The Ostrander City Council met in regular session on December 6, with all members present: Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, Clerk Chris Hyrkas, Heidi Jones, and DJ Start (Volkart and Kunert joined the meeting already in progress).
No visitors had signed up to address the council, so the first topic of discussion was the proposed cooperative agreement between Fillmore County and the city of Ostrander (regarding the upcoming street project). Brian Malm (representing the firm of Bolton & Menk) summarized the agreement, saying, “Fillmore County will basically have a cost participation in the agreement,” and he added that there are no dollar amounts listed in the agreement, because bids have not yet been taken. He also pointed out that the plans were amended to reduce costs by decreasing the width of the streets, but he added that the streets will still exceed the minimum required width.
Police Chief Tom Mosher summarized November’s police activity report. He said he received an estimate (totaling $593.75) on repairing the city park damages caused by a motorist, and he reported that gross misdemeanor charges are expected in the case, adding, “That’s in process, I haven’t heard any court dates yet, and there should be restitution.” He also said in November there was an incident in which methamphetamine was found in a residence in Ostrander, and he said there’s much more of that around than many people would guess. Mosher also said the new No Parking signs (for winter) have been installed, and seem to be helping to keep the streets clear. He added that in recent weeks, he’s put in many hours investigating and documenting an ongoing investigation of suspected child abuse.
Rick Whitley (Peopleservices) updated the council on the wastewater treatment plant operations. Dustin Tart asked the council for instruction on where to leave snow he plows near some homes, and he informed the council that the city’s street sander isn’t working well because the vibration mechanism has been running only in fits and starts. He said it would cost $500 to $600 to replace that portion, and he doesn’t feel that’s worthwhile. Police Chief Mosher said the city of Fountain has a really nice plastic sander, which he said eliminates the corrosion problem caused by the salt and sand. Dustin will check around to see if there are affordable options for the city to get a better sanding mechanism.
The council discussed and approved the Memorandum of Agreement regarding documentation of the old water tower’s demolition, with Chris Hyrkas adding, “It says you can tear it down with the stipulations shown, within two years of the Memorandum of Agreement.” The council also OK’d a new Schedule of Fees for 2017. Chris Hyrkas pointed out one new item on the fee schedule is the “snowbird base rates” for water and sewer, which are 50% of the current base rates. The council approved the official newspaper, banks, and attorney for 2017 (no changes from 2016), and approved the 2017 budget as submitted, after a few questions were discussed and clarified. The council also OK’d paying an invoice for $23,100 from Bolton & Menk regarding the infrastructure project.
Hyrkas informed the council that she applied for a paint grant through Valspar and the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, and explained the city has not qualified for the grant because the mural is not on city property. She asked if the city would consider having a mural painted on the side of the fire station. Mayor Nesler voiced interest, but asked, “Who’s going to paint it?” Hyrkas said it would need to be done by volunteers. The council agreed this would be a good idea, if volunteers could be found. Erin Volkart suggested having interested volunteers submit ideas for what they’d like to paint, and the city could then decide upon a plan.
The council OK’d the application of an applicant for First Responders, pending background checks. The next regular meeting will be Tuesday, January 3 at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.
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