The Chatfield City Council, at their April 24 meeting, approved the televising of 6,743 feet of sanitary sewer line. Most of the city’s sanitary sewer system was televised in 2012.
Brian Burkholder explained that in 2012 about 2,500 feet of sewer line under Highway 52 was found to be in poor condition. It is expected that the highway will be overlayed in 2019. It is prudent to repair those lines before then.
In a report from Chris Daniels, it was requested to authorize the televising of 6,743 feet of sewer line including that under Highway 52 and 4,243 feet of PVC pipe installed in 1991 that was not televised in 2012.
The lowest quote from RTC, Hokah, Minn., at 94 cents per foot was approved as recommended by the Public Works committee.
Garbage
Bill Hanson, WM Hanson Waste Removal and Recycling, requested his agreement with the city be amended to allow waste from the Fillmore County side of the city to be delivered to an alternative site. The request was due to changes that have been made at the Fillmore County Resource and Recovery Center. The amendment requested would allow him to haul to Fillmore County or to the transfer station at Stewartville.
All Olmsted County waste is required to go to Olmsted County. City Clerk Joel Young said they will work with City Attorney Fred Suhler to make changes to the ordinance.
Hanson also requested that the per bag cost of the yellow garbage bag be raised from $1.75 to $1.95. The last increase was made in 2004. There was considerable discussion about the use of bags vs. containers. Councilor Paul Novotny noted that the last time the possible use of containers was considered, it appeared the cost with the use of containers would be almost doubled. Young said the bag system is intended to promote recycling; less garbage equals less cost. Novotny remarked that maybe it would be worth another look at containers to again compare cost.
Summer Recreation
Councilor John McBroom reported on the Park and Recreation committee. During the committee meeting, LuAnn Klevan discussed Community Education Summer Recreation changes. Community Ed has in the past organized summer baseball and softball programs. The city has contributed some funding for the programs. There was discussion on what this funding from the city should be.
Community Ed will not continue to sponsor traveling baseball and softball teams. The Community Ed Recreation program will include a wide variety of sport activities.
Community Ed suggested the city continue to provide funding for field maintenance and toilets, possibly $2,500. Or, the city could provide funding toward activities offered to help reduce fees for participants.
It was noted that non-profits can pay for ball field maintenance. Novotny commented that the city has in the past offset some of the cost for the individual playing the sport, but now we are not. Since the city’s contribution has been reduced, fees have been raised to participate in the programs.
A motion to authorize Park and Recreation to oversee drainage of water to get the playground usable was approved.