CITY OF CROMWELL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING CROMWELL PAVILION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017

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1 CITY OF CROMWELL REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING CROMWELL PAVILION WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2017 A regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Cromwell was held on September 20, 2017 at 6:00 PM at the Cromwell Park Pavilion. The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Sharon Zelazny. Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag. Roll Call Present: Absent: Mayor Sharon Zelazny; Council Members Phil Lippo, Josh King-HagE, Artie Vigness Ray Lally Others: LuAnn Freiermuth (Clerk), Melissa Korpela (New Clerk), Krysta Konieska (Liquor Store Manager), Tom Johnson (Public Works, and 1 visitor. Mayor Zelazny welcomed all in attendance. Addition to Agenda: 9.4. Zoning Permit Motion by Lippo to approve the agenda. Second by Vigness. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Motion by Zelazny to approve the Consent Agenda, which includes the Minutes from the August 16, 2017 Regular City Council Meeting and the Pavilion Calendar. Second by King- HagE. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Motion by King-HagE, second by Lippo, to accept the attached financial reports: General Ledger for August, Claims List, Liquor Store Monthly Sales Report, Pull Tab Totals, and Treasurer s Monthly Report. Yes: Lippo, Vigness, King-HagE, Zelazny. No: None. Motion Carried. Correspondence Received: - We received a newsletter from Kennecott Exploration regarding the status of their drilling project in the Tamarack area.

2 We received a letter from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, along with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) regarding the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR) updating of floodplain mapping. Zelazny and Johnson will attend the local meeting at the Carlton County Transportation Building on September 27, 2017 from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM. - We received a letter from Scott Aufderhar, the Gambling Manager of the Northern Pine Riders, congratulating our staff for the great job they are doing with Pull Tab Sales at the Cromwell Municipal Liquor Store. - We received an invitation for an Open House to honor the Dahl Family, as they have been named Carlton County s 2017 Farm Family of the Year. Reports: Mayor s Report: - The US Census Bureau sent a letter inviting us to participate in the 2020 US Census. The estimated man hours that would be used is approximately 21 hours, and will be performed by both Mayor Zelazny and City Clerk Melissa Korpela. Motion by Zelazny to participate in the 2020 US Census. Second by Vigness. Motion carried by unanimous vote. - Mayor Zelazny requested to attend a workshop for League of Minnesota Cities on October 26, 2017 in Virgina, MN. The cost is $45. Motion by Lippo to approve attendance. Second by King-HagE. Motion carried by unanimous vote. - Melissa Korpela was offered the City Clerk position to replace the current City Clerk, LuAnn Freiermuth after her retirement date of October 2, Motion by Vigness to add Ms. Korpela to savings, checking, and safe deposit box at Northview Bank and Member s Cooperative Credit Union, seconded by Zelazny, and unanimously approved by the Council. - Zelazny reported on a meeting held on September 6, 2017 at the City Office with Enbridge regarding the proposed pipeline project south of town. They have requested a letter of recommendation from the City. Motion by Vigness to approve this letter. Seconded by Lippo. Yes: Vigness, Lippo, King- HagE, Zelazny. No: None. Motion carried. - Zelazny was contacted by the Riverside Drifters, notifying her that they would be applying for a grant for Cromwell Park Arena maintenance, possibly improving the grounds and putting in arena lighting. However, they were concerned about any park grounds expansion infringing on the arena area. Zelazny suggested that they be included in any decisions. - Zelazny attended a recent Big Sandy Lake Watershed meeting. They had discussed testing area lakes for contaminants. They discovered that both North and South Island Lake are currently nutrient impaired, possibly pointing to higher levels of phosphorus in the water. They are currently monitoring.

3 The Cromwell Area Community Club is taking a survey regarding whether or not we should host a Summer Fest or a Harvest Festival. They are also writing a grant to purchase a new ice cream freezer. The following events are upcoming: Steak Fry 10/13/17 Hunter s Supper 11/03/17 - The local United Way is hosting Operation Community Connect on Tuesday, October 17, 2017 from 10 AM until 2 PM at the Cloquet Armory. This is an opportunity for community members to be connected with local resources. - There will be an informational meeting regarding the Hwy 210 project. The MN DNR will be hosting this at the Cromwell Park Pavilion on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 10 AM. City Council Report: - Zelazny suggested that the regulation size soccer goals, which had been obtained through a grant fund, be sold. She hoped to start by advertising the sale on Craigslist. All of the requirements of the grant have been fulfilled. King-HagE suggested that we also look into offering them to the school. Motion by Josh to rid this equipment. Seconded by Vigness. Motion carried by unanimous voted. Vigness Lippo King-HagE Maintenance Supervisor Johnson s Report: - Johnson reported on the needed repair of the broken Pavilion window. He has obtained two quotes: one from Hagen s Glass ($545.16), and one from Superior Glass through Brad Ramberg (over $600). We did not receive a written estimate from Ramberg, only verbal, and it was not in a very timely manner. Hagen s glass estimates the work to take 1-2 weeks. Motion from Zelazny to request a written estimate from Ramberg, and to then employ the least expensive glass repair company. If an estimate is not received in short order, Johnson is free to employ Hagen s Glass to repair the window. Seconded by King-HagE. Motion carried unanimously. - The US Geological Service inspected the six wells that are being filled and sealed in the Cromwell area. Five wells have been sealed properly, but the last one is filling from the bottom upwards, making the traditional sealing process useless. The only way to properly seal the well is to use a large drill to complete the project. This will be at a cost of approximately $10,000 to the State of MN. This project will commence in late October The process of hooking up the City Office to City Water began this last week. It is still necessary to have a licensed plumber complete the hookup. The fire hydrant that the

4 pipe is connected to is not sealing properly, but it is something that can be easily remedied by our Maintenance Supervisor by exchanging it with a refurbished hydrant.

5 The ponds are much higher than normal due to heavy rains in the area. The total capacity is estimated at 10 million gallons, which is about 2 ½ feet higher than normal. During the last labs performed by Johnson, the phosphorus level read double the normal limit. Johnson has since treated and will continue to monitor. A turtle is stuck in the Pond One drain, so it is draining slowly. Once the water is low enough, Johnson will remove it. There is no concern with Pond Two. - The City has been contacted again by the USDA regarding the entrance to the City Office. All of their area restrictions are fulfilled, except the entrance to our building. They suggest that we put either a black top or concrete slab to accommodate handicap visitors. There is not an urgent timeline. Zelazny is requesting that Johnson obtain bids for the project, including one from local resident Kirk Anderson. - Johnson will be on vacation from Thursday, September 21 st, 2017 until Tuesday, September 26 th, Municipal Liquor Store Manager Krysta Konieska Report: - Konieska requests to attend the MMBA Regional Meeting on October 18, 2017 at the Duluth Radisson. The cost is $15. Motion by Zelazny to approve attendance. Seconded by King-HagE. Motion passed unanimously. - Konieska inquired about funds to purchase Muni gear to sell to patrons and employees. She said that the supply is nearly gone and is wondering about purchase restrictions. Zelazny would like to know how much Konieska plans to spend and what time frame she is thinking; Konieska would like to order as soon as possible. The previous order was placed through McGregor Printing. Zelazny asked for an estimate of the cost be brought to the next meeting. - Konieska is hoping to hire 1-2 more bartenders. - Konieska is requesting use of a city credit or debit card in order to purchase miscellaneous items for the liquor store. The City Clerk will look into this request. - Konieska reported that the pull tab box was only short $13 in July, and $11 in August. - The following events are upcoming: Wounded Warriors Ride 8/26/17 End of Summer Party 9/9/2017 Toga Party 10/28/17 Karaoke 11/11/17 2 nd Annual Customer Appreciation 12/23/17 JPJ Engineering: TH 210 Improvement, Project No Will attend the meeting with MnDOT regarding upcoming roadway improvement on TH 210 on September 29, 2017, 10:00 AM at the pavilion. - Will need to continue planning to fund the City utility replacements if it is the desire and need to replace concurrently with the highway project.

6 - Reviewing the televising report and will discuss the findings and suggestions for the sewer work. Assisted with various item when requested. - Continuing to assist with Lake Street alley, when necessary. Old Business: - As Beth Juhl s probationary period has expired. Motion to hire had been tabled at August 2017 meeting. Current motion made by Zelazny to hire, seconded by King-HagE. Yes: Zelazny, King- HagE, Lippo. No: Vigness. Motion carried. New Business: - Attached is the Proposed Property Tax Levy. Zelazny recommends submitting a 10% increase, due 09/30/17. In actuality, only 5-7% will most likely be needed. The final proposal must be submitted by 12/31/17, and will be discussed at the December City Council meeting. The City s Auditor has recommended that we raise water and sewer rates to assist with our budget. Motion to approve submitting the proposed percentage by Vigness. Seconded by Lippo. Motion carried unanimously. - The Joint Powers Council is requesting a positive City Council motion for the consolidation of the City of Cromwell and City of Wright funds into one account. Although they are not in a hurry, they would like to keep the motion open, if it is not made at today s City Council meeting. This request will be tabled until the Council feels that the Fire District is more financially prepared to proceed. - The Chilloween committee is requesting Pavilion and supply donation from the City for its celebration scheduled for Friday, October 27, Motion by King-HagE to approve donating Pavilion use. Seconded by Vigness. Yes: Zelazny, Lippo. No: None. Motion passed. - A Zoning Permit was submitted by Ron Tondryk for screen house addition to his property. A permit has already been approved by Carlton County. Motion to approve Zoning Permit by King-HagE. Seconded by Vigness. Motion passed unanimously. Motion by Zelazny, seconded by Vigness, to acknowledge and commend: - LuAnn Freiermuth for her years of exemplary service to the City of Cromwell. Motion carried by unanimous voice vote. Zelazny declared the meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM. Mayor Sharon Zelazny

7 ATTEST: Melissa Korpela, City Clerk/Treasurer