This transcript features the **Moose Lake City Council** regular meeting from November 13, 2024. Based on the context provided, here is the attributed transcript. [0:05] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I'd like to welcome everyone to the regular meeting Moose Lake City Council for Wednesday November 13, 2024 at 4 p.m. and like to start with the Pledge of Allegiance please. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for... [0:42] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** ...all to welcome our guests here tonight, thanks for coming. The next item is the approval of the agenda, additions and changes. I have two additions, this would be on of new business; this would be uh first one would be 6P, this is a part-time Arena attendant hire, and number Q, the next one would be Poor Gary's parking delivery spot. Any other changes or corrections? [1:27] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** What was the last one? [1:29] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Q is Poor Gary's parking delivery spot. Hearing no more changes or corrections additions, do I have a motion to accept? [1:40] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** So moved. [1:41] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** A second? [1:42] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Second. [1:43] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Opposed? Motion carried. On to number two, the consent agenda. This would be 2A number one, regular city council meeting for October 9th, 2024; number two is emergency city council meeting October 9th, 2024; number three is a special city council meeting October 30th, 2024; and number four, the special city council meeting November 8th, 2024. Any discussion or questions on the minutes? Hearing none, do we have a motion to accept the consent agenda minutes? [2:36] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I move. [2:37] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I have a second? [2:38] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Second. [2:40] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Opposed? Motion carried. On number 2B, the financial reports: number one, the city accounts payable for October 2024; number two, the city financial statements for October 2024; and number three, the liquor store profit and loss statements for October 2024. Any questions or discussion on the financial reports? Hearing none, do I have a motion to accept the financial reports? [3:24] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** So move. [3:25] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Have a second? Doug, did you say it, second? Okay. All in favor say I. (All: I). All right, oppose? Motion carried. Number three is public comment. This time is reserved for comments from the public on matters not listed on the agenda. Please keep your comments to 3 minutes. Look, I think we have none tonight. [3:47] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to number four, departmental reports. Number A, the Carlton County Sheriff's Office activity report for October. Welcome. [3:57] **Kelly Lake (Carlton County Sheriff):** Thank you. Uh so looks like our uh activity report for October 2024 looks like we had a total of 137 calls for service. Uh 62 of those calls were handled by the contract Deputy, 75 by uh the other County deputies throughout the month of October. As far as self-initiated activity goes, uh contract Deputy completed uh or did 14 extra control detail calls for service, 10 traffic stops, 22 business checks, a community engagement, and uh public assist. As far as County deputy self-initiated activity, we have four extra Patrol details, five traffic stops, two business checks, a community engagement, two public assists, four paper service attempts within the city limits of Moose Lake and then five Stone Garden Patrol, which is our Federal grant critical infrastructure checks uh that we do throughout the county. Uh so that’s kind of the activity report for October. A little bit of a staffing update that just got finalized today; the .5 secretary position, Sarah Radack, completed our hiring process. We have a start date for her of December 2nd. Uh so have a couple weeks here of uh getting some things ready for her uh to start that role in a couple of weeks. Uh as far as our deputies control, we've got two that are about halfway through our field training... excuse me, we've got a third that will hopefully start the middle of December, start his field training in the middle of December. Uh so we're hoping to get at least one more Deputy uh down here in Moose Lake on the contract sometime middle to end of January is what we're kind of looking at at this point so um it's not set in stone yet, can still be a little bit fluid as far as field training goes, but that's kind of what we’re at this point. [6:08] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Good. Questions by the Council? Hearing none, thank you very much. Good job. [6:14] **Kelly Lake (Carlton County Sheriff):** Thanks. Thank you. [6:16] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to City Superintendent Phil Entner, Department report October 2024. [6:23] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Mr. Mayor, members of the Council, Administrator Owens. Um busy month. We're getting ready to go here for winter—I know no one likes that, really don't like to say that—but we're getting there. Uh we'll start in the water department. As always, distributed 5.4 million gallons of drinking water in the month of October. We uh we have two of the three curb stops I mentioned last meeting that we need to repair; the two were done today, the last will be done tomorrow. Um the water system as a whole is completely winterized and ready for winter operation, so that is pretty much put to bed for the winter um as long we don't have any water breaks—so I'm hoping we don't, but I guess we'll just take them as they come. Sewer Department collection system collected 9.8 million gallons of waste water month of October. Um lift station biannual cleaning and maintenance checks were completed two weeks ago. Um we should have a maintenance log packet for December for those. The treatment facility, we will be doing another discharge here the month of December so we'll be wrapping things up out there right around Thanksgiving. Prep discharge and then transferring water to certain cells as they need them throughout the winter so we have enough storage for the rest of the winter. Um Street Department—last blacktop loaded was last week. We put out some concrete last week and now we're pretty much done, all those plants are shut down for the year. That's pretty much taken care of. There'll be pothole filling as always—mentioned this all the time—if you see a couple big ones give us a call, let us know where they are. We go once every two weeks and fill a couple odds and ends. If you want to report those, feel free to call City Hall, Public Works, whoever, tell somebody, let me know. Go ahead and take care of it. Cemeteries are shut down for the year, however burials are still happening, we just had one last Saturday. Um other than that though, for the most part they all are winterized. Campground is the same way, winterized and pretty much put to bed for the winter. The Arena: the new compressors are working well, ice is all in, practices are going, games were going. They have a some form of college JV College hockey was there this weekend, like that was kind of cool, I thought that was that was kind of neat to see that. I ended up there for an hour for about an hour on Saturday. Um storm sewer, that was uh that's same old, same old. Uh the gardeners are pretty much shut down for the winter. Recycling shed is up and running with the extended hours as talked about a meeting ago and um got some other stuff to touch on later. That's all I have for now. [8:55] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Did we ever get advertising out for uh the uh extended hours on the brush pile? The sign up at the shed? [9:06] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I believe I did not get it posted on Facebook yet, but there is a sign at the shed. [9:11] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** There is a sign at the shed? Yep. Okay. Anything else? [9:14] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Just a quick question. You said that the cement plants are shut down? [9:18] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Yes. Okay. And asphalt plants are shut down. [9:21] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay. Does someone else have a question? Okay, very good. Thank you Phil, appreciate it. 4D, technology/library department monthly update. [9:36] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** First, if you want [Laughter] to members of the Council, Mayor Michalski, and Administrator Owens. Um I put—handed this out, just upcoming events just to show you kind of what's going on. November 8th has already come and gone but Brady Cruz is coming down to the Muny on November 23rd. Uh he's great, I know him personally. Um he's moved away so we're lucky that he's bringing his talents, he's coming to town, I think probably just after hunting or something um but he's awesome, he'll have a good following. He's a local guy, graduated from here. Rowdy Gents, we've had before, they're always good, and then Donnie Buck has a big following around the area so that'll be a good show too. [10:35] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Did you mention Save and Ike? [10:37] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Yeah that date's already come and gone so... oh yep, past it. Hopefully we can get to a point where I'm showing you December and January so we'll get there, but just for your information. Uh let's see, we're going through some potential some credits we have so uh dip down on some expenses and use up some credits that we might have with uh some vendors, so that's been going great. Uh and Gardner will be in sometime the middle of December uh to finish up that uh HVAC thermostat project that we approved before so. Any questions? [11:18] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** How is it working right now? Is it... [11:21] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Yeah it's maintaining. It's cold out so it doesn't... it's really more in the hotter months that we struggle. [11:28] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay, thanks. Good. Thanks Ryan. [11:31] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Yep on to the next. Um going through the list of priority workstations um that will be in the budget um but just making sure we're ideally selecting the right ones. Um the state of Minnesota, their IT services department and the BCA um has new cybersecurity incident reporting that starts December 1st, so there's some training and some things that I'll probably hop onto. Um they ask if you have third party that they're aware of the new reporting too, so I'll make sure that's happening in the background. Um and then yeah, we installed the new TV in the hallway there and that's up and up and on. I was going to check with Phil but I haven't talked to him yet to see if everything's working perfect. [12:16] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Seems to be. [12:18] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Yeah, that's it. [12:19] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Questions? All right, thank you. Thanks Ryan, good job. Moving on to 4E, city engineer report for November 7th, 2024. [12:31] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Uh yes, as always there are a lot of items on the engineering agenda. Um most of them we'll actually cover in uh the meeting in one way, shape, or form um but I did want to highlight the fact that um as previously communicated, the city was contacted by the Senate Capital Investment Committee uh regarding the 2024 bonding bill um that uh did not pass legislation. And so uh the city engaged in a project update with the Senate Capital Investment Committee on October 16th. Um we've not heard anything back since the presentation but the representatives were really supportive. In addition, Senator Rarick's office has requested that we provide an updated cost estimate for that um Citywide lining project relevant to the bonding bill request and so we'll continue to work through that with the engineers and provide the necessary information. Um while we are kind of in this interim period, we are also seeking additional funding options so if the city were awarded any money through the bonding bill that we would then have um opportunities to have our match requirements met um through as many grants as possible. Uh so one of those is the MPCA Water Resiliency Grant; our engineers have already applied to that one. They're in the process of checking to see whether or not it can be utilized as a match. Uh the city should expect results from that application the first week of December, so we'll keep Council updated on that. In addition, there is an MPCA Sewer Overflow and Stormwater Reuse Grant um that's a new one that they found. Um the engineer group felt that it's a really great match as far as um televising is concerned and so um they are going to be applying for that in the next week. The max award for that is $150,000, there's no local match required for that one. They are also checking sure to make sure that that MPCA monies could be utilized as a match for for a bonding project as well. So um other than that, everything else will uh we should either cover or if you have any questions uh please let me know as always. [14:42] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Questions? Thank you. Moving on to 4F, Chamber of Commerce updates. [14:48] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Oh yeah, the Chamber is um in the process of looking at the 2025 budget and working through event committees to finalize plans for upcoming events. Uh they're also working on the annual dinner and so there'll be more information to come on that. Um trying a new networking event called Vibe at 5, the first one will take place uh February 20th at the Essentia Health Medical Center. Um in addition to that other information regarding events and holiday activities are also available on the Chamber website if anybody's looking for information. [15:28] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you. Any questions from the Council? Did they apply for any of the monies out of the uh gambling fund this year? [15:37] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** No. Okay. Can we just have one submission? Yep, we had one submission and the city did issue the check for the um NHS student council opportunity. And I've spoke with their advisor, they are going to uh come to the December meeting to provide um a little presentation on their experience at um their event. [16:11] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** So great, thank you. Yep. Moving on to number five, previously discussed business. Letter A, Public Works hiring discussion. [16:21] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Oh yeah, so this um essentially there's an opportunity to revisit a hiring discussion. Um there has been some uh discussion at previous meetings with Council regarding a Public Works employee need. Um I did request that Superintendent Entner provide a little bit more information regarding uh operations at other local utilities uh in the area whether it be um you know other utilities in the city and or other um entities, local government entities that are similar or same sizes us. Um and so that was included in the packet. In addition, I know that there were questions that were brought forward um regarding the cost to uh fill the part-time position that is currently vacant and or move to a full-time position. So I do have some more information to share on that as well and so we sat down and we did a little analysis. Um the cost with benefits for a full-time employee is right around 82,000. Now the cost for the part-timer is a little bit harder to determine, I mean standard with standard wage and then there are some overtime costs affiliated with part-time employment based on scheduling conflicts and needs and um you know plowing things of that nature that uh happen in a way that cannot be controlled. So between the wage and overtime, um that’s the part-time position would come in right about 37,000. As highlighted in uh Superintendent Entner’s communication to Council, um we're currently staffed with um three full-time staff members to run the two City utilities and the Public Works department. If you're looking at um the Water and Light utility which was assessed, they have the one utility and they have the five full-time employees. The City of Carlton with a population of right around 960, they have two full-timers and two part-timers. The City of Moose Lake with a population of 3,787, they have five full-time employees and three part-timers. We are operating with the three full-timers and 10 part-timers across all Public Works departments and our two utilities. [19:14] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** So we have three full-time positions as of right now currently? Does that include Phil? [19:22] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yes. So I wanted to bring more information forward as these discussions evolve. I think I think one a couple of items that have been in discussion internally with staff—we talked about the cost of training and turnover with our 10 part-timers. Um that is an obstacle or a hurdle, so to speak, that we work through with utilizing as many part-timers as we do. Um just something to consider and bring forward. Uh another item that has been discussed with Council and independently internally as well is the need for CDL holders. So we currently have five plow routes; that includes the trail maintenance and um the portion of Arrowhead now that the city maintains. Um parking and yeah, so we have five plow routes. We have three full-time guys and then when we utilize two part-timers and/or another full-timer, that's where that overtime piece comes in. We're kind of puzzle-piecing in with our plowing efforts um with every snow activity. And year to year, some years that's not a huge issue and then some years it's a significant issue if there's lots of snowfall. So that's one dynamic that we're working through. Um and in addition with the training, we do have a need for on-call with our utilities and so when we're going through the training process with part-time employees, there is um challenges that come with the training because then we have double the employees on-call um because we can't put the part-timers on-call without proper training alone. So then we have two staff members on-call um during the training process. So some of those things are things that we've discussed and just wanted to bring forward um for the dialogue and wanted to answer some of the questions that were brought forward by Council previously. [21:28] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I will add, um a lot of these cities aren't doing their own blacktopping. Everyone fills potholes but as far as lay patches like we're—like you see us doing—uh they don't do their own concrete work which we do. And uh one city takes care of one cemetery, the other... that's not... [21:49] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** So how many of our guys have CDL? [21:55] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Three. [21:57] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Do they need a CDL to do the trails? [22:00] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Not to do the trails, no. [22:01] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** No. In other words, anytime they go on on the highway they have to CDL, or do they have to have a CDL to be in in the pickup... in the dump trucks? [22:11] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** They do in the dump trucks, they do, yep. I don't... I also don't want to keyhole ourselves by not having a CDL holder because then if I... I want anyone in that shop to be able to hop in any piece of equipment and better off if they have a CDL period, right? [22:34] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Absolutely. So part of the part-time requirement for hiring is a CDL? Correct? I mean that's a good practice from my point of view. [22:46] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Yeah, and we would do that same thing again for part-time. Great. [22:52] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Phil, just a quick thing that you... what you brought up is about the blacktop and cement work. I don't think we're comparing things exactly the same because Carlton and Moose Lake... what how many departments do you oversee? [23:09] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Eleven. [23:10] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** You oversee eleven. So your job is not necessarily just... [23:14] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I'm not in Public Works. I mean if you were to look at the hours of week I put in Public Works, it's not so... yeah. [23:22] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Yeah, direct oversight of one of the departments. Yeah, when we when we developed the City Superintendent you actually moved out of Public Works; you oversee Public Works, you oversee the Parks, you oversee the Cemeteries, you oversee the Arena. That is a big difference than a supervisor in one of these cities, totally different. However, I know you are working in a full-time position in Public Works which complicates things and I know in your discussion with all your employees, are there any getting close to retirement? [23:59] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** There is in Public Works, yes. [24:02] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** So some of the discussions that we've had is it takes about two years to get somebody up to speed so, you know, with licensing requirements... with licensing requirements for the utilities, not Public Works. So there's that dynamic in play too and whether or not Council feels this is the time to be proactive with that training period or not. [24:45] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** And that's where I'm going is I want to focus on our future, the future for Moose Lake and try to make sure that we can... so we can set ourselves up for success. We understand so when someone retires we're okay, we're still firing on all all eight cylinders or whatever we got, right? And still getting everything taken care of where before we've been trying to play catch-up ever since I've been here. [25:11] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** Um I was just going to make a comment when you were about how many departments he oversees—well and with that comes all the same employees. So it's not like you have um a lot of separate employees for each one of these 11 departments. A lot of them covering multiple—two, three, four, five—wearing lots of hats—six, seven, eight. Yep. And that's what we have to do. I mean that's and it works cuz we I don't think we could afford it to do it the other way. [25:47] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Right now this uh okay we at previously discussed... you as Administrator looking at a hiring process starting now? [25:57] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** So because the discussions were suspended, Superintendent Entner has been working insane hours because we have um only... we've not filled the original vacancy for the part-time while we analyzed and assessed whether or not this was the time to move to another full-time or replace the part-timer. So it would be nice at this point in time to have direction from Council whether we're immediately hiring for a part-timer or whether or not we're immediately hiring for a full-timer. [26:38] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Yes sir. Uh I know what some of the people at town will will say about this. They'll say that well we've been able to run the department with three current full-time employees till this point, why would we not be able to keep doing that in the future? But one thing that is occurring is that we have this new development going in up by the school and tomorrow will be the the ribbon-cutting ceremony to be starting in that expansion. Uh and I also look at at the city's past as infrastructure has grown in areas like John Brown Drive and Talbot Drive, so there has been an increase in roads and infrastructure, sewer and water lines over the last 15-20 years since that Talbot's and that. So there there has been some increases and with this new expansion up by the school there will be more infrastructure to be taken care of—to sewer the water, more plowing—and hopefully there will still be more development going in up there. We just don't quite know when you know the school still has quite a bit of land up there to be developed, some of its business, some of its residential. So I I do see that the the city has expanded and is going to be expanding more here in in the future so I can see more of a need in that in that uh area. One of the the negatives that I see about it is that we we've been able to make some savings with uh the elimination of the Police Department uh and I I'd like to see some of those savings... you know if you take some of that savings from the Police Department and then you're just putting it into another department you're not really making the full savings. But we are... we would be making more of a savings in the PD than what this would cost. But I would still like to see some of the savings that we've been able to make in in the PD you know go towards infrastructure in in the future and and that would be decided in in future meetings on on what that would entail. But uh I just see that you know the town has expanded and will continue to expand hopefully and I just wanted to bring those issues to the rest of the the public and counselors and mayor, some of the things that I've thought about with this. [29:32] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Walt, I'll add to... sorry, I was going to do the same, sorry. So um Council Lower, to to expand upon that too, later on in the packet we're going to be talking about you know establishing planning for um and you know engineering and process for the Gravel Pit, and we have a state-mandate lead service inventory requirement and we have our 2025 lining project. And so I mean there's a lot of other things that we're adding in that affects those departments as well and planning for the City Superintendent engaging from an administrative perspective as well um that you know we're continuing to try and do more and more and more um while already operating pretty... Go ahead Phil, I know you had a question then I'll get you. [30:26] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Add to your comment there: in 2017 the City of Moose Lake signed a maintenance agreement with MnDOT to maintain the sidewalks on Highway 73 along with the right-of-way, which all the gardens and the trees that look amazing in the sidewalks people walk on all winter long. They they signed that agreement which is fine, but someone's got to do it—it falls on us. Um 3 years ago we signed a maintenance agreement on a trail to the school that's over a mile long; that's four miles of plowing because it's four passes with another person. And tonight you're going—I think it's tonight—you're going to sign another maintenance agreement for the new portion of the trail that's not constructed yet for next year and that's going to add another almost mile trail. So I mean city... the city is growing and it's great, it it absolutely is a wonderful thing to see happening, but I mean we haven't talked about even the storm water piping that's under all those trails that we look at and we use and we enjoy it or or any of the water or the sewer that's under any of that stuff or any of the blacktop that's going to be replaced, the concrete ped ramps that are going to be replaced—there's a lot, there's a lot there. It's a huge asset to the city all of it is and they're absolutely lovely but it does take people and it takes time and resources/money to maintain it. [31:54] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Um there's another part that we aren’t talking about either and that is the part of on Gravel Pit stuff like that that there's a certain... City's actually going to end up making money or saving money which is making money and somebody has to take control of that and that's that is making money for us and there happens to be a gentleman that has to keep track of that and that would end up actually being part of the salary of... basically we would actually be Phil’s salary because he's the one who has to take care of that. So actually his job is actually somewhat paid for from another position that say the Gravel Pit part of it, so his salary is not necessarily all coming out of the tax payer. So here we are back to give the city support another person where this next person would be paid from the taxpayers where part of the taxpayers money would be would be wouldn't be there because it doesn't have to be there because Phil isn't there... something like that. If you can keep that straight then you'll help me out. [33:04] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** I understand what you're saying. I think from from an administrative perspective from everybody's chair, I mean all of our activities we're trying to make sure that we don't cost the taxpayer anything. So whether it's grants or savings or revenue generating activities, you know the goal of all of us is to make sure that we're covering the cost of our employment with the efforts and and what we're able to facilitate. And so um this is another example of that as well. [33:31] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Well I think the long-term possibilities of the Gravel Pit is huge. We're talking about huge amounts of money that the city can save that will be a major gain for this community. Major—300,000 per million to 30%. Yeah, yep that's huge. So that is a large amount of money coming in from that and that sooner that's up and running the better. [34:02] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** There's something else that we haven't talked about which we will hit on a little bit later and that everyone knows we're in in uh mediation with the Sewer District and there be may be more infrastructure coming depending on how that goes and we can't go into it any farther than that. So there's other possibilities going on that are going to add to... we're closing if all goes well so um. Any further questions or discussion? If not, go ahead—looks like you had something you wanted to say. [34:40] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Based on the previous dialogue, the budget, the preliminary budget that was presented in September did account for one more full-time Public Works staff um and so um based on Council's decision tonight um it you know that'll could be modified, but it is right now within the 2025 budget um at this time. [35:05] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** And we would not be going after a part-time that would disappear? [35:08] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Correct, it would fall into that position. [35:11] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** So there is a close to 50%... [35:13] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Correct, is covered by the part-time anyway. [35:16] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Correct. Okay. Um Council, motion and or any questions? [35:21] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I'll make a motion that we um hire a full-time employee in the Public Works department um in place of part-time position that was retired. [35:36] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Retired. Do I have a second? [35:37] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [35:38] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any further questions? All in favor say I. (All: I). Opposed? Motion carried. Thank you Phil. I guess you have the next on Riverside Arena cooling system replacement and Mighty Ducks Grant update. [36:03] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Actually don't, you don't. The uh project has been completed at the Arena. The ice is obviously in, things are going really well. Uh the city submitted for the reimbursement through the grant portal; we've not seen the funds back but that process has concluded. Um initial energy savings from Water and Light, we're reading around a 30% energy efficiency savings right now. I checked with the office manager there—they're reading... they're still reading about 24% energy efficiency savings. So we've had a little bit of warmer weather here so um all is well and I will continue to update the Council once the um the reimbursement for the grant has been received, but the project has been completed and it it's a success. [36:58] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you. Moving on to 5C, flag pole discussion. You want to back that? [37:05] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Um so it was requested um by a representative of the American Legion that uh the city have discussion at a council level regarding um the city's contribution for additional engineering. Um so just to provide a little bit of background again and and a a reminder of previous events: um the Legion obtained the flag pole from the old school um and they've put a little bit of work into it. Uh there's a design, a memorial design, that has been established for the city park. Um the city engaged... the project is spectacular. Um the city engaged from an engineering perspective um based on requirements of installation and how the pole needed to be set. Um that was brought forward to the American Legion. Um a request has been made to set the pole in a different way, I guess how it was done in 1920 is so that it's authentic. Um and so the engineers reviewed some of that data initially and they had come out with their plan, so to speak, but now there's been some updates that have been provided. So we've spent about $1,200 from an engineering perspective on this already. We do have an approved method of installation. Um the city has made a request to the Legion that aesthetically they make the pole look um as it did um in order back in the original... it's like putting a facade on the pole. [38:53] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Correct, to make it look like it was original back when it was first um installed. But to utilize the from the engineering perspective from the ground down that you cannot see to utilize the the the presented engineering plan. Um at that point in time the Legion is still requesting that the city engage in more monies to... [39:24] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Well I think the the last... the way I understood it with being at the meeting when we left, their discussion was to that they were fine with what I suggested and Phil suggested. Put the pole in as designed because that is already approved by engineer group; the only thing would be adding in the facade portion on the base of the pole which would be two flanges with bolts through it, and it's just for looks—a decorative discussion, that's all. It's decorative, right? And um if if the Council approves that we can send it to him. Are you thinking something else, Phil? I could see you in your eyes. [40:15] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I'm thinking but I'm not. No, we have a approved design which uh they they can put the pole in although you just shut us plants down till next spring so you can... [40:30] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay, so you can still get Ready-Mix if you need it. [40:33] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** It's not easy to get it, it's twice the money, and no one wants to put it down and try to get cure time on it in 5 days with this weather. So for us it's not... if they want to, yeah they can they can fight it. [40:48] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I wouldn't recommend it. No, I wouldn't either. But I think what they're asking is what I'm asking—I guess a motion from the Council accept the engineering design as they sent it to approved by them and then let the Legion put the facade portion on it which has no structural purpose at all, it's it's for looks. [41:11] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** I'll make that motion. [41:13] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** That a second? [41:14] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'll second. [41:15] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. So it is official. Motion got it. Who seconded that? [41:25] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** It second Walt, Walter. [41:27] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you. Thank you. Okay, 5D Duty disability health insurance reimbursement update. [41:34] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Yeah just a quick update. Uh we have finished all of our submissions and got approval from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. It's coming in a little less but we expect the monies anytime now. Uh comes in at $89,400. [41:59] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any questions? [42:01] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Yes sir. Uh what was the total cost of the PTSD reimbursed—I mean not the reimbursement—but the total cost for the for the year for healthcare? [42:15] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** Um I do not have that on the sheet, sorry. I thought I remembered that one time it was 120 a year. [42:25] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Go ahead. So um this reimbursement did not run calendar year, so it incorporated months prior to the change in um Union which affected the health insurance costs. So it had some of the reimbursement amounts for the health insurance at the lower rate and some at the higher rate. So the cost to the city moving forward um is $10,000, but it will be... am I stating am I stating this right? I year to date you're going to be close. I just... I would want to do the math first before I gave you an actual figure. [43:16] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** She she's 100% right. I mean it was July to June and there was Union change, there were different things that are going to make this amount look different than the next amount. [43:28] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Correct. The cost for the next amount would be 120. The the cost for this was less because it did not run calendar year, right, and that changed the insurance change happened um mid mid-reimbursement period. [43:45] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay, that's the best way to say it. Any other questions? No? Thank you. So this will go immediately into the funding for Police contract with county or city contract for next year um... [44:03] **Ryan McKeon (Finance Director):** So the monies will be booked in 2024. Um the monies will be booked to the law law enforcement Police Department in 2024. Very good question. [44:17] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any other questions? Moving on to new business. 6A, resolution 24-11-01, resolution canvassing November 5th, 2024, excuse me, municipal election returns and declaring results. [44:40] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** So this is a resolution um that is canvassing the results of the November 5th election for the city. Uh Council has received the canvassing information within the packet um and then had visibility again today um um to the summary. I think everybody signed that document, yes. [45:07] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay. So any questions? And our motion to approve resolution 24-11-01. [45:17] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** So move. [45:18] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Do I have a second? [45:19] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** A second. [45:20] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Moving on to 6B, Moose Lake City Campground seasonal rate discussion. [45:41] **Taylor Hansberry (Deputy Clerk):** Evening Council, Mayor, Administrator Owens. We have at the Park Board meetings the past couple of months been discussing ways to increase revenues in Campground. Um in doing this analysis it was brought to our attention that we could do some reorganizing of um seasonal sites um with the Water and Electric sites that do not get occupied nightly at as high of a rate as some of the other sites. In addition to that it was um identified that our rates are significantly lower than a lot of the campgrounds in our area that provide similar services as well as what is called out for our region—the Midwest region in the Outdoor Hospitality Industry Benchmarking Report for 2023. Our rates were or are currently at 2,100 for standard sites (these do not have sewer), they are at 2,500 for premium sites (these ones do have sewer). We are proposing, or the Park Board has approved and recommended, an increase of $400 for those standard sites up to $2,500 and $300 for the premium sites up to 2,800. What we were seeing in the Hospitality Industry Benchmarking Report was that the average is anywhere from $750 to $970 a month. Our season runs for 4 and a half months so this would equate to around $4,300 per season and we are at 2,100 and 2,500. The Boutwell Lake Campground in Barnum charges $2,300 per season, but that does not include their electricity. Our our rates include all utilities. The Sturgeon Lake Campground Timberline RV Resort is charging 2,900, 3,100, and 3,400 for standard, deluxe, and prime sites. Um the difference between those are utility access and also um I believe the prime ones were directly on the lake; we do not have seasonal sites on our lake. These or this campground also charges electric separately. Cloquet has two campgrounds that I was able to find pricing for—they're um the Spafford Park 2,650 for standard, 2,875 for premium and then Big Lake Shores was 2,750 plus electric for standard, 2,900 for premium. So this increase of 2,100 to 2,500 and 2,500 to 2,800 seems to be very much in line um even a little bit low still for the campgrounds in area. So just looking for Council approval to add this to the 2025 fee schedule. I have been in contact with a bunch of people from our waitlist that are waiting on seasonal sites now that now that Park Board has approved the expansion and not a single one of them has batted an eye at the price. So it seems like it's pretty standard and what they were expecting. [48:58] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Council, discussions? Questions? Motion? [49:04] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** Motion to approve. [49:06] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Have a second? [49:08] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I'll second. [49:09] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Thanks Taylor. Good job. Moving on to 6C, 2025 tobacco license renewals. [49:28] **Taylor Hansberry (Deputy Clerk):** That was me too... no that's okay. So we in the packet the council received the 2025 tobacco license applications. Um they are the same as in years past um however one has not returned theirs yet. [49:46] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yep, so we're still waiting on one but these are what we have right now. This is the time of year when we go through these processes, so we will are looking for approval of what has currently been submitted. [50:00] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Questions? Discussion by the Council? [50:05] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** Has there been any reported problems with any of these businesses? [50:11] **Taylor Hansberry (Deputy Clerk):** No. Um I will also... I would also note that we do not have Stokes on there for tobacco licenses; um they were removed as they are no longer operating. [50:23] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** Okay, thank you. [50:24] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Motion by the Council? [50:27] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** So moved. [50:28] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Do I have a second? [50:29] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I'll second. [50:30] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Under 6D, 2025 liquor license renewals. [50:41] **Taylor Hansberry (Deputy Clerk):** Again, these are the um requests for licenses um and we are still awaiting one? [50:48] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yes. Um but these are what we have right now um and looking for a motion from Council to approve. We've not had any issues with any of these um licensees at all. [51:04] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you. Discussion by the Council? None? Do we have a motion? [51:15] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** So move. [51:17] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** A second? [51:18] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Second. [51:19] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Moving on to 6E, Personnel Committee appointment discussion. [51:30] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Um this is something that I asked to be put on um tonight. I'm going to step down from the Personnel Committee and that means a Mayor Pro-Temp will step in. Um I know everyone knows that this elections are done and things have changed so I'm going to step away from that and uh Doug, that'll be your position starting tomorrow in the Personnel Committee. Now in December I'll go through with Ellissa all the board appointments um for the following year and uh then that will be presented for the Council preview in December and then in January when you do the reorganizational meeting that's when you do all the approvals. Um I know if there have been much discussion Doug, but that's that's just something that I'm I'm doing. Does Council have any questions on that? All right. Do you, Doug? [52:57] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Not at this time, thank you. [53:01] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 6F, law enforcement liaison discussion. [53:10] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Uh this was brought forward in Personnel Committee discussions uh regarding our our our new law enforcement services contract. Um within the appointments, the city has had a um a counselor and currently uh Counselor Huso as a police liaison. Um so the discussions came forward about whether or not um that role what that role would look like moving forward and whether or not it needed to continue to be an appointment. Um I voiced my recommendation that we continue to have uh that role, so to speak. I think it's really valuable to have um Council interaction as far as our law services/law enforcement services contract is in... yeah um in regards to that um and also continue Council engagement um on any emergency preparedness meetings and things like that that occur um between the city and the county um in regards to law enforcement in general. So I would like to see the position and appointment um held. Um we've talked about changing the name of it as it might look a little different moving forward and so um looking for consensus from Council to maintain that appointment. We're looking for um to change it to a law enforcement liaison um role and so that would be part of what is presented at December's meeting. [54:51] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** A good question—would you would still be the point of contact as we've discussed in the past and then if if Chris chose to stay in that position we just look different? Is that what you're saying? [55:07] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Correct. So the current agreement um designates the City Administrator as the point of contact between both entities. Um but from an engagement piece, just like our other boards and committees, having Council engagement is so important. And so um there would be that extra layer of involvement for for discussions and and needs as they arise. [55:36] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Just looks different now because it could be either you calling to discuss with them or they calling you for discussion and and that's where you and Chris working together as a team to to face that. And during regular um negotiations then it would fall back to the Personnel Committee um interacting with the contract process. So it's it's uh kind of like how it has how it's been done up till now. Sounds good, thank you. Excuse... so I should ask for consensus on the... [56:06] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Greg, can I disagree? [56:08] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Of course you can. [56:10] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** No, I'm just kidding. Consensus. [56:14] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Chris? So we have consensus and move ahead with that, thank you. Thank you. Great. All right, um 6G 2024 sewer lining project, this is pay application final. [56:45] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yes. So in the Council packet there's the final pay application for the 2024 sewer lining project. This was just the retainage um and so the amount due for this application is $11,325.94. [57:12] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Questions by the Council? Or a motion? [57:17] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Motion. [57:18] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** A second? [57:19] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Second. [57:20] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Opposed? No? Motion carried. Is there anything at all left? We get everything is done? [57:31] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I haven't got... I haven't got flash drive yet but they're coming next week. I was... okay, great. [57:38] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Moving on to 6H, 2024 sewer lining project and this is project set acceptance. Excuse me. [57:48] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Yes. So in the Council packet there is a letter from the project manager with SEH, Tyler um and they are recommending that the City of Moose Lake accept the project. All the project details were included in the Council packet. Just looking for formal acceptance. [58:09] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any questions by the Council? Do we have a motion to accept? [58:16] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** So move. [58:17] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Have a second? [58:18] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [58:19] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose say no. Motion carried. Moving on to 6I, this is the 73 Trail Project Phase 2 Carlton County agreement. [58:34] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Oh yes. So as with the other phases of of the trail project, when the um city is awarded certain types of grants um the County is required to act as the city's Fiscal Agent and contract administrator um for the project. This contract reads almost uh exactly as the one that was executed for phase one of the project um it kind of outlines what the city shall um do moving forward and then what the County obligations are. Um just to highlight, as Superintendent Entner had mentioned, um within this agreement the city is accepting that we will be maintaining the trail moving forward um prior to... or excuse me, following project completion. Um and then um the terms are very standard. We'll engage in the engineering and design and have already been meeting with the County on the project as well. [59:40] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I just have one question—I know I asked about the design... did we get a final cost of the trail and did it all fit within the grant dollars? [59:53] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** So they are currently at 80% design uh right now, it all fits in. Um we are looking to have the design completed here in the coming weeks, they're still going through the easement process. Um but they reached the 80% design which then allowed them to uh... it was the trigger for these other types of agreements. Right now the project is within budget and the instruction has been that we will be utilizing all grant money for the facilitation of this project and so we'll make sure we stay within those thresholds. It is fully funded by grant money. [1:00:29] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Thank you. Are we looking for a motion to accept the Carlton County agreement? Yes. Council, do we have a second? [1:00:41] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I'll second. [1:00:42] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Thank you. 6J, this is a Short Elliott Hendrickson Incorporated supplemental letter agreement Moose Lake Gravel Pit. [1:00:54] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** So this supplemental letter agreement is the same as Council has seen for other projects with the engineer group. Essentially we are establishing a a project for um billing purposes and just kind of identifying that the city intends to continue to engage with SEH on this particular project. So this letter agreement is in reference to the Gravel Pit project. [1:01:21] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Council, questions or motion? [1:01:28] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Approve. [1:01:30] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I have a second? [1:01:31] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** A second. [1:01:32] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. Oppose? Motion carried. Moving on to 6K, Short Elliott Hendrickson Incorporated supplemental letter agreement lead excuse me lead service inventory and replacement. [1:01:49] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Uh yes. So once again this is establishing um and identifying the project. This um these these engagement agreements help us once we get to the point of working on a project where the SLA comes into effect. It's actually, you know, the city is then going to be able to track and monetize project costs versus it going into the city's general engineering monies. So this helps the city to from uh an accounting and budgeting perspective because our projects then are identified per per line item and per department versus just coming out of general engineering. So that's a little bit more background, but this particular supplemental letter agreement is for the uh lead service line inventory and replacement. And on the next agenda item we'll get into that a little further, but this is establishing this project. [1:02:44] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Questions by the Council or motion? [1:02:51] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Move. [1:02:52] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I have a second? [1:02:53] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** I favor say I. Oppose? Motion carried. Moving on to L, lead service line inventory notification letter to City residents. [1:03:04] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Okay. So in the Council packet uh the Council received the two different types of letters that will be going out. Um what occurred is there was a state mandate for cities to inventory their um lead service lines throughout their jurisdiction. Um luckily in 2018 the city engaged in inspections for sump pumps and in going door to door um a line item was added in the tracking documents that helped us without us knowing moving forward um that we would need the information. So the city was able to provide the engineers with a lot of information regarding the status of residents’ service lines and so that information has been turned over. Um with that, the engineers have analyzed the data. What's occurring right now is residents who have an unknown um type of service line—so if the city was unable to gain access in 2018—um they will be receiving a notification um regarding the requirement and the need to establish um what their service line is um composed of. And so that letter was provided in the Council packet for your review. In addition, if it's been identified that a resident has a galvanized um service line, there's the potential that a uh lead goose neck was utilized and so those residents will also be getting a different notice talking about their galvanized service line. Uh we wanted to make sure that Council had visibility to the types of notices that are going out to residents in case questions come forward. We will also be posting information on the city website regarding this process um what this looks like moving forward. We're in a little bit of a holding pattern so right now we are engaging in the inventory um working with the engineers regarding shoring that information and that data collection up um and we are also waiting because um it looks like there could potentially be monies available um in the near future for replacement of the lead service lines. And so throughout this interim period we'll be working with the engineers to establish whether or not those... when those monies become available we'll be prepared then to submit um and and get monies to help replace those lines that need to be replaced. So this is the beginning/middle of the process depending upon how you look at it. Um a lot of our light work was already completed which is excellent because it it's a very timely process to inventory. Um residents will be getting these letters, they went out this week um and so you may or may not get questions. If anybody has questions, uh there is contact information on all of the notices um and they can um utilize the contact information provided to to make their inquiries. [1:06:21] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I got one question for Phil—you know when when I remember when we did this, did we inventory the galvanized pipe at that time also or just the lead? [1:06:38] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** So we did it all. So back in '18 when we did uh sump pump inspections, we added a column to the bottom of the for water service for water service information of the sizes so we have that at our fingertips. So we don't need to go into your house to figure out what size meter you have or what model service line you have, what size or what make. We had all but 26 addresses that we had captured by doing that. We didn't... fast forward six years, we didn't realize that all that information would be that helpful for this process, which it was. So that was fantastic. Um with that being said, we did not... we did not do anything other than just observe what was in the house. Um for water service there was nothing at that time... there was nothing because this is all coming up in the state and then from the federal level as far as that service lines um we uh but at that time we didn't do anything as there was no requirement to do something. [1:07:37] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay, so you know there's lead, there's galvanized. What else would have been used? [1:07:44] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Of course copper. Copper. [1:07:46] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Copper. MH. What else? Anything... [1:07:48] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Polyethylene so PE, plastic sure. MH. [1:07:54] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** And your original question Mayor Michalski when you said did we inventory galvanized, we did so we yeah... so those residents will be getting that particular notice if that yes if that’s what... I didn't... I'm sorry, I didn't understand the question. [1:08:12] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** And usually it went by years. You know any... do you remember the years galvanized went in? [1:08:19] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Yeah, cuz we looked that up. I I remember... not off the top of my head, yes. [1:08:24] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I know there's a there's a year like 40 to 50 I think it was something like... I think it might even have been into the 60s a little bit. All right, thank you. Yep. Anyone else with questions? Hearing none, that's all informational right now? [1:08:44] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Correct, correct. [1:08:46] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All right, we're moving on to M, 2025 sewer lining project cleaning and televising quotes. [1:08:56] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** So with the packet there's two quotes for cleaning and televising for a proposed 2025 lining project if we decide to do that. Um in order to bid the project we need to do this work first, it's the initial cleaning and televising. So we what we're building as a project to put out different bid. There's two quotes here and neither contractor would give me a hard number—they just gave me hourlies due to where its location was and lack of access. Um we have a quote from Vision Sewer and I'm... you guys can take it however you’d like. I'm thinking we'll just do it by the hour if that's what you want to do. I I don't know, I mean... I'm trying to find it, I can't... sorry, got to let them struggle. You are. I greatly appreciate. [1:09:41] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** So is there one you recommend? [1:09:45] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** I worked with both of them. I've worked with both of them, one of them is 50 bucks an hour cheaper. [1:09:50] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** This is going awful. Ellissa, you want to throw me a bone in here? 148? Well if you if 148 if you're happy with the lowest bidder—I mean that's that was a big question I had. [1:10:07] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Yes I am happy with the lowest bidder. And how they here it is: Nelson Sanitation would be $690 an hour and and Vision Sewer is at 630 per hour. So I would I would recommend both companies... Vision beat them for sure by a mile. Um that’s... uh that would be my recommendation if we want to go down this path. [1:10:37] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Well I think we should plan for it. How what we what happens with other negotiations may cancel it maybe can, but you should go ahead with the planning. We can always build the project and put it on the shelf. [1:10:53] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Correct, correct. [1:10:55] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** So so I would recommend the Council act on that tonight. Vision was cheaper? Correct. Correct, yep. [1:11:06] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Make a motion, Vision. [1:11:08] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** This is... I'll second that. All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Thank you. Moving on to 6N, Hawkins Incorporated an acid code fa choric... [1:11:27] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Acid is what we used to treat phosphorus removal at the Wastewater facility. We usually buy a tanker one t—every fall, typically a lot cheaper pricing than it is in the spring. Um we have one quote here, says state pricing. So pricing is the pricing and that's from Hawkins for $12,000. [1:11:51] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** This is a standard budget item for the Department as... [1:11:57] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I'll make a motion. [1:11:59] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Have a second? [1:12:00] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Second. [1:12:01] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carried. Excuse me. Let's see we're on O, resolution 24-11-02, a resolution rescinding previously conditional approval of wastewater treatment flow to the Moose Lake Windemere Sewer Sanitary Sewer District. Ellissa. [1:12:35] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Um the resolution that was provided to Council was prepared by the City Attorneys. Um we do have ongoing mediation activities occurring at this time. Uh what had been communicated through mediation was that if the city did not have a response um by yesterday um that the Council would uh be considering approval of the resolution provided. The city did get a response yesterday from the District um and so what's happening right now is the negotiating team and the City Attorneys will review the counter proposal that was provided to uh the city yesterday and the recommendation from the City Attorney uh to be shared with Council tonight is to table the resolution until December um to allow for the negotiating team to continue to um work through mediation. Excuse me. [1:13:46] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Any questions from the Council on the resolution? [1:13:54] **Douglas Juntunen (Council Member):** Make a motion that we table resolution 24-11-02. [1:13:59] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Do I have a second? [1:14:00] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [1:14:01] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). All right, oppose? Carry to table. Moving on to uh that’s P, this is a parking area attendant for uh excuse me part-time Arena hire. [1:14:24] **Ellissa Owens (City Administrator):** Oh yes. So City staff engaged with a... Bryce? Are you how are you thank you uh for uh with an interview throughout the interview process for a part-time Arena attendant position at Riverside Arena. Uh the city did get the uh required background check information back today and um the applicant passed with flying colors. So um per consult with the Personnel Committee um we are requesting that the Council entertain um in motion to hire Bryce Payrum. [1:15:10] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Are you you try try that’s my instinct Karma Council discussion or motion. [1:15:20] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** I'll make the motion that we part-time hire at the Arena. [1:15:24] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I have a second? [1:15:25] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Second. [1:15:26] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** All in favor say I. (All: I). Oppose? Motion carry. Moving on to Q, this is a request by Poor Gary's parking delivery spot and this... well this is part of their business plan to have delivery and we put signs up for a a 3-hour parking limit. And their delivery person could actually come to work in the morning and uh not make deliveries till later on in the day and so they're originally asking for two spots but after discussion with them today um if they could have one they’d be greatly appreciated. But the car would be parked probably on Fourth Street um close to the door so the person can grab the pizzas, get in the car, make the delivery, come back and have a place where they can park to pick up more and they continue doing their deliveries. Um I looked in the back of their business and they have their dumpster there; there really isn't room to put a delivery person there, if they park they block the whole pretty much the whole alleyway going back to the other businesses. So I want to open that up as a as a discussion item with the Council. [1:17:01] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Are they looking for a spot to be designated only for Poor Gary's delivery spot? [1:17:10] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** A delivery spot, right. [1:17:12] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** I I have some other questions about that. We we had voted to get rid of the first parking spot and then the second parking spot was going to be for compact cars, correct? And and I've seen where they painted the lines downtown there; I'm wondering if the yellow part needs to be painted more cuz if you look down down there one spot the the yellow line is is really small and it doesn't go all the way up to the first parking spot. So I'm wondering if that needs to be addressed. Are you aware of like what I'm talking about? [1:17:54] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** We did skip the first spot cuz there was a driveway where there should... almost would have been in the crosswalk. If there the next one was for uh going to be for compact cars which I haven't figured out how we're going to sign that yet which is why it's not marked, but the line is shorter based on it being a compact site. [1:18:18] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Oh the actual line itself is shorter. I'm talking the the red or the yellow line on the on the curb. Okay you know I was thinking that that one should be painted farther cuz I mean if you pull in there it looks like there's still a parking spot there. I mean somebody could mistake it for a parking spot. [1:18:41] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Is it on the south side of the road? Yeah we would have to go down there and just look at it. I think you’d have to have permission from the business owner to put the sign right on the wall because there's no there's no other way you can do it, Phil? [1:19:03] **Phil Entner (City Superintendent):** Correct, I think that'd be what you'd have to do. [1:19:06] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I would suggest if we since we have a compact car right there, it wouldn't make sense to have that as a Poor Gary's parking delivery spot, it would have to be the next one if the Council approved that. So I guess open that up for discussion. [1:19:26] **Kris Huso (Council Member):** Yes. Um I guess the only issue I have is it's kind of opening the door up for other businesses. You have the florist... when I owned the florist you know you had say you had a funeral or wedding or something, you know major flowers to be bringing out the front door and you couldn't ever find a spot because it was all full. So I mean that's opening up the door for them to ask for a a spot uh for loading. Um I don't know other businesses along there they would the need for it, but I don't know if they had a spot in the back of the business that would solve it but they don't. [1:20:18] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** The person would have to park in one of the parking lots because if they come in the morning um in 3-hour time period they would have to move their car and once they move it they may not get a spot again. I don't know. I don't know the answer for that. If they park in the parking lot they'll have to carry the pizzas over to the parking lot and then make the delivery. [1:20:44] **Lou Ohly (Council Member):** Yes, but they lose it now. If they they make a delivery they lose the spot now, so what's the difference? [1:20:53] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Well I think the thing is that they come in the morning to work, yeah I know, and they have to they can't park there because it's a 3-hour parking spot so... so you'd have to designate a a spot for their delivery person, that's what they're asking. Excuse to the Council, whatever you want—that's what will be passed on to them. Deliveries are an essential part of their business so I can understand the concern. Understand this saying as well, but... [1:21:40] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Okay, you're saying that well when you do things like this you's always things that we can't plan for. When you put a 3-hour limit on parking... I noticed that there sure is a lot of empty spots every day though. That really did clear up Fourth Street well. So then why couldn't they park a little farther up? If they come back and there’s their spot is gone, they come at in the morning even at 9... I would assume they'd be making a delivery by 11 or noon, you know at least 1. Um you know I don't know if they don't then they have to go out and move their car because you can't... you got a 3-hour limit which is going to be... you guys are going to face a problem with that. How are you going to police that? I don't know how you place that. When we did this before, Walter, and you remember this, our own Police Department said no, we're not going to police that, said it's impossible. You'd have to go around every couple hours. That’s two hours it was back then somehow write down the car license plate or mark the tire or whatever and then come back around, and our own department said they wouldn't do that. [1:23:05] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Yeah I'm aware of that problem. One thing that it allows is that if you have a problem case, somebody that keeps abusing it day after day after day, having it you can report it. You you can you can report it and the business owner who’s ever the vehicle's parking in front it gives them a a way to to deal with the problem. If they bring it to the attention of the authorities then uh they have some standing to say that hey we need to have this vehicle... and it gives you the the right to to say something about it and and you deal with the worst offenders. [1:23:55] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** I don't think we've had any complaints on the 3-hour signage right now. I think it worked really good. It's just one incident that has come up. Um whether you want to address it or not... if you want to think about it till next month... I mean it's it's to the Council on this one. [1:24:25] **Walter Lower III (Council Member):** Well I'm I'm willing to think about it for another month. [1:24:32] **Jim Michalski (Mayor):** Council, anything else?