The Fountain City Council meeting, Wednesday, June 7, hit at several old and new agenda items, some which have been kicked around for some time. At the forefront, Police Chief Tom Mosher is preparing for retirement later this year and the city is looking to get a head of the curve by wading through a number of available options.
Currently on the table are options for continuing with its own one-man department, partnering with existing departments, such as the current shared policing with Ostrander, and a contract with the Fillmore County Sheriff’s Department. “We are looking to do something in the best interest of the community,” said Fountain Mayor Richard Kujath, who also noted the city’s caution on the cost.
At least two candidates to fill Mosher’s upcoming vacany are being considered. One, Ben Standahl, was present at the council meeting. Standahl is currently employed by the Lewiston Police Department, but has worked for several small communities in the past, including Spring Grove. “I began my career in Boyd. I do know small communities; if you’re here for 20 hours, you need to make it count,” he said. This will be especially true in the transitional period as Mosher hands off his responsibilities.
Standahl, who is father to three, currently lives in Caledonia, where his wife works with Houston County Social Services. It was noted that both experience and flexibility are par for the course, and availability when needed is of the utmost importance. Councilor Jim Schott noted that there can be problems if an officer is called in at the drop of the hat, but Standahl responded he’d always been on-call during his career and that it wouldn’t be an issue.
“I’m not sure what we’re pursing at this point,” said Schott. The council thanked Standahl for his attendance and will take the application under consideration.
“There are a lot of options on the table,” added Councilor Brian Ostby.
Fillmore County Sheriff Tom Kaase has discussed the county’s position with the city and has indicated that a contemporary contract for policing, including patrolling, would need to be in place. A subcommittee of two council members, Clerk Rhonda Flattum, and Chief Mosher will look to meet with Sheriff Kaase sometime next week to discuss the details of a contract. Any recommendation would then be brought before the council at a future meeting.
In other news, Clerk Flattum clarified the standing of the in-progress Veterans Memorial. Monetary donations have been made and she noted that some are concerned that the project isn’t fully underway yet. “It is still happening. We’re waiting on approval from the state,” she noted. Minnesota Department of Transportation received the plans in December of last year and are still reviewing them. “It seems to be taking quite a long time,” she added. “We’re waiting and hoping so we can get this project started. The contractor is ready.”
In another local effort, the city has received seven new bikes, both mens and womens, as part of a free rental program aimed at getting both locals and visitors enjoying some outside time in the community. The bikes will be near city hall and users, over age 18, will need to fill out a contract to utilize them. The city is still waiting on bike racks and the contracts before the bikes can go out.
Resident Jackie Hrstka is looking to get a new off-sale liquor business started in town with the recent closing of the Bent Wrench. She has begun the process of securing required permissions and insurance liability and is working on licensure. “We’ve got the ball ready to roll, we just need your approval,” said Hrstka.
Councilor Chad Wangen cautioned that there were many additional steps to go and that permission from the city is only the start. “You’ll need permission from the state and county. It takes about three months,” he said. “You’ll need a buyer’s care and tax ID, building insurance and liquor liability.”
Hrstka would like assurance from the council that her off-sale license would remain the only permit available within the municipality before she proceeds further. “I want the only or I’m wasting my time.” Council discussion centered on the upcoming auction sale of the Bent Wrench and whether or not a purchaser would want an off-sale license. “It’s someone who might not exist; might not be from town against someone who wants to put a business in,” she added noting the empty building. The council agreed that businesses in town are vital.
Schott motioned to issue the off-sale license, noting it isn’t fair to hold someone back from starting a business based on ‘what if.’ The motion was seconded by Ostby. It was approved 3:1 with Wangen opposed.
Several permit and zoning-related items were also discussed by the council. A request to install fence a foot taller than the ordinance allows, as well as a proposal from Norby Tree Service, sought by resident Charles Seha, were not approved. The council noted that there is no ordinance related to tree trimming within the right of way boulevard and that the city is responsible for removing if a tree is dead, but that there isn’t anything on the books regarding trimming at the city’s expense. Clerk Flattum will consult with the League of Minnesota Cities on the issue.
The property at 95 Cedar Street, owned by the late Iola Blumer, was also a topic of discussion. It’s unclear who the heir to the property is. No one has stepped forward. The property is mowed regularly, as a courtesy, but is unoccupied and a hazard, according to some on the council. According to Flattum, the property hasn’t paid taxes to the county since 2011 and papers will be served by the county. “The county’s take is to take it down. The lot is worth something,” said Flattum. However, it was also noted that the tax amount on the property and the cost to remove the building are unknown and may not be able to be recouped. The city will wait for the county to serve papers and will consult with the League regarding this issue as well.
“I don’t know how you’re going to get that house straightened out,” said Mayor Kujath. “No one wants to claim it.”
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, July 5, at 7:30 p.m., at city hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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