Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Bird Island City Council
September 14, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Council members present: Erickson, Sander, Wolff
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Erickson.
A motion was made by Sander and seconded by Wolff to authorize payment of the claims and to approve the minutes of
the last regular meeting. Passed unanimously.
Ball Park Track Area
At a previous meeting it was recommended that storm sewer improvements be made to the Ball
Park track area before money should be spent on improving the running track itself. A plan for
the storm sewer improvements was presented, along with a cost estimate of $2160 for
materials plus city staff labor time (approximately 3 work days). Money for the materials would
come from the storm sewer fund. A motion was made by Erickson and seconded by Wolff to
authorize the improvements and an expenditure of $2160 for the materials, with City staff
providing the labor. Passed unanimously. There was $2000 allocated in the 2015 budget for
improvements to the running track itself.
WTP Hydromatic
Pump
The hydromatic pump, used for the back wash process at the water treatment plant, is in need
of repairs, or should be replaced. Quality Flow Systems, Inc. submitted a quote of $3867 to
repair, and $5953 to replace (assuming use of existing guide rail system) the pump. Staff has
had problems with the existing 30 year old pump and wants direction from the Council.
Questions arose as to the timeline to repair versus replacing the pump, and the possibility of
repair parts becoming obsolete. Further information will be brought to the next meeting.
Hockey Rink Project
An update was given on the proposed construction of a new hockey rink. The City has budgeted
$2500 this year and $2500 next year for the project. The Lion’s Club has also agreed to commit
funds, and possibly help with construction. The proposed plan would be to run the rink northsouth and to use treated wood. Previous bids for materials were around $4000. There was
discussion on how to get more volunteers to help with City projects such as this. Anyone
interested in helping with the design, construction, or donating funds to rebuild the hockey rink
should contact Dave Woelfel at 320-522-1760. A notice will also be placed on facebook. To get
the project started, a motion was made by Sander and seconded by Wolff to approve the
purchase of 30 treated poles from the lowest bidder (Countrywide or Square One). Passed
unanimously.
North Wall/ Insulation There continues to be problems with the water pipes freezing in the Municipal Building
Roof Drainage
restroom, and with roof storm water run-off. The proposal to insulate the north wall was
revisited, in conjunction with the installation of storm water piping, to help fix the drainage
problem. A motion was made by Wolff and seconded by Sander to approve up to $3500 in
materials and labor to insulate the north wall from the back door to the fire hall wall. Passed
unanimously. Money for the storm water piping is available in the Storm Water Fund.
Excess Equipment
Staff is requesting that the old sewer rodder and bucket machines be declared “excess
equipment”, and sold to Flexible Pipe Tool Company for a store credit of $1100. The equipment
is old, obsolete and has not been used in over 10 years. A motion was made by Erickson and
seconded by Sander to approve the request. Passed unanimously.
Park Trees
The Council acknowledged and accepted the donation, by Rob and Renae Saunders, of 2-3 trees
to be planted in The Main Street Park. The City Tree Inspector will approve the location. Thanks
to the Saunders for their donation.
Resolution 11-15
Following review of the proposed 2016 Budget, a motion was made by Sander and seconded by
Wolff to approve Resolution 11-15, adopting the proposed 2016 Budget of $1,719,449 and
proposed 2016 Levy at $446,934, a 1.35% increase from 2015. Passed unanimously.
EDA Board
Upon recommendation from the EDA, a motion was made by Wolff and seconded by Erickson to
appoint Jason Berg to the EDA Board. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned.
Deb Lingl, City Administrator