The July 8 Peterson City Council meeting included positive news on long-running ordinance violations. At least five property owners who’d received letters from the city have contacted city hall, made some sort of viable plan to address the issues, and made efforts to comply. Some even received multiple mentions of praise from the council. However, the remaining 14 cited have made no effort at communication or remedy.
“We need a decision from the council to revisit the 14 or send them another letter,” said Mayor Tim Hallum, who along with Councilor Dave Colbenson made up the committee identifying properties in non-compliance. “This is the time to discuss it.”
Councilor Loren Rue questioned what had transpired regarding an email he sent identifying properties not included in the original 19. “We volunteered to review properties and didn’t add any. I wasn’t going to do without council approval,” noted Hallum. The properties in question include violations of commercial district ordinances at 327 Mill Street, a garage at 457 Church Street with a tree limb through the roof of a garage in disrepair, and both a vehicle parked in the backyard and dead trees and shrubs at 234 River Street. Rue also suggested the city check the status of a hoop shed at 253 River Street which was previously the center of some legal action from the city.
Councilor Gail Boyum motioned that the additional properties be added to the list of 14 remaining and that another letter be sent indicating property owners must contact city hall about the issues. The council approved the motion unanimously with Councilor Lisa Price absent.
Resident Jaremy Volkman requested the city look at a fence on the property of Councilor Rue that he insisted he’d asked about for three years that forces people from the sidewalk onto the street and around. “I’m asking formally,” he stated. According to Volkman the white chain link fence runs to the property mailbox over the location where a sidewalk used to be, which he believes is a violation of ordinances. In addition, he requested that a faux street sign bearing the family’s name be moved back into the property so it’s not mistaken for a city street. “We’ll address it; definitely,” responded Rue.
The council also voted not to apply late fees to past due utility accounts at this time. The majority are fairly low, according to City Clerk Chris Grindland. The city sends a letter each October indicating payment of the past due utility is required or the amount will be certified for addition to tax rolls.
The average utility cost in the city is $120-300 per month, according to Grindland including a $10.50 average base cost, $33 for water, $49 for sewer, and $22 for garbage, plus electric. He was asked whether or not any extenuating circumstances had prevented payment. “Normally, it’s the same accounts. It’s business as usual for the same three years that I’ve been here,” he responded. Hallum suggested the city send a letter in August to give residents more notice.
The 2020 election is drawing near with primary election August 11 and general election November 3. The public was reminded that the filing time period for Peterson City Office will begin July 31 and closes August 13. Peterson council seats expiring this year are Mayor Tim Hallum and Councilors Lisa Price and Loren Rue. The mayoral seat is a two-year term while both council seats are four-year.
The council approved a number of financial issues. They include four annual transfers: $10,833 from the Sewer Fund to Sewer Equipment, a requirement through the USDA loan, and $18,187 from the Sewer Fund, $19,310 from the Water Fund, and $17,521 from the General Fund all to Debt Service for the purpose of bond payments.
The city will also close its Lodging Tax and museum-related accounts at Marine Credit Union following notice that the local branch is closing. It was unanimously approved to open new accounts at Merchant’s Bank in Rushford with Mayor Hallum, Councilor Gail Boyum, and Museum Director John Erickson listed as signers for the accounts.
Public Works had a relatively quiet month with very little discussion at the council meeting. The city’s pumphouse will be plumbed this week or next and Clerk Grindland will seek details on the ordering of two water fountains; one for the campground and one for the park. Two trees by the new playground have died out and will need replacement. Grindland will contact Winona Nursery regarding any warranty or possible discount on replacement.
Culverts within the city are still being identified for issues and possible replacement. The council will review the city ordinance on culverts at the August meeting to determine who is responsible for their maintenance; the city or the property owner.
The next regularly scheduled council meeting is Wednesday, August 12, at 6 p.m., at city hall.
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