The Wykoff City Council met on September 12th in regular session. Members in attendance were Mitch Grabau, Rocky Vreeman, Mayor Al Williams, Deputy Clerk Becky Schmidt, Megan Lund, and Brody Mensink. Also in attendance was city attorney Thomas Manion.
One of the main items discussed was the city clerk position. Mayor Williams said the city had received a signed letter of resignation from Cheryl Davis, and the council voted to accept it. The council also discussed what to do to fill the position, immediately and longterm. Becky Schmidt said she was initially hired as “office help,” but has been acting city clerk during Davis’ absence, and she asked, “So am I still just backing her up,…or am I the clerk or deputy clerk?” After discussion, she agreed to officially become deputy city clerk. The city is still working on determining her pay scale. The city will consult the League of Minnesota Cities to find out what other similar cities pay this position. It was also pointed out that Schmidt does not have a notary public stamp, and since these are specific to a person’s name, one would have to be ordered, so she can provide that service. The council OK’d her to order a notary public stamp, at a cost of $120.
The council discussed Minnesota’s new “Granny Pod Law,” with Mitch Grabau explaining that a common concern among cities is that this could become “a zoning nightmare.” The council also mentioned concerns about utility hookups. The council voted unanimously to opt out of the law, as allowed, with the option to reconsider when the state has fleshed out the law and expectations more fully.
Four citizens had signed up to address the council. Mary Sackett asked for clarification of several items related to the upcoming Fall Fest, including using “snow fence” to fence off the dance area, and asking about the planned bonfire. After discussion, it was suggested that she contact the county sheriff’s office to ask about the bonfire, and to see if a permit is needed.
Sally Affeldt asked about the number of “porta-potties” for Fall Fest, saying with 500 people expected for the banquet, additional units would likely be needed. After discussion, the council agreed to get a total of five portable units, with one of them being handicap-accessible.
Nathan Prechel asked if the city has an ordinance about vegetation (trees & bushes) growing out into the street. He pointed out a situation near his home where that’s been an issue. The council said there is such an ordinance. It was pointed out that this particular situation has been addressed, as the tree got trimmed back from the street.
Glenn Stuedmann explained he’d had a water leak in his basement, and therefore had a large amount of water that didn’t go through the sewer. He asked the council if he could get an adjustment on his billing to allow for this. The council agreed to look back several months on his billing history, get an average of his sewer usage, and bill him accordingly.
In New Business, the council discussed the recent situation in which heavy rains led to an overflow in WWTP building. Lund and Mensink said reporting to the MPCA was done according to regulations. It was discussed that many homes may have sumps pumps that pump rainwater directly into the sewer. Lund said that likely was part of the reason for the overflow. The city will look into options for preventing such an overflow in the future.
The council discussed the situation of pets “running loose” and not being licensed. Schmidt pointed out that if the city had a “welcome packet” for new residents, that would help all citizens know what the applicable laws are.
The council discussed the “back overtime pay” situation for Mark Arndt. Schmidt said she had the calculations done by Cheryl Davis, and Schmidt double-checked them against Arndt’s payroll documentation, and found Davis’ numbers correct. She said it appeared that Arndt is owed $573.83 in back overtime pay. Council members pointed out that Arndt had quoted a higher amount from his calculations. The council elected to pay the $573.83, and said if Arndt feels he is owed more, he will need to provide documentation to back up his claim.
The council accepted the Kruegel contract for gas. The meeting adjourned about 9 p.m. Due to Columbus Day, the next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 11.