The Chatfield City Council held a regular council meeting on August 27, 2018. Members present were councilors Pam Bluhm, John McBroom, Mike Urban, and Paul Novotny, along with Mayor Russell Smith, City Clerk Joel Young, and Deputy City Clerk Beth Carlson. Councilor Josh Broadwater was absent.
Under the consent agenda, the minutes of the prior meeting were approved, along with the payment of claims and a request to close Fillmore Street the morning of September 9 from Third Street to Fourth Street for the kick off of the Chatfield Lutheran Church’s fall ministry. This would allow for the safety of the children involved. They also approved the approval of the WIT Boyz Loan Subordination contingent on the EDA successfully obtaining more information about the loan to value ratio of the WIT Boyz loan and making sure it still falls into the necessary parameters.
Mike Bubany of David Drown Associates came before the council to share the result of the bids for the swimming pool bonds. He also stated that the Chatfield should be proud of their excellent credit rating and gave examples of their sound practices and gave them ideas on how to become even stronger. Seven bids were submitted, which he said was very good. The low bid was given by Piper Jaffray. The council voted to approve the low bidder, Piper Jaffray.
Kristi Clarke, consultant planner, brought forth three zoning issues for the council to approve. One was a zoning amendment that would allow garages for personal storage (not commercial storage) in the Rural Residential Zoning District that would fit within the existing uses of the RR Zone. The second issue concerned the Mixed Use Development amendment. Chatfield has approximately 14.04 acres designated as mixed use land. Mixed use land is that which can include a mixture of commercial and higher density residential. By establishing a mixed use zoning district property, owners are allowed more flexibility in developing their properties. The third zoning issue was about miniature domestic pigs being added to the animal ordinance. The zoning committee saw no concerns with this as they are considered a service animal and are largely considered an indoor animal. Owners must request a zoning certificate if not in a rural residential zoning district and the pig may not exceed 22 inches in height. The council approved all three amendments and they will be given to Fred Suhler, city attorney, to redraft the edits into “city code.”
Curt Sorenson came before the council with a proposal from the Chatfield City Charter Commission to change the council-manager form of governance to a city administrator position. The proposal is intended to separate the city’s legislative function from its administrative functions. The council approved the proposal to amend the City Charter of the City of Chatfield and scheduled a public hearing for Monday, September 24, 2018, at 7 p.m. to hear public comment regarding the proposal.
Superintendent of City Services, Brian Burkholder, recommended Allan Roofing to replace the shop/fire hall roof and to reroof the stairway of the Thurber Building on the Fillmore Street side for a total of $33,875.00. This cost comes with a 15-year warranty. This was approved. He stated that the field day at the site of the planting of Kernza went very well and asked for approval to sell the three acres of the harvested crop for $200 an acre.
Other business in brief
• The Public Service Committee reported that Sue Kester has several recommendations for new EMTs. She is also suggesting that it would be appropriate to consider finding accommodations within Thurber for EMTs who need a spot to stay while on call. Ryan Priebe reported to the committee that the fire department is recommending the purchase of a UTV (Utility Task/Terrain Vehicle) for the department for rescues on the trails and for wildland fires. The department has money available in their capital goods plan. He also said the tanker has come back from getting the wrap on and should be ready soon.
• John McBroom of the Park and Recreation Committee said their committee had had discussions about what the hours of the pool should be and what the closure rules should be.
• City Clerk Joel Young discussed that the Rochester Area Harley Owners have a motorcycle ride each year and donate proceeds of that ride to local First Responders agencies. This year they have plans to hold registration for the event in Chatfield on September 8 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and donate the proceeds to our ambulance service. The ambulance service will provide a free-will breakfast for the group at the Chatfield ambulance building that will be also be open to the public. A resident who lives near the elementary school has expressed safety concerns because of lack of signage (speed limit and school zone). These issues will be reviewed by staff. A property within Chatfield has been declared a public nuisance and Young asked and received approval of the board for flexibility to work on resolving this issue.
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