A Truth in Taxation hearing was held at 6 p.m. preceding the December 7 Lanesboro City Council meeting, which took place via Zoom. The property tax levy was set at -0.6% less than the previous year, essentially keeping it flat. Mayor Jason Resseman noted that he appreciated the efforts put forth by the various committees to keep the levy so low.
Lanesboro resident Ceil Allen asked why her homestead exclusion was reduced to less than half of what it was last year. Council member Tom Smith answered that that was normal if the value of her house had increased and encouraged her to reach out to a tax professional if she had further questions.
The regular meeting was called to order and the consent agenda was approved. Mayor Resseman noted that the meeting would be council members Tom Smith and Bridget Harvey’s last one before their terms were up. “I just want to thank you both for all you’ve done for the city,” he said. “Hold your head up high and know that we did a lot of important work over the last four to eight years.”
Chris Goodwin was present on the Zoom call to discuss the Lanesboro dam project. The certificate of substantial completion is almost ready and then the punch list will be completed, after which there will be one more payment application from ICON Construction in the amount of approximately $100,000. The time lapse video of the project should be completed and sent to the City of Lanesboro by the end of the year. Mayor Resseman thanked Goodwin and everyone else who had worked on the dam. “It’s just beautiful down there,” he said.
The council revisited the city’s COVID-19 response plan. The community center will continue to be closed for rentals and to the public for another month. Approximately $1,500 was left over from the CARES funds and was turned over to Fillmore County for disbursement.
The terms are up for Park Board members Teri Benson and Brenda Semmen. Both have said that they would like to continue in the positions and there are no other applicants for the seats. Heritage Preservation Commission Board members Ceil Allen and Jason Resseman also have terms that are expiring, but will continue to serve. Two term limits are up for seats on the Planning and Zoning Committee. One of the members, Michael Seiler, has offered to stay. There will be one seat open with no applicants at this time. Jon Pieper’s term is expiring on the Public Utilities Commission, and he would also like to stay. No other applicants have expressed interest in his seat. The council approved all of the appointments.
The council reviewed the 2021 Public Utilities budget. Smith noted that he attended their budget meeting and all seemed to be in order except for the removal of EDA funding from the water, electric, and sewer budgets. He noted that the money received by the EDA helps to support and build businesses in town, which is beneficial to Lanesboro Public Utilities. A motion was made and passed to approve the utilities budget with the EDA funding added back.
Resolution 2020-40 certifying the final tax levy was approved as well as resolution 2020-39 designating the planting of certain coniferous vegetation on city property. The council also discussed the possibility of having some type of a reimbursement program to encourage Lanesboro residents to plant boulevard trees from a city approved list.
Earlier this year, Ordinance 93.033 was relaxed to allow restaurants downtown access to the sidewalks in an attempt to support their businesses throughout the pandemic restrictions. Positive feedback was received, and some people felt that it added vibrancy to the downtown area. The possibility of making the change permanent was discussed. Council member Bridget Harvey made a motion to extend it through the end of 2021, allowing the council to see how it works over several seasons. The council approved the motion.
Matt Lawstuen was appointed as a new fire volunteer.
The council approved a license allowing the city to cross DNR property for the upcoming wastewater treatment plant project. The DNR had already approved the license.
The meeting was closed to allow the council to discuss city staff performance reviews and then reopened. City maintenance worker David Haugen will be promoted to a supervisor role, filling a position that has been empty.
The next Lanesboro City Council meeting will be held on January 4 at 6 p.m.
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