LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, August 14, 2019, at 7:00 P.M. in the City Hall Meeting Room. The following members were present: Mike Olson, Faye Potrament; Jim Hilman, Kathy Bernstrom. Luke Nordin present at 7:30PM.

Bernstrom moved to approve the Council minutes of the July 10, 2019 regular meeting second by Potrament and carried. A copy of the Minutes will be posted at the Lancaster City Hall and U.S. Post Office and available upon request to the clerk.

The council reviewed the August 2019 bills presented this night; any other bills that have been paid prior to this meeting to avoid late payments, receive discounts & meet payroll and all payroll expenses as approved in the 2019 Rates Fees & Appointments Schedule. Hilman moved to approve the bills, second by Potrament and carried unanimously. An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request to the clerk.

Council discussed correspondence from Kittson County Administrator regarding the overall reduction in estimated market value for utility companies (i.e.power/railroad) of $346,700 and the effect on city property tax.

Council reviewed the changes made to the proposed 2020 budget as was discussed at the last meeting. The proposed overall general tax levy is $98,000.00 this is the same as the 2019 tax levy. The budget projection is that the city will use reserves of $ 25,248.00 for debt reduction; building repairs and equipment purchases. Hilman moved to set the final General Tax Levy at $98,000.00 with the total overall General Fund 2020 Budget at $248,350.00 for 2020, second by Potrament and carried.

Hilman reported the Donald Burton would like to extend the land rent contract for an additional 3 years at the same terms. Potrament moved to renew the land rent contract with Donald Burton for 2020 through 2022, for the same rental amount of $1736.00 per year to be paid annually on December 1, 2020 2021 and 2022, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Clerk reported that Maguire Iron has contacted the Public Works director, Zondagh and will be in Lancaster within the next 2 weeks to inspect the issue of the peeling paint on the water tower. Clerk will wait for inspection and direction from the council before involving the city attorney.

Clerk reported that there has been no reply from Michael & Megan Lindeman regarding the proposed deed that was sent to them for their review regarding the land that was to be purchased by them as per the January 2019 action by council. Bernstrom moved to send a letter to the Lindemans asking what is the status of the land purchase and if no reply by August 31^st the council will take action in September to rescind the motion for sale, second by Nordin and carried.

Olson received a quote for an asphalt patch on the intersection of First Street and Minnesota Ave from Knife River for $8.359.00. Nordin moved to accept the quote of $8,395.00, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Council discussed Community Center loan and making an extra payment on the loan above the annual payment of $19,435.00. due on August 15, 2019. Hilman moved to transfer $25,000.00 from the Liquor Store account to the Community Center Debt Service Fund to be used for the annual payment and leftover amount of $5,565.00 will be used for an additional loan payment, second by Potrament and carried.

Potrament moved to transfer $11,775.00 from the Community Center Savings Account (this is the total amount of the debt reduction fund drive) and $10,000.00 from the City General Fund to the Community Center Debt Service fund, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Bernstrom moved to approve the annual payment of $19,435.00 to USDA from Community center debt service, second by Hilman and carried.

Nordin moved to make an additional payment to USDA on the Community Center Loan of $27,340.00, second by Potrament and carried.

Clerk reports that PERA Fire Relief funds are adequate for paying all pension liabilities per the annual report.

Potrament moved to approve application to extend the Small Cities Development-Housing Rehab Grant to Dec. 31, 2019 in order to allow contractors time to complete grant projects, second by Nordin and carried.

Council discussed the cleaning policy at the Sports Complex. Potrament moved to set the cleaning policy as all groups using the facility are required to clean and take out garbage after use (all garbage to be place in cans provided). Sweep and mop concession and serving area. ALSO- pickup garbage in the dugouts and outside areas. The City of Lancaster employee will do other cleaning as per the job descriptions, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Council reviewed the Sports Complex; Flowers-Gazebo Park and Community Center-City Hall job descriptions. Nordin moved to accept the new job descriptions, second by Potrament and carried.

Council discussed purchasing a Christmas tree for the Community Center. Hilman moved to purchase a 9 foot artificial tree with the cost not to exceed $500, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Council members Bernstrom and Potrament will take the bank statements for review.

Council also reviewed Council reviewed the July 2019 City and Liquor Store financial information.

Council discussed Heritage Days. Mayor directed that the council will put up ropes to block off the street for activities and along with the help of Liquor Store employees do the cleanup after the dance.

Hilman moved to hire Jon Miesner to install used playground equipment at the sports complex, second by Nordin and carried.

Hilman reported that the Liquor Store pizza freezer has quit functioning. Hilman moved to allow the Liquor Store manager to purchase a freezer for an amount not to exceed $1,200.00, second by Potrament and carried.

Council discussed an upcoming meeting on August 29th at the Community Center 2:45PM with Senator Collin Peterson, Representative Bennie Thompson, Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security; and representatives from US Customs Department and various persons from the surrounding affected areas will be there to discuss the shortened hours at the Lancaster Port of Entry.

Clerk reported that her notary commission Expires on January 31, 2020. Potrament moved to have the clerk renew the notary commission and that the city should pay all associated costs, second by Bernstrom and carried.

As there was no further business the council adjourned.

Carol Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer Approved: Mike Olson, Mayor

Approval Date: September 11, 2019

Other links: Lancaster Riverside Golf Course | Lancaster Public School | NW MN Multi-County HRA

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