In an effort to control traffic speed on Hillside Dr., the Chatfield City Council approved the purchase of a solar radar sign at the council’s February 11 meeting.
There have complaints and letters from the public concerning traffic speeds on this hill. Burkholder was directed by the Public Services committee to get some quotes. A quote from General Traffic Controls for a solar radar sign in the amount of $5,250 was approved. The sign is to be installed down the hill between the Booster Station property and Enterprise Dr.
Burkholder asked if we can install it ourselves. Councilor Josh Broadwater was concerned there may be other requests from other neighborhoods. He did, however, believe a radar sign was a great solution and needed in this location. Councilor Paul Novotny maintained the sign was justified here because of the volume of traffic at certain times of the day. Mayor Russ Smith agreed there was a need as people build up speed coming down this long hill.
Burkholder requested and received approval to advertise used swimming pool equipment, including a wading pool heater and sand filter and two main pool circulation pumps. The equipment will be advertised through public surplus.
Other business in brief
• Fire Chief Ryan Priebe reminded the council that the purchase of a UTV was in the approved capital goods plan. The utility vehicle will be used for trail rescues and wildland/grass fires. Approval was given to purchase a UTV from Hammell Equipment for $19,643 and a UTV Skid unit from Fire Safety USA for $5,808.75.
• Chris Giesen, EDA, explained that the city had accepted a tax forfeited property in 2004 at no cost. The parcel has a deed restriction on it requiring it to be used for a public use. The small parcel is one of the ownership issues still to be resolved on the Twiford redevelopment area which is to be made available for a future Dollar Store. The parcel can be reconveyed to the state, the state needs to accept, the county will then set a fair market price, and then the city will need to pay for it once it is offered for sale. A resolution was approved to reconvey the forfeited property to the state and to authorize the city clerk to sign necessary paperwork. Once the city purchases the property it can be sold to the developer.
• Fee adjustments were approved. Yellow sticker prices for furniture/miscellaneous items will be raised from $5 to $10 and for appliances from $20 to $25. These are fees for a hauler to pick items up for disposal. Fillmore County has increased its prices for disposal of major appliances and non-computer electronics. The fee increases were recommended by Public Services committee and are effective as of January 1, 2019.
• The second reading and publication of Ordinance 439, cable TV franchise was approved. This ordinance grants a non-exclusive franchise to Hiawatha Broadband Communications LLC for cable TV.
The first reading of Ordinance 440, zoning restrictions governing accessory structures was approved. It will allow use of post framed construction for an accessory building if there is compliance with rules for appropriate roofing and siding materials.
The first reading of Ordinance 441, tree ordinance was approved. The ordinance provides for measures within the city to prevent and control fungus infections of elm and oak trees and infestation of elm and ash trees by insect pests.
• The fifth pay estimate to Benike for the swimming pool in the amount of $108,623.83 was approved.
• A notice was received from the state that the city was in compliance with the Local Government Pay Equity Act.
• Mayor Smith warned people to be vigilant and careful when snow plows are trying to clear the roads. Councilor Mike Urban urged residents to clear their sidewalks.