Chatfield Snowplowing Policy

Chatfield held its first city council meeting of the new year on January 8. Mayor John McBroom, in his new year address, said he “believes the city is in fantastic shape.”
Brian Burkholder, public works director, noted the snowplowing policy he was presenting was basically a draft from the League of Minnesota Cities with a few changes. The policy is to service residents by controlling snow and ice on city streets and by providing this service in a safe and cost-effective manner.
First priority streets will be based on street function, traffic volume and importance to the welfare of the community. Operations will only be conducted when weather conditions do not endanger safety of operators and equipment. Only listed sidewalks will be maintained by the city. Walking trails are cleared last after streets, alleys and sidewalks. A procedure for the city to deal with damaged mailboxes is addressed. A procedure for complaints states emergency complaints will be handled as resources are available.
The snowplowing policy was approved as recommended by staff.
Other Business in Brief
• The city council held a special meeting on December 15 to discuss annual leave conversion. Staff recommended that the council consider a onetime pay out for 2023 to lower existing vacation and sick leave balances. Employees will need to retain at least a minimum balance of 176 hours and the conversion will be limited to a maximum of 80 hours per employee. The annual leave conversion was approved as recommended by staff.
• The second consideration of Ordinance 467, 2024 Fee Schedule, was approved with the addition of camping once again in the schedule, removing Shady Oak as a camping site.
• A resolution was adopted approving mayoral appointments and committees for 2024 with corrections. Mayor McBroom noted there are some vacancies on the Heritage Preservation Commission. Anyone that is interested in filling a vacancy on a committee or board can reach out to the city administrator. Paul Novotny was elected vice-mayor. The Chatfield News is the official paper.
• Pay application #2 from Pearson Backhoe Service, Inc. in the amount of $12,000 was approved for installation of a concrete driveway and bituminous patches in conjunction with the West Chatfield Drainage Improvement Project.
• A proposal submitted by Novotny Law Office, Ltd. was approved for continuing city prosecutor services starting in January 2024. The firm has served as the city prosecutor since July 2016. Councilor Paul Novotny abstained.
• The annual dues/investment for membership in Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) were approved in the amount of $5,250.
• A building code administration agreement with Olmsted County for building inspections was approved.
• City Administrator Michele Peterson provided the first review of Ordinance 469, which will update zoning and building permit and development fees. Due to the change in building inspections, the associated fees need to be updated.
• A resolution was adopted authorizing membership in the Minnesota Municipal Money Market Fund (4M fund).
• The Ability Building Community (ABC) contract for 2024 was approved for the provision of a supervised crew for custodial services.
• Approval was granted for the use of City Park by Chatfield Alliance on February 3 for ChillFest.
• A contract with Andy O’Connor as seasonal event coordinator was approved for boys basketball.
• An engagement letter with Smith, Schafer & Associates, Ltd. to audit the 2023 financial statements was approved.
• A Memorandum of Understanding with Law Enforcement Labor Services (LELS) in regard to Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) was approved to come into compliance with the new ESST law for 2024. A new contract will begin in January 2025.
• The second review of modifications to the city’s finance policies was approved for 2024 to keep the policies current.
• Annual liquor and beer licenses contingent on receipt of applications and fees were approved and/or renewed for 2024.
• The first consideration for Ordinance 468, standards for an accessory building in a residential district, was reviewed. The revised language will allow the use of steel on an accessory structure.
• The CCTV board is recommending implementing two new positions. One is to be a programming/social media coordinator. At this time there is no official job description. After some discussion, a motion was approved to pay an intern to do social media programming for 60 days until a job description is drafted.
• Mayor McBroom reported he has had several calls about the new state flag. Callers want to fly the old flag, not the new one.
• The city council will meet next on January 22.