At the July 22 meeting of the Chatfield City Council, Brian Burkholder recommended that Steve Bushman, certified Class A Operator (WHKS), be hired on an interim basis.
At a special meeting of the city council on July 15 the resignation of Chris Daniels, wastewater treatment plant operator, was accepted effective July 26. The council then authorized staff to advertise for a Class B wastewater treatment plant operator.
Since the resignation of Daniels, Burkholder said they have been working to get an interim operator to satisfy requirements of the MPCA. Two people were interviewed. His recommendation to hire Bushman on a month-to-month basis was approved.
WHKS will bill for his professional services on an hourly basis (estimated monthly cost is $4,000).
Dollar General development agreement
A second amendment, as recommended by staff, to the development agreement with DGI Minnesota, Inc. was approved. The amendment protects the developer, holds them harmless to provisions outlined in an old easement. Chris Giesen, EDA, explained the easement is no longer functional, as it was established to allow the railroad access. Also, there is a deadline of August 1 for the purchase of the Twiford St. property which is intended to be the future home of a Dollar Store.
The development agreement was first entered into during January 2019. The first amendment was made in March to extend the timeline in order to resolve title issues on small parcels. These issues have been resolved.
Other business in brief
•Senator Carla Nelson reviewed legislation passed during the 2019 session. She represents the Olmsted portion of Chatfield. Nelson noted Minnesota has a Republican controlled Senate and a DFL controlled House which necessitated compromises. The two year budget (2019-2020) will be $48.3 billion. This was a compromise between the political parties. There will be increases in Local Government Aid; Chatfield will get roughly a $36,000 increase, or a total of $823,624.
Councilor Mike Urban requested help with flood damage. Nelson asked the city to send information on flood damage; she said flood relief can now be given without calling a special session. City Clerk Joel Young stated that a report is being put together outlining damage in both counties. Mayor Russ Smith told Nelson to make sure Chatfield gets on the bonding tour list. The tour should take place this fall.
•A contract with On-Site for portable toilet service during Western Days was approved, costing a total of $1,978.
•Payment number 12 to Ricchio, Inc. (swimming pool) was approved in the amount of $82,000. The retainage is $10,883.
•No action was taken on 20 mph speed limit signs on Burr Oak Ave. north of Union St. to the trailer park and on James St. and Margaret St. this day. Police Chief Shane Fox, in a letter, questioned whether these speed limits were enforceable. Urban (city) speed limits in Minnesota are 30 mph.
•Mayor Smith explained that the “no parking” signs on Burr Oak Ave. near the softball fields were removed a few weeks ago after being in place for about eight years. The signs were put up for the safety of young people who may run into the street between parked cars. He said the signs will be back up tomorrow, adding “Good or bad you can blame me.” He said there was a significant voice saying they need to be up when they came down. Smith said we need to go through a process to decide whether they should come down, just as there was a process eight years ago to put them up.
•The hire of four new EMTs was approved as requested by Chatfield Ambulance director Rocky Burnett. All four new hires are from out of town.
•An amendment to the Expense Management Policy was approved as recommended by staff.