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| Fifty Lakes Council February HighlightsWeb posted February 26, 2013 (Editor’s note: The following article was written from the unapproved minutes from the regular monthly meeting of the Fifty Lakes City Council held February 12, 2013 as provided by the Clerk/Treasurer) Council passed a motion to adopt a resolution approving electronic transfers to the following: EFTPS-Online - Federal/IRS for Federal tax, FICA, Medicare withholding taxes; MN PERA Online - Employee Retirement Pension withholding and reporting; Crow Wing County; MN Department of Revenue - sales taxes, withholding taxes; and MN Department of Revenue - Fire Aid, etc. Mayor Ken Hersey commented on the need to do a better job of communicating to the public. He said he is working on the use of other electronic means to communicate such as video and audio on the city’s website. Hersey also encouraged people to speak and ask questions, stand up, and state your name to allow better recognition on the electronic recording equipment. Council member Les Degner was unable to attend the meeting in person but was present via video chat [Skype]. Minnesota statutes did not allow Mr. Degner to initiate motions or vote, however the city attorney agreed it was allowable for Degner to participate in discussion. Fire & Rescue Fifty Lakes Fire Chief Andy Hemphill reported two fire calls and two medical calls for the month of January. Hemphill requested Council to consider a policy regarding service and crossing private bridges. Council member Greg Buchite plans to work with Hemphill to research bridge safety and then bring a policy back to the council. Another issue regarding the completion of the fire department’s ISO rating is water supply points and snow plowing access points. Water points are Eagle Lake Public Access and the creek by Open Gate Resort. The Fire Department will be contacting the DNR regarding the public access for Eagle Lake and work with the county regarding the creek access on County Road 1. Commercial properties require a plan for each building, including blue prints and documenting procedures. Crow Wing County Highway Department Engineer Tim Bray informed council of the federal mandates regarding reflective signs. Two of the requirements are: all posts must be break away, and be no heavier than 300 pounds. Bray told council a plan needs to be in place by June 13, 2014. Liquor Store Liquor manager Toni Buchite presented the store’s purchase record report stating the bar is showing a profit for 2012 of $19,482 from the official audit. Toni added the Liquor Advisory Committee is reviewing an update to the kitchen. Buchite also informed council that the MMBA Boot Camp is scheduled for February 18-20, noting there would be no charge for Toni to attend, as the MMBA Board would cover her. Monday, February 18 was a scheduled holiday and council agreed to pay employees double time for holiday pay for attending the class on that day. Planning & Zoning Planning & Zoning Administrator Gordy Reller informed council Tim Anick was elected as the Planning Commission chair and Duey Bendt was elected as vice chair. Council approved changes to the proposed zoning fees as recommended by the Planning Commission. Changes include address assignment increase to $75, increases for accessory structures, variances, conditional use, interim use, rezoning, subdivision, appeals to council, and late filing fee penalty. Included in the motion was an allowance to remove a fee for the appeal process. The effective date was Feb. 13, 2013 Pete Nelson gave a presentation for the AW Research over flight. The Planning commission had recommended continuing the process for phase II and phase III. Al Cibuzar commented pricing phase II would cost $3630; the flight has been completed already so the cost was reduced from $4704. Phase III would cost $180 per site if completed by AW staff and $140 per sampling if done with Reller. Cibuzar commented he estimated about 25 percent of the 66 properties on Mitchell Lake (10-15 properties) would involve the winter sampling along with $800 for the review. Following council discussion a motion to proceed with phase II and phase III overflight for Mitchell Lake failed after a 2-2 vote. Buchite and council member Jay Weinmann voted in favor, while Hersey and council member Jodie Schrupp, voted against. Degner abstained. Council unanimously approved a request by Crow Wing County to re-classify a tax-forfeited property to a non-conservation status with intentions to sell at a future public auction. Reller reviewed with the council a request from Peter and Bonnie Nelson applying for a 20-year interim use permit. Council discussion followed regarding the length of time and that an IUP is attached to the property. Council agreed this is a reasonable request. Weinmann commented the planning commission would be reviewing the variance process and will present the entire process to council in April. Weinmann is working with city staff on the city website, and reviewing the process to make it easier to find information, and be more community orientated. Purchasing, Personnel Jodie Schrupp informed council that the personnel committee had a few people missing so their next meeting is scheduled for March 7, 2013. Schrupp suggested that council review the COLA for employees as their wages have been frozen for two years. Mayor Hersey commented this topic would be discussed in March. Hersey also requested the need to conduct the employee reviews along with a review of the job descriptions. Council agreed not to change the office hours and the City offices will be open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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