Erica Thilges presented a signage project the Harmony Area Chamber of Commerce is spearheading to the city council at their October 11 meeting.
As a member of the Chamber Board of Directors, Thilges explained that the organization has assessed the need for more signage for downtown.
She serves as the manager of New Generations of Harmony, the antique mall located on the northern edge of town, and frequently hears questions about more businesses and locations of the businesses. Many visitors are surprised to hear Harmony has a downtown business district.
Thilges presented the first phase of the project, which would include purchasing up to 20 cast aluminum signs, manufactured by the same business that created the city’s light poles, Holophane. The signs would be adorned with simple descriptions such as Shopping, Dining, Lodging, Theatre and other general terms.
Working with the Minnesota Department of Transportation, the Chamber has learned that no business names can be posted on the signs and that they can be installed along the highway, but cannot extend over the sidewalks into the roadway.
A few of the signs will be located on the light poles at the intersection of Highway 52 and Highway 139. Others will be located by the visitor center, the bank and the hardware store.
Thilges acknowledged that this will be an expensive project, with the signs costing about $1,000 apiece. The Chamber will be looking at several sources of funding, including grants, special fundraising and city and EDA support.
The Chamber would also like the city’s support for sign installation when they are completed in the spring.
The council approved the request and voiced support for the new signs.
THC product moratorium
City Councilman Jesse Grabau requested a discussion take place regarding a possible moratorium on the sale of products with THC within the city of Harmony.
He explained that products containing THC became legal in Minnesota in July. He would like the council to have more time to assess the situation and create an effective ordinance for businesses that wish to sell products containing THC. Therefore, Grabau suggested creating a moratorium on businesses selling those products in Harmony while the council members do their research and discuss the best way to proceed in the future.
THC is a chemical compound. The delta 9 variation of THC is the active ingredient in marijuana that produces the “high” effect.
THC delta 9 can also be derived from hemp, which is a different plant than the marijuana plant, but comes from the cannabinoid family.
Under the law, which went in effect in July, Minnesotans can legally buy edibles of five milligrams per serving, with a limit of 50 milligrams per package. The only products allowed are food and beverages in containers that are childproof, are not marketed to children and are sold to people over the age of 21.
City Attorney Greg Schieber explained that he had drafted a resolution calling for a moratorium that the council could review. He also noted the current city ordinances do not address THC use or distribution because it was just recently legalized. “There is noting to prohibit anyone from opening a shop here in Harmony,” he added. It was also noted that it would stop any sale of beverages that are infused with THC as well.
“They (legislators) have left cities to scramble,” said City Clerk Devin Swanberg. “It’s been a crazy topic of discussion on the League of Minnesota Cities, that’s for sure.”
The city council decided to review the resolution that Schieber had constructed on this matter and set a special meeting for Tuesday, October 18, at 5 p.m. to discuss the matter further.
New truck engine
Swanberg updated the council on the used 2008 International plow truck the city was purchasing from Crysteel Truck Equipment. During an inspection, some engine issues that were not previously known to the company came to light. Upon closer inspection, several additional problems were discovered with the engine and it was determined the truck needed an engine rebuild.
The total cost for the rebuild is $40,000 and Crysteel offered to share in the cost with a 50/50 split. This would bring the cost of the new truck from $71,459 to $91,459.
“The good news – the engine will basically be completely new,” Swanberg added. He said the company is willing to also offer a two-year warranty on the engine.
Grabau noted the company is giving the city an option to walk away from it, even though the city was committed to buying it at the time of the engine discovery. He told his fellow council members that he felt the city should move ahead with the purchase as the rest of the truck is “clean” and has newer equipment for snowplowing. He also reminded the council that the demand for trucks is so high, the city would likely have to waiting several months to get another option.
The council agreed to move ahead with the purchase, paying the additional $20,000 in the cost.
Other business
Swanberg discussed potential updates at the wastewater treatment plant, converting the system from using chemicals to using ultra-violet means to treat wastewater. The upgrade would cost an estimated $1.2 million, but Swanberg explained the cost savings on chemicals would be significant and would “pay” back the investment in a short amount of time. The council briefly discussed funding options and could begin the process of applying for a PFA (Public Facilities Authority) loan or utilize leftover COVID funds. Swanberg also reminded the council that the city is planning to do a $1.2 million street project in 2024 as well.
In the EDA report, Mayor Steve Donney told the council that one of the prospective businesses has asked for an extension for his development plan, due to high costs of construction materials. He, in turn, would pay $6,800 back to the city, which is his share of TIF funds utilized for the project. The city granted him a one-year extension.
Donney also told the council that members of the bike trail committee and the EDA met with local legislators about the bike trail extension and the financial shortfall that has occurred due to the delays and rising construction costs. Both Jeremy Miller and Greg Davids felt confident that the state could supplement those funds.
The EDA also had its first report from new Chamber Director Alison Whalan. The council welcomed her and congratulated her on her new position.
The park board report included good news that the splash pad has been completed and is now winterized. It will be ready to go in the spring as soon as the weather supports it. The shelter has also been completed, the lawn has been seeded and landscaped. Steve Lindstrom, who oversaw the project as a volunteer, stated he was there when it was all tested and it looked good. “It is going to be a great addition to our city,” he said. “Once we got through the hoops with the state, the project went very smoothly. It was great working with the park board and it was great working with the city.” A dedication and ribbon cutting will be held in the spring.
In the consent agenda, the council approved returning 40% of the city’s health insurance rebate to the employees through their health savings accounts. Swanberg explained that the rebate is due to low claims, so makes sense sharing the rebate with the employees.
In the library board report, Councilman Domingo Kingsley said the activities and kids’ room has been completed and it “looks pretty awesome in there.”
Grabau gave the arts board report and stated the board is once again going to host a Christmas decorating contest. It also discussed plans for 2023, which included the continuation of support for the Off Main Alley Jam concert series that was started this year.
Donney interjected that the Harmony Area Community Foundation will be highlighting two areas of funding for this year’s Give to the Max Day in November: parks and trail funds and music in Harmony.
The November meeting date falls on election day, so the council approved moving the meeting back a week to Tuesday, November 15.
Finally, the council accepted the resignation of City Administrator Devin Swanberg, who has accepted another position in Wisconsin. His last day will be November 25. The city directed him to prepare a job announcement with the updated job description and pay scale to send out to local media and job sites. He will be working with the personnel committee before sending it out or posting it.
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