The Chatfield City Council approved a loan agreement with the Bank of Zumbrota for a $425,000 General Obligation Water Revenue Note to finance the city’s water meter project, which includes the replacement of water meters and meter reading equipment and software. Councilor Ken Jacobson was absent.
City Clerk Joel Young explained that the Minnesota Rural Water “Modified” Micro-Loan allows the city to save approximately $10,000 over the life of the loan due to the relatively low interest rate of 2.8%. The loan will be paid back over 10 years with a payment of roughly $50,000 per year. The final payment is to be made in February of 2027.
City Charter Amendment
A public hearing was held on five items/amendments to the city’s Charter. There were no comments from the public. Amendments are to Sections 11, 19, 21, 33, and 43. Young explained some old language will be cleaned up or deleted. The chief of Police will serve for an undefined term. The county assessor will perform duties for the Board of Equalization.
The amendments are detailed in Ordinance 422. The First Consideration of Ordinance 422 was approved.
Other business in brief
• A resolution establishing the rate of pay for EMTs was adopted. Pay increases are intended, in part, to encourage participation of EMTs, making themselves available to be on-call on a more regular basis. The rate changes will be effective January 1, 2017.
During normal business hours, on-call EMTs will receive $2 per hour and $10 per hour while responding to a call. From 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. on business days, EMTs on-call will receive $2 per hour and $10 per hour while responding to a call as will the Ambulance Director and EMS Support personnel. On weekends and holidays, EMTs on-call will receive $2 per hour and $15 per hour while responding to a call, as will the Ambulance Director and EMS Support personnel. Hourly rates will increase each year consistent with the annual pay grid adjustment starting in 2018.
• The Second Consideration of Ordinance 421/Fees was approved, as was its publication.
• Approval was given to publish a Request for Proposals for the Industrial Drive Improvement Project. The project will include street, storm sewer, sanitary sewer, and water main improvements. Funding sources could include street and utility reconstruction funds (Public Improvement Bonds), general funds, and water and sanitary sewer utility funds.
Tom Kellogg suggested that survey work be done in early December. He said they should aim for the construction document to be done by the end of March 2017.
• Brian Burkholder asked residents to please call once they get their letter about the meter installation. He said they hope to have installation completed by Christmas.
• The school district has agreed to share half the cost of a new scoreboard for Mill Creek Park. The total cost of the scoreboard is $3,852.