At the June 13 meeting, the Peterson Council again discussed properties out of compliance with the 2022 Junk Ordinance. Citizens in attendance included Desirae Halvorson, Heidi Halvorson, Mike Halvorson, Pete Erickson, and Zoning Board member Loren Rue.
Council members conducted their annual walkabout individually, identifying properties violating city ordinances. Those identified received a letter from the city, a copy of the ordinance, and steps to remedy the situation. The letter from city hall noted a date by which the issue must be remedied. After that period, the matter is referred for administrative citation. If the property owner fails to address the matter, it may result in a fine of not less than $100 or more than $300 per day until rectified.
Erickson noted he’s making progress on items identified on his property. Mike Halvorson asked what the violations entailed and a list of all properties which received a letter. While the council does not typically respond to comments made during this time, Mayor Chris Stenzel suggested he talk with the family following the meeting. The city will also follow up with a letter.
“We’ve been, I think, pretty lenient, to be honest, with quite a few people, not just that property. We have to move forward on this,” said Stenzel.
When the council circled back to the topic, after public comment closed, Councilor Kristina Grindland reiterated the city’s leniency. To date, no fines have been applied to non-compliant properties. “There’s been letters saying, theses are your violations and it kinda sits there a long time.
“I’m not one to want to fine anyone. As long as they’re working towards getting it into compliance with the ordinance, we’re not going to fine them… as long as they’re cooperative and working towards it, I’m okay with that,” she said.
She also noted she’s experienced personal backlash from letters that have gone out. Councilor Gail Boyum pointed out that at one point, the council agreed they’d all sign each letter to show they were making the notice one of agreement.
“Maybe it’s helpful for people in town about what goes into the thought process,” added Councilor Grindland. “Maybe they’re not aware of the ordinance ahead of time. We’ve been lenient and provided city clean-up days, but some people feel blindsided. I think maybe more communication with the residents.” She also suggested that once properties are in compliance, the city could send another letter acknowledging the property is now in compliance and thanking property owners for taking action.
Councilor Justin Simon suggested enforcing a standard of practice to avoid judgment from those receiving letters. “If there’s a unanimous decision on a property, that means there’s something,” he said.
“Communication is key for everything,” added Stenzel. “I’m always open. I’ve met with some residents already. Don’t be afraid to send them my way. That’s part of the job.”
With so many newer council members for the city, it was also agreed that the council begin going through the ordinances one at a time to review and make any necessary changes or standards.
The council also discussed the push for a citywide spring cleanup and confusion from some residents on why the city didn’t provide a dumpster for the day. The city will pick up large garbage items with the city truck, but property owners must load them due to liability risk to city workers. Property owners are also responsible for the cost of disposal. Interested property owners should contact city hall.
The city utilized a spring clean-up with a provided dumpster in the past, but the weather was often unpredictable. The cost is also a hindrance, at $1,500 per time, and past spring events had low turnout, making it a bigger financial hit to the city. The city does hold a fall cleanup and will consider another next spring.
In other news, the new city sign received damage recently and both the city and the company who created the sign indicate the damage is vandalism. The large crack runs diagonally across the sign. There was some concern that recent wind storms damaged the sign, but they were created to withstand intense winds and weather. The company is sending a repair kit and paint to touch it up. The city will contact its insurance agency to determine whether or not to file a claim.
Councilor Boyum, a Friends of Peterson member active in helping with the city’s historical depot museum, informed the council that the Milwaukee Road Historical Association will be coming to Peterson on Friday, June 28. The group’s annual convention is being held in Winona this year and members are stopping in several former railroad towns. Over 100 people are expected to visit the city.
City council elections will be held this November and the time for candidacy opens July 30, closing on August 13. The seats of councilors Justin Simon and Tracy Seelbinder, as well as the mayoral seat, are up at the end of the year. The cost to register as a candidate is just $2. Those interested in serving can contact city hall for an official Affidavit for Candidacy.
Leave a Reply