Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Bird Island City Council
April 8, 2013 at 7:30 PM
Council members present: Erickson, Engelmann, Wolff, Sander, Hansen
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Erickson.
A motion was made by Engelmann and seconded by Wolff to authorize payment of the claims and to
approve the minutes of the last regular meeting. Passed unanimously.
Open Forum County Commissioner Setzepfandt was present to discuss the possible locations of the
proposed new County Medical Center and how this relates to its designation as a “critical
access” facility. To retain critical access designation, which affects funding, the new facility
needs to be located in the current zip code, or 56277.
Deanna Beckler questioned what streets in town are designated as truck routes. Ordinance
207 lists all the truck routes, and states that delivery trucks can travel on restricted
streets/alleys “provided no reasonable truck route is available to its destination.” She also
pointed out locations on City streets where there are holes in the asphalt that need to be
fixed. Staff is aware of the holes and they will be filled when there are enough areas to
warrant purchase of a truck load of bituminous mix. Deanna also voiced her dissatisfaction
of the condition of the gravel road (north 10th Street) adjacent to her property. Staff is
aware that more gravel, and some smoothing, reshaping and development of proper
crowns is needed on some gravel roads. Nothing can be done until road restrictions are
lifted.
Sheriff’s
Report
Sheriff Hable was present to review the calls and hours of service provided to the City for
the first quarter of 2013. There were 299 total calls, with an average weekly hour total of
64.54. He commented that the contract is going well and he has received mostly positive
feedback. Lockdown drills were performed at both schools and a K-9 program is being
established. The Sheriff’s Department is willing to supply residents with kitchen magnets
that provide important contact information, should the City choose to cancel the current
police phone service. Possible avenues to distribute the magnets were discussed. No
decision was made at this time. Firearm applications will be made available at City Hall
and can also be found online at the Department of Public Safety Website. Citizens are
encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Department if they see the illegal driving of mini bikes on
City streets.
Dust Control A letter was received from SW Dust Treatment regarding gravel road dust control. The cost
is $80.16 per hundred feet. A motion was made by Engelmann and seconded by Wolff to
apply dust control on 13th Street and adjacent to the EDA 4-Plex on 11th Street (2780 feet,
same as last year). Passed unanimously. Letters again will be sent to all property owners
living adjacent to the gravel roads asking them to directly contact the company if they
choose to use their services.
Resolution
3-13
With the support of the League of MN Cities, a motion was made by Engelmann and
seconded by Hansen to adopt Resolution 3-13, supporting legislation authorizing the
establishment of Municipal Street Improvement Districts. Passed unanimously. This is
enabling legislation. No city would be required to create a street improvement district.
Playground
Equipment
The BOLD Early Childhood Initiative (ECI) has dedicated $2000 for each BOLD community
to be used for playground improvements appropriate for children age 0-5 years, provided
matching funds are available. Walk-throughs of the parks are being scheduled to look at
safety issues, available space and possible needs. A committee has been formed at develop
a plan, and bring recommendations to the City Council. A motion was made by Engelmann
and seconded by Wolff to allocate $6000 ($5734.46 from Foundation Funds and remainder
from General Funds) to this project. Passed unanimously.
Fire
Upon recommendation from the Fire Department, a motion was made by Engelmann and
Department seconded by Sander to approve the probationary hire of new firefighter, Kathy Erkkila.
Passed unanimously. New Fire Department policy states that no training or protective gear
will be purchased for new hires during the one year probationary period.
Tax
Abatement
A new business looking to build a facility in Bird Island is requesting a tax abatement.
Upon recommendation of the EDA, a motion was made by Hansen and seconded by
Engelmann to approve a 10-year tax abatement for the new business. Passed unanimously.
Burn Site
Mayor Erickson suggested contacting the City of Hutchinson to remove materials from the
City burn site, as he has heard they will do so at no cost to the City. Staff will research.
LGA Bill
Mayor Erickson reported on a meeting he attended in Willmar regarding possible new
legislation relating to local government aid allocations, and a new formula to determine
those allocations. He recommends the City support this LGA legislation (HF1608 and
SF1491).
Meeting adjourned.
Deb Lingl, City Administrator