
SUPERINTENDENT REPORT
Supt. Herda provided his report of the crew activities to the council and is attached with the minutes.
Supt. Herda stated the church by the High School has been disconnected from utilities and is ready for demolition. Auditor Vasichek stated Mayor Hooey had contacted her today about a potential buyer for the church that he hopes will allow for the church to stay intact.
Supt. Herda stated the skid steer needs new tires and has provided estimates for two different sets from Pomp’s Tire Service.
Member Hess made a motion to approve the purchase of new skid steer tires from Pomp’s Tire Service for $764, seconded by Member Vasichek. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
Supt. Herda stated he would like to purchase additional supply of residential streetlight heads. Supt. Herda suggested purchasing 12 to have on hand. Council agreed with the purchase.
Auditor Vasichek questioned if Supt. Herda received the letter about water certification testing on September 29th. Supt. Herda stated he did receive the letter but was unsure if the date would work for his schedule. Supt. Herda questioned why the city hall opens all mail that comes to the city. Auditor Vasichek stated it has always been the practice to open mail sent to the city of Lakota’s address. Auditor Vasichek stated the city hall retains copies of all mail received from the Dept of Health as it has been a prior issue with missing letters and sample results. Supt. Herda expressed frustration that mail addressed to his name should not be opened and it is illegal to do so. President Solberg stated the city hall handles all scheduling and is the center for information and that is why all mail is opened and reviewed. Member Hess stated if Supt. Herda is concerned about personal information being sent to the city he should have those documents sent to his private residence, but all city mail or documents need to come to the city’s mailing address.
Member Vasichek questioned Supt. Herda if he was going to take the testing as it was a requirement with him becoming the City Superintendent. Supt. Herda stated he had other plans for the day but could possibly change them and he was also unsure about attendance due to COVID-19. The council reminded Supt. Herda of his obligation to take the water certification testing at the first opportunity available.
ENGINEER REPORT
No additional report provided.
SHERIFF’S REPORT
Sheriff not in attendance.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Member Hess stated he has noticed standing water from sump pumps running into the streets that is now freezing with the temperatures and causing a hazard. President Solberg stated he has also received a complaint about sump pumps running into the streets.
Member D. Mattern questioned how many cell phones the city has currently. Auditor Vasichek stated there are 5 city cell phones. Member D. Mattern suggested providing Mayor Hooey with a cell phone to receive e-mails and information more efficiently. Auditor Vasichek stated it would help her greatly with providing information to the mayor more promptly as she is currently sending printed documents out via mail or currier. Member Vasichek agreed with the proposal and included the Mayor Hooey is also donating his mayor paycheck to Gunny’s Food Pantry.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to provide Mayor Hooey with a city cell phone, seconded by Member R. Mattern. On a roll call vote, all members voting in favor. Motion carried.
ADVISORY REPORTS
None given.
MAYOR REPORT
Mayor Hooey was not in attendance.
AUDITOR REPORT
Auditor Vasichek’ s written report was provided and attached with minutes.
Auditor Vasichek stated the pool project was awarded additional matching funds from the LWCF grant of $32,482.93. President Solberg congratulated the efforts made to acquire the additional funding.
Auditor Vasichek stated she would like to ask the council to allow President Solberg on the bank signature cards as he is a more available to sign checks. Member D. Mattern stated he spoke to Mayor Hooey about this proposal and he would like that tabled until next meeting.
Auditor Vasichek stated she was approached by the Good Samaritan Society about hiring the city to conduct snow removal for them. Auditor Vasichek stated the city does not provide this service as other individuals do this for a living, and it would be hard to schedule with street snow removal. The council agreed.
Auditor Vasichek stated she was asked about open walking in the community center and would suggest to the council to remain with it closed during the school year for proper cleaning. The council agreed.
Auditor Vasichek questioned when the city would like to plan for city wide clean up. It was decided to plan for September 30th for picking up on the berms. Supt. Herda stated that day will work.
Council reviewed the financial and utility reports.
ATTORNEY’S REPORT
Attorney Manbeck was not in attendance.
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 Hess seconded the motion. Motion carried on roll call vote of 4-0.
Acme Equipment $ 1,400.00
Advanced Business Methods $ 289.00
Aflac $ 428.26
Agcom Credit $ 324.48
Ameripride Services $ 54.86
At&t $ 68.22
BND $ 4,705.25
Benson Excavating $ 3,000.00
BCBS $ 4,707.37
Border States $ 139.55
Breazile, Michelle $ 25.00
Burtness, Jim & Patty $ 25.00
Cardmember $ 291.92
CMS $ 147.18
City of Lakota $ 2,000.00
Dakota Implement $ 110.77
Dept. of Justice $ 447.60
EFTPS $ 2,860.33
EFTPS $ 2,611.02
Farmers Union Oil $ 2,713.68
Ferguson Waterworks $ 11,975.74
GF Utility Billing $ 26.00
Lake Region Pest Control $ 435.00
Lakota American $ 333.65
Lakota Auto Truck & Tire $ 58.50
Lakota Hardware $ 1,281.94
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 300.00
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 422.65
Lakota Municipal Utilities $ 4,142.90
Lakota Sanitation Service $ 8,192.93
Manbeck Law Office $ 480.00
MARC $ 2,267.44
MRES $ 38,582.20
Moore Engineering $ 3,951.57
McDowell, Damien $ 60.00
Naastad Brothers $ 87,368.49
Nationwide Retirement $ 435.00
NDPERS $ 5,777.81
Nelson County Sheriff $ 2,318.40
Nelson County Water Resource District $ 1,350.00
Nelson Electric $ 1,248.86
Nodak Electric $ 1,501.44
ND E-Waste $ 1,750.00
ND One Call $ 18.10
ND Telephone $ 60.16
Ohlhauser, Amber $ 50.00
Ohlhauser, Justin $ 27.06
Polar $ 691.48
Powerplan $ 219.24
Pro Turf Systems $ 3,845.00
Quill $ 120.89
Rough Rider Industries $ 251.22
Rysavy Plumbing $ 662.34
Shirley, Jeanne $ 50.00
Strata Corporation $ 2,177.63
Sateren, Roger $ 89.09
TEAM Lab $ 235.50
Tronson Grain $ 85.00
US Bank $ 13,618.75
Van Diest Supply $ 792.00
Vericheck $ 14.30
Witzel Construction $ 25,202.00
City Salaries $ 16,178.55
City Salaries $ 14,867.57
TOTAL $ 279,865.89
Next regular meeting is scheduled for October 5th, 2020 at 6pm.
Member D. Mattern made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Member Hess.
Meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
APPROVED BY: SUBMITTED BY:
Brad Hooey, Mayor Amie Vasichek, Auditor