This transcript covers the Moose Lake City Council meeting from April 10, 2019. Based on the context provided and the flow of the meeting, I have identified the speakers (Mayor, Council Members, City Staff, and Guests). [0:01] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** I'd like to welcome everyone to the new slate regular City Council meeting for Wednesday, April 10th, 2019. I'd like to start with the agenda. Do you have any additions or changes? I'm going to make one movement: after the public comment, I'm going to move... [0:48] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** ...6a up. This is for Resolution 19-04-01, Carlton County Road project. [1:04] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Any other items or changes? Hearing none. All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Opposed? Excuse me, we didn't try the... **Council Member Lou Ohly:** I'll make a motion to approve the agenda as amended. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Thank you. Have a second? **Council Member Kris Huso:** I'll second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Opposed? Motion carried. Under consent agenda, number two: the minutes for March 13th, 2019. [1:41] **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Correction, please. Any discussion or question of the minutes? **Mayor Jim Michalski:** We have a motion to accept the minutes? **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** Motion. **Council Member Walter Lower III:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Under 2b, financial reports. Number one: the city accounts payable for April 2019. Number two: financial statements for March 2019. And number three: the liquor store profit/loss statement for March 2019. Questions or discussion? [2:30] **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Just one thing on the other general fund checks. I just want to clarify check 045063. We made a check out to Tony Grimm for the pipeline, which we voted on not paying for, but then we found out that it was actually a city issue. I just want the public to know that we’re still standing by to what we said. [2:54] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Thank you. Any other questions or discussions? A motion to accept the financial reports? Have a second? **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Okay, number three is public comment. This time is reserved for comments from the public on matters not listed on the agenda. Please keep your time to three minutes—you can go a little over. [3:41] **Kathy Sheets:** I’m Kathy Sheets. I’m with the Moose Lake Evangelical Covenant Church. World Vision has asked churches if they would be willing to sponsor a Global 6K run. We decided we didn’t want to compete with [other events], so we were looking at the Saturday before Father’s Day, June 15th, to do a 6K run. I have a map here of a loop that would start at the Depot and then loop around with the Soo Line and Moose Lake Trail and finish. All the proceeds go to raise money for water for people in the Congo. I don't know what questions you have. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** June 15th? **Kathy Sheets:** Saturday, June 15th. We decided it’s 8:00 a.m. or 9:00 a.m., but leaning towards the 8:00 a.m. time. [4:28] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Okay. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** How many road crossings are there? **Kathy Sheets:** There are a few properties where we would wear safety vests at all the street crossings. The other option is to do it "out and back" on the Soo Line starting at the Depot, going 1.85 miles out and then coming back. There is actually a race in July that does that. That way you’re not crossing the main roadways and it’s worked very well. [5:13] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** It’s a little complicated when you come down the pedestrian road; you’re going to be crossing many roads—businesses, homes, the main Highway 73. This one crosses a few major ones. Especially crossing out of the state highway in two different spots is a little tricky for a run. [5:59] **Kathy Sheets:** What about five miles southwest on the way around and then coming back? **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** If you take the trail and shoot down to where our refuse center is and turn back, then you have very little involvement from us. Even crossing the highway, you’re going to start needing the Chief or the County involved. If you do it entirely on the trail, it’s no problem for us. [6:48] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** The Moose Rut starts at the arena where you have all the parking and the pavilion. **Kathy Sheets:** It would be a Saturday. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Sure, the parking lot is a couple blocks from there. Have you talked to the Depot about using that parking area? What I’m hearing is you're free to go forward with the race, and then we’ll talk. If something should come up where the Depot can’t do it, we will certainly be able to figure out something with the arena parking lot. [7:51] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Coordination should be made with Jennifer Stalker. Thank you. Any other public comment? [8:46] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Moving on to departmental reports. 4a: Police Chief. **Jamie Newman (County Engineer):** My report... actually, I was invited for this resolution on page 36. Resolution 19-04-01, Carlton County Road project. I’m Jamie Newman, and I’m the Carlton County Engineer. We are planning on doing our final phase of the project this summer, which is the striping. Because it’s in the city limits, we are required to get a resolution from the City of Moose Lake approving those plans. [9:33] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Does the project have any bearing on the resolution? Is there going to be a crosswalk at the school? **Jamie Newman:** Yes, we put one in late last fall, and that one will get replaced with the permanent one this year. [10:03] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Any questions from the council? Do you have a motion to accept Resolution 19-04-01? **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** Motion. **Council Member Walter Lower III:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Any further questions? If not, all in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. [10:59] **Sheriff Kelly Lake:** Thank you. Just one thing: yesterday we had mandatory training—we do two days every year. We did hazmat, more path, and firearms qualifications. Everything went very well. I also met with the County Attorney yesterday and talked to her about expectations and feedback. [12:10] **Sheriff Kelly Lake:** I'll be going to the Chiefs' conference next week. Also, Officer Mangin is going to have a booth at the Fond du Lac Community College job fair to represent the Police Department. One more thing: yesterday one of our portable radios broke—the on/off switch broke. We bought these radios about seven years ago on a grant at no cost to the city. They have a 10-year lifespan. Motorola isn't going to support fixing these much longer. New ones are approximately $2,500 to $5,000. [13:44] **Sheriff Kelly Lake:** I brought the radio to a shop in Superior and they thought they could fix it with old parts. If they can’t, we’re going to have to look at this. Tim and I talked about this last year—maybe buying one radio a year during the budget cycle. It’s something to keep in mind. [14:29] **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Should we wait till they go out? **Sheriff Kelly Lake:** They recommend a 10-year life, and we are at the end of that. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Has there been a discussion with the Sheriff's office regarding a big grant or local upgrade? **Sheriff Kelly Lake:** I don’t believe there are going to be any more grants, but I will keep my eyes open. Communications are the absolute key for safety. We need to have a discussion this year before the budget is set. [16:52] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** Mr. Mayor, members of council. In the Water Department, we distributed 4.3 million gallons of drinking water in March. We had a water break at the 600 block last week. Unfortunately, it was a shame to put a hole in the new road, but that’s just how it goes. Our main complexion is scheduled for the year. We discussed with the engineers doing some flow testing and water model stuff. [17:39] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** Sewer department: we collected 14.5 million gallons of wastewater. The ponds are getting full, so we’re looking at doing a discharge anytime now. Flow meter calibrations are scheduled for May. We completed cleaning all the lift stations last week. Regarding frozen water and sewer lines: I know it’s 60 degrees outside, but frost is still in the ground. Please continue to monitor your water temps. [18:24] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** Street department: pothole filling is ongoing. Street sweeping is scheduled for the beginning of May. Any questions? **Council Member Lou Ohly:** You know when we have to do stuff on 73? Do they come behind and finish the patching? **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** We do a rough patch temporarily, then a permanent patch is scheduled when the blacktop plant opens later in May. [19:11] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** I would like to change testing laboratories. We have Pace in Virginia right now; they are a good company, but I would like to go with RMB Environmental. The pricing is about the same, but the courier service is the big deal. Pace charges $30 per pickup; RMB is $15. During busy months we have 15 pickups a month, so that's a lot of savings. Their online portal for reporting to the state is also much nicer. [20:44] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** They also offer more flexibility for pickups. Tim and I discussed it. What do you guys think? **Mayor Jim Michalski:** I think we’re going to save money and it’s easier on our staff. I'll take a motion. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Motion to switch to RMB. **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. [22:42] **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** One other thing: I’d like to keep our account with Pace open as a backup. If there’s a spill or an emergency, Pace has a local office where we can run samples immediately. There's no cost to keep the account open. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Consensus is fine for that. [23:59] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** I don't have the library minutes ready, they are later in the packet. Other than that, I don't think I have anything for the report. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Rory, can you give us an update on technology? [24:41] **Rory Johnson (Technology/Cable Coordinator):** I’ve been working with AVI on getting our cable system up to date. Right now, we’re using a flight disc player to play content—they haven't been made in twelve years. We're looking at a system where we can electronically upload content, just like YouTube, and have a scheduling system. We could program all kinds of content that changes every day. [26:13] **Rory Johnson:** This also allows for video-on-demand. Moose Lake would have its own channel on Roku and Apple TV. It expands our outreach. Regarding digital signage, our current hardware is no longer supported. The new system, called "Carousel," would allow entities like the school, Historical Society, and hospital to log in and provide their own slides for the community messaging board. [30:06] **Rory Johnson:** I’m also working with the school’s HH program for summer interns to shoot video of town events and local history. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** If churches or schools put in content, would you be in charge of oversight? **Rory Johnson:** Yes, they would log in and I would still have to approve it as an administrator. [34:42] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** I have a "bucket list" for the 2019 cable budget, including salvage for 2020. The joint powers agreement involves the City, Moose Lake Township, and Windermere. We need to use franchise fees to benefit cable members, revisit rules of operation, and complete periodic reviews. We also want to finish the Historical Society Museum center as a local source of content. [36:59] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** I'd like to advertise again for the Citizen Advisory Board. We didn't get volunteers last time, but with Rory in the position, maybe we will now. Any questions? Thank you. [38:38] **Tyler (City Engineer, SEH):** The only thing not on the agenda is that we submitted a grant to the DNR for the trail on Gravity. It's a $150,000 request to go along with the $300,000 we got from Safe Routes to School. We should hear back in July. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** When did you submit that? **Tyler (SEH):** March 28th. [40:57] **Dusty Wilson (Chamber of Commerce):** The calendar is getting busy. We have the Easter Egg Hunt on the 20th at the school, and the Business Expo on May 18th. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Dusty, we heard you're leaving the Chamber. On behalf of the city, thank you for a job well done and all your support. [42:59] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** Under 5, previously discussed business: the 2018 flood. We received reimbursement for the money spent last year, and we received money for the catch basins. We have quotes in the packet tonight to move forward on that. [43:50] **Dusty Wilson (Moose Lake Brewing):** Hi everyone, I'm Dusty Wilson, one of the owners of Moose Lake Brewing, and this is Jeff Parnevik with Slam Entertainment. We want to make sure everyone is on the same page for the concert on Saturday, May 4th, with Chris Hockey at the Riverside Arena. [44:36] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** In the past, the municipal liquor store was the sole provider of alcohol at city events. For these concerts, to keep ticket prices low, the concert provider keeps the revenue from alcohol sales. This would be a change in policy where the "Muni" would not receive income from these specific events. [45:25] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** My thought was that this is only for a few concerts per year to bring larger numbers of people into the community. They would stay at hotels and eat at restaurants. I talked to the Liquor Store Manager; she didn't think this was the end of the world. [47:45] **Jeff Parnevik (Slam Entertainment):** We are licensed professional bartenders. Our model is based on revenue sharing. We’re bringing in a regional performer, Chris Hockey, and we hope to bring national acts eventually. This is an $18,000 venture for us. We built the model assuming we could sell the domestic beer and liquor. If that revenue stream disappears, the math doesn't work. [53:08] **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Did you check the occupancy of the arena? **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** They had over a thousand people for Whiskey River. **Jeff Parnevik:** We did the math with the stage area; I think we’re safe at 750 for this event. [54:44] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** I think this is a good venture for Moose Lake. I would suggest the Council approve this specific concert series, but maybe sit down with the brewery afterward to discuss the long-term policy. **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** I think the residual effect of what they're bringing in outweighs the concerns. [1:00:11] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Do I have a motion? **Council Member Lou Ohly:** I'll make a motion that we support the concert series for up to four concerts in 2019. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. [1:02:09] **Tyler (City Engineer, SEH):** I'll give an overview of the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). We rated streets on surface condition, drainage, traffic, and utility age. We summed these ratings to prioritize projects. We've listed the top twenty projects for your review. [1:09:10] **Tyler (SEH):** We also included areas with frozen service lines, which added priority points. Phil, are you in agreement with this list on page 64? **City Superintendent Phil Entner:** Yes, I like that we looked underneath the blacktop at the utilities, not just the surface. [1:13:33] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** I suggest we look at the top ten projects instead of just five to give us more flexibility. **Tyler (SEH):** We can do that. It doesn’t change the level of analysis much. [1:16:40] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** Regarding the water tower evaluation: the inside needs work and the outside needs cleaning. I suggest tying this into the well house project next year to save on bonding costs. **Tyler (SEH):** The exterior is actually in good shape, it just needs cleaning. The interior "wet" area is the part that needs the most attention. [1:23:50] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** Cemetery mowing: our previous mowers are no longer available. I suggest adding a third seasonal person under Phil's crew to handle mowing the cemeteries and assisting with other public works. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** That makes sense. [1:28:15] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Catch basin repair quotes from the 2018 flood. We received two quotes. Global Excavating is the low bid at $59,685. This is covered by FEMA. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Motion to accept. **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. **Council Members:** Aye. [1:29:39] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Lift station cleaning quotes. Great Lakes Pipe is the lower estimate. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Motion. **Council Member Walter Lower III:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:30:10] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Ferric chloride quotes. Hawkins came in at $1.33 per gallon. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Motion to accept Hawkins. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:31:39] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** We have a resignation from Sharon at the DMV. Her last day will be April 19th. Motion to accept? **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** Motion. **Council Member Walter Lower III:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:33:28] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** Linda Eckert is also not coming back as a part-time gardener. If anyone is interested in gardening, please contact City Hall or Clarissa. [1:35:04] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** For the liquor store position, we posted internally and received one letter from Elaine to move up to the full-time position. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Motion to accept. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:36:37] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Arbor Day proclamation. As a Tree City USA, I urge all citizens to celebrate and plant trees. **Council Member Douglas Juntunen:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:38:08] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** Liquor store LED lighting. We have two quotes to change lights to LED. The Water and Light board hasn't approved the reimbursement yet, so this should be pending their approval. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** I'll make a motion we go with the quote for $9,874, depending on Water and Light approval. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:42:51] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** Pavilion roof replacement. The bank is doing improvements for their anniversary. We have a roof that leaks. We have three quotes; Beaver Roofing is the cheapest. **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Motion to approve Beaver Roofing for a metal roof. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. [1:46:19] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** WLSSD meeting regarding a "point of sale" ordinance. They want us to mandate that residents replace faulty sewer service lines. I prefer a "point of sale" ordinance where the inspection happens when a home is sold. It's easier for homeowners to finance. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Council, do you favor a point-of-sale ordinance over an immediate fix mandate? **Council Members:** Yes. [1:53:24] **City Administrator Ellissa Owens:** I request we move the next City Council meeting to Thursday, May 16th, for the audit presentation. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Consensus reached. [1:55:43] **Mayor Jim Michalski:** Announcements: Next regular meeting is May 16th. Water and Light is April 16th. Motion to adjourn? **Council Member Lou Ohly:** Motion. **Council Member Kris Huso:** Second. **Mayor Jim Michalski:** All in favor say aye. We are adjourned.