At the February 25 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, a construction agreement with MnDOT was approved pertaining to the in-city construction of Highway 52.
MnDOT’s agreement with the city lays out the city’s responsibility for the cost of lighting, utility adjustments, and roadway striping construction on Highway 52 within the city limits. The city’s estimated share of the cost is estimated to be $258,551.57. This includes 100% of the cost of the above listed items and 8% of estimated engineering costs.
Fillmore County will be obligated to pay an estimated $65,340.43 toward the installation of a new traffic control signal at the intersection of Highway 52 and CSAH 2 (Third St.).
A resolution was also approved detailing the city’s responsibility to provide maintenance of the traffic control signal system to be installed at the intersection of Highway 52 and Third St.
Assistant ambulance director
A new position was created, assistant ambulance director, effective April 1. Nancy Timm, currently assistant deputy clerk, will be promoted to that position. A hiring process was also authorized to fill the vacancy of the half-time assistant deputy clerk position.
Other business in brief
• The second reading and publication of Ordinance 440 were both approved; zoning ordinance governing accessory structures located in certain residential districts.
The second reading and publication of Ordinance 441 were both approved; a provision for measures to control fungus infections of elm and oak trees and infestations of elm and ash trees by insect pests.
The first reading of Ordinance 442 was approved; amending provisions of the Chatfield administrative code and the organization of certain government bodies, departments and committees.
• Police Chief Shane Fox reported he has received resignation letters from two part-time officers, Ryan Quanrud and Brittney Nielsen, who both have secured full-time positions elsewhere. They are not available to work shifts in Chatfield. The resignations were accepted and Fox was given permission to start a hiring process for part-time officers in the future.
• A three-year union contract with Law Enforcement Labor Services was approved as recommended by the Personnel/Budget committee. The contract includes a 4% pay increase effective January 1, 2019. City Clerk Joel Young explained there already has been a 3% increase so this is actually a 1% change.
A resolution was approved to reset the pay grid with the same 1% change for other city employees retroactive to January 1.
• Payment #7 to Ricchio, Inc. for the swimming pool in the amount of $86,232 was approved.
• For property owners in Olmsted County who question their property value or classification, the Olmsted County open book Board of Appeal and Equalization will be on April 17 from 9-10 a.m.
• Household Hazardous Waste collection is scheduled for September 10 from 3-6 p.m.
• Mayor Russ Smith reported on the Committee of the Whole meeting prior to this council meeting. The swimming pool was discussed. Questions raised will be addressed to Burbach Aquatics at a future meeting.
• Young explained that the Mobile Village is in the process of being sold. Resolutions were approved concerning utility bills and installation of water meters and how billing takes place, to provide clarification to the buyers and sellers of the property.
• Two temporary hires were approved to help deal with snow removal. Smith asked the public to have patience; the city crew is dealing with the snow. He advised people to watch out for snow plows. Councilor Mike Urban recognized the police, fire, and EMS people for their work dealing with this snow storm over a crazy weekend. We are lucky to have them.