At the August 22 city council meeting, an agreement between the city of Chatfield and the city’s EDA concerning the Center for the Arts was approved.
The Economic Development Authority owns the Center for the Arts and they have an agreement with Chatfield Center for the Arts, Inc. (a non-profit group incorporated in 2011) to operate the facility.
In the city’s agreement with the EDA, the city agrees to provide to the EDA a payment of $60,000 per year, routine snow removal, lawn mowing services, and fire and liability insurance if it is mutually beneficial.
Citizens need to step up
Three councilors have indicated that they will not seek another term: Dave Frank, Robert Pederson, and Ken Jacobson. Only one person filed for a council seat for the upcoming election. Mayor Russ Smith filed for reelection to serve as mayor.
Jacobson recommended people step up and do a “write-in” campaign. He said we need young people to get involved in local government and to make a commitment.
Deputy Clerk Beth Carlson researched what happens if no one is elected to fill one or more seats. In Chapter 3 of the City’s Charter it states, “Whenever a vacancy occurs in the office of a councilor — such a vacancy shall be filled for the unexpired term of such official by resolution of the city council.”
Other business in brief
• Jeff Hare requested a temporary liquor license for JAC’s third annual Oktoberfest Celebration to be held on September 17. Other events in town over that same weekend, including Heritage Day, are planned at the Chatfield Center for the Arts.
City Clerk Joel Young explained the city can issue a liquor license for liquor to be sold on the street in conjunction with a community event. Typicall,y this kind of liquor license would be issued to a non-profit, except in conjunction with a community event.
Hare also requested a partial closure of Second St. on Saturday the 17th. Hare’s requests were approved.
• Kristi Clarke, Planning, described several proposed changes to the zoning ordinance. There was a public hearing on August 1 with no comments or concerns on any of these additions or changes.
Solar Garden/Farm and Solar Structures were defined. A minimum lot size of five acres and a maximum of 30 acres for a Solar G/F was established. Also, language was added requiring a Solar G/F to be removed when abandoned for 12 months. Screening must be established to the extent possible.
The subdivision ordinance is to be amended. Sidewalks shall be required “in defined Safe Routes to School areas and” in areas of potential high pedestrian traffic. The added language in quotes is required by MnDot to be eligible for safe routes to school infrastructure dollars.
The city attorney was directed to draft zoning ordinances ,including the recommended additions and changes laid out by Clarke.
• Clarke explained a state bill signed into law last May goes into effect September 1. The Temporary Family Housing legislation would allow temporary portable dwellings of up to 300 square feet for up to six months or a year with another application. The League of Minnesota Cities is opposed to the law and has offered an “opt out” resolution. Clarke said the law conflicts with sections of the Chatfield Zoning Ordinance and could decrease neighborhood home values. The resolution to opt out was approved.
• Brian Burkholder, Public Works, reported that the elevator in the Thurber Building does not operate on emergency generator power. A “soft start” can be installed by Schumacher Elevator for $2,000 to fix the problem. It is important for the elevator to work on generator power because the Thurber Building is the command post during a disaster. The installation of a soft switch was approved.
• Burkholder updated the council on the Margaret St. & James St. stormwater project. Bids are to be received on August 25 and work is to be completed by December 1.
Mark Welch, G-Cubed, will discuss the Union St. stormwater project at a neighborhood meeting on August 24. Easements must be obtained. When the plans are ready they will send out for bids on this project.
• A resolution was adopted concerning annual adjustments to the city’s pay grid. Young said they are trying to come up with a more effective way to adjust the grid. The Personnel/Budget Committee will come back with a recommendation for 2017. Calculations will use the September publication of the CPI while considering other factors to make their recommendations in October.
• Young announced that the Horse Pull which had been postponed will take place at Mill Creek Park on September 9.
• John Wayne Austinson, who is running for state house seat 26B, thanked the people for welcoming him in Chatfield as he knocks on doors. He said he is learning a lot. “I’m here to listen and learn.”