A regular meeting of the Ostrander City Council was held on June 6. Members present included Erin Volkart, Pam Kunert, Mayor Pat Nesler, and Clerk Chris Hyrkas. No citizens had signed up to address the council.
Rick Whitney (Peopleservices) asked the council to consider buying a diffuser to use when flushing the city’s hydrants. He explained that it spreads out the flow, so there isn’t such a forceful stream. He said it would cost $486 total. The council voted to approve this purchase. Dustin Tart gave an update on city maintenance and fire department happenings. Tart and the council discussed a possible purchase of a refurbished fire truck from the DNR, at a cost of $16,000. No action was taken at this time.
Police Chief Tom Mosher gave his monthly report, which included safety concerns (a culvert that was covered with dirt, and a deck in need of repair), a dog running loose, two lawns that the city mowed due to neglect, and a family of cats that were trapped and taken out of town. He said the mother cat returned the next day. Mosher also added that citywide cleanup seemed to be a great success, and he received the skunk trap that the city ordered.
The council discussed the situation of dog feces being left in the city park, and what could be done to stop this. Mosher suggested if the council wishes to ban dogs from the park, it might be easier to amend a current ordinance rather than writing a new ordinance. After discussion, the council voted to ban dogs from the city park. A sign will be installed to notify citizens of this.
The council considered an offer from Roto-Rooter to “clean and camera” the lines under four city streets which were last done in 2015. After discussion, the council voted to approve Roto-Rooter to do the work on Robert Street and Minnesota Street. Next, the council considered a suggestion by Brian Malm that the city should pass a resolution for parallel parking on Main Street. The council approved this. KLM offered a discount if they could come to clean and inspect the city’s water tower when they are already working in the area. Council members chose to wait until next year to have this done.
The council next discussed whether or not the city should allow citizens and groups to rent the city’s tables and chairs from the community center. Members shared concerns that tables/chairs may be lost or damaged. Kunert shared her opinion that the city shouldn’t allow the items to be rented out, adding, “You know, it’s just as cheap to buy these as rent them.” The council voted to not allow the tables and chairs to be rented out.
Kunert shared a complaint that was filed by a city employee regarding Mayor Nesler “micro-managing” the work of employees. The council had checked with the League of Minnesota Cities (LMC) on how to address this, and it was suggested to first bring it up in a regular council meeting. Mayor Nesler agreed to adjust his approach, saying, “I have no problem working with that.”
The council reviewed information from Jennifer Gumbel regarding the Dan Ruud property, but no formal action was taken. At the council’s request, Rick Whitney will obtain pricing and styles for “meter water usage equipment” that the city may purchase. The council voted to pay an invoice from Bolton & Menk for $57,000 which states the design phase of the infrastructure project is now 75% complete. The meeting adjourned about 7 p.m. Due to the Independence Day holiday, the next regular meeting of the council will be Tuesday, July 11, at 6 p.m. The public is welcome.
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