At the Wednesday, July 5 meeting, Fountain City Clerk Ronda Flattum proposed the idea of the city utilizing the Minnesota Livable City Code (LCC). Established just this year, the code is especially suited to cities with a population under 500. Based on the Minnesota Basic Code, utilized by hundreds of Minnesota municipalities, this new code includes provisions specifically applicable to small cities. Written by the League of Minnesota Cities, it is noted by the league that this code is intended to be adopted without modification.
The City of Fountain has been issued a sampling of the LLC and has 60 days in which to review it. “We should look at amending some ordinances,” noted Flattum at the meeting. The council was invited to review the sampling prior to the next council meeting. In the meantime, Flattum will talk with other cities currently using the LLC to gather the pros and cons of it, from their perspective.
Related to ordinances, Flattum and Public Works Employee John Hanson recently did a tour around the city to record properties which appear to be in violation of city ordinances and presented a lengthy list to the council for review. “They’re not up to snuff with regular ordinances,” said Hanson. “I didn’t know how in depth you wanted me to go though.”
It was determined that a generic letter would be mailed to all city property owners to remind them of city ordinances on items such as debris, vehicles, and more. The letter will be presented at the August council meeting for council review, prior to mailing.
In other news, the city is closer to finding a solution to its policing needs. Having met with Fillmore County Sheriff Tom Kaase, Councilor Jim Schott and Fountain Police Chief Tom Mosher indicating things are progressing well. Mosher is retiring later this year and the city is considering a contemporary contract with the Sheriff’s Department in lieu of continuing to maintain its own one-man police force.
“I’ve been after him to write something up for a contract,” said Mosher. “A working contract is now in place, but all contracts are at the attorney’s office for review. It looks pretty generic, but everything is furnished as part of the contract. I’m hoping by the next meeting, he’ll have a contract written up for Fountain.”
The city has opted to retain its police cruiser, whatever its final policing needs. It was noted that if a one-year contract with the county is later determined as not best for the city, the cruiser could be put back in service by the city. If a county contract is successful for the city, the vehicle may be sold.
The status of the wastewater treatment plant is compliant for the month. Numbers were a “little high” last month, according to Rick Whitney of PeopleServe, the firm assisting the city in getting the plant in continued compliance with the state. “We’re going to be doing some additional sampling to make sure it’s according to plan.”
“It’s good news,” noted Mayor Richard Kujath. “It’s been a sore spot for a number of years. We were all beginning to think it wouldn’t work.”
Plans are underway for the 2018 city budget. Clerk Flattum questioned if the city wanted Request for Proposals prior to looking in depth at the budget planning. “Get bids. You’re not hurting anything by getting them,” suggested Councilor Jim Schott. It was determined that road work on First Street and Oak Street, as well as garbage service and legal counsel should all be bid. The council will meet Thursday, August 24, at 7 p.m. to further discuss the budget.
The council also discussed a number of smaller items at the meeting. Included were hiring Norby Tree Service to trim trees along the street right of way, recovering of two well house roofs, landscaping around the Fountain sign, a lifetime pet license, and painting in the community center.
The Norby estimate of 8-9 hours of work, at $175 per hour was considered by the council, but ultimately put on hold until funds can be saved. The council intends to look at doing the work, which includes removal of ash trees, in 2018. In the meantime, John Hanson will trim back as many areas as he can. Clerk Flattum suggested that the city consider a tree maintenance fund, similar to other municipalities. “It’s something the council needs to think about; to set funds aside every year to keep trees healthy.”
The two well houses will be reroofed in steel by Rodney Reichstadt Construction, following his proposal to the city. The cost is $4,110 and the amount has been planned for the last two budget cycles.
Public Works has been attempting to get a handle on excessive weeds and a landscape planting around the Fountain sign just off Highway 52. Several shrubs have died and weeds are coming through the weed barrier under the rock. Estimates for new landscaping will be sought by the city.
Walls in the community center are displaying a streaking, according to a complaint, and the city will be contracting with Mike Fenske to have them repainted. The back room will be done first, due to a wedding event scheduled at the center on July 29. The council agreed both rooms would be repainted a light gray. The cost for the work is $2,000.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, August 2, at 7:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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