Western Days, Inc. has planned a limited celebration of Chatfield Western Days due to the pandemic. Councilors struggled between caution and the desire for some normalcy while discussing at length the annual celebration at their July 13 city council meeting. Twenty-four emails were sent to the city of Chatfield from residents; most asked that the celebration not be held this year, insisting it is a bad idea.
Mayor Russ Smith said we are being asked to pick a side, citing divisive rhetoric in Facebook posts. We can disagree, but we should do it civilly. Western Days, Inc. is made up of a small group of volunteers that work over many months to plan the events. Councilor Pam Bluhm and member of Western Days committee said the group is very aware of COVID-19.
City Clerk Joel Young explained it is up to the city council to authorize the use of public places where events would be held.
Ambulance Director Rocky Burnett, Fire Chief Ryan Priebe, and Police Chief Shane Fox composed a letter together. They believe the Western Days events pose a health risk for residents and city staff. There is a potential negative risk bringing people into town during a pandemic. Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan during stage III and IV does not allow for gatherings over 250 people. Together they asked that the city council not allow Western Days Inc. to host Western Days this year.
Smith credited the Western Days committee for trying to bring some normalcy when nothing is normal. However, many people don’t believe there is any way to get people to social distance.
City Attorney Fred Suhler warned that if you can’t assure it isn’t a violation of Minnesota’s Stay Safe Plan, you should not do it. As a governing body you will be in the position of violating the rules of another governing body.
Councilor Paul Novotny said there are numerous people for and against. Certain events can obviously not be done. We need a more detailed plan. If we allow some events, we are allowing the use of city space and city staff. Novotny said he needed more information. He questioned whether a parade can be taken to the people on their own property, instead of people coming to the parade.
Councilor Mike Urban commended the Western Days committee for their work. He suggested some events like those planned by the Saddle Club or 3 on 3 basketball could go on. It should be understood there is not going to be a parade, but maybe a scaled down celebration is possible.
Councilor Josh Broadwater called the Western Days celebration one of his favorite things; “But, I can’t see how it can be done this year. The police, fire, and ambulance services don’t want to participate. We would be opening up our community to people that live outside of the community. I have to do what is in the best interest of the town I absolutely love.”
Councilor John McBroom liked the idea of taking the parade to the people and said he was OK with the Saddle Club plan. It is a personal choice to participate or not.
Bluhm acknowledged that events that bring people together have been scaled back. A smaller parade is being planned, a movie in the park, a kiddie parade, pool dance contest, stampede, craft show, pedal pull, coin find, ATV in the country, concert in the park, Brad Boice noon Sunday, three or four food vendors spaced out, and fireworks that can be seen from one’s home. It has been scaled back to be COVID friendly for those who want to come.
Burnett pleaded with the city council. Protect our people and do not have these events this year. Of course we want it to feel normal, but do we need it? It is the difference between “needs and wants.”
Priebe said the firefighters want it canceled, even though it is our biggest fund raiser. We feel it just needs not to happen; social distancing doesn’t happen. Is it worth risking a black eye for Chatfield?
Smith said there is no reason to stop the Saddle Club because it falls under the Western Days umbrella. I don’t see how we can turn down some events that don’t depend on the city. Bluhm added that non-profits sponsor the ATV event.
Novotny maintained that we need to have assurance of the number of people, protocols that only allow so many people. We need these assurances before we want to be part of it. Urban concurred, adding he will not support a parade of any type.
Mayor Smith said he would call a special meeting late in the week or early next week when the committee can provide more information. Bluhm noted many things she listed require no city crew.
Other business in brief
•Mayor Smith explained he had received a phone call from a resident encouraging him to mandate the use of masks while in public in the city of Chatfield. He said he was not ready to require everyone in town to wear masks. It is all about personal safety. He also stated it was his goal to hold the second council meeting in July in-person in the Thurber Building.
•A public hearing was held on the partial vacation of a drainage easement requested by the owner of the property at the corner of Donegal Ln. and Amco Dr. The vacation of eight feet of the 20-foot easement would allow the owner to build an accessory building on his property without removing a tree or building close to his house. Engineer Mark Welch believes confining the easement will not affect the drainage. The easement is only for drainage purposes. There was no comment from the public. Brian Burkholder said he had no problem with the request. A resolution to vacate eight feet of the drainage easement was approved.
An adjacent property owner offered to dedicate eight feet of easement to restore the 20-foot drainage easement. A motion to accept the dedication of eight feet from the neighboring property owner was approved.
•An EDA loan was approved in July 2019 to Josh Broadwater, LLC to finance the purchase of a lot on Enterprise Dr. SE. The EDA has worked with Broadwater to assist him with water and sewer connection fees (total cost $4,200). The EDA has also agreed that $1,500 of the $4,200 may be forgiven as there was an unexpected expense of fitting the commercial building’s water supply to the public water main. The city council approved the loan modification as recommended by the EDA. Councilor Broadwater abstained. The new loan balance is $59,290.33 at 4% interest to be paid over 10 years.
•The final payment to Burbach Aquatics, Inc. in the amount of $464,226.06 for design and engineering of the swimming pool was approved. Young explained this should be the last pay estimate for the entire project. There will be just under $20,000 left in the construction fund after this payment. The project was brought in under budget.
•The resignation of Melissa Burnett, Cable Television Administrator, from CCTV/City of Chatfield effective August 31 was approved.
•The city council authorized the application for the Coronavirus Relief Fund. The fund is intended to help pay for COVID related expenses. Chatfield will have access to $217,055.
•Approval was given for payment of an annual membership in the amount of $300 to Historic Bluff Country.
•McBroom noted there are three council seats open this year and one of them is his. He suggested people put their name into the hat.
Leave a Reply