Minnesota Basic Code, a comprehensive document of ordinances for cities under a certain population size, has been revised and the City of Peterson is in the process of reviewing the changes to determine whether or not to adopt the changes and which of its own ordinances to leave in place.
The 2019 document for the city in particular is designed for cities under a population of 500 and covers the majority of potential issues that may arise. The would repeal the 2014 ordinances previously adopted by the city. In Peterson’s case, a handful of additional ordinances, including recently those recently passed on property non-compliance/junk vehicles and discontinuation of utility services for non-payment, would need to be retained. With the Basic Code, Peterson is allowed to adopt its own fines and fee schedules.
Clerk Chris Grindland suggested starting the conversation with the city’s attorney and with League of Minnesota Cities representatives. A discussion of the findings will be held at the May 8 council meeting.
The city is also considering adoption of the new Floodplain Ordinance. The document has been reviewed and a public hearing on the ordinance will be held May 8, at 5:30 p.m., at city hall.
A new website and tourism brochures are out and generating some excitement for the city. The brochures are up locally and will be distributed to Explore Minnesota and to Root River Trail Town cities. The previous two city websites will be taken down within two weeks.
Councilor Loren Rue brought forth a “blank paper” idea to the council; an addition to the agenda. He suggested the council take a look at ideas and needs for the city and prioritize them, with the council and public works adding their own ideas. “We need to prioritize and start working on things, so there are things in place for future mayors and council so they don’t need to start from scratch,” stressed Rue. “We need to review and define it.”
Rue suggested prioritizing could help set up things that could be done prior to the projects. It was motioned and approved to have Public Works Director Rick Lee attend all future meetings.
Grindland also gave an update on action on recently passed ordinances. Disconnection notices have been sent out and if left unpaid, disconnections will take place after April billing. Likewise, those receiving non-compliance notices for vehicles were given until the snow melt to remedy their situations. Enforcements were scheduled for April 15.
“The ordinance has been successful,” said Grindland. “People are taking steps to move their vehicles.”
In other news, the city listened to Allyson Christian regarding plans for a Cancer Awareness Fundraiser which could become an annual event. The event honors Christian’s father, Steve Lee, who is battling cancer. This year, all funds would be split between his needs and for cancer research. In future years all funds would be directed to cancer research.
Christian and her siblings are currently proposing a full day’s worth of events. They are considering a cycling event from Peterson to Whalan, entertainment, community barbecue, bag toss tournament, kickball tournament, outdoor family movie, and citywide rummage sale with proceeds to cancer research. Due to the amount of events planned, city approval is needed.
“He’s never one to take help and his one request was that half goes to cancer research. If things go well, we’d like to make it a semi-annual event. After he leaves us, we’ll continue on the legacy.” The city saw no issue with the event being held at the former middle school and ballfield grounds. It is tentatively scheduled for June, perhaps the week prior to Father’s Day, and would run from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, May 8, at 6 p.m., at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
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