My son used to Turn on the light. All right. >> Carrie, would you do the roll call, please? >> Mr. Steinberg, >> here. >> Mrs. Mr. Orange >> here. >> Mr. White, >> Mr. Lewis >> here. >> Mayor Whittington
>> here. >> Do we have anybody here to add anything to public comments and not already on the agenda? Like everybody's on the agenda. All right. >> Yep. It's on the agenda.
>> No, it's on the agenda. So, it's later Yep. It's later in the meeting here. Um, we'll take a look at the approval of the agenda. >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> Motion.
>> Got a motion and a second. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. We're taking a look at the minutes from last meeting from May 4th. Any changes, updates, corrections? I'll look for a motion to approve the
minutes. >> I'll make that motion. >> First, >> I'll second >> and a second. Um, all in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Consent agenda. Would anybody like to pull anything out
of the consent agenda? I would like to pull something out and just kind of make a little comment about it. Uh the resignation of Vern. Um he's not here today. We can talk about him. Um how many years was Vern on the
on the force? >> 20 years. Perfect. Well, I for one thank him for everything that he did, you know, serving as chief and all the 20 years that he's provided service to the city. So tell him thanks next time you see him. Perfect. Um, anybody want to
approve the consent agenda? >> I'll make a motion to approve. >> We have a first. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> First and second. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed.
All right. So, the first one up is Brian. Brian, you're up first. All right, good evening. Couple things on the agenda tonight for me. First of all, uh the tree inspection report at 3:17. So earlier in the construction
season, we were doing uh kind of our routine construction. Um, and that involved connections to the existing sewer service and water service for each house. Uh, as we came up to 317, uh, we
had to get a little closer to that tree. It's a large ash tree, uh, fairly close to the house. Uh, sometimes it's well outside the ride ofway, but being that it's a large tree, those roots did extend into our work quite a bit. Uh, another item with the
typical construction that we've been seeing is, uh, sometimes we've been having to go a little bit further back, uh, just to get rid of a short piece of clay sewer that's left over. Uh, I couldn't say I didn't look into that if that was this case. But again, we're
trying to find logical places to connect on. So, uh, I guess in summary, our work involved a fairly deep excavation adjacent to this tree. Hopefully you have the memo in your packet. I'm not going to read through it
by any means, but in summary, as part of that work, uh some principal roots on the north side of that tree uh were cut um enabled to make a safe trench for the people doing the construction. As we progressed, uh there was some
concerns from the property owner. Uh in summary, we essentially had one of our staff, a certified arborist, go out and do an assessment of the tree, take a a closer look, uh does this all the time. Um looking at a lot of things that
uh are beyond my expertise. Um so anyway, in summary, he was concerned that this tree, if left in place, would be at a higher risk of falling, especially to the south where the where the house is. and recommended that the
city consider doing something about this tree sooner rather than later. It would have been ideal to wait till fall to see if there's any more of these types of scenarios that occurred. Um, but there is an increased risk for this particular
tree because of the roots that were damaged as part of the work. Any questions on what happened during construction? Anything else? >> Yep, that is the recommendation.
>> Can I ask why there was main topic? They called me back the next day and said they all said it should come down as soon as possible. And yet it's still >> Well, to be clear, we did ask a couple
of other tree services to assist in this before Bolton Mink got involved. Uh, but their consensus was they did not really want to put their name out there in the public scene just because of I guess some of the social
media posting. They they didn't want to polarize their business essentially. It was so we did not get any official word from those tree services. >> You never talked to cars tree service.
>> We talked to cars tree service. They did not give us any official report. We had requested a report like this from cars and a another tree service and the response was thank you but no thank you. would decline to provide that. So in
light of that, Bolton Mink had uh our expert come out uh and and put this together shortly thereafter. I just want to say my 87y old mother and she was terrified the whole time.
Most of them said get it down and that started back before the middle of May and we're in June now and I really hope that council in the future acts a little quicker like
it's just not fair. I'm sorry. There is a process and we know that you wanted to see what happens. >> Well, we were looking at that to see
that. >> You think we would have got reverse? No. Well, we can't guarantee because >> All right. Um, mayor and city council, uh, public works director Hartman obtained some par pricing, excuse me. We've got one for Meltters in the packet
on page 56. um they are um able to take the tree down um the quickest and at a cost of $2,200 and I believe they can get out um yet this week possibly. Um and then another quote was from Cars
Tree Service. Uh theirs came in at 2,800. However, the soonest that they can um get out is within >> maximum. >> Yeah. So definitely want to go with whoever can take it down the fastest and Meltters is the the lowest cost. So
with that, we uh just need a motion to approve the pricing for Meltters. We'll get a hold of them tomorrow morning and and get it scheduled as soon as possible. >> I'll make the motion to have the tree removed by Meltchers. >> I'll second
>> I think uh Denny called me. we discussed a couple times. I do agree with him in the sense that we probably could have acted a little bit faster on this uh in light of his mother-in-law's concerns. Uh and kind of I'm not an arborist, but
looking at the pictures, I mean, they it is close to the tree and so I understand your concerns and uh I empathize with that. Um, so I think that I also understand there's a process too, but I also understand the anxiety that
it can cause and having a huge tree falling on a roof, you know, and we've had some storms, too. So, so thanks for being patient, um, and bringing it to us here. Um, but I hope that we can get the tree removed as fast as we can. That's all I have.
>> I think the one comment I would make is is I I can empathize. I I can hopefully hope Denny can understand and respect that sitting on council there is there is a process and um whether it's his or anybody else's. But if there was massive
concern that you could have took it down yourself too and and we would have empathized with you extensively after we have the report because without the report how do we know yours can come down but but person B can't come down at the city's expense. So for me, I need to
know that someone will submit a report and when we get 0 for two um from certified arborist saying I'm not doing it because I'm not putting my head out there. I'm not just going to go by yes, I think it needs to come down. I want that certified report and um that's just
where I sit on it and and hope that residents have faith in us that we will do what is right and not stick them with this massive bill. But >> well, Jennifer and I have been working on kind of that process and seeing what we can do to kind of tighten that up a little bit so we can move more quickly.
Um, so you know, we sent over a process last two weeks ago. So yeah, it did take too long, right? So we want to try to to amount that the city can spend without getting the council approval in a situation like this to get something done,
>> right? It has to be a budgeted thing and this is with the project. I think the concern was that we just didn't know at the time if there were going to be I don't the microphone sounds weird. Um um we were concerned that um you know was there other trees that needed to be
looked at as well and um needing to get a report. So, but we'll have a tree removal policy for our next project coming up and um hopefully it'll eliminate these f fe future similar occurrences. So, thanks for your patience. So, appreciate.
>> All right. So, we have a first and a second, right? >> All in favor? >> I I >> All opposed. All right. So, you'll be calling tomorrow morning and trying to get it down as quickly as possible.
>> Okay. Perfect. Thank you, sir. >> Brian, you're still up. >> All right. >> Yeah, Jennifer asked that I'd come and just give you a quick update uh with the water treatment plant. Um so, as you've probably heard, uh we
did receive some good news with the state bonding bill. Uh city of Eagle Lake was on that and uh received $6 million uh from the most recent session. So, that's a a great step forward. Um, just a a recap in funding. Um, so
the latest estimate, I think it's a conservative estimate from what I understand, was about $18.9 million on the total project. Um, to date, we've got some congressionally directed spending of just over a million, again, the state
bonding bill with $6 million. um and what I believe to be $5 million from the emerging contaminant program uh here in the state. Uh one note on that, talking with my funding people and John
Groutman, was the Biden era federal boost uh in that program is in its last year at this point. It's no guarantee that next year the funding will go very far down the priority list. Uh I'm guessing MDH will probably push to use
that funding this year for that reason. Uh going through those costs, the balance is about uh 6.8 million. Uh that would be city of Eagle Lake PFA loan at this current juncture.
Next item I wanted to just chat about a little bit was land acquisition. Um so next steps there is we need to regroup with Mr. Hker uh provide him some updates and really work towards developing a purchase agreement for that
parcel out there west of 598. That parcel will ultimately need to be annexed and split. Um should maybe discuss that a little bit. Um I'm not sure uh haven't talked to
Gary about this certainly, but whether that entire parcel gets annexed and then it's split certainly seems to conform with other parcels in the area. Um otherwise we can split the parcel. We'd have to work with Mano Township then
annex just the five and a half acres and that might rely on uh Gary Hineker's input as well. But one thing we were thinking about Uh then after that we'd be looking at platting. Um not sure about reszoning.
Um but we'd be looking at that. Uh and this process, the whole land acquisition, the you know the platting, splitting, all that. I see that probably as our critical path to bidding at this point. Moving on, plans and specifications, you
know, those are really 90% bid ready. uh the plans themselves, you know, barring any other process like we were just talking about, would probably be as soon as uh July or August to be ready for bidding. Uh we recently met with staff um to
finalize some of those details. Uh so we're well on our way to finalizing that plan. In terms of the overall schedule, um could bid as early as August. um certainly could bid, you know, push it out to November. Uh regardless, an early
construction date would be after crops would be harvested in that area. Once we do start, I guess depending on when exactly we're awarding a contract, um assuming it's kind of in that fall time frame, you're looking at 20 to 24
months of construction expected or two summers really. So, at the very earliest, you're looking at a an online plant operational in late 2028. Any questions about that? Doesn't look like
No, we're excited to get started and we've been working with uh the township um to try to, you know, start that orderly annexation plan. So, you know, depending on do we bring in just that one or I'd like to see if
we can bring in more so we can get it ready for for hopefully what's happening going to be happening out there. So, um did it go to the the township board yet? Um the so this it's kind of separate from this I I would view it as but that
for the oral annexation agreement um they sent it to their um uh township legal council and then they uh advised that there's no further action by the city at this time until they get back to us. So >> So we start that process hopefully
that'll So you talked about um annexation and what was the other one? Um the platting of the of the So, will that depend on what we bring in? Would you plat that all at the same time or just that five and a half acres?
>> Uh, that's a good question. I think you would plat just the five acres. Uh, because the balance will still be Gary Hicker's I don't know that that needs to be platted per se. Uh but there's certainly some parts of this parcel that
would be dedicated right away and all that that would make sense for platting. >> Okay. >> And mayor and city council. Um I guess the reason uh I have it later on the agenda too, but we could just accomplish that discussion at this point too while Brian is here. Um our next step in the
process is really to get another meeting with Mr. Hker. And uh I think in the past we had council members um White and Steinberg. uh if they're still interested, we could do that subcommittee, meet with Mr. Hker and have Bolton Ming staff and public works
and myself and um get ready to bring something back to the council and then we'd go into close session and you guys would talk about, you know, what you want to make for your offer and go from there. So, we have to have a special meeting for that purpose. We just need to regroup and then get a meeting with
Mr. Mr. Hker, then we can um get get a game plan after that as far as whether we want a special meeting. So really the only action I guess for tonight is just uh to I guess direct that subcommittee to regroup and meet with Mr. Hker and bring back a report to
the city council. >> I'd look for that. I'd make a motion for the subcommittee to reconvene and um meet with Mr. Hicker. >> Have a go first. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> All right, we have first and second. Any other discussion? >> I guess assuming that Council Member
White and Steinberg are still good with >> Yeah. >> being on that committee >> and you shouldn't miss meetings. Um so, so yeah, I think so. We have a first and second. Any other discussion?
All in favor? >> All opposed. All right. Well, that's good news. So, starting to plot forward. So, now is there so we need to get the that RFP let
before like fall or is does that matter for the PFA grant? I I don't think that >> the more quickly we move, the more we may be. >> I would say at this point, uh, from what I understand, it's, you know, if you're
beyond fall, you're just probably delaying the construction and ultimately the activation of the plant at that point. I don't I don't believe we're in jeopardy of any funding issues at this time. >> Perfect. No, I think if we can get
started this fall, that would be great. You know, it's been a long time coming, obviously. Yep. >> So, >> all right. >> All right. >> Thanks, Brian. Are you sure we don't have anything else for you today? >> There is one item if you want to talk about the the four-way stop. Um, but
that is on number three, which would be the first item under new business now. Um, but the four-way stop sign request. I did consult with Brian Surf and if he wants to, you know, um, give his opinion or or any comments on that. But basically, just a quick uh quickly summarize, there had been an accident
involving a youth that had um come across the street and was hit by a vehicle. Um and that kind of prompted some questions about should there be a four-way stop there? Is that a possibility? Um and so reached out to public works director Hartman and Brian Sarf to kind of talk
about, you know, is it even possible to put a four-way stop there? And um kind of what would all be involved. So maybe I'll turn over to Brian if he has anything or any any glaring concerns with us doing that. >> Sure. I I would say I mean the city
certainly has the jurisdiction to mount stop signs. Um might just want to be a little cautious. You know, usually you'd want to kind of go through a warrant or something like that. And certainly if you've got an accident, that would probably play play
into that. Um, but maybe something to to consider, I guess, or just maybe to be uh taking a look at it. But I know this is uh sounds like this intersection has maybe been one of concern in the past. >> Yeah, I think it's been a concern in the
past and there's obviously more things happening there. Is there car counts or anything that we should be doing to kind of get more information about, you know, getting a stop sign there? um
>> or just flip a coin. >> Yeah. Well, uh you could do some vehicle counts that you know that's not much of an investment there if you wanted to learn more, but that's things like that. Just taking a closer look and kind of what's being would be involved if if you
were to desire. How does a vehicle count in that sense? I guess I'm trying to think of like when you're on Maple turning on to 211, whichever direction, the count's going to be fairly high because even though I stopped on Maple and took a left, I'm
still going to be hitting that. So, how does that count know that am I going straight where I would have had to stop or am I turning left and already stopped? >> It's essentially a strategic placement of the counts, >> right? You can you can place counts either direction of the intersection and
understand where people >> whether they're turning or whether they would have stopped. >> Correct. Yeah. And and those counts are nowadays mostly done with cameras. Actually, you set them up for >> a couple days or something like that. >> And all I suggested counts because that's about all I know. Um to get us
more information about what's happening there. >> Um knowing that, you know, Maple's obviously the the concrete canyon there. Um, and then your subdivision, is there anything else happening there? I'm not sure. Um, >> well, I can tell you I live it every day, right? You know, I see it morning,
noon, night, whatever you want to say. Um, following that accident I did, um, obviously all over our our neighborhood Facebook page. Um, more just people watching out, educating our kids to pay attention to traffic, kind of making the responsibility on both vehicle traffic
and pedestrian traffic. But I met with Lieutenant Gayler, too, and said, "What do we need to do?" because this isn't the first time that this has happened. Um, to this extent, yes, but a couple years ago, the bus was backing up and almost hit a kid as it backed up. So, this intersection from a bus perspective
is super not safe, I guess, is the easy way to say it, but um there's from my perspective, there was a lot of evergreens there that block visibility. There's kids that don't slow down. there's traffic coming off the gravel
road still going 50 from the gravel and not slowing down right away. So I I kind of put it out there as like residents that live here, what do you want? Um and crosswalk was kind of number one right away. Um is a crosswalk enough or is it a four-way stop? And I think for me it's
more too once more development or if more development happens to the east where now you're talking about a significant amount of more traffic. um does that is it at that point that it warrants a four-way stop or is something happening now to change behavior now for when that comes. So, it's kind of just
reaching out and talking with Lieutenant Gileron from their safety perspective um law enforcement perspective. What do they see versus just um pedestrian and vehicle traffic from our end of it? Should we do this in
conjunction with talking with the bus, you know, having the where should the bus be, right? Where should >> Well, we talked we talked with him, Lieutenant Gayler, and fortunately, but unfortunately, the transportation committee within the district. We our
our neighborhood parents send letters every year to the that committee requesting the bus stops to be split so that the kids aren't crossing 211. um whether they read them or not, nothing's happened. So, our hope was that, okay, well, now that something has happened,
can you please split it? And then also having law enforcement help um saying, here's their recommendation, whatever it may be, um to split that bus stop so they're not crossing a or if it's if they are having to then we need to do something because stop signs or
whatever. But I haven't heard anything whether bus stops got switched or if you've had any luck with it or what. So I well initially we reached out to Palmer and um after that incident they
continued into Oak Drive. So continue right into the subdivision. So they're off 211th. Um not sure what their plan is moving forward for next school school year, but um Joerger did decide that um they want to utilize the bus on 211th. So they're
utilizing the stop arm for controlling traffic on 211th. Their concern was going into Oak Drive um due to the hills mainly for the winter. So um I think the easiest location would be is both bus companies go in and just drop off and
pick up right at the park. But um I guess we'll kind of keep coordinating with the bus companies and see what their ultimate solution is. They I'm confused. They're the hill in the winter is concerning. Explain. >> They're worried about going down Oak Drive and then up. So either either
direction, up and down both sides on the east and west side. >> How is that hill? >> Um so I talked to Chad at Jagger Bus. Um he and I used to drive bus out there. I actually did that bus stop on Maple in
college. Uh and we actually did that as a 90° backup turn. So you'd come in and do a 90 degree backup turn in the dead end of Oak Drive and then go back out. But that was before there was a lot of houses out there. And so when I was on the phone with Chad, uh he said the
obviously like what Mitch said, the bus controls the intersection once the stop arm is out and it creates a four-way stop there. Uh, but Chad's and Mitch maybe talked to Chad too, but and Palmer, but Chad's simplest solution, which I tend to agree with as being a
bus driver at that stop would be uh to probably put a four-way stop in. I'm not a traffic engineer. It just says I'm not an arborist. But from being a bus driver, the common sense in that area, it was it, you know, you can't do a
backup there now cuz there's so many kids that live out in that neighborhood. But the way that Chad explained it, it makes sense, too. And then school bus rules have changed a lot, too. Uh, we used to be able to drop off on threelane traffic, like we've talked about that
before, Mitch, about on this road with four-way flashers. So, all the rules have changed, too. So, um, and the hill in there, too. I mean, driving a bus on the hill is kind of in the winter time could be problematic. I I had I've had a
time or two with a bus on snow and ice. So, I think that's a big piece. It's like for me it's like the bus. Yes, we need to address that, but it's also addressing it when the bus is not there. When the I mean, it's not always a bus issue. Um, I've seen it in the morning when the kids are going to school and
there's no bus in the area and they just scream through the intersection and if a car was coming, it would have been done. Um, summer I know is the same exact way. Um, but does it warrant a stop sign or is it just parents need to make sure they're educating their kids? And I
don't know. Um, but even with a four-way stop, unless the bus is on 211, traffic, to my understanding, can keep stopping and going, stopping and going based on where they're currently at. So although they stop, that doesn't mean
this wouldn't happen couldn't happen again, especially if there's no crosswalk as well. Another another factor there is with the upcoming trail project, there will be a crossing. >> Will a crosswalk go in then?
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> Because one of the goals of the project was to really truly connect that neighborhood to the sidewalk. >> But that includes painting a crosswalk in not just because I guess in my mind it was just there's a sidewalk here and a sidewalk here just like there is everywhere else in town. But there's not a painted sidewalk. But that would have
a painted or crosswalk, not a sidewalk. >> Yeah. Okay. that that is currently the intent is to paint a sidewalk there. >> So, I don't know if we just start with that or if it's a four-way stop. I I'm no expert in it. I I can see it both ways. Well, I'd kind of like to kind of
continue on with the bus groups and see if we can get them either moved off or actually take control of that intersection like like um G was saying, but see what the crosswalk we got a lot of changes coming there this summer that we probably need to factor in
as well. So, >> another thing that we can look at too is moving. So, where the black top and the gravel meet, >> where the black top and the gravel meet currently is where the speed limit sign
is. And so, we can move it back 100 yards, you know, onto the gravel into the city limit still. um you know to start slowing people down sooner and you're at the intersection
from the intersection to where it meets the gravel where the speed limit sign is at is 50 ft you know so there's not a lot of transition there >> might not be a bad idea to put the speed trailer there too just to remind people that the speed limit drops significantly
>> and then for making a sign change >> right so with that talking with Blard County their sign guy today. Um, dropping that speed limit from, you know, 55 or whatever it is on the gravel unmarked to 30, we actually need to put
up a um reduce speed ahead sign also. So then we'll have more >> multiple, >> you know, more warnings to slow down. >> Well, I'm kind of all for that. moving that speed up a bit. Let's um continue
talking with the bus group and then let's take another swing this fall once we see how that's all the trails going to pan out and see how that all changes through there. Um with the crosswalk we'll have flashing
so the kids can kind of set flashers or >> not currently planned for that intersection. It is planned for the crossing at uh Thomas Drive and County Road 27 Agency Street >> where you have a heavy traffic load,
>> a little more traffic there. Okay. >> Uh mayor and city council. Something that I had um talked with public works director Hartman about today. I was in another community and I saw that they had like in an area that you could tell they'd had issues with cars exceeding the speed limit, they had um like these
orange flags that they put on the speed limit signs. Do you think we could try something like that too? Because to me, I thought that was really effective. It really brought attention to like you need to slow down. I don't know if that's something we could do. >> And a lot of times that's used when you move
>> just to bring it to their attention. Yeah. So, can you guys summarize for me just so staff make sure I have what our kind of next step is on what we want to do with this? Um, do we did we want to do some vehicle counts or just kind of um
wait and see with the pedestrian connectivity project and how that crosswalk um you know kind of affects the environment over there and then move the sign back further. Um, what we could do too is
put a proposal on that. I don't know what it would cost. I'd have to ask our traffic engineers, but at least then you'd have something to consider, you know. >> Yeah. Like I said, that's the only thing I've really with the traffic and things like that. All I've ever seen if there's
other vehicles or tools to kind of understand how to make that a safer inter interchange or intersection that interchange. And it sounds like there's some stuff that we could do fairly quickly with moving the speed signs and all that. Um,
but as far as stop signs, we might want to wait until we have some pretty big changes coming up to that area. So, it might be best to wait until and see what we got. But there is some stuff we can do now to kind of address some of the issues. So what I would propose is we move the
speed limit signs and continue talking with the bus companies and then probably when do we think that when do we think that uh trail will be done? So, at this point, we're still waiting
for approvals by Mindot. Um, was thinking about allowing a bunch of the work is going to happen this fall for sure. Was thinking about allowing some of the final paving to happen next year. Kind of like we do with the street project. Few embankments
as part of this. That would let a freeze thought kind of settle things out. also give our contractors a little bit more flexibility, lower cost hopefully for something like that. >> The grading will be done this year
>> potentially. We're talking with staff about does it make sense to hold off on the final paving of the trail next year? >> I'd like to just pick it up again before school starts so we can kind of see what changes have made and things like that um to talk about it again.
>> Yep. I would say uh the concrete on that piece of the project, I don't see any reason why that couldn't happen this year. >> So, we could see the crosswalk yet this year. >> Yeah, there might not be the, >> you know, there's not the connectivity
necessar, you know, fully there unless people are going to navigate the gravel or something like that. So, it's maybe not a a complete picture necessarily, but you'd have you'd have at least a part of that. >> Okay.
>> Uh, mayor and city council, one other question here. Um, talking with um, uh, Bill Greer Hartman and Lieutenant Gayler wondering also if we should investigate a little bit further into why it's 30 miles per hour, not 25 like are all of our other city streets. Maybe that's
something we could also include in our um analysis here too. So >> I think in my opinion more so than a traffic count is getting feedback from law enforcement on what they're seeing because it could be 100 cars or it could
be five cars that are problematic. Right. So, it's really the traffic that is currently there in their behavior as well as the kids in that area or adults and their behavior more so to me than the amount of traffic in that area. >> A lot of times when you know a lot of
times when law enforcement is in the area, you know, people are doing what they're supposed to be. >> Yeah. You know, we see it countless times, you know, in the city trucks where, you know, people are flying down the gravels or blowing through stop signs or, you know, but obviously
they're not going to do that when there's a deputy sitting right there either. So, some of that stuff, you know, is hard to pinpoint. Yes, they do catch, you know, a fair amount of people doing stupid stuff, but there's still
more out there that happens. you know that >> when no one's around, >> right? >> Well, I think those speed trailers too, they do keep a log, I understand, of consistent speeds and high speeds and what time those happen as well. So, we could probably monitor those logs as well and then sit out there and we see
those times being hit and >> so those signs don't just tell us your speed, it logs all the >> I believe. So, yeah, they they keep logs of the speeds and what time as well. So >> it gives us time when traffic is the heaviest.
>> It graphs all the speeds from 24 hours a day. >> So that would be more beneficial than traffic count. >> Totally agree. I'd like making some inter incremental changes try to to get ahead of that and then try to make some final decisions. >> I think we're going to make like four-way stop. It's doing it when the
connectivity is done. like when there's already some changes that would be >> that would be the time >> not something now and then more change come and then more change come >> that would be my recommendation >> okay >> so >> did you catch all of that
>> thank you >> how much does the county need to be involved on something like this is this >> so >> something that we could do kind of just on our own or is the county do I have an input on that or >> Yep I reached out to um Ryan to county um highway department and then also So, the township and they said it's under
the city's jurisdiction. So, they would not um need to take any action for for any changes to be made. Right. Do we have a a motion? Do you have what you need? >> So, I need a first and a second
on that motion. That's >> kind of fuzzy, but not >> everything we talked about. Make a motion to uh I guess move the speed back 100 yards. Um set up speed trailers
where I guess Lieutenant Gayler might see fit. Um is there more to it than this for now? >> We want to continue working with the bus companies. >> Oh, yeah. And work with the bus companies. Yeah. And then as far as stop signs go, we kind of wait a little bit more until
>> trails go in and whatever. >> I'd like to add that we would review this again before school starts in the fall. >> Agreed. >> And I would think by August the school district will have or bus companies will have where the stops are.
>> Yep. >> I think if it's not in a direction, if they're still on Maple far enough, this issue could still be there. So, I think it's really nailing down the direction of the bus, and I think you two would have a better idea of that than us. >> And when I did talk to Chad, there was there didn't appear to be any interest
of actually going into the subdivision. They thought uh utilizing the bus stop arm to control 211th and having the stop signs control Maple both northbound and southbound was >> So, he the bus would stay on 211. >> 211th, correct?
>> Facing east or west, I'm not sure. It all depends on I suppose morning and pickup times and evening drop offs will be different. But so it's just uh waiting to hear back from Palmer. And the last week of school with Palmer, they actually physically went into the subdivision and made the
loop. So they might continue to do that. I'm not sure. >> Are we have a motion? Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> Have a first and second. Any other discussion? All in favor? >> I >> I I
>> All opposed. >> All right. Thanks, Brian. >> Excuse me. Excuse me. >> Good evening, city council and Mayor Whittington. Uh Spencer Kas, fire chief. So, um, a few things on the agenda
tonight for myself. Uh, first and foremost, um, John touched on it before, but, um, on behalf of the fire department, we do want to congratulate Burn on his 20 years of service and retirement and thank him for that. Uh, so that was our first item. Uh, second item you guys will see in the packet is
a quote for um, our new handheld radios um, as well as for the trucks and the base station at the department. So, um, current radios that are using were purchased in 2011. Uh, they are currently set up, um, in the CIP for a 15-year replacement cycle. So, that does
put us, um, this year being 2026. Um, so we worked, uh, very closely with Alpha Wireless, um, who does all of the programming for the radios in Blue Earth County, um, and then would they would also supply us with the, uh, Motorola radios. Um, so they would be, that is
the only bid we got just because they do all the programming for the county. Um, what it would be is five base stations. So that would take care. It'd be for 25 handheld radio. That would cover the handhelds for in the trucks and it would give us five
extras for some of our more senior firefighters on the department that we'd like to carry radios as well. So that number would match our current um uh current numbers of radios that we have. Um so the quote that you will see is for um they offer two options, an N30 and an
N50. Um we went with the N50 which is a little bit more heavy duty uh more reliable um and longer battery battery life. Um so our current radios the issues we're having um they won't hold charge. they are coming to end of life as far as um being able to be repaired
or replaced. Um so that was one of the drivers behind this. Um we did not go with encryption on the radios. Could be added at some point down the road if we wanted to. Um but that is an added expense. So that's why we opted out of that. So uh quote for the radio
replacement would be um 98,42462. Um, in the budget for this year, we have 85,616 set aside. So, our hopes would be to take that difference out of uh gambling funds that the city is holding for us.
Questions? >> Couple questions. One is, is there a leasing option? Is that ever occurred? >> I don't believe so. I could ask, but um I don't know what that would look like on this type of equipment. depending on the replacement cycle,
right? So, >> if you guys how how long have you had the current >> 15 years? So, since 2011. >> Oh, yeah. That >> we're well outside the leasing, >> right? >> Um, >> so this is enough for basically
cover the whole department, >> correct? Yeah. So, how it would be set up is um the eight officers that all have a radio like we currently do. Um and then within the trucks, so um 4311, 4312 would each have four handheld radios. So that would cover your um firefighters that would be sitting in
the back of those trucks. Um and then you'd also have uh two for 4301, which is the rescue. You'd have one for 4322, which is the grass rig, and one for 4321, which is the um tanker. >> So they set in the trucks, and correct
dial in, you grab a one, put it on. >> Yep. Is there? >> Yeah, so pager wise um what we have been doing um is um applying for some grants for some of those. Uh currently all of our pagers were replaced I want to say probably
sixish years ago. Um so about every year we've been adding four or five to the mix. Um so that way when somebody new comes on they're getting a new pager. Um so at this point in time I don't see any need to do anything with pagers. >> Okay. >> Anybody else have more questions? >> Uh lead time for the radios is about a
month. He said >> it's probably a group today. >> You don't give these things away. No, I saw that number. I was like, oh >> yeah, >> but it was something you guys budgeted for. Under budgeted anyway. So, >> yep. >> Is this being discussed later or are we
making having to make a motion now? >> Oh, I I would say we can go ahead if we want to go ahead and make a motion. >> I'd make a motion to approve um the new radios using their um budgeted amount and the rest out of gambling. >> We have a first. Do we have a second?
>> Second. Radios are important. Communication is key, right? >> Correct. >> Um, we have a first and second. Any other discussion? >> Do we for this number? Do we need a roll call or a voice vote would be okay? >> Just regular. >> Okay. All in favor?
>> I. >> All opposed. >> All right. The next one. >> Thank you. Um, third thing on the list. So, um, we are planning a 75th anniversary celebration for the fire department this year. Um, our hopes are
to kick that off around Tater Days, um, with the pancake breakfast, the parade, um, and then doing, um, some sort of recognition before the expose game down in the park. Um what our goal is is then to tie that into um a public training
event that the public will be invited to come and watch um October 3rd, which is a Saturday. So that'll be held in the park um in conjunction with kicking off fire safety week and typically what our open house would look like. Um so part of that 75th anniversary is um we really
want to recognize people that have served on the department in the past uh retired wise and then of course our current members. Um and our plan is to um have a larger float in the parade this year and invite any retired members um that want to ride on there um to be a
part of that. But we want those people to stand out. Um, and part of that would be purchasing t-shirts for anybody that's retired, um, as well as current members. Um, still working through the final numbers of what we would have for people, but if we look at our current
roster and the list of retired members, um, that are both deceased and still alive, um, that number is over 200. So, what our hopes are is to buy t-shirts for everybody, um, which we don't have that money in our budget necessarily.
So, what our hopes would be, um, so we don't drain our general fund from the relief association, um, would be to ask to purchase those t-shirts, um, not to exceed $2,500 out of gambling funds that the city is holding for us based on the
donations that we make every year back to the city. So, um, it is something that has been done in the past. I did talk to Jennifer about it and she suggested we bring it up to city council. I think that's great. I think you know recognizing all the things
I'll make a motion to uh approve the funds to be used for the t-shirts. >> I'll second discussion in favor. >> I >> thank you. So last one. Um, so, city
council and Mayor Whittington, um, everybody is aware that the new ladder truck is scheduled for delivery, um, sometime August/ September. Um, we're really hoping for the August one to have it sooner rather than later. Um but with that being said, um would like to put on everybody's mind and ask for approval to
list the current truck, the current ladder truck, um as basically um available fall of 2026 for um purchase and or I guess what our recommendation from the fire department would be is to list that on auction um the min bid site
like we did for the past uh truck 4311. Um biggest thing um would be the storage constraints. So we really won't have room to store two big trucks like that. Um I don't want it sitting outside especially over the winter months. Um if we do want to try and sell it, I think
sooner rather than later would be in our best interest. Um so one to ask for his approval to get that listed preliminary. >> It's currently unusable, right? >> Uh the pump still functions on there. So in the event of a fire, that truck does still roll, but the ladder is unusable.
Okay. >> And do we have any liability moving forward as we as we offload this >> with the ladder or No, >> as long as we list it that the ladder is not functionable. Um, and Jennifer, you can chime in. I would say we'd be okay.
>> As is, we'd make it very clear. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> No sale. >> I'll second. >> First and second. Any other discussion? would not taken it till fall though.
>> Correct. Yep. Yep. So, the new truck um would go into service in September. They will be on site for three full days doing training with members. So, um really I would say as long as everything goes according to plan, probably shoot for like an October sale date of it. >> Can I ask a question about the sale? Can
you refresh my memory? When we list um equipment uh for sale, does so when the um what do you call it? bid process closes, then you could still say, "Yep, we accept or re rejected. Come to the council."
>> Okay. >> Correct. Yep. >> And we can set basically a minimum number that we would want like a reserve on that truck. >> Okay. Thanks. >> Yeah. I I would say probably between 10 and 15, especially with the ladder not being functionable.
We vote on this yet. No. >> Look for all in favor. >> I >> I >> All opposed. >> Yeah. We don't want the new truck sitting outside. >> No, not at all. >> All right. Any other business?
>> Nope. Should be good. All right. Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. New business. I think we went through the first three already, right? All right. Number four, request received by residents. >> All right. U mayor and city council. I
recently spoke with a resident um at 429 Ler Avenue. They have an outdoor pool. They've had one for quite some time. Um it wasn't until just recently that they've had issues with rust staining on their pool liner. Uh the resident came in again today and talked to me about
she showed me some pictures and she said um they haven't really changed anything in the past or changed anything from what they've done in the past as far as chemicals and she said um you know I explained we have hard water and she said that they're having to drain the
pool and vacuum out the rust and so she said she was just wondering if the council would consider um some sort of a credit for her water and in the past we've never done anything like that before but I said you know I'm just staff will bring it to the council, bring the issue up. Um, but I did ask some questions like, has anything
changed? Have you stopped using any of the chemicals you used before? So, I don't know if it's an issue with um, you know, their plumbing or I I don't know. We have hard water. It's hard to say. Um, but I did say I would bring forth the the issue to the city council so at
least it's um, you know, reviewed and I can send a determination following tonight's meeting to the president. So, Um, with that, I guess I don't really have anything else. Um, just open up for discussion, but we do have hard water
here. And, um, I don't know why all of a sudden it's it's there's an issue now and there wasn't before. I don't know. >> It sounds like a can of worms to open up if we start reimbursing people for stains in the water. >> There are chemicals out there that can
treat it. Mhm. >> Um I mean I just had to refill our pool and had to put the chemical in to get the rust out. So I mean I I agree with council member Lewis that you do it for one. Um those that just have the fill it up in the morning, dump it 3 days later
now, are they going to come and want reimbursement for theirs that they don't put use chemicals? So um as much as I can empathize and for the annoyance of this, um we do have hard water. If you're going to have a pool, it's up to you to maintain it however you want to
maintain it. Um, and if we do it for one, I feel like we're going to be opening a door to be doing it for a lot more. >> So, it sounds like that be the what the council would be looking at that we wouldn't be moving forward with anything.
>> Sounds good. I will send a letter to the resident just uh summarizing the um you know the concern with other similar situations just because we have hard water and you do it from one then we're going to have all sorts of problems. >> Everybody knows we have hard water. >> There's something if you own a pool you
should be taking those precautions as >> yeah knowing that you're filling it up with hard water, >> right? And I think the the problem was that they've had a pool for I think maybe she said well I don't know maybe 15 years or so and I I don't know what changed but who knows you know I don't know what changed and I think that's
where the problem is coming in is that it's just they it's a a new issue for them but so that could be it. Yep. Yep. So well thank you. We'll I'll send a letter and we'll um go from there. >> Perfect. So, >> number five, park board recommendations
for new phrase park playground. >> All right, this is an exciting one here. Uh, too bad Anony's not here tonight. >> What's the weight limit on this thing? >> Um, so, uh, mayor, city council, >> uh, the park board has been talking about phase park and the need to replace
the equipment that's there, um, for a couple reasons. safety and then also trying to get that park to be um more of a draw for people in our community to have, you know, other options on different parts of town. So, really back in January, the park board started
really getting serious about getting some new equipment. Um they've been looking for uh looking at different options, layouts, and pricing. um they uh spent a lot of time kind of going back and forth over different options and uh ultimately
came up with one and I'll put it up on the screen here in a minute. It might be kind of hard to see real clear with the way it's scanned but um it's in your packet too, but it's called the Karu Lookout Play System for Pro Playgrounds. Um the total project cost is $80,999.
Uh this does include all labor materials with the project which would be the playground equipment itself uh the installation of and the safety surfacing. So it' be like those little um wood chippy things and uh and
installation. So um there is money set aside in the 2026 park budget for this purchase. uh talked to the vendor today and um if we can get approval tonight and let them know tomorrow um they will get it on the schedule for September for
installation. Um what they need from the city tonight is just um direction on the color scheme uh before we place the order. And um we can I do have a print out kind of of some of the different colors and um
I talked to Council Member White earlier today and we kind of talked about going with what they call like a natural. It's just kind of not too wild, just looks nice. And then um you know getting a a there was a part on top like a shade canopy that was more of a lighter color in case of fading and
so forth. So, um, with that, um, if you have any questions, uh, we've got Beth, Council Member Rooric, and, um, public works Director Hartman, we can answer any questions and go from there. Otherwise, we're going to look for the city council to accept the park board's recommendation and and get going with
this, um, new playground equipment, which I think is really exciting for our community. Mhm. >> So, >> the one question I would have because I don't know that it was ever I guess one one conversation we had in the meeting was to relocate where the playground
equipment currently is. So, the new stuff would not go where the old stuff currently is to allow for space to make the the parking lot a little bit bigger in the future because there's not a lot of stalls over there. Um, can you remind me though, did we say we
were leaving the swings there? Because this this equipment doesn't have any swings. So, we said, well, is it important to have swings? Is it not? Were we leaving the swings as they currently sat >> or if they need to be moved? But we would definitely I think the consensus that I took away was we would leave swings at the park. >> Yeah. I don't I don't think that we can
move them with the way they're concreted in and stuff would be >> So remember we talked like if they had to get moved then we should get new ones because to move them and re reput them in was not going to be functional, >> right? I think I think the consensus was to just get the playground for now. Um
and then when we move further in the plan for Fras um we would look at getting new swing sets at that time >> if need be or whatever. Okay. >> So, what's kind of the overall
look for phrase? You know, this is going to be there. We've taken out the volleyball um pit, right? Um the swings are going to still be there. So, we're talking about like this is phase one where we relocate it kind of somewhere else and
then the next phase would be parking lot swings. This is like kind of what I'm hearing. >> Yes. >> Kind of. >> Yeah. So, um the first phase would be kind of first off the playground itself that is
there is in very rough shape. I think it was a honestly I think it was a Menard's bought and >> just built playground um that's made of wood. Um, so we looked at, you know, kind of moving the whole playground itself
out of the way of where it is now so that, you know, in future we can put a parking lot in that area and, you know, kind of in front of the bathrooms. Um, and then there there was talk of future looking at trying to put in like a a veterans
memorial kind of towards the back corner um where the flag pole is now and things like that to kind of make it, you know, more appealing for people to come to that area. Um, and then there were there was a few different talks of, you know, kind of the open space where the
volleyball court was. Um there's all kinds of options and ideas that are thrown around, but there's just the funding for it right now isn't there. So, >> no, definitely we don't have the total funding for it, but I just like to see, you know,
>> that we thought about where everything's going to go eventually, >> so we don't go, "Oh, we shouldn't put that there because we want to add three more parking spaces." >> Yeah. And we talked, you know, a te-ball field because I mean, right now is a good example. Um Mayaba Maya's five six year olds were supposed to be at the school tonight and they got moved to
Mano because the construction >> um so then you know is there another need for a smaller T-ball field is there a need for soccer field you know so some of those discussions were had and I think from the the committee or the group that was there it was like well let's see what the playground is but there's not parking in that area so when
you talk about bringing >> more services there with the parking that we >> I mean it was even thrown out the last meeting of um I think um Anthony brought up of is that where music gets put with a pavilion, you know, not not a pavilion, but is that where the music is and parking is a concern when there is
none. Um so it's kind of organically happening a little bit too to see what is the need besides we know the playground is, but what is the other needs? Um >> know we got to get to A to B before we get to >> Yeah. And knowing that does more happen
at phrase or is the tennis courts and pickle ball the next piece? So, I kind of with the park board only getting 50,000 and I say only, but only getting 50,000. Um the park ws who funded the majority if not all of the pavilion down at the um Lake Eagle, they're they
funded all of Eagle Heights playground. Um so it's usually every two three years before we can do anything. >> Um there's 108,000 in the budget right now and 81 of it is going to come out right away. So, it'll be another couple years before anything substantial can
happen again, unless more funding is given to parkboard, which is not what I'm recommending either. Um, >> but without other funding sources, it's a slow process to make big things happen. Um, such as this. So, I think
some of his recommendations from residents or council members saying, "Hey, this is what we're hearing a big need for." Um, right after we took the volleyball courts out, someone asked why, you know, can we put volleyball courts in? >> Um, they weren't used for years, so we took them out. So,
>> and if we put a little teball field down there without parking, we'd have some pretty angry residents. >> Right. Right. >> Just parked everywhere. Okay. I look for Do we need to pick a a color as well or is that something that'll >> That was never brought to the park
board. Um, >> okay. So I I mean I would say if we make a recommend or approve this purchase if after the meeting people want to look at the colors and give their suggestions. Um I know it's pretty organically colored down at the main park lake or Eagle Heights is blue for the city
colors. Park board didn't see the different colors. So >> I'd kick the colors back to you guys. I guess unless you don't want to make >> Well, if they need to know tonight though. >> Oh, okay. >> I don't think we can wait. >> Okay. on the big
something a little black and gold maybe. >> I'm just excited to hear that they can do it this fall yet. >> Yeah, >> cuz I was not expecting that. >> You know, we are on the east side, so a little black and gold wouldn't hurt anything. >> Just keep the black, not where the feet and the hands go.
>> Oh yeah, that's true. But, you know, there's a lot of St. Clair kids in Eagle Lake. >> That's true. >> I do like the I do like the blue, too. That really stands out and it kind of >> ties in with the Eagle Lake colors. While she's pulling that up, I guess
that'd be the one thing that if any of you guys or residents have suggestions, wants, needs, any of that for the parks, send them to administer Broman or some, you know, let one of us know because otherwise we're kind of what what the
group of five or six of us think. So, >> let us know what you guys want. >> You can't I'm sorry. I apologize. It's maybe it's just my eyes, but it looks hard to see up here. So, I'm sorry about that. But, we had kind of talked about maybe more the natural color. That's what this one's called. Just kind of blend in. But, um, talking with public
director Hartman, he saw maybe we should look at this blue one over here, too. Kind of blend in with the city color. So, >> you know, um, whatever you guys think. I mean, no matter what you have there is, the kids are going to like it. So, I think they won't care what color it is, but >> the color's been holding up pretty good
on the other playground. >> I just I just know the tan um is Yeah, it gets dirty really fast. And then like with the natural color, if it's a tan, like sun shade. >> I'm guessing you'll see a lot more of like the mildo mildwy,
>> you know, blackness compared to like a a little bit brighter color. Might hide that a little better. Council members have any any suggestions? >> I like Andrew's idea of the blue.
>> I don't mind the serene sky either. The what? Like the blue gray. The blues and grays are nice, too. >> Why do they have to have so many different color options? >> Where's the >> Come on.
>> Yeah. Where's Serene? >> It was down on the bottom. Oh >> yeah. >> I don't know. I kind of like the blues. >> Just to tie in with you like >> Yeah. I think we think we might have a
lean lean towards the serene sky. Maybe >> is that white though? >> Those are white poles. >> The psych. got to roll up to the blue one, please. >> I I would make the note that primary would match the playground of the
school, which is all red, blue, and yellow, I think. But I I think the blue It's nice to have maybe a variety around town. >> So, you're talking about those north color. >> What? >> Well, the one that's the blue blue.
>> I was just talking about primary. >> The north color. You think in a playground more color is better for kids? >> Oh yeah, I was just looking at them. >> Different blues is the north. I like the blue just because city colors
are blue. Kind of fits within that. And it's bright enough too, right? So it stands out. >> Doesn't put any >> North is cool. >> The north is cool. >> Okay. >> North. >> North.
>> What do you think? >> I like I I like the blues better than the primary colors. >> Okay. >> The primary I think of elementary school right away. Elementary. >> All right. I look for approval of moving forward with the playground and the
color of the north scheme. >> The north. >> I'll make that motion. >> We got a first. We have a second. >> First and second. Any other discussions? >> All in favor? >> All opposed? Nice. That'll be pretty
fantastic to get that in by fall. And another truckload of rubber chips for Andrew to deal with. >> Are they rubber or just normal wood? >> Will be wood. Okay. >> Okay. >> All right. Number six, pay application
number two. >> All right. Uh mayor and city council, we've got uh pay application number two for the 2025 26 street utility improvements project. Um and that that amount totals $497,71344. Uh this has been reviewed by Bolam Inc.
and they recommend approval. With that, uh unless there's any questions, need a motion to approve that payment. >> I'll look for a motion to approve the payment. >> I'll make that motion. >> Have a first. Do we have a second? Second. >> We have a first and second. Any other
discussion? >> All in favor? I. All opposed. >> All right. Planning number seven, internship request. >> All right. Mayor and city council. I was contacted by um undergraduate student
with Minnesota State University um who is studying urban and regional studies and um we had a meeting and um you know he was just wondering if there's ever any opportunities for um experience and I said you know I'd be very interested
in um working with him because I have a couple projects that come to mind. Um, obviously doing an internship is going to require more of my my time as well, but since we don't have a community development coordinator um or have that position filled, I I can definitely think of a couple projects to have that
person work on. Um, so what I have in the packet here is um it's a urban and regional studies institute um internship handbook and syllabus. So the student would be receiving um credit. So, between myself, the student, and um
whoever their adviser is with the school, we'd be working together and have some projects for them. And uh the um I'm looking at pro possibly 225 hours to align with the the requirement so he can
get some college credit for it. Um we do have some money in the budget. Um, so it wouldn't be a lot of money, but um, I would recommend that we would compensate him at a rate of $12 per hour um, for a period not to exceed 225 hours. Um, the
proposed intern, his name is Colin Sherus. Uh, like I said, he's an undergraduate studying urban and regional studies at Minnesota State. Um, he's scheduled to graduate in 2027 and hoping to get some um, real experience before that time. He currently serves on
the Shakipi Planning Commission, which I thought was kind of interesting, too, to kind of get his perspective from from being involved with a community like that. Um, and then I put in my memo on page 90 just some different uh projects I can think of uh to have him work on
right away and I'll work with his adviser too and just make sure that, you know, we we give them enough um projects that uh meet their requirements. So, with that, unless there's any questions, um, we'd be looking at an internship.
Um, you know, $12 per hour, not to exceed 225 hours. Um, he would start the he gets back, he's going to be out of town for a while, so probably mid June um, and run through the the summer. So,
I did also mention this to the planning commission and they thought this was a great idea and thought if this works well, maybe we could continue doing this, you know, as we work with Minnesota State and try to get get more interns. So, >> I'll make the motion to accept the
internship first. Do we have a second? >> Any other discussion? I'm assuming you've already met him. Yes, I sat down and um kind of interviewed him informally in my office. Very nice. Nice young man. >> Be a good fit.
>> Yes, that's what we're saying. Okay. >> No other discussion. All in favor? >> I >> I >> All opposed. All right. Next one. Number eight, I guess. >> All right. Uh, mayor, city council, next
item is uh the need to look at adopting franchise agreement with Centerpoint Energy for Eagle Lake. I reach I received an email from Charlie Carlson. He's a local Oh, did I skip one? Okay, here we go. Get
back to my thing here. All right. Certification of unpaid charges, Blue Earth County. I'll back up one more one agenda item here. So um included in the packet is a list of unpaid charges for fire a fire call and then snow removal services um we
followed our normal process sent um notices you know stating that if the charges remain unpaid they'll be certified for collection with property taxes and at this time we're just requesting city council authority or approval to go ahead and certify that to Blueorth County for um collection with
property taxes payable in 2027. I'll make that motion >> first. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> First and second. Any other questions? >> All in favor? >> I >> I. >> All opposed.
All right. Number nine, schedule a public hearing. >> All right. So, we'll go back to the franchise agreement with Centerpoint Energy. Um, as I mentioned, Charlie Carlson, he's a local government affairs representative with Centerpoint. Uh he recently reached out um as the city's current franchise agreement with
Centerpoint Energy scheduled to expire on October 2nd, 2026. Um included is their model franchise ordinance which they are um strongly encouraging the city to adopt. I sent it over to the city attorney. He reviewed it, provided some feedback. Um his
feedback includes just making some modifications including limiting the term of the agreement to 10 years and then adding a new section 3.2 too. Um I don't know if I need to read through all of it or if you guys have had a chance to read it, but um
and then he also re uh recommends eliminating section 8.3. And um if the council's interested in proceeding with a new franchise agreement, which I assume we would be, uh the next step in the process would be to schedule a public hearing for the
July city council meeting. And then on pages 104 through um let's see page 104 through 110 is the um current agreement and then starting on page 11
is the draft agreement that's proposed. I would think we'd move forward with a franchise agreement. um having gone through all of the changes, but uh is 10 years usually the the normal length of time or is
>> I think so. I don't think you want it too long because I think the reason legal council is recommending um 10 years is so that if we'd things would change, we would want to have some >> I just didn't know if it was shorter. >> 10 years is >> it goes fast. >> Very long contract. Yeah. >> Y
>> I'll make that motion. What motion is that car to move forward? >> Public hearing adoption. >> Okay. >> Have a first. Do we do we have a second? >> Second. >> Do we need just voice vote?
>> Yes. >> Good. Okay. >> All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. >> All right. Number 10, street project special assessment questions. >> Okay. Mayor and city council. I've received a a couple um questions from
residents who um didn't read their letter right away were or were confused about um paying their special assessment within 30 days. Um and so reading through the um the process for
certification of special assessments, we can continue to accept uh payments in full without interest until we certify them. Um, so we this language is standard language that's provided um through the chapter 429 process. So it's not like we create our own language, but
there's no harm. So I basically what I'm trying to say is I've received a number of people said, "I'd like to pay in full, but I didn't make it to the 30-day deadline." And I said, "I think that's fine. We'll let the council um know and we don't really want to have to deal with the hassle of calculating interest
from now until." So we, you know, we use standard language. we probably could have taken that language out. Um, but from my perspective, I say we continue allowing um to accept allow people to do that that maybe missed the opportunity. They didn't pay attention because we had
a lot of people that did pay attention. A lot of people came in with the 30 days and paid their special assessment in full. So, it's kind of a mixed bag. But, so, um, I would just recommend that we have a cut off date of November 1st. That gives me time to get everything over to the county. Um, then one other
question that came up, which is a new question. I've never seen this one before. Uh, we have a resident who made a partial payment. So, she came in, they came in and they made a partial payment on their special assessment and reading through whether we can allow that or not. That would be up to the city
council. Like I said, I've never had anybody do that. But, um, so if you guys would, we would need to have it approved though. The council would have to say yes. So if someone special assessment was um 8,500 and they only paid7,000
um that's what you know you guys would just have to say we'll accept a partial payment then we'll assess the rest. So >> do we have to just make that blanket any partial order >> just for Yep. And then once it once that we certified to Bluff County they won't accept partial payments anymore. So
>> okay >> it just be for that initial one. whatever reason they didn't want to pay the assessment in full, but they wanted to pay as much as possible without having to, you know, draw it down. So, they didn't have as much interest. >> Oh, makes sense. >> Yep. So, with that, just need those two
um items approved um that you guys would be okay with accepting it. And um then I'll just send notes to everybody, let you know, hey, if you still wanted to you missed the 30 days, you still want to pay your assessment in full. We need it by November 1st and you won't be charged interest. >> That's the final cut off. >> Yep.
>> So, do you want those separate or can we >> I think it could be in together. Okay. >> Totally. Whichever way you guys want to do it would be fine. Together or separate, it doesn't matter. >> What would be the desire of the council for partial payment? Well, that's my question is
does that >> it's only one person that asked about it >> for others >> or you know if someone want to come in and say I want to pay 3,000 of my 8500 >> then that's yeah and so in the past we have not I mean I've never had this question come up before it's it's
different so I don't know and I don't know that anybody else would probably do that I don't know >> there any benefit for us to get the cash up front before we go in >> Yeah I I >> and I don't think many people are going to do it. I think it's going to be a maybe a oneperson situation.
>> I mean, I can see why you would why they would do it. And it's not like they did a thousand. I mean, they did almost all of it. So, >> yeah. Yep. >> Okay. They didn't do 2,000. Okay. >> Well, the county has no issue with it. It's
>> we'll just certify. It just makes a little more work for us in that when I send over the assessment role, I have to specifically call out that one is a certain amount, you know. So, it just what we wouldn't want to have, you know, I suppose, like I said, I think it's just a one person issue because we wouldn't want to have all these different amounts and having be track
that, but it's I don't think we're going to have anybody other than this one person. >> Okay. I'd look for a motion to approve taking payments in full up to 111 and also taking partial payments >> for that one situation.
>> For that one situation, >> I don't think it's >> I'd make a motion to approve full payments up to November 1st, 2026 and accept that one partial payment. >> So, we have a first. Do we have a second? >> We have a first and second. Any other discussion?
>> All in favor? I >> I >> All opposed. All right. Did I miss anything before we move into your Okay. >> All right. Mayor and city council. Um with the uh um my memo, there is a
year-to- date revenue and expenditure report. I just want to give you an update on that Landon um foundation um grant application. And I did have a phone call with a rep from there and they said that they um had a huge um
number of letters inquiry. They had like 312 totaling $11 million in requests. Um they narrowed it down to 91 of which was one of them was the cities. Um and they said we should know by mid June if we're going to get any funding. So um hopefully we do because I think that
would be another um great project to have the intern work with me on because it's going to take a lot of staff hours. So, that would be just a wonderful timing of um project. Uh next, just wanted to let you know we have u mosquito control treatments are
scheduled. We've actually got one um for tonight and then eight more after that. We've got summer sounds. We got all the bands lined up. Uh donations in. Um big changes this year. There's going to be three at the water tower and one down at
the park for National Night Out. and um talking with public works director Hartman today. We're trying to figure out a um signage to put um on Parkway Avenue because the county no longer has a vent ahead signage. So, we're either going to have to look at getting our own, modifying some stuff that we
already have or possibly renting. So, working on on that right now. And then National Night Out coming up. Everybody mark your calendars. That's August 4th. Uh we're planning with the Lions Club and Epiphany Lutheran Church and Summer Sound. So hopefully we'll make it bigger
and better each year as we um we grow the event. Summer newsletter, the electronic version was um posted and the hard copy should go out um yet this week. They're almost done. And then last item I have is the Man Area Public
Schools. A weekly site update for Eagle Lake Elementary School is going to be sent to the the city and when I get that I'll forward that on to you. But I just wanted to include that one in the packet since we had a meeting tonight. And with that, that is all I've got. Thank you,
mayor and city council. >> That's awesome. >> Mine might be less of a report because I mean our park board, you guys kind of got our big update on that. Um, and more of a question for Lieutenant Gayler, a clarification question on the ebike,
escooter, not wanting to open a can of worms, but understand it all. Um, the I would call them mopeds back in our day, but like the banana seat looking ones. Are those what class are those
considered? I guess I'm asking there was two kids riding on them. I know what ages they are. Um, under 15, one with a helmet, one with not. So, I'm just trying to fully understand at like what is classified, what is not. I know I need to educate myself on them, too. But
this this summer, I feel like it's blown up. I know council member Steinberg brought it up a couple years ago saying, "Hey, it's we need to keep a close eye on it." And now this summer there there's almost more motorized bikes, whether it's considered an ebike or not, whatever it is, but they are going
crazy, too. Um, so are those do those fall under the nonallowable ones? >> So, this is more of a moped type thing. Is it gas, electric? >> Well, that's what I don't know. just got out of the car and all of a sudden two
of them went speeding down the road with, you know, one reading it. One kid had a helmet on, one kid was sitting behind him holding on with no helmet. So I'm like, well, right there that's not right. But um >> so technically if it's gas, it's uh it's a motor vehicle. Um and ebikes are
classified as a motor vehicle. E scooters are not. Um yeah, the um I mean if it's a motor vehicle, it's got to be on the roadway and it has to be operated by a licensed
driver. So, and yeah, if it's not intended for two or uh two occupants or a rider, then there shouldn't be two riders or two individuals on that bike. >> Okay. It's I've done a lot of research on this
recently. Um, and it's not most clear-cut statute sometimes, and you can't really tell just by looking at the bikes what kind of bite they fall under as well, >> right? >> Because it go if it's an ebike, you got to go by the battery size. They don't usually say that on the side of the battery. If it's 750 or under, it's
usually an ebike. If it's between 750 and 1500, it could be a a moped, essentially a motorized bicycle. Anything over 1500, well then it's a motorcycle and that's completely different rules as well. It's really hard to tell just by looking at the bike what class it falls under. It's kind of
what you're describing as well. Was it like a motor like a gas powered? Was it an ebike? >> I don't know. They just were going fast and they weren't pedaling. So, and I know the e assist like cuz my parents have one where they have to pedal in order for it to like help them go. It's not just get on and push something and
away they go. >> So, I know there's Yeah. Yeah. So, I know there's so many different ones, but I think that's the concern that's going to start happening now is they are um not obeying all of it. And then I just >> that's what we kind of discussed doing
this because I felt like it's starting to get out of control and it has been for a while and we just kind of want to just educate people initially so it'd be policed by parents and whatnot. So, we don't want to get involved. We don't have to obviously, but
>> it was just it was getting worse and worse. I mean, these bikes look huge and these kids are like 10 years old. I'm like, that's just an accident waiting to happen. So, it's I mean, >> I want kids to have fun. I mean, I don't want to take that out of it, but I also want them to be safe and I don't want to be one that accidentally hits them
because they came out of nowhere and I watched and all of a sudden there they were and I didn't see them, you know. >> But yeah, to answer your initial question, it's hard to tell just by looking at them. It's and a lot of these these bike makers sell them online and they market them as ebikes, but as far as Minnesota statute goes, they are not
ebikes. >> So, it's really getting the parents to understand that they need to know what they're buying. >> They need to know what they're buying >> before they buy it and put a 12, 13 year old or under >> and hopefully something like this could help them. Yeah. So, this should help. >> Well, thanks for putting it together. Um
the reason this kind of got sent out is uh I guess uh with our observations just safety was a a concern of ours. So, um, what we've been seeing is, uh, you know, our youth are smaller individuals, uh,
riding them on public streets and without helmets and weaving in and out of traffic and, uh, they're not probably familiar with, uh, the traffic laws, uh, stopping at stop signs and is, I mean, it's just, in my opinion, a matter of time before something happens. And
that's what we're trying to prevent. We're not trying to take the fun out of it. We're not, our intentions are not to um yeah, make this difficult or um safety is our number one priority and we just don't want something happen.
>> I think it's important to note too, it's not just Eagle Lake. I was just in the cities this weekend for a baseball tournament at the ball field. They're my uh daughter and I almost got took out by a couple kids on these. I mean, they just go so fast and you see them running stop signs. So, it's everywhere and it's
it's I'm really thankful that the sheriff's office is bringing this issue up and um I can tell you there's a buzz going around the young kids already about, you know, their parents are talking to them. So, kudos to the sheriff's office for trying to do something about this issue and raise
awareness. So, I still think you need to get KYC to do an interview, though. I think just >> Ian's on duty. It looks like it's him. >> KYC does an excellent job of covering us. And I was telling Lieutenant Gayler,
I think we should get a hold of them and let them know because they they always do such a good job for coverage. Now, nobody wants to volunteer to talk to them apparently, but maybe we'll still reach out to them and see if they can help get the word out. >> Rock, paper, scissors, new guy. >> No,
>> I think we just kind of keep pushing it, right? So every opportunity we have to educate and and do those kind of things, you know, we should take those up. So >> that's all I had. >> That's all about you, Nick. Anything?
>> Nope. T-ball started. >> T-ball started couple games under the belts. >> Yep. First first real games are this Saturday. So >> nice. >> Now with that, they're down at Lake Eagle Park, right?
uh two different so like Eagle Park. Yep. Okay. And then also at the elementary and >> Okay. >> It's gonna it's going to be tough after this first weekend. We might have to reevaluate going somewhere else. But I think it's doable, but we'll we'll see after how one game goes.
>> Do we want to do we need to put anything out on kind of the app just you know about parking and you know that barriers are are barriers up on the yet? >> I did mention it to Don. Okay. um or to the to the T-ball group earlier on that I had concerns, but I think
somebody talked to the school and the school said, "Oh, it'd still be available." But I looked um was it two weeks ago and the grass was really long at the school and I contacted their facilities person and they said, "Well, we we're having we're going to have trouble getting back in there with equipment to maintain the you know, with the construction." I thought, "Well,
then we probably can't have people playing >> we'll have to like like council member Lewis is saying, just have to check on But I think maybe plan B might be. >> So they said they can't get back and mow it. >> Well, that's what I think they did get it mowed, but he said they were having difficulty because of access. Then I
thought, well, >> yeah, it seemed like pretty accessible to me, but >> well, >> the construction is supposed to keep on access >> some more Come. >> Well, you're here.
>> I don't have >> Do you have the name of the the four bands >> off the top of your head? >> Yes. Yep. House. >> Yeah. Powerhouse. U Yeah. Tribute to
rock. Um Jerry and Lance Dale Poland and City. >> Perfect. Well, I think everybody's looking forward to them again. So, perfect. Anyone else got anything for the council?
I'd look for a motion to adjourn. >> I'll make motion. >> All right. >> There. So,