Unofficial Minutes for June 12th, 2023, Pembina City Council Meeting
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Budget Meeting – initial meeting to begin planning the 2024 budget
Date: June 12th, 2023, at 5:30 pm
Location: Professional Building
Present: Jeff Watts, Connor Snitker, Pat Burton, Renee Thomas, Ken Norby
Absent: Mayor Mike Fitzgerald, Al Huttunen
Guests: Sherri Carattini, Greg Koropatnicki, Rob Fleming, Blaine Eisenbeis
Meeting called to order at 5:31 by Jeff Watts. Council reviewed budget documents. After some confusion and questions, it was decided that Sherri would come up with a more simplified budget worksheet for the council to work with. Also, Jeff Watts said he would provide Sherri with the current mils information he had in a file at home.
Meeting adjourned at 5:49 pm.
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City Council Meeting
Date: June 12th, 2023, at 6:00pm
Location: Professional Building
Present: Jeff Watts, Connor Snitker, Pat Burton, Renee Thomas, Ken Norby, Al Huttunen
Absent: Mayor Mike Fitzgerald
Guests: Sherri Carattini, Greg Koropatnicki, Rob Fleming, Blaine Esienbeis, Brad Bail, Phil Hall, Ben Kneeshaw, Karen Olson (Ferguson), Tracy Foy (The Bridgestone Bar and Grill)
Public Meeting: 5:56 pm – Ben Kneeshaw mentioned that they got 15 gophers so far
Meeting called to order at 5:58 pm
Changes to Agenda: Move Tracy Foy and Karen Olson to the start of the meeting. Motion to approve by Burton, Seconded by Snitker. All ayes present. Motion carries.
Approval/Changes to May’s Minutes: Motion to approve minutes as presented by Burton, seconded by Snitker. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- Tracy Foy – Presented a map and dates to the council re: closing the streets for events at the Bridgestone: June 17, 9am – 2pm for biker ride-in, July 3, 4pm – 1am for July 4th activities; July 15, 3pm – 2am for Catfish Tournament activities. Motion to approve street closures by Snitker, seconded by Thomas. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- Karen Olson – Presented information about what is involved in replacing current water meters with an automated system. After some discussion, it was decided to table any decisions until more precise quotes from Ferguson are provided.
Old Business
- Garbage/Recycling – Huttunen provided updated information on rates decided at last Valley board meeting. After receiving some complaints, the board will meet again to review and/or change pricing for larger dumpsters.
- Lagoon – not further updates at this time.
- Ramp Light Replacement Update – Sherri said she spoke to Lee W. and that while a footing will be installed soon, the new lamp pole will not be installed until October.
- Generator – Greg provided an updated quote for a high yield generator for %59,100 from Todd’s electric. After some discussion, motion was made by Burton to go with the original quote for two generators at $15,000 a piece. Seconded by Huttunen. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- Street Repairs – Greg presented an updated quote from Knife River. Burton made a motion to accept the new quote. Seconded by Norby. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- House Condemnations – 422 N 5th St – Rob Fleming stated that the condemnation process is still ongoing. He also stated that, after an inspection of 251 2nd Street, the condemnation process has begun for that property.
- Daycare – Huttunen mentioned that Darcy Reis was looking at who might be available to take it over.
- Public Works Assistant Applications Update – No applicants
- Clean Up Day – Huttunen stated that Drayton hired someone from Grafton. He will find out who and present it at the next meeting.
- Community Center Gutters – Greg presented an updated quote. Snitker made a motion to purchase the new gutters at the new quote. Seconded by Huttunen. All ayes present. Motion carries.
Committee Reports
- Fire Department – Blaine provided an updated budget report, and request $18,000 from the city. Motion to pay fire department $18,000 by Huttunen. Seconded by Snitker. All ayes present. Motion carries. Blaine also mentioned that he is seriously accepting an offer to become an arson investigator for the state, which means he will likely only attend one more council meeting.
- Rec Board – Huttunen stated that the summer ball games are going well.
Employees Report/Concerns –
- Greg stated that a burn permit will need to be applied for to burn the pile of trees/shrubs in South Pembina. Sherri will do this.
- Greg asked to purchase 12 barrels of crack seal at $569/barrel. Motion to purchase by Burton. Seconded by Snitker. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- Greg stated that Owen Symington has offered to help with the mowing, etc.in South Pembina. Owen is asking for $1500 per mow. Motion to pay Owen $1500 per mow by Huttunen. Seconded by Thomas. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- Sherri mentioned that the carpet in the professional building needs cleaning and/or replacing. Sherri will get a cleaning quote first.
- Kneeshaw Circle Long Term Parking – Sherri read what Debi Stainbrook had provided in her notes as far as long term definition and rates. However, there is one person who will park there for 9 days. Sherri asked what the fee would be for that. Council advised her to contact Mike as he was the one to approve the stay.
Engineer Report/Brad Bail – Brad said he had no new updates.
Attorney Update – Rob mentioned that he had no further updates.
Update & Business: Mayor – no updates
Update & Business: City Auditor/ Sherri Carattini
- May Bills & Financials – Motion to approve financials by Snitker, seconded by Burton. All ayes present. Motion carries.
- Sherri provided a Delinquent Accounts update. Huttunen mentioned he would speak to two of the delinquent accounts to come up with an updated payment plan.
- Annual Insurance Premium payment present by Sherri. Motion to pay by Huttunen. Seconded by Thomas. All ayes present. Motion carries.
New Business
- Appoint/Hire Someone to Fill in for Greg during his absence the week of June 19th. After Greg presented a list of typical duties, Snitker made a motion to hire Ken Norby for a set fee of $1250 for the duration and to pay Pat Burton $30/hours for his help in the evenings. Roll call vote – unanimous. Motion carries.
- Summer Labor – one new application. After some discussion, it was decided that we had enough summer help at this time, but the application would be held in case a further need arises.
- Pembina Self-Help Application – tabled
- Pest Control by Complete Pest Control. We will continue to use them for rodents, the dike, etc. Current cost is $6800 per year.
- City mowing – council clarified that each time the city mows, the owner will be charged $150. Each mow is to be preceded by a certified letter – even if the property has been abandoned.
Adjournment – Motion to adjourn at 7:44 PM by Thomas.
By: Mayor, Mike Fitzgerald
Attested to: Sherri Carattini, City Auditor
The next city council meeting will be held on July 10thth, 2023, at 6:00pm in the Professional building. This will be preceded by a Special Meeting at 5:30 to discuss the budget.
