At the February 28 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, two public hearings were held to gain public input on two amendments recommended by the Charter Commission.
Curt Sorenson, chair of the Charter Commission, said both recommendations had been unanimously approved by the Charter Commission. The first recommendation was the elimination of the position of Health Officer. This position has not been filled in a long time, as other resources are available, making the position redundant. There were no comments from the public or the city council.
The second hearing was on the proposal to amend the City Charter to install the position of city administrator. Sorenson insisted this is a rational amendment as this is the way the city has actually been operating for many years. It has become more complicated to run a city of this size. If Joel Young were to retire, the city will have a better opportunity to replace him if the search is for a city administrator.
The Charter Commission has recommended the title change from city clerk to city administrator, now for the fourth time. City clerk does not accurately describe the job Young currently does.
Jenny Bradt said she has lived in Chatfield for 27 years and supports the Charter Commission’s recommendation. It will be easier to recruit a city administrator. Bradt asked the city council to back the recommendation. There were no other comments from the public or the city council.
Young said the final vote on the proposed amendments must take place within 30 days. The second consideration of an ordinance to make the recommended changes must pass unanimously.
Other business in brief
•Ambulance Director Rocky Burnett noted the service gained two EMTs last year and also held classes that produced EMTs for other services in the area. Twenty-two EMTs are on the roster. The call volume exploded last year with 379 patients transported. Both ambulances were out on 42 occasions. A decision has been made to increase the per capita payments from the city and townships for the service by one dollar. The service is currently operating with a positive budget balance. There have already been 73 calls in 2022.
•Chris Giesen said the EDA has recommended approval of a loan of $40,000 to Joy Ridge Event Center LLC, to assist with renovation costs and other costs associated with opening the event center. The loan will be at 4% interest to be paid over 10 years. The loan was approved as presented.
Giesen explained the necessity for an updated hotel study. An updated study is expected to help secure final investment commitments and the final loan package for a hotel. The consulting group HMI will conduct a comprehensive study at a cost in the amount of $8,600. The study was recommended by the hotel subcommittee. The council approved the study as recommended. The subcommittee hopes construction begins later in 2022.
•Steve Schlichter, wastewater treatment facility superintendent, explained the pumps at the Lonestone Lift Station are in poor condition. The pumps were installed in 2003. A quote from Quality Flow in the amount of $28,970 was approved to replace the pumps with KSB pumps and piping and to check valves and guide sticks.
Approval was given to replace the old vinyl lab floor at the wastewater treatment facility at a total cost of $3,200.
The trade of the current 5610 Toolcat for a new UW53 Toolcat was approved, as recommended by Brian Burkholder. The cost with trade is $15,000. The Toolcat is on a three-year rotation. A three year/2,000-hour warranty was to be purchased at a cost of $3,500.
•City Engineer Craig Britton offered a proposal for professional design and construction administration for the Bench St. Drainage Improvement project, including assistance in getting a quote. The proposal is for storm water improvements south of Bench St. between Sixth and Seventh St. SW.
•A resolution was approved selecting the standard allowance, which gives the city council flexibility in how to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amount of approximately $340,000. The final rule was approved by the Treasury on January 6, which provides simplicity and flexibility.
•The Committee of the Whole met prior to the city council meeting and discussed the city’s strategic plan, the National Community Survey, and cyber security training.
•Household Hazardous Waste Collection will be on September 13 from 3-6 p.m.
•Early collaborative efforts for ideas leading to the possible development of a SE Minnesota Regional Transit system were discussed. More information is needed for the city council to contribute a requested $2/capita.
•A requested property conveyance to correct a driveway encroachment applied for by Steven Johnson at 1910 Johnson St. SE was approved.
A requested property conveyance for the construction of a twin home requested by Two Rivers Habitat for Humanity at 307 Ave. B NE was approved.
•A special primary, if needed, will be held on May 24 and a special election will be held on August 9 to fill the vacancy in Congressional District 1.
•Approval was given in support of Beth Carlson’s application to be Treasurer of Municipal Clerks & Finance Officers Association.
•A donation in the amount of $15,000 was accepted from the Chatfield Firefighters Activity Association to be used for fire truck/equipment needs.
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