Following a request by a resident to put in some type of veterans memorial in town, the Fountain City Council discussed the idea during its regular monthly meeting on October 6, 2016. The council feels it would be a nice addition to the city.
PeopleService
Rick Whitney with PeopleService explained to the council that he is very passionate about his job and will work very hard to help get the WWTP into compliance. Although Valley Design has always seemed to be the easy target for the problems, Whitney is not convinced it is the true target. “I’m going to bat and I’m going to do everything I can” to solve the problems at the WWTP, stated Whitney, saying, “I will do whatever it takes to get your plant into compliance,” as fines will begin being assessed soon.
Whitney would like the city to purchase a timing device to aid in getting the plant in good running order. He also suggested the city purchase a meter to test for ammonia, nitrates and nitrites so they will be able to receive instant results daily instead of sending them off to be tested and wait possibly up to a week for results. The once a week testing will still be sent out for results.
“We got a plant that we can make work,” stated Whitney. Council members are hoping Whitney is able to solve the problems at the WWTP, as “we are sick of this…absolutely sick of it,” stated Schott.
Jackie Hrstka/Ron Huey
Jackie Hrstka attended the meeting to get a clear understanding of what the regulations are in accordance with the half of their building that is not rented. Ron Huey was not able to attend. Hrstka had some questions about permitted uses. Hrstka received a list of permitted uses and as long as she stays within that criteria the council will have no objections.
Consent agenda
Motion by Schott, second by Wangen, to approve consent agenda items including minutes from the September 1, 2016 regular meeting, treasurer’s report, monthly city bills/fire deptartment bills, Fillmore County Journal ad for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Motion carried.
City maintenance
Motion by Ostby, second by Schott, to approve paying $100/acre per year for 606 acres to incorporate biosolids on the Schmitt property. Motion carried.
The city will do some improvements to help with boulevard water drainage at Cedar and Third Streets. The work will not be done until spring of 2017.
Discussed the fees associated with a residential meter reader when comparing a single residence and a subdivision where the developer pays the cost. The council discussed fees for an undeveloped area in relation to a developed area. The homeowner is responsible for hook up from the water main to the home.
If city keys for the brush dump, community hall, etc. are not returned, the person who did not return them will be charged to replace the key.
City clerk
The city will be applying for grant money through the Preston Area Community Foundation. If any residents have ideas for something the town needs, let Flattum know by mid-October. It was mentioned that grant money could be used for a veteran’s memorial if the city receives any funds.
The NP clothing bin has been placed behind city hall. It is ready for use immediately. A direct mailing listing acceptable and unacceptable items that can be placed in the bin will be mailed out to all residents with a 55935 zip code.
The council decided to opt out of permitting a “tiny house” to be placed on an empty lot on First Street.
Police chief
Chief Mosher gave the September 2016 activity report. September 13 – received a phone call from another law enforcement agency in regards to a case back in 2012 about a girlfriend and boyfriend, who were living in Ostrander at the time, and the man at that time reported the woman had been stabbing him multiple times over several months. The couple are back in the area and have warrants for their arrest.
September 21 – report of a credit card scam. A resident ordered items off eBay and then later received a phone call with the person saying they were checking the card information and recent transactions. The City of Chatfield has also experienced this type of scam recently where they even used the Ostrander Police Department and Chief Mosher’s name trying to persuade people to give their information.
A resident who was asked to clean up their property is doing a great job in complying.
Motion by Schott, second by Ostby, to approve the purchase of four Eagle Ultra Grip tires from Herman’s for the squad car at a cost of $126.59 per tire. Motion carried.
Mayor
Motion by Wangen, second by Schott, to sign a waiver form for LMC Liability Coverage stating the city does not waive the limits. Motion carried.
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