Andy Heimdahl, owner of Sylvan Brewing, addressed the Lanesboro City Council at their regular August 1 meeting. He had noticed that the addition of two parking spaces in front of his brewery along with a small ramp were in the street improvement plan. While he understood the need for more parking spots, that space is frequently used for large brewery deliveries. “If there were two cars parked there, it would be an obstruction for us,” he said. He also had concerns about the visibility and accessibility of their bike rack if that area was turned into parking spaces. He asked if the council would consider removing the two spaces from the plans. Mayor Jason Resseman asked City Engineer Brian Malm if doing so would cause any issues with the project funding or with the plans and was assured that it would not. A motion to eliminate the striping for the two parking spots and widen the ramp to eight feet was approved.
The consent agenda was approved and included accounts payable, the rezoning of Parcel 190438000 from RA to R1 and a variance request for Parcel 190143010 for solar panel installation.
Malm recommended that the council approve pay request #20 for the wastewater treatment facility. The request represents 76.9% of the project being completed. The council approved the pay request. Malm also updated the council on the street and utility project. Pavement removal, tree removal, and underground utility work are beginning soon with considerations being made for Buffalo Bill Days by the contractor.
Lanesboro Fire Chief Rob Wagner asked for the council’s approval to go through with a purchase of a 2009 fire truck when it becomes available next May. He and City Administrator Michele Peterson are currently working on a vehicle replacement schedule for the department, and this purchase would be the beginning of that. The council approved the purchase. “As always, we greatly appreciate your support,” Wagner said.
A public hearing to discuss some sidewalk replacements in Lanesboro was approved for the next city council meeting.
David Haugan asked if it would be possible to install an office in the city maintenance building. Currently, all of his paperwork is stored in the main shop area which is not optimal. He would also like to reconfigure the building so that both city vehicles can fit inside instead of just one. The total cost for the renovations will come to approximately $9,000. The renovations were approved.
Interviews were held for an opening in the parks department. As funds are available to do so, Haugan would like to hire two individuals. He recommended Peyton Olson and Michael Wangen. Olson, a high school student, would only be able to work limited hours once school begins again while Wangen would be able to work longer hours. The council approved both hires.
An EDA loan request for the remodeling of the Methodist church building into apartment units was approved. Elaine Edwards’ resignation from the EDA board was accepted. The opening for the position will be advertised and anyone interested is encouraged to reach out to the city offices to apply.
The 30 minute parking spot in front of Parkway Market will be moved during the street project and then returned to its spot once construction is complete.
There have been some complaints about properties in town recently. Peterson asked the council to review the nuisance ordinance so that violations can be dealt with properly and uniformly. The council members will review the ordinance as will City Attorney Joseph O’Koren.
Attorney Lee Novotny addressed the council with a request from the Haugs for the council to revisit the property dispute that has been ongoing with their neighbors since the early 1990s. “There has been a fair amount of confusion on this piece of property,” Novotny said, explaining that it is unclear whether the city vacated the street or not and who it belongs to if it did. The Haugs have traditionally used the property to access another part of their land. He was hopeful that the city would take action and dedicate at least a portion of the property back to being a city street. The council agreed to review meeting minutes that pertain to the issue and get input from the city attorney. City Engineer Malm will also do some research. The matter was tabled.
The lease for the city’s brush dump was renewed for another year with the same terms.
The council read through the city employee reviews. “We have a real good team,” Mayor Resseman commented. City Administrator Michele Peterson’s review will be conducted at a later date by the members of the council.
Ordinances 112.10 regarding tobacco licensing and 112.22 regarding liquor licensing were reviewed by the council as both are in need of updates. A public hearing will be held to discuss the ordinances before any changes are made.
A settlement with a property owner who objected to their road assessments was approved.
The next Lanesboro city council meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, September 6 as the first Monday of the month falls on Labor Day. Council member Mindy Albrecht-Benson asked if it would be possible to move to Wednesday, September 7 instead as she has a commitment on the 6th. A motion scheduling the next council meeting for 6 p.m. on September 7 was approved.
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