WEBVTT

METADATA
Video-Count: 1
Video-1: youtube.com/watch?v=v3VGpVrqDC0

Part: 1

1
00:00:02.240 --> 00:00:36.719
We're going to get hordes of people. >> Yeah, they can't get in the door. >> No, it's it has happened. >> [clears throat] >> Hello everyone and welcome to today's

2
00:00:36.719 --> 00:00:53.360
regular city council meeting today, Thursday, June 11th. I'll call to order this meeting at 7:02 p.m. If you all please join us with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the

3
00:00:53.360 --> 00:01:09.600
republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you. Roll call. >> Uh Brian Wilmer >> here. >> Krie Miller >> here. >> Tom Berg >> here. >> Jamesville safeguard here.

4
00:01:09.600 --> 00:01:25.280
>> And Scott Palava >> here. >> All right. Approval of the agenda. Tonight's agenda goes all the way down to 10K. Are there any additions, deletions, or corrections to the agenda? >> Move to approve the agenda. >> Motion by Lada.

5
00:01:25.280 --> 00:01:41.119
>> Second. >> Second by Miller. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. All opposed. Approval of the minutes. Consider approval of the minutes from the May 21st, 2026 special meeting, the May 28, 2026 regular meeting. Are there any

6
00:01:41.119 --> 00:01:57.360
additions, deletions, or corrections to the minutes? >> Motion to approve the minutes. >> All right. Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Palopa. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. We do have a public hearing

7
00:01:57.360 --> 00:02:14.720
tonight. Uh it is ordinance 2026-343, an ordinance amending city code chapter 33 sections 33 TAC07 committees and 33 TAC10 mayor's term of office. I'll go ahead and open up this public meeting.

8
00:02:14.720 --> 00:02:32.239
Joel, if you want to go ahead. >> All right. Thank you, mayor, members of the council. Uh, at the uh, excuse me, April 30th uh, meeting, the council discussed amending uh, city code chapter 33 city council to address how special meetings are communicated to the council, adding founders day to the list

9
00:02:32.239 --> 00:02:48.319
of committees uh, appointed by the city council, and then also changing the mayor's term length from 2 to four years. uh based on discussion and um support for the changes discussed at that meeting um did some follow-up research

10
00:02:48.319 --> 00:03:05.680
determine the following that um how notices are are provided are spelled out in state statute um so I'm not recommending that be changed um adding found the founders day committee certainly could be added I think um the ones that are

11
00:03:05.680 --> 00:03:20.959
stated in the in the current code are in there probably as I referenced in state statute. And then um revising the mayor's term of office from two to to four years. As far as any fiscal impact, it would be

12
00:03:20.959 --> 00:03:38.159
the cost of legal um associated with the public hearing which would include the publication and um or include publication of the public hearing notice and summary ordinance. And along with staff's report are the public hearing notice,

13
00:03:38.159 --> 00:03:56.799
redline version of the ordinance, and then the clean version of ordinance 2026-343. All right. Seeing nobody here, uh, Jeep, is there anything you want to add or no? You good? [laughter] St want you to have to stand up if you

14
00:03:56.799 --> 00:04:13.760
not to push on the spot. >> All right. All right. [clears throat] Um, you know, we can consider a motion to uh to close the public hearing. >> Yep. >> Second. >> Motion by Brian, second by Curry. Any

15
00:04:13.760 --> 00:04:29.759
further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. This public hearing is now closed. Presentation of citizens petitions and comments. Comments limited to two minutes. Uh, seeing as nobody else is here and

16
00:04:29.759 --> 00:04:45.919
J Jason. Okay. All right. [laughter] On to the approval of the consent agenda. Consider approval of resolution 2026-39, a resolution rescending resolution 2026-33 and approving a Minnesota lawful

17
00:04:45.919 --> 00:05:04.240
gambling LG230 application to conduct off-site gambling. Uh, does anybody want that item removed for new business? See none. I want to entertain a motion. So move. >> Motion by Miller. Second. >> Second by Palabi. Any further discussion? >> All in favor?

18
00:05:04.240 --> 00:05:21.120
>> I. Opposed. >> There is no old business tonight. So on to new business. Consider approval of Janette Utek letter of resignation from the park and recreation advisory commission and authorize staff and advertise the vacancy. Cory Henzar, community

19
00:05:21.120 --> 00:05:37.199
development planner. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mr. Mayor, good evening, council. Uh staff received Park and Recreation Advisory Commissioner Janette Utek's resignation letter on June 1st, 2026. Janette served on the park board uh since January of 2009. The Park and

20
00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:54.400
Recreation Advisory Commission is um composed of five appointed members uh which and with Janette resigning, the committee is short one member. staff is requesting the council uh consider approval to advertise for the vacant park and recreation advisory commission

21
00:05:54.400 --> 00:06:11.600
position. Uh the position u is for a one-year term ending December 31st, 2027. Uh Mr. Mayor. >> All right. Thank you, Brian. Or sorry, thank you, Corey. Brian, >> you're welcome. [laughter] >> I apologize.

22
00:06:11.600 --> 00:06:29.600
>> Um I just want to say a big thank you to Janette um for your years of service on the park board. I know it's uh something that was close to her heart. So, thank you, Janette. Um sad to see you go, but appreciate all the work over the years and uh yeah, I think um advertising and

23
00:06:29.600 --> 00:06:44.319
interviewing and [snorts] seeing who's who's interested will be a good move. I think we should fill the position, not leave it open. >> All right, CI. >> Um I again want to thank you, Janette, for your time that you've put in, all the um projects you've been involved

24
00:06:44.319 --> 00:06:59.440
with and initiating. Um, thank you so much for all of that. And I also agree we can't just leave the position, so we need to fill it. >> Right, Jamie? Yes. Thanks, Janet, for all your years of service. Scott, um, yeah, [clears throat] thank

25
00:06:59.440 --> 00:07:16.720
you to Janette for that. Uh, she's been a uh, advocate for uh, so many of our residents uh, various different aspects. Um, [snorts] very very receptive to uh, input and ideas. and I've been uh happy

26
00:07:16.720 --> 00:07:31.919
to be able to work with her over the years and uh absolutely I think it's going to be big shoes to fill but I think we do need filling. >> All right, thank you Janette for all your time and I wish you best and have fun with your family.

27
00:07:31.919 --> 00:07:46.800
All right, entertain a motion to authorize staff and advertise for the vacancy >> reluctantly. Second motion by Palava, second by Warren description. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? I >> all opposed.

28
00:07:46.800 --> 00:08:02.879
>> All right. Uh item B, consider approval of ordinance 2026-343, an ordinance amending city code chapter 33 sections 33 t07 committees and 33 tag 10, mayor's term of office. Uh Joel Ericson,

29
00:08:02.879 --> 00:08:19.759
the public hearing for uh ordinance 2026 343 was held a few minutes ago earlier in the meeting. Um no public comment received then. Um, also there has been no written or verbal comment uh received by staff um at all regarding this. So

30
00:08:19.759 --> 00:08:36.240
thought I'd turn it over to council. All right. Uh Curry, you got anything you want to add or >> We've already discussed it at the previous meeting when we decided to have the public hearing. So that's all. >> Jamie, >> I'm good. >> Scott, >> nothing further.

31
00:08:36.240 --> 00:08:54.240
>> Scott. Yeah, Brian. God, twice. Sorry. >> Did I get a name tag? [laughter] Go sit in front of your >> tape that one on that side. >> Uh uh so I guess one question. Um

32
00:08:54.240 --> 00:09:10.560
the uh statute uh I believe that's not in our packet. Correct. So is it just the standard uh posted in the paper? That's kind of what what does the statute specifies communication?

33
00:09:10.560 --> 00:09:27.040
Yeah, just a standard um summary ordinance publication. >> Okay. So, it's as noted here behind on technology. So, >> correct. >> So, we should petition our legislators is what you're saying >> to fix this. >> I'd rather

34
00:09:27.040 --> 00:09:42.640
they have a lot bigger stuff >> items to address, but >> Well, of course, but those aren't the things they want to work on. >> I know, but these are the bills they pass. >> Yeah. [laughter] [clears throat] >> That's all I got. >> All right. Entertain motion. So move >> motion by Miller.

35
00:09:42.640 --> 00:09:57.200
>> Second. >> Second by Wormcersian. All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed? >> I abstain. [laughter] >> Okay, good. >> Just because that's not uh anyway.

36
00:09:57.200 --> 00:10:13.200
Consider approval to schedule a public hearing for ordinance 2026-345, an ordinance granting Northern State's Power Company, Minnesota Corporation, its successors, and assigns permission to construct, operate, repair, and maintain in the city of Lonel,

37
00:10:13.200 --> 00:10:29.040
Minnesota, an electric distribution system, and transmission uh for the [laughter] I'm having a hard time with that one. Uh pertinences. Yeah. >> Uh for the furnishing of the electric

38
00:10:29.040 --> 00:10:43.920
energy to the city, its inhabitants and others and to the public grounds in public ways of the city for the per for such purposes on July 9th, 2026 at 7 p.m. or shortly therefore after Joel Ericson. Uh next time, can we just

39
00:10:43.920 --> 00:11:00.720
shorten that up a little bit? [laughter] >> I think we did that on purpose with that word. [laughter] St. So staff's been working with the city attorney and NSP on a new franchise agreement that will be uh in effect for the next 20 years. The draft agreement is in his final review and anticipated

40
00:11:00.720 --> 00:11:16.800
to be resolved shortly. Next steps will be to schedule the public hearing um on the proposed franchise agreement. Uh we're recommending the public hearing be scheduled for June 9th, 2026 at 7 p.m. or shortly thereafter. >> Uh July 9th. >> Uh July 9th, 2026

41
00:11:16.800 --> 00:11:32.320
7 p.m. or shortly thereafter. Uh components of the agreement are definitions adopting the franchise, location, other regulations, relocations, tree trimming, and indemnification, uh vacation of public rightway, change a form of government, provisions of ordinance, amendment procedure, and then

42
00:11:32.320 --> 00:11:48.959
finally uh previous franchises superseded. Uh the fiscal impact of the city's the cost of legal and publishing the required public hearing. NSP would be responsible for the cost of publishing the summary ordinance. Alternatives of B did not schedule a

43
00:11:48.959 --> 00:12:05.279
public hearing and do not have a franchise agreement with NSP. U there's any questions, staff would recommend approval to schedule the public hearing for July 9th, 2026 at 7 p.m. or shortly thereafter. >> All right. Very good. Thank you, Jamie. >> Do the other two elector companies have

44
00:12:05.279 --> 00:12:22.399
similar franchise agreements? >> Yes. >> All right. Are those coming due anytime soon or those? >> I do not believe so. >> All right. That's all I got. Scott, >> just [clears throat] for I guess educational purposes, if we did not have

45
00:12:22.399 --> 00:12:39.440
a franchise agreement, what does that look like and for the continuation of >> uh I suppose it becomes more difficult if there's a street recon and having them relocate their facilities or um abandoning right ofway, things like

46
00:12:39.440 --> 00:12:54.000
that. >> So, just streamlines the process and Okay, that's all I was looking for. Thank you, >> Brian. >> Uh, was the last one for 20 years? >> Yes. >> Okay, that's all I have. >> Okay. >> No.

47
00:12:54.000 --> 00:13:11.279
>> All right. May I entertain a motion? >> So move. >> Motion by Palaba. >> Second. >> Second by VP. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Consider approval to renew the 3.2% 2% liquor license application

48
00:13:11.279 --> 00:13:27.760
submitted by J and J Ldale Inc. also known as Mac and Fine Foods. Joel Ericson. Uh well, uh according to city code chapter 110.27 terms and expiration of licenses um with the exception of temporary and consumption and display uh

49
00:13:27.760 --> 00:13:43.760
licenses, all liquor license expired June 30th. Uh staff sent J&J Lawndale a license renewal dated April 30th along with every other um establishment for their 32 liquor license. Uh the police chief reviewed and signed the renewal

50
00:13:43.760 --> 00:14:00.399
not aware of any reasons for the city council not to um approve the requested liquor license. Um they provided all the required information um provided oh there's not a fee for this license and um the required ins certificate of

51
00:14:00.399 --> 00:14:17.120
insuranceances for liquor liability and work comp. Uh unless there's any questions that would recommend approval of the uh renewal license request. >> All right. Thank you. Scott, you got anything? >> No, just a standard pretty standard routine thing. So nothing additional.

52
00:14:17.120 --> 00:14:31.760
>> Bri, >> nothing. >> Greg, >> nothing. >> Timmy, >> nothing. >> All right. Entertain a motion. Some move. >> Motion by Favana. >> Second. >> Second by Miller. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> I opposed. >> All right. Consider approval of

53
00:14:31.760 --> 00:14:48.480
application of an application for an off sale intoxicating liquor license submitted by the city of Ldale or Lndale Liquor. Um yeah, the city of Lndale Lawndale liquor um submitted an application for an offsale liquor license. Uh again, the

54
00:14:48.480 --> 00:15:04.079
chief of police um reviewed the application, signed it um prior to this meeting. Um I contacted our insurance agent, requested a liquor liability certificate of insurance. Um probably had less than 5 minutes. Um staff's not aware of any reason not to approve the

55
00:15:04.079 --> 00:15:20.000
requested license. So unless there's any questions, staff can recommend approval of the uh renewal liquor license for an off sale license to the city of Lawndale. >> All right. Very good. Brian, >> I don't know. That's a sketchy ownership group over there. [laughter]

56
00:15:20.000 --> 00:15:36.880
>> No, just kidding. >> Carrie, >> nothing. >> Jimmy, >> nothing. >> Scott, >> I have nothing. >> Entertain motion. >> Second motion by Miller, second by Wersian. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> All opposed.

57
00:15:36.880 --> 00:15:54.399
All right. Item F. Consider approval of a renewal application submitted by Smoke LLC for an on sale liquor license and a Sunday liquor license. Joe Ericson. Uh yes, Smoke submitted all the um required information, paid the fee, provided insurance, um submitted the application.

58
00:15:54.399 --> 00:16:10.560
Uh again, the chief of police reviewed it um for approval. Staff's not aware of any reasons not to approve the requested liquor licenses. >> Very good. Entertain a motion. >> Oh, sorry. I motion by Plava, second. >> Second by Miller. Any further discussion?

59
00:16:10.560 --> 00:16:26.800
>> All in favor? >> All opposed. [snorts] >> Item G, consider approval of a new application submitted by the Tipsy Bullfrog LLC for an on sale liquor license and a Sunday liquor license. Joel Eerson, city administrator.

60
00:16:26.800 --> 00:16:43.199
Um, yeah. So, kind of continuation of the the liquor license renewals. Tootsie Bullfrog submitted um their application for uh on sale intoxicating in the Sunday on sale um liquor licenses. The only thing different with this application or applicant is that they

61
00:16:43.199 --> 00:17:00.160
had to submit the u background packet since they don't have a license here in town. Um so they completed that um paid the fee that was uh provided to the uh police chief for review. Um upon the background being completed, there was not no disqualifiers

62
00:17:00.160 --> 00:17:16.720
found. Um so staff would um and they also paid the fee and provided the the required uh insurance certificates for work comp and liquor liability. As much as any questions, staff would recommend approval of the liquor licenses requested by the Tipsy Bullfrog LLC.

63
00:17:16.720 --> 00:17:31.120
>> Very good. Thank you. Uh because this is a new applicant, I'll throw it around the table. Jamie, you got anything? >> Nope. just excited to see a new business in town. >> Yep. Scott, >> I have nothing. >> Ryan, >> I think we better approve this otherwise they're going to have a hard time paying

64
00:17:31.120 --> 00:17:48.000
back that EDA loan again. [laughter] >> Krie, >> um I'm just also excited to have another business, especially on Main Street there. And then any update on when they're possibly opening or trying to open? >> I've heard July now. >> Yeah. I I was told to anticipate that

65
00:17:48.000 --> 00:18:03.360
they'd be open uh for community day. >> Okay. So, >> all right. Sounds good. >> They've been working like they've been working like material today. >> Oh, good. >> They've been working like crazy down there. So, >> nice. >> All right. Entertain a motion. >> So, moved. >> Motion by Miller.

66
00:18:03.360 --> 00:18:20.000
>> Second. >> Entertain a second. >> You guys can you guys tied. [laughter] >> All right. I'll give it a commission. >> I'll give it to uh give it to Worm Excursion. >> So, I did give it to Scott last time. All right. [laughter] Any further

67
00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:36.080
discussion? >> All in favor? >> I I. >> All opposed. All right. Consider approval to make the Fig Street Northeast and 8th Avenue Northeast intersection and all way stop. Killer says the city administrator. >> Um yeah, this was um an item requested

68
00:18:36.080 --> 00:18:53.600
to be on the agenda for consideration. Um there's also a request for um temporary uh stop signs at um 15th Avenue uh Southwest and Connecticut Drive Southwest. Um as far as the uh 8th

69
00:18:53.600 --> 00:19:10.320
Avenue and Fig Street, staff was contacted by a resident um that lives by that intersection requesting the city install a temporary four-way stop essentially due to the roundabout and the Highway 19 roundabout construction project. um anticipating higher levels

70
00:19:10.320 --> 00:19:27.039
of traffic than are being realized. Um we did put um make that intersection a temporary four-way stop. Um shortly after that, um staff received a request from a resident to make that a a four-way stop. Um they were informed that at this time it's temporary and

71
00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:44.080
will be removed after the detour is completed. Um, also received a request for a stop sign at sixth in FIG, um, citing speed, the trail, and a daycare. Um, I I guess really at this point, it's

72
00:19:44.080 --> 00:19:59.039
kind of up to the council as to to what they want to do, if they want to make it a a um a permanent four-way stop or not. Um, I did include some information um from the city engineer regarding warrants for an all all-way stop. Um,

73
00:19:59.039 --> 00:20:14.480
based off of um what was provided that intersection does not meet the warrants. Um, that doesn't mean that the city council can't make it a four-way stop. Um, you know, other concerns of speed the and it's I believe it's still out

74
00:20:14.480 --> 00:20:30.480
there. I didn't look today, but the speed trailer has been out there through the entire um detour. so far. Um, as far as those warrants, it's crash experience, um, sight distance, transition to signal control, um, which

75
00:20:30.480 --> 00:20:46.559
is, um, not applicable here. Um, how many vehicles need to go through that intersection per hour, both the, um, street that has the stop and the one that does not. And then just some other factors, uh,

76
00:20:46.559 --> 00:21:01.760
control left turn conflicts. um two kind of residential neighborhood collector streets um or where pedestrian and bike movements support the the installation. Um yeah, I guess that's kind of the the

77
00:21:01.760 --> 00:21:19.840
staff report. Um we were actually at supper going over the agenda tonight and my wife informed me that they were almost uh t-boned at that intersection cuz someone wasn't going to stop traveling eastbound on Fifth Street and had to slam their brakes on. So, this is one experience that, you

78
00:21:19.840 --> 00:21:38.799
know, I'm not aware of ever being close to an accident at the intersection in the last 20 years. So, it actually feels less safe now >> cuz you know that the traffic on Fig Street was not going to stop. Turn over the council.

79
00:21:38.799 --> 00:21:55.200
>> All right. Very good, Scott. Um, I guess at this point I'm not totally opposed to it, but I would like to see what that intersection looks like uh once traffic levels return to normal uh before making a final

80
00:21:55.200 --> 00:22:11.440
decision on it. Uh, being that it doesn't meet all the criteria uh as per the engineer. Um yeah, over the over the years, you know, I've driven it and uh I've I don't think I've ever responded to a crash there. Uh

81
00:22:11.440 --> 00:22:28.799
unfortunately, um but at the same time, I want make sure that it is it is safe for everybody. So, I would like I I would not be opposed to looking at it, but that's after the roundabout is done and the traffic levels return to normal

82
00:22:28.799 --> 00:22:43.679
or even looking at it after the apartment uh project is completed and see what the traffic levels look like. >> Right. Right. >> Um [clears throat] I don't see a problem with having it as a four-way. Um

83
00:22:43.679 --> 00:22:59.360
I I think it's a matter of muscle memory control, you know. I mean, as you noted, people are used to it being a two-way, but um you know with the with the walking trails there, there's a lot of young families in that area. You know, I mean, I've got

84
00:22:59.360 --> 00:23:15.039
a buddy who lives over there, so I not necessarily his families, but I know his neighbors, there's a lot of young families. They spend a lot of time walking around there. And then the other thing that I think, you know, the more we can get some control on some of these intersections, um one of the things I've really noticed

85
00:23:15.039 --> 00:23:31.120
is these motorized scooters these kids flying all over town on these motorized scooters and um we have to give them more opportunities to stop frankly because uh they're not doing a very good job at it. >> But will they even stop with the stop

86
00:23:31.120 --> 00:23:45.520
sign? Cuz I see them just >> I think I think if we start enforcing Yeah. I mean we we nail them. But I mean that's a different subject to this. But this gives them an opportunity to practice that stopping at another intersection. Um >> but yeah, I I I think I don't I don't

87
00:23:45.520 --> 00:24:00.960
see a problem with it. Um um again I think it's just a a muscle memory thing to make sure that people realize and um you know that's not the only intersection I see people roll through constantly. I see it all the

88
00:24:00.960 --> 00:24:16.880
time on Main Street. Uh drives me insane these people who don't stop or barely stop. >> So >> yeah, that's all I got. >> All right, Carrie. Um, I'm kind of on the same page with Scott about waiting

89
00:24:16.880 --> 00:24:34.000
until traffic is diverted back to normal um to install something permanent. If we did end up doing something permanent, would we be able to put up the like the blinking stop sign like that up on two and 19? You know, when you're approaching 19 on two, how it starts

90
00:24:34.000 --> 00:24:50.240
blinking a little bit back cuz I feel like >> Yeah. I mean, I can only imagine that's >> $10,000. Yeah, they're very expensive. >> Yeah, because I just worry with the traffic change, like we'd have to have signage ahead of the stop sign to inform

91
00:24:50.240 --> 00:25:05.440
people traffic change ahead >> that will be required. >> Yeah. And I don't know. I'm I definitely agree with safety, but I don't know about making it permanent until after because this is just a temporary

92
00:25:05.440 --> 00:25:22.000
thing through the roundabout. And actually, I was prepared to remove them because the traffic is not what we thought it was going to be. >> That's all I have. >> All right, Jamie. >> Well, it's a safety issue and um they want a

93
00:25:22.000 --> 00:25:37.919
stop sign there. I've heard nothing but positive reviews about it except for one person because they didn't know how to a four-way stop sign worked. So, we might need to uh instruct them on how a four-way stop sign works. And if they want it there, they want it

94
00:25:37.919 --> 00:25:54.480
there. Let's give them the opportunity to have it there. It's not going to cost the city that much. Why do we have to be reactive if there's accidents? Let's be proactive and prevent these accidents. We're trying to get speed limits reduced in town and we get upset because we need

95
00:25:54.480 --> 00:26:12.559
speed studies and traffic studies and we just wanted some that changed, but then somebody wants a stop sign, you're like, well, it doesn't meet the criteria. driving through my own neighborhood. There's three-way stops on the Second Avenue and there's hardly anybody

96
00:26:12.559 --> 00:26:28.960
driving down those streets. So, there's a lot more traffic in this intersection. Let's just give them a four-way stop. >> Um, one of the other things that I want to note is it's not just the roundabout or, you know, the the apartment either.

97
00:26:28.960 --> 00:26:46.320
It's the highway 19 mill overlay which you know at some point of time 8 is going to be a detour. So you're just rushing to put it back up again. And you know we're talking about how for 20 years a temporary sign was never there. Well then what's it going to be like

98
00:26:46.320 --> 00:27:02.240
when we take it down and then put it back up again and then take it down put it back up again. you know, um I have heard nothing but uh positive things just like Jamie from all tons of residents. Um you know, I even talked to

99
00:27:02.240 --> 00:27:17.440
a former police officer that lives over there that uh his son got smacked by a car, um going down his own driveway. You know, the fact is is that there's hazards everywhere I live on Main Street. Every time I back up, you know,

100
00:27:17.440 --> 00:27:32.000
I'm I'm hoping that somebody's not hitting me because of this roundabout. Um, so you got crosswalks there. Um, again, you got kids that are running around on these ebikes, e- scooters. You know, I think any way to make uh the

101
00:27:32.000 --> 00:27:47.520
city a little bit more safer uh is just fine. And then also that temporary stop sign, you know, I thank the individual that put that up because those residents were asking for some way or somehow for traffic to just slow down a little bit.

102
00:27:47.520 --> 00:28:04.240
And I know it's new. I know there's probably some people that just don't see it. I don't know how. It's right there. >> Um, but I know the residents over there respect it a lot. Um, so I I'm a fan of it.

103
00:28:04.240 --> 00:28:22.000
But, um, >> do we want to be looking at a stop sign on 8th Avenue Birch with the apartments being under construction? Well, I mean, right now we're talking Fig Street Northeast and 8th Avenue Northeast. That's something you'd like to do, we can bring that up into another council

104
00:28:22.000 --> 00:28:43.679
meeting. >> Well, I'm just asking to be be proactive, that's all. It's not my recommendation, but if we're trying to be talking about being proactive and safety, they're going to start construction on that August 1st. So, less than 6 weeks.

105
00:28:43.679 --> 00:29:05.039
>> Yeah. Yeah, go ahead and put it on an agenda. >> Mayor Burr, can I weigh in on this if you don't mind? >> Go ahead, Joe. >> Um, I am by no means a traffic engineer, but I do work in our streets every single day. Um, just today I was almost

106
00:29:05.039 --> 00:29:22.480
struck. I'm the one 15th in Connecticut here. They're new. People don't see them. I'm not trying to make excuses from that standpoint. These temporary intersections are less safe because these people are not

107
00:29:22.480 --> 00:29:37.919
slowing down. Some things I want to remind the council of. Number one, it is state law for everyone to stop for pedestrians and crosswalks whether they have a stop sign or not. Mhm. >> I my opinion is a more appropriate

108
00:29:37.919 --> 00:29:54.000
action would be if we're worried about pedestrian safety that we can mark the middle of the streets with those pedestrian safety markers similar to what we have on 8th Avenue. Um we have to put ourselves in the mind of a 10-year-old that's sitting at an

109
00:29:54.000 --> 00:30:13.039
intersection that's 30 miles an hour thinking they are protected by a stop sign. And when they're not, it's bad. Um, I'm not trying to start any arguments

110
00:30:13.039 --> 00:30:28.159
here, but I don't know how many of you are coming into town from the north to access Lndale via from the north. I can tell you at 6:40 in the morning, um,

111
00:30:28.159 --> 00:30:45.279
that's when the problem is, backing that intersection up, if you have to stop, you have to stop. That's just what it is. It's had a natural flow for the last 25 years, per se. Um,

112
00:30:45.279 --> 00:31:03.520
I am 100% for whatever we can do to make our streets safer. I do not feel that this makes our street safer. Um, like I said, there are other things that we can do, we can try. Um, I just if we want to look at, in my

113
00:31:03.520 --> 00:31:20.399
opinion, the intersections that are bigger problems. Um, they are the ones that have stop signs. >> Main Street and Fig, that's probably the number one. Nobody stops. If you are going west, no one stops. Willow Creek

114
00:31:20.399 --> 00:31:38.159
and Industrial, no one stops. And I just don't want that false sense of safety for pedestrians that they think they're going to stop and the people don't. I haven't gotten that impression from those neighbors over on Connecticut. And the other point is is that that temp

115
00:31:38.159 --> 00:31:55.360
sign was only going to be there to try to stop those individuals that are driving down there. Hey, if they're missing it, then yeah, we could talk enforcement. But it's up until because they had their fence almost all the way to that curb and there's supposed to be

116
00:31:55.360 --> 00:32:10.480
a sidewalk there for safety. And that's the only reason why the temp sign is out there is up until they get that sidewalk put in. So then that way people have somewhere to go versus walking around and getting into the street.

117
00:32:10.480 --> 00:32:26.000
So that's 15th Avenue Southeast. just for clarification purposes. Um, since that fence has been moved back in that corner, but not all the way. Um, it is a it is a

118
00:32:26.000 --> 00:32:43.039
work site and we should be trying to have slower travel down that road. Um, I don't know when they plan on putting that sidewalk in, but I can assume it's only just a matter of time. But um I can respect that with the

119
00:32:43.039 --> 00:33:01.919
construction going on that there is congestion with the way that they're parking. But the thing that I'll I'll say about that intersection is there is a ped ramp on the quick trip side. I guess I'm not standing there all the

120
00:33:01.919 --> 00:33:16.159
time, but when we plow snow in the winter, you see which trails are used and which trails are not used. That is not used. I don't know what's changing, but there's construction. All of a sudden, we have

121
00:33:16.159 --> 00:33:37.519
all these pedestrians. I guess I I just I really just hope the council really thinks it through before we start changing intersections in town. I am all for safety. I want to make sure everybody knows that. But going off of

122
00:33:37.519 --> 00:33:55.120
the factors that are required, you know, to meet the criteria, we don't meet that. >> I don't know. >> Stop sign is a different case than this, but I'll bring up something else. Um, there are studies out there. It is no

123
00:33:55.120 --> 00:34:12.200
longer recommended or warranted for the deaf children ahead signs, blind children ahead signs, caution children at play. There are studies out there that show that adding those signs makes it more dangerous. City of Lonzale, we don't put those signs up anymore.

124
00:34:14.399 --> 00:34:42.879
Um, that's that's all I've got. All right. Well, I will entertain a motion. One way or another, um I would propose why don't we table this because I do think there is a uh a

125
00:34:42.879 --> 00:34:57.920
discussion to be had here, but based on some of the comments by staff, maybe we should table it [clears throat] till the construction starts. leave it as the four-way temporary for now. We have we have that still in

126
00:34:57.920 --> 00:35:12.640
place. Um and then revisit this once the because I don't I don't want to see this die. I I think we should continue to have a discussion about this. Um I think there's an argument to be made for a

127
00:35:12.640 --> 00:35:30.880
permanent four-way. Um but I'd like to give people more time to think on it. Does that make sense? >> So motion to table. >> All right, I'll second. >> Motion by War Miss Gerson, second by

128
00:35:30.880 --> 00:35:48.800
Vava. Any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed? Great. Discuss the renewal application submitted by the American Legion 586 for non-sale liquor license and a Sunday liquor license. K. Ericson.

129
00:35:48.800 --> 00:36:05.560
Uh staff was requested to put this on the agenda. Um the Legion dropped off their their liquor license. Um didn't provide uh the required payment or insurance certificates. I guess that's staff's report.

130
00:36:05.760 --> 00:36:24.160
>> Dave Bernie. >> Hi. Uh so this is uh this is the first time I get to address you all. Uh so I just want to introduce myself. My name is Dave Shimoda. Um, I'm a longtime resident of Vesley, Minnesota. Uh, some

131
00:36:24.160 --> 00:36:39.520
of you might know my dad, Arie Shimoda. Uh, I've been in the army for the last 25 years, a little over 25 years. So, I've been moving around. So, I came back a few months ago, and I I came back and I joined the American Legion. And, uh, when I came back to the

132
00:36:39.520 --> 00:36:55.839
American Legion, there was a couple major concerns. Um, and and I'm sure that some of you guys are aware of that. And uh, so I I just want to to let you guys know at the forefront um, as as I come to you guys that there's there's

133
00:36:55.839 --> 00:37:12.640
concern with the American Legion and we understand that. Um, and and the reason I bring that up is because we're asking for a reduced price in the liquor license. And from what I understand from Milton Trinka is that the price is around $2,200 including the Sunday

134
00:37:12.640 --> 00:37:30.800
sales. And you know, as as an American Legion, um you know, for the last few years, I guess that the lawn sale council has provided us a break in that license, reducing it down to around $300, I think, is what the price was. Um

135
00:37:30.800 --> 00:37:46.079
and you know, this is always this is always an ask. It's not it's not a gift and it's and it's a a favor and kind of a thanks at the same time. I feel um and I feel that it it equates equally with the Legion. And and the reason I say

136
00:37:46.079 --> 00:38:02.480
that is the American Legion represents a a group of less than 1% um of of the American public that's volunteered to serve the United States in in some form or fashion as a and and has become a veteran. And in order to be

137
00:38:02.480 --> 00:38:17.200
a veteran, you got to serve at least one day, right? And you can still be active duty in the in the military. Um, but that population is pretty limited. And, you know, the American Legion as a whole is, as as you all know, is a nonprofit

138
00:38:17.200 --> 00:38:34.079
organization. And we raise money uh not not so that, you know, myself or or Mr. John Men or or Bernie Frick can go out and have a great time or buy luxurious cars. it's that we can donate back to the public. So, we can donate back to

139
00:38:34.079 --> 00:38:51.040
the ambassadors. Uh we can donate back to the the Sons of the Legion, other nonprofits to help the community. Um you know, so as we're as we're moving forward, you know, I'm going to be completely upfront with you. You know,

140
00:38:51.040 --> 00:39:07.280
the Legion is not doing like it used to, right? Um, and I think we can see that across the board, across the entire American public. The American Legion, the BFWs are not accelerating. They're

141
00:39:07.280 --> 00:39:22.640
not growing like they used to. Um, and I and I don't know how many of you have been in this community for a long period of time, but if you if you go back and you think about the 70s, the 80s, the 90s even, um, you know, for for Memorial

142
00:39:22.640 --> 00:39:40.400
Day, for instance, we used to march from the church and we would have a parade on Memorial Day and we would walk and the and the BFW would march all the way up to Trunchen Hill. And I remember when I was little, I would laugh, right? Because these guys, you know, no

143
00:39:40.400 --> 00:39:57.920
offense, Mr. Mode, but they were younger, right? And they would be walking just fine. They get up to Trundon Hill and they'd slowly slow down up that steep hill. If you've never walked it, uh you'd probably slow down, too. But they used to walk up to the top of the hill and the pride and everything else was there. and and that

144
00:39:57.920 --> 00:40:14.880
camaraderie, that um that that belief in in the American Legion, in the faith, and all that good stuff is kind of dwindled. And so, what does that mean? What what am I going to try to get to? Well, so has the number

145
00:40:14.880 --> 00:40:30.560
of participants and parties that have attended the American Legion. So, we're struggling. And so $2,200 for a liquor license is expensive um for the Legion. And so as we continue

146
00:40:30.560 --> 00:40:46.000
to grow and try to change things and bring back uh fundraisers to provide back to the community and to the members of the community, you know, we're trying to look at ways that how how can we save money in order to give back money, if

147
00:40:46.000 --> 00:41:04.160
that makes sense. Um and and there's a lot of initiatives that are underway. We're just not there yet. But you know, a $2,200 fee for a liquor's license. Right now, we're operating Thursday through Saturday. Um I want to say 4 to

148
00:41:04.160 --> 00:41:21.359
1, uh Friday and Saturday and 4 to 11, 4 to midnight on, um Thursday. We hope to open Wednesday through Sunday. And that's not to raise more money, but that's to provide more opportunities to the community. That's to provide more

149
00:41:21.359 --> 00:41:36.800
opportunities for uh volunteers. I know we get asked for uh Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts and other nonprofits to do organizations and and help raise money for the community there. So, we're trying to be open more often. Um but

150
00:41:36.800 --> 00:41:53.680
until we get there, that that $2,200 is is a lot to ask for the for the American Legion. Um, not saying that it's impossible, right? Everything's possible. So, I'm not not saying that we can't. I'm just asking that the the

151
00:41:53.680 --> 00:42:11.040
council considers that when when they're asking us for what we need to pay for a liquor license as we move forward. Um, and and to just remind you, you know, that everything that we do does not go into pocket of the American Legion.

152
00:42:11.040 --> 00:42:26.800
money goes to either improving or paying for, you know, the lights uh to fix the American Legion to to provide an opportunity for you guys to have graduation parties, anniversary parties, although anniversary parties, you know,

153
00:42:26.800 --> 00:42:42.160
are kind of going down. We'd hope to see uh marriages lasting longer, but they're they're going down a little bit. But, you know, that's a little pun to the side. I think we can all get that. But um you know we we we want to provide

154
00:42:42.160 --> 00:42:59.359
opportunities for the community. And in order to do that, we have to stay open. In order to stay open, we have to try to cut costs and try to save money wherever we can. And so we're asking that you guys take into consideration that we do everything that we do at the at the

155
00:42:59.359 --> 00:43:16.000
Legion, we donate back out there to the public, the city of Lndale, the fire department. I know we talked about fire suppressors and helping out with the community in that essence. Um, so I just ask that you guys take that into consideration uh as as we look towards

156
00:43:16.000 --> 00:43:32.640
renewing the liquor's license uh for the American Legion. >> I miss anything, John? >> Very good. >> All right. >> If if I don't have any questions, I I appreciate you guys' time and uh I'm open to any questions that you guys may have.

157
00:43:32.640 --> 00:43:48.880
>> All right. Thank you, Dave. Brian, you got anything? >> Um, no. I just I say no and then I start talking. [laughter] Sorry. Um, you know, I just I [clears throat] think

158
00:43:48.880 --> 00:44:04.319
I think back on this, you know, and I I was a strong advocate for the reduced price. You know, um, when I joined the council, I didn't understand why the Legion was getting a $300 liquor license versus everyone else. And it was explained to

159
00:44:04.319 --> 00:44:22.160
me that Allegian got a club price or club rate for many many years. And that was a mistake on our part to a degree um to allow that because technically you guys didn't qualify for that under under state law. Um you know the last couple years I'

160
00:44:22.160 --> 00:44:38.560
I've been a strong advocate for it. Um, you know, the the struggle I have, however, is we've got other businesses in town that have come to us and asked for reduced liquor license fees because legitimate reasons, right? Like my

161
00:44:38.560 --> 00:44:53.280
business is severely impacted by construction multiple years in a row, things like that. And we've turned them down. Um, you know, and I know the first year there was some constrnation

162
00:44:53.280 --> 00:45:10.319
about the reduced fee because the hours were reduced. You know, kind of the same things you're saying today. You know, we're only open a couple days a week, but then Taco Bean came in and it was open seven days a week. So, the the argument changed and it was pretty

163
00:45:10.319 --> 00:45:28.319
quickly. Um, you know, at some point we we have to think about are we crossing a line? Are we being unfair to our other businesses in town? Because the rumblings are starting to happen. And that's the thing that we're we're faced with is, you know, um, at

164
00:45:28.319 --> 00:45:46.720
what point are we, um, I'm trying to think of the correct way to phrase this. At what point are we tipping the scales? You know what I mean? Um, now one thing I think here, you know, you talk about you're not open on Sundays. Well, right there, you could

165
00:45:46.720 --> 00:46:04.000
shave 200 bucks off by just not getting the Sunday liquor license. Um, because you can always add that later. >> That's a thing that can always be added back on later. So, I think that's an easy fix right now. If if you know you're not going to be open on Sundays for the foreseeable future, don't get

166
00:46:04.000 --> 00:46:20.319
the Sunday liquor license. Um, but you know, I'm I it's hard for me because I want this Legion to be successful. I mean, I remember when we first moved to town, I've been here for 23 years. When we first moved to town, burger nights before the Aces games, you

167
00:46:20.319 --> 00:46:35.520
couldn't get near that place. It was packed. Um, fish fries, that was another thing. I mean, the parking lot was packed. There were people parking in the in the ball field parking lot because there's no room in the Legion parking lot and, you know, you had to wait. Um,

168
00:46:35.520 --> 00:46:52.160
you know, I think all these things, that's what I want to see again. I really do. And I understand that, you know, it's tight for everybody. It's tight for everybody. And I know that the uh the nonprofits are hit especially hard. So, I can appreciate where you

169
00:46:52.160 --> 00:47:08.880
guys are coming from, but I'm I am kind of struggling a little bit because again, we are getting the rumblings and we're getting the push back. And it's as much as we want to support, we got to support everybody.

170
00:47:08.880 --> 00:47:25.599
That's kind of kind of where I'm kind of thinking at this point. >> Great, Grie. >> Everybody knows how I feel about the Legion. I love it. I've fought hard over the last couple years to help do whatever I could. Um I advocated last

171
00:47:25.599 --> 00:47:42.880
year for this and um I know this year I have had some push back from people saying well why this will be three in a row like nothing has changed like there's no action going on there you know so it's always been just like well let's wait and see let's wait and see

172
00:47:42.880 --> 00:47:58.160
and so people are getting frustrated you know that it's been granted and then nothing changed it actually got worse you know and so it's like I really want the Legion to succeed. I'm a member. I am in the auxiliary. I just want this to

173
00:47:58.160 --> 00:48:12.640
succeed, but I also feel the pain of the other businesses who are suffering. And I mean, the economy is not that great for anybody, but I have a heart for nonprofit, especially the Legion um to succeed. I don't know what the answer is

174
00:48:12.640 --> 00:48:29.359
with this because business is down. It has been down. So, I don't know what we're going to do to get it back. And I don't know. I know that other legions and BFWs are not doing well as you stated. Uh they're closing down um selling all that kind of stuff. It would

175
00:48:29.359 --> 00:48:44.480
be horrible for that to happen here in Lawndale. So, I don't know. I guess I really just want people to understand like it will be different this time because there's different people in leadership now. And I think that's an important piece to hold on to because

176
00:48:44.480 --> 00:49:01.599
with new leadership comes new ideas and a new passion for success. So that's what I'm hoping for. I think that's all. >> All right, Jamie. >> Well, since you're not open on Sundays right now, right off the bat, just take

177
00:49:01.599 --> 00:49:18.800
the Sunday liquor license off and save the 200 bucks. And then when you're at the point to open up on Sundays, come in and talk to us and then apply for the liquor license. Maybe we can prrate it or wait till next year at this time to get your Sunday liquor license. is 200

178
00:49:18.800 --> 00:49:35.520
bucks. That's a few drinks that you're going to have to sell just to make that up. And if you're not even open on Sunday, why pay for it? But we do appreciate why you're I've been a lifelong resident in town and people are why you need the Legion. And then

179
00:49:35.520 --> 00:49:50.800
you guys give back to the community. You do honor guard for military veterans when they pass away. I know previous veterans that are long deceased. the Legion was their only family

180
00:49:50.800 --> 00:50:07.040
and it shows because their flags are sitting behind the bar. So, there is a need for you in the community, but like they said, you've gotten the discounts before and the other businesses are rumbling, but take that Sunday liquor license right off the bat.

181
00:50:07.040 --> 00:50:23.680
>> I'd love for it to be open on Sundays. Come watch some football or races. Anyways, >> that's all I got. Scott. >> Um, [clears throat] so I guess welcome back. I mean, you haven't been around for a while. Um, I, uh, I guess being the senior council member, I was

182
00:50:23.680 --> 00:50:40.160
involved when, uh, everything, uh, came came about with, uh, with Taco Bn and that was the whole the beginning of the this whole thing. Um, [snorts] and, uh, yeah, so like Brian mentioned, it was kind of oversight or however you want to

183
00:50:40.160 --> 00:50:57.119
phrase it, but we're working on working forward from there. Um going back we at that time I believe we waved the Sunday license and this is just historical uh we waved the there was no Sunday license application. Um I

184
00:50:57.119 --> 00:51:12.960
believe it was the that year or maybe it was the next year uh they were open on Sundays and when when they came and asked for the discount again I said wait a second here you were selling on Sundays and you didn't even have a Sunday license. And the response I got

185
00:51:12.960 --> 00:51:29.599
back from the leadership was, "Well, that was a rogue employee that was doing that without authorization." Now, this is all military veterans. These are leadership uh positions in our in the organization. And these are these are supposed to be the people that are in charge. Yet, they're letting the the

186
00:51:29.599 --> 00:51:46.720
employees dictate what was happening. That was a huge liability thing. If I if I had one of my employees go rogue, they'd be fired and maybe criminally charged because it left them open to, you know, potential legal uh implications.

187
00:51:46.720 --> 00:52:03.520
That but that was kind of the Yeah, it was an employee. It wasn't our fault. That that really left a bad taste in my mouth. Um but can you explain to me now um what is different in the leadership? I mean I I

188
00:52:03.520 --> 00:52:19.440
know there's a turnover all the time. There's you know a new new boards of officers and whatnot. What is going to be what is being done differently to get this stronger? >> Yeah I Well, I appreciate it. Thanks Scott. So in and carries Brian same

189
00:52:19.440 --> 00:52:35.760
things. Um so so I think I think one of the biggest things is you know the acceptance of active criticism right and and what do I mean by that we welcome feedback right and I don't I don't know if that was necessarily

190
00:52:35.760 --> 00:52:52.720
uh accepted as much in the past right it was kind of a well you can't tell me what to do uh maybe it was more of a well we're the legion we you know we've been doing this for years um so So, I I wanted to kind of hit a couple points.

191
00:52:52.720 --> 00:53:08.960
Uh you do, you know, we talked about the the club membership and I I looked into all that and uh because because somebody had brought it up, bring up the club, you know, we need to get the club license and I and I looked at that and I was like, we never should have had a club license.

192
00:53:08.960 --> 00:53:24.880
>> I mean, it is an option, but you're going to limit your clientele. >> Yeah. You you have to it can't be open, right, to the public, right? like friends sign in and stuff like that. We did have a sign in roster, right? So, I'm not going to say that we were completely uh wrong. We did have a

193
00:53:24.880 --> 00:53:42.319
signing ro, but yes, I you know, and so there was a fine line always always written uh with the Legion and I think historically served that kind of as answered your question. Um, you know, throughout my 25 years, uh,

194
00:53:42.319 --> 00:53:59.280
I've served at several levels. Any anywhere from a squad, right, which is kind of what we would be here, right? A squad level, uh, all the way up to when I was at the human resources command at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Um, I made decisions that affected anywhere from,

195
00:53:59.280 --> 00:54:16.319
you know, 5,000 soldiers to 1.3 million. Um and and what you have to do in those situations, you look at the cost analysis, right? What is what is the bang for the buck? Uh how much money do I spend to get X? Um and so when you

196
00:54:16.319 --> 00:54:31.920
talk about what is different now? So historically throughout the Legion from what I've seen and observed and and kind of listened to and heard about by by talking to current members is

197
00:54:31.920 --> 00:54:47.359
um when when I was at HRC I used to ask people why why do you do that? And they say well you know that's that's because I'm not going to pick any card but it's because I one of the names I remember. Well that's that's the way Carr did and that's the way we always do it. Um, so

198
00:54:47.359 --> 00:55:02.160
it's I call that learning behavior. It's not because it's right. It's because that's that's what you were told to do and that's how you that's how you acted. That's how you did things. Um, and and historically, if I go back and I and I and I look at the lessons learned through the American Legion, I think a

199
00:55:02.160 --> 00:55:19.200
lot of it was why did we do that? Well, that's because that's what we always did, >> right? And so what has changed? >> I grew up in Vasley. I was born in 1982. My dad worked for the city of Longdale for 18 years. I remember walking some of

200
00:55:19.200 --> 00:55:35.359
these streets and dad would send you up and say, "What's the water meter say on that one?" And he'd have to read off the water meter and he had this little piece of paper and he he still has really amazing writing. But he would write it down on a little sheet of paper and he'd have to turn that into the city uh that

201
00:55:35.359 --> 00:55:53.440
used to be up on the hill, you know, and but that's just the way it was. So, so when I go back and I look at things, the Legion operated that same way for years and years and years and from what I'm understanding probably 10 plus years

202
00:55:53.440 --> 00:56:10.000
ago, things started to dwindle, right? And if we look at society as a whole, co and things like that, society as a whole started to dwindle. And I and I think that the American Legion started to dwindle as well. And and what I mean by that is I'm not

203
00:56:10.000 --> 00:56:26.480
saying that these guys didn't give it everything that they have, but they didn't have the energy that they had. And and and that's absolutely no offense. And and I love these guys, but the energy wasn't there. And so when energy came in, they gave it [snorts]

204
00:56:26.480 --> 00:56:42.160
and it and the energy was kind of given to the wrong resources. Um, and and I think that what has changed now is, and I've told several of them before, and and I've done this as I've changed

205
00:56:42.160 --> 00:56:58.079
commands and I've moved around the army. I always tell people the exact same thing, like Joelle, I'm not here to be your friend, right? I'm I'm not here to be your friend. I'm not here to be your friend, Mr. Tom. I'm here to do a job, right? And my job that they elected me

206
00:56:58.079 --> 00:57:14.000
to do was to be the commander. And so I don't I don't have to make friends. There's there's there's right, there's wrong, there's left and there's right. And what I'm trying to do and and I think I have the right people in place and the right people were elected to

207
00:57:14.000 --> 00:57:30.400
make that change was we are going to do the hard right over the easy wrong. And I don't need the friends if if that makes sense. >> Oh, absolutely. >> So So I think the biggest thing that has changed is

208
00:57:30.400 --> 00:57:46.559
The leadership right now isn't worried about appeasement. They're worried about the legion. And that's one of the things that I've I've told people when I first got elected uh just a little bit ago, but I I've told people the same thing.

209
00:57:46.559 --> 00:58:01.920
It's not about me. It's not about about Jim the accident. It's not about Mike the first vice. This is about post 586. What can we do to make the American Legion better.

210
00:58:01.920 --> 00:58:18.720
If what we can do to make the American Legion better, that's only going to spread, right? If if if you can make the American Legion a better resource for the society as a whole and I'm talking Lawndale and and the influencing parties

211
00:58:18.720 --> 00:58:36.319
Fesley the rural communities by providing car shows uh bingo I know bingo is a big thing but if you can add to those things that's only going to add to the community and so like I said before [cough] it's not about me it's

212
00:58:36.319 --> 00:58:52.160
not about the position >> it's It's I have nothing to do with it. This is all about post 586 in the American Legion and what I can do for long still. So I think and that's probably your biggest leading to because leading to my next item was you know um

213
00:58:52.160 --> 00:59:08.640
you know military experience fantastic. Uh do the people in place in in that need to have do is the business business acumen for the what is going on there. Do you have is that in place >> because running you're effectively

214
00:59:08.640 --> 00:59:25.440
running a hospitality industry and many of the many of these individuals are you know self have been self-employed or whatever and I mean you were in concrete remember if I remember correctly. Yeah. I mean it's it's it's a different world you know than than that. and and um uh

215
00:59:25.440 --> 00:59:43.359
say in my industry I am a uh a business mentor uh so for over six years we've been mentoring uh businesses in my in my industry uh because they had people that thought they knew what they were doing and and they suffered you know horribly at it.

216
00:59:43.359 --> 01:00:00.880
Have you ever seen the TV show Bar Rescue? >> Yep. We've been doing that for years for free because just because I know this aspect doesn't mean I know how to run the business as a whole. And that's why I wanted to find out you know because be before we you know come in and you know

217
01:00:00.880 --> 01:00:16.319
help out again if if the business isn't sustainable >> who are who are we really helping? Are we just delaying the inevitable? >> Yeah. >> Um so that that I guess that's kind of the question. what you know I it's great it's great to have ideas but over the years we've been hearing about I don't

218
01:00:16.319 --> 01:00:32.240
want to say infighting but massive disagreements about how we're going to do things >> and ultimately everything falls flat >> yeah no and and I appreciate that and and it's that's not the first time I've heard that you know um and so I guess I

219
01:00:32.240 --> 01:00:49.680
guess it's kind of a two-part question um is whatever you do have you helped the American Legion or have you asked helped American Legion with the business. >> I don't I don't that's not the area that that I that I have the expertise in. So I I wouldn't even try to inject my

220
01:00:49.680 --> 01:01:05.599
>> I was going to say I'm in I'm in auto I'm in auto repair. >> Okay. >> So I I'm not going to try to pretend that I know hospitality at all. I I will not. >> Yeah. >> I have offered and I used to own a bar, very successful bar and um I've been in the hospitality industry for multiple

221
01:01:05.599 --> 01:01:21.040
years prior to be being in the healthcare field now. So, I have offered multiple times in the past, was always turned down or whatever. >> And and and so so so to go to your point, Carrie, and and I wasn't putting you at all. >> No, I understand. I absolutely I'd be more than willing to do it, but I'm not

222
01:01:21.040 --> 01:01:35.920
going to stick my fingers into into a machinery that I don't that I that I don't I'm not an expert at. >> No. No. And and I and and I meant that more as a you know, one of the things that we're looking at doing is is outreach, right? >> Um you know, I'm the last person to say

223
01:01:35.920 --> 01:01:53.440
I know everything. I don't I I don't know a single thing. When when the very first meeting uh a gentleman Randy said, you know, I can't cook anymore. And you know, who the hell's going to cook? And I was sitting in the back the very first meeting. And I was sitting back there

224
01:01:53.440 --> 01:02:11.359
and I was like, I don't cook that barbecue like I'll help, right? Um and so so what I mean is like we need to reach out more, right? And you know Ki it's very

225
01:02:11.359 --> 01:02:26.640
unfortunate that you know you were ever told no. Um and and I think that's a different perspective that we're also taking a look at is >> cuz right right now you guys are sitting here you're asking for help. >> Yeah. >> But then the rest of the year you're like no we don't need any help. We got this. >> So that it's the the contradiction when

226
01:02:26.640 --> 01:02:42.319
it only boils down to >> to to money that that's that's where it stinks. >> Yeah. No. And you know, and it's I I I can only tell you this. When I when I moved back here in 2024,

227
01:02:42.319 --> 01:02:58.559
um this is this is my terminal assignment request for the army. So they station me up at Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Um and I'm going to be completely honest. I never wanted to move back to Vestin, Minnesota. You know, it was it was a small town. My mom and dad lived in the same house for 54

228
01:02:58.559 --> 01:03:16.640
years. uh but but after moving away right it's like it's cliche but you know you don't realize what you had until you don't have it and after 20ome years of moving around uh you know I was like man I I really want to move back to family and so I so I did I made the decision I

229
01:03:16.640 --> 01:03:31.839
moved back I moved back to Montgomery and then about a year and a half later uh my brother passed away right and and he had bought my parents house in um my parents parents had lived there for 54 years and they have they have a they

230
01:03:31.839 --> 01:03:48.079
used to have a hand pump uh and I'm kind of going on a tangent with this but you know they used to have a hand pump and what I'm trying to say is my family is so ingrained in this area that when I moved back and and my dad finally got me

231
01:03:48.079 --> 01:04:03.440
to come to a Legion meeting and they the very first meeting they were like look we are at the you know shooting up the red star cluster and if you don't know what that is just a pipe You hit it on the ground, it shoots up a cluster and it shoots off and it's red and it highlights and everybody can see

232
01:04:03.440 --> 01:04:20.799
everything. We're about to shoot up a red star cluster because we we're almost at the point of we need to sell the American Legion and that hit me and it hit me hard and car that was I think the first time I made it. Uh and I got a little emotional

233
01:04:20.799 --> 01:04:36.000
about that, right? And and I got emotional about it because you can't you can't replace a legion. You can't replace a BFW. You you will never replace those things. Like once

234
01:04:36.000 --> 01:04:53.520
they're gone, they're gone. Um and so so three months ago, I kind of started devoting myself to the American Legion and I want to do whatever I can to help it. Um, and so [snorts] anytime somebody tells me we can't do

235
01:04:53.520 --> 01:05:10.160
this because of this or we tried this and it failed because of this, I have so far uh and and and you can ask other members. I will absolutely tell them, okay, cool. Sounds good. Thumbs up, buddy. I'm going to write that down, but

236
01:05:10.160 --> 01:05:27.039
I'm not going to give it up. Like, I'm going to revisit it. I want to take another look at it because I am a firm believer if if you want it, you will get it. And and like I tell my soldiers uh

237
01:05:27.039 --> 01:05:44.240
in in the division is when we have customer service, your answer should be how do we get to yes, not why can't we? And so that's that's kind of the the the motivation I take towards the legion.

238
01:05:44.240 --> 01:05:59.839
And so to to all your points, Mr. Scott, which I greatly appreciate, and and yours, Miss Carr, and yours, Mr. Brian, is all of those, while I greatly appreciate them and that I understand them 110% that historically has

239
01:05:59.839 --> 01:06:16.319
happened, whatever my word is worth, I can tell you that even if that failed in the past, it is not something that I'm willing to say no to. So Ki, if you're willing to help and

240
01:06:16.319 --> 01:06:31.599
and and provide, you know, guidance and and influence in whatever direction it may be, I'm there for it. I'm I I want to receive it. I we we're working on tracking work orders for the American Legion. We're working on building a

241
01:06:31.599 --> 01:06:47.200
priority list on how we can improve it. We're looking at building an events uh organizer so when you call the American Legion that your call is returned in a timely manner. uh that that we at least acknowledge you. Uh there's there's

242
01:06:47.200 --> 01:07:04.640
other things like building a wall uh you know in the Legion that says you know platinum member you know I'm not going to even try to pronounce your last pelva >> Palava but that's right you did better than many Mr. Mr. Plava is a platinum

243
01:07:04.640 --> 01:07:20.960
member cuz he donated $1,000 to the American Legion, right? Your name goes up on a plaque and it goes up there for a year and then next year you restart, right? You got to donate another thousand. Uh, you know, and Mr. Corey says, "Well, I know Scott. I got more money than he does, so I'm going to put 2,000." Right? We still put him on the

244
01:07:20.960 --> 01:07:37.119
same >> True [laughter] for the record, right? Uh but but the point behind it is we we want the American Legion to be a a a place where people can gather whether you're a veteran, whether you're a member of a veteran or you know a veteran or you're

245
01:07:37.119 --> 01:07:52.480
just a community member that wants to contribute that you can gather there and you have the opportunity to host something there. Um so it's it's not just a veteran organization, it's a community organization. So, uh, just

246
01:07:52.480 --> 01:08:08.480
just a couple things. >> Um, if I may, Joel, what was the what was the license fee last year? What did what did they end up paying? >> Uh, I believe was 300. >> That's what it was. 300, >> I believe. Scott, what we did is we did 200 for the

247
01:08:08.480 --> 01:08:23.759
>> Sunday for the license and then 100 for the Sunday, I think, is what we reduced it down to. >> This is the same as last year. You got 200 for the Sunday. >> Okay. So, I mean, I just I just >> 200. Yeah, I think that was kind of the break. So, cuz I mean, I just, you know, ran ran quick numbers. I looked at, all

248
01:08:23.759 --> 01:08:39.679
right, so $2,000 uh $2,000 a year divided by 52 weeks, that's 38.50 a week. >> You know, it it seems like a big chunk of money. And when you break it out to him, it's like, okay, you know, 38 bucks a week isn't too bad. Um, I don't want

249
01:08:39.679 --> 01:08:57.040
to get too far up. Um, would a I'm going to say a $20 a week fee would that be uh more would be $1,000 a year one time

250
01:08:57.040 --> 01:09:16.319
and we went from we went from 300 to a if we went to $1,000 for that works out to $20 a week which I think is a sub substant stantial reduction. Um, working off the caveat that this is

251
01:09:16.319 --> 01:09:31.920
we're this is a help, but it's also, you know, we need we need we need to begin moving forward. We can't just keep hanging back here and um holding on to the old what you know, accountability, I

252
01:09:31.920 --> 01:09:48.319
guess, is what it boils down to. I don't I don't know how you guys would feel about that. Just I I'm I'm empathetic. I'm empathetic and sympathetic to your situation. Totally. I absolutely am. Um so, um just a it was

253
01:09:48.319 --> 01:10:05.679
just a suggestion. Um Dave, I'm sorry to hear about you, brother. Um and uh I do want to congratulate you too on uh being a commander. There has been a sense of change within

254
01:10:05.679 --> 01:10:21.120
that legion, but the last year was a mess. It was a disaster. And a couple of immediate questions I have is the former commander sat down with myself and district and stated she

255
01:10:21.120 --> 01:10:38.000
had funds budgeted for a full liquor license. Is that true? >> You know, uh, Mr. Um, I don't I'm still trying to get 100% a hold of everything and and without having 100% accurate

256
01:10:38.000 --> 01:10:54.719
numbers right now, I can't give you a 100% answer. And and I know that sounds as scapegoating as you can be, but I [snorts] would hate to misspeak in front of this panel. I >> I hear you, but the last time I went to

257
01:10:54.719 --> 01:11:10.000
a Legion meeting, it had stated that they had roughly $17,000. And to me personally, it backed up what the former post commander had stated. And the reason why I share this is very

258
01:11:10.000 --> 01:11:25.920
much because back in November of last year, I talked to Amy Larson and I stated a third time is going to be pressing your luck because we didn't get smoke a third one. That was our consistency laid out before Ki Jamie and

259
01:11:25.920 --> 01:11:48.239
myself even landed on console. I get that we're a legion. Um I love our legion. I've supported this legion. It's had my whole heart the whole entire time. But what I had seen unfold since December, it was downright

260
01:11:48.239 --> 01:12:04.480
disturbing. You had 173 written responses from this community through a survey. Your post commander had an internal investigation done by the state of internal affairs through the state commander office. And

261
01:12:04.480 --> 01:12:22.239
I'm curious, was there any accountability towards her? >> So for those actions? >> Well, so I think some of so so two parts to that. uh to address your first part about the money. um you know if if it is

262
01:12:22.239 --> 01:12:37.040
true in fact and and I don't have the numbers in front of me right now but if it's let's just say 17,000 and you know that's this year if you if you look at historically

263
01:12:37.040 --> 01:12:54.320
money in the bank what we can contribute the things that need to probably be done to the Legion there's probably zero in the in the bank if if if you fix the things that probably needed to be actually fixed. Um, and and

264
01:12:54.320 --> 01:13:09.520
and I'll just give you an example. Uh, I just donated the toilet lid to the mail bathroom. Uh, it was $70, right? But it needed to be fixed. Um, there's a light that's blinking. You know, there's there's

265
01:13:09.520 --> 01:13:25.440
>> is it a bet or something? [laughter] >> No, just the lid on the tank. The tank. >> Just the holding tank, right? Cover. [clears throat] Um but you know like all those things cost money >> and and so if we were to the 17,000 right it's like any one of us having

266
01:13:25.440 --> 01:13:41.199
that money in our bank that's like the you know pardon my French like the old [ __ ] money right like if the AC goes down in the American Legion I can only imagine the cost of what that would take right if you've ever cooked in the

267
01:13:41.199 --> 01:13:56.719
Legion right now there's a window right uh thing that's just kind of cut into the wall looks a little you know I don't know if I was an inspector if I was necessarily pass I don't want to expose anything right but there's a lot of things that needs to be done so the

268
01:13:56.719 --> 01:14:14.080
American Legion has kind of been cutting by holistically um and and so I think if we look at what the what the American Legion has in the bank right now compared to holistically what the American Legion you know if we're talking money you know if we

269
01:14:14.080 --> 01:14:29.679
looked at holistically what the what the American Legion has right now in value compared to what it's donated since it was originated probably back in the 60s. I mean, there's there's a huge amount of money uh that the American

270
01:14:29.679 --> 01:14:47.120
Legion didn't profit from, right? So, so and I know it kind of goes off a little bit, but I don't necessarily know if if the 17,000 money holds value uh in in essence. Um when you when you talk about

271
01:14:47.120 --> 01:15:02.400
what has been done since the investigation has come out from the I think the district, right? Um >> the state >> the state. So what has been done? Well, if I were to to take a piece of paper

272
01:15:02.400 --> 01:15:17.440
down and and write it down doctrally, right, by like what is supposed to be done by district, I can't give you a 100% answer. I really can't. Um, and it's all cultural, right? But I don't know those exacts. What I can tell you

273
01:15:17.440 --> 01:15:37.280
is that about 15 some days ago, right, when I took over, uh, we've already reddrafted the bylaws for who has control over the bar, who has control over the food, who has control over the events. Um and and

274
01:15:37.280 --> 01:15:54.400
these are things that need to be approved yet by the House committee and the the Legion itself, but but there's been probably six, seven hours outside of the American Legion meeting that have already been spent towards

275
01:15:54.400 --> 01:16:09.280
here's where we're at. How do we get better? We know that we do not have the trust in the community. We know that. And and that's not something that's secret, right? Like it's small

276
01:16:09.280 --> 01:16:26.080
community. What are we at? 5,000 plus 6,000 5,07. >> Okay. So, so I >> just got the numbers today. >> Just got the numbers. >> Okay. [laughter] So, so I remember Liz Reedac who was a

277
01:16:26.080 --> 01:16:41.440
high school crusher. [clears throat] >> Her dad owned this land that we're sitting on right now. I remember going up on this hill and it used to be a farm field, right, Mr. Go safe guy. I remember going to the to the grain mill, jumping in the in the gravity boxes, pushing down grain, hoping you didn't

278
01:16:41.440 --> 01:16:57.920
get caught in the shoot going [clears throat] out. But but I guess what I'm trying to say is we've made a significant amount of of push and movement forward to how we can stop this from ever happening again.

279
01:16:57.920 --> 01:17:14.560
that I don't think that you know you will ever see this again. Am I guaranteeing that? Absolutely not. I I don't think anything here is 100% guaranteed. But what I can tell you is that the effort that is going forward to

280
01:17:14.560 --> 01:17:31.440
ensure that this doesn't happen to ensure that we have control and that we have oversight on things. It is it is being pushed forward to be put in place so it doesn't I >> does that answer I guess >> I'm going to I'm going to tell you I

281
01:17:31.440 --> 01:17:46.640
mean when they were discussing selling the Legion I was upset because at that time I had pushed for a lease agreement and then I found out a whole bunch of things that were said that I allegedly had said that was twisted

282
01:17:46.640 --> 01:18:03.360
and it it was quite frankly really disappointing to go through and then a month later the Legion is talking about going up for sale And then I get a call from district that states that I'm not allowed to be there because I was going to bring up all the

283
01:18:03.360 --> 01:18:17.760
development that was coming into town and how this is a premature conversation. This this should never happen. This town lives for this legion. It lives for its veterans and I take this very seriously. Um, I I have the

284
01:18:17.760 --> 01:18:35.199
most respect for you and then the two people sitting behind you and a lot more people that were that are members there. I think you're on the right track of getting the Suns and the Auxiliary in together. And I think that that should have been all three at the same time

285
01:18:35.199 --> 01:18:52.400
rise up at the same time and do work together. Um, there is other things that I brought up as well when I had that conversation with the former district commander. um and post commander with district was we offer financial services as a city

286
01:18:52.400 --> 01:19:08.880
and if there's really pressing items that needed to be discussed. I I'm sure we could get you with city staff and you guys can hash it all out and see what can happen and and go through our economic development authority if need be. But I mean, we've all been here

287
01:19:08.880 --> 01:19:25.199
supporting the Legion. And it just tears me apart to see the last year and how one person could just trash that place and then get away without any accountability. And it's very disappointing to see. And that's why

288
01:19:25.199 --> 01:19:41.280
this year, I really want you guys to prove it. I want you to prove it. I want you to pay the full price of the liquor license. And I want you to prove it. And I know it's going to be hard for you to do. Um, I know it's going to be a challenge, but I promised you I wasn't going to give up on you. I promised Bernie I was

289
01:19:41.280 --> 01:19:57.600
never going to give up on the Legion. And I do everything in my powers to make sure that you guys do succeed and I'd bring everybody that I possibly can to the table to do that for you. It wasn't until Council Member Palava brought up, "What if we just try a thousand?"

290
01:19:57.600 --> 01:20:15.840
I'm okay with that. I truly am. Um, I went to a son's meeting and Dave, you were there and you would not imagine the change in personality like within that son's meeting. Everybody was just happy.

291
01:20:15.840 --> 01:20:30.960
We were thinking about how to move forward with this legion and how to do good. It's refreshing. It is. We need to see proof as a council. And um, you got my word. and I'm going to help

292
01:20:30.960 --> 01:20:46.719
you out as much as I can. But as far as this liquor license, um, we look back on violations and background checks. So, my purview is what did the last year look like? That's where my mind's kind of at, not

293
01:20:46.719 --> 01:21:03.679
what you're going to do in the future, what you did in the past. And that's kind of the purview I look at. Um, it's kind of all I had, but I mean, just like you said, right verse wrong, and we need to write some of these wrongs.

294
01:21:03.679 --> 01:21:20.239
But, um, anybody else have anything else they want to add? >> I just want to say that I'm excited for the new leadership. I can tell that you have passion for this. Um, you have energy to put into it. You want this place to succeed. So, I'm looking forward to the changes that are coming and the good vibes that are going to

295
01:21:20.239 --> 01:21:35.520
come out of the Legion again and people going there um just from the community and just making it the place that it should be. So, I'm excited for it. >> And I [snorts] would like to add too I while I while my my area of expertise is

296
01:21:35.520 --> 01:21:53.199
outside of the hospitality, if there was a if there was something that I could provide some assistance with, I would I you would it would just be on a case by case. Yeah. So, >> well, what do you say? What do you say we

297
01:21:53.199 --> 01:22:08.080
rally this town together? >> Well, if you know, if if if I may, the the last thing I'll say is, you know, I appreciate everybody's time. I I really do. Uh and and I'm a broken

298
01:22:08.080 --> 01:22:24.400
record. That That's what I feel like. Um and that's okay. I I look, like I said before, I'm not I'm not here to make friends. I would love to make friends, but I don't need friends, right? Uh I've always said that the most important people in your life is family. Uh I would never have moved back, no offense

299
01:22:24.400 --> 01:22:38.800
to Minnesota, but I would never move back to Minnesota. I haven't moved to Tennessee. If you've ever been to Tennessee, uh you would love it. It's it's beautiful. Um but but in in [snorts] when I moved to

300
01:22:38.800 --> 01:22:55.440
Bethley, that was my 23rd move, right? The 23rd time I have packed up my kids and I have moved them. Uh and nothing, regardless of how much I really didn't want to move necessarily back to Minnesota, nothing has ever felt more at

301
01:22:55.440 --> 01:23:11.840
home uh than Besley. Um, and and I have a huge shot here and and I would never want to see anything fail. Um, and and I appreciate your guys' time. I appreciate your consideration. I understand everything that's happened in the past.

302
01:23:11.840 --> 01:23:27.520
Um, I'm not asking for forgiveness. The Legion's not asking for your forgiveness. The Legion's asking for you to take a look beyond what happened in the last few years. believe it's asking you to look at what's happened since around couldn't find exact dates, right?

303
01:23:27.520 --> 01:23:44.159
I was looking and looking and looking I just couldn't find it, right? But around 19 the the 60s era uh when the Legion was kind of formed, but what has the Legion done since the 60s, right? So don't I'm not asking you to take into account or or disclude the last five

304
01:23:44.159 --> 01:24:00.719
years. I'm not asking you to do that. I'm asking you to look at what has Legion done holistically, right? Because that's that's what we do as as soldiers. We look at the soldier holistically. We don't look at their failure. U everybody fails, right? Cy, you failed. Car, you

305
01:24:00.719 --> 01:24:16.400
failed. Tom, you failed. We've all failed at some point, right? I'm not specifically. I just keep pointing you out, Cory, because you didn't get to talk, I don't think. But >> [laughter] >> uh but but you know, we've all had uh and and so

306
01:24:16.400 --> 01:24:31.600
I'm asking you to take that holistically into account. Um, and and I understand whatever guys, whatever y'all decide on, we'll accept and and we'll move forward. We'll we'll make it happen. Uh, that's that's what you know, soldiers and

307
01:24:31.600 --> 01:24:47.920
service members as a whole do. Um, but but I am asking you to not penalize us necessarily for the last couple years. Uh, you know, 5% 2% of our existence in the city of Lawndale. I'm asking you to

308
01:24:47.920 --> 01:25:04.400
take a look at holistically what have we done as a whole not just the last few years. That's that's all I have. >> I think you know one thing that we all the city the whole community's

309
01:25:04.400 --> 01:25:19.120
got to work with us. You know, I go to the cemetery and I put 146 flags on every veteran at the cemetery also take care of five out of the cemetery and

310
01:25:19.120 --> 01:25:36.800
I don't want my each veteran and I talk to them and say I hope we stay they they got this vision where we're at and I hope we can continue and the only way we can continue is everybody work together and we got to forget about the past.

311
01:25:36.800 --> 01:25:54.719
Some of the past is bad, but uh I want the Legion to be here for many years and I worked hard at the Legion to make it a success >> and I hope we can all survive it.

312
01:25:54.719 --> 01:26:13.120
That's all I got. >> Thanks, Bren. Thank any questions. I think that's all we got. >> Anybody else? Brian. >> Well, no. I mean, I just, you know, I I appreciate what you're saying. I I was there when you guys presented the uh fire suppression tools to the fire

313
01:26:13.120 --> 01:26:28.400
department. I I was asked to come and be there for the presentation and I was honored to come and do that and I mean that's just one small thing and it's it's it's a big deal and I know you know you guys were a part of that. There were other organizations involved but I mean

314
01:26:28.400 --> 01:26:44.560
to have our own backyard I I I absolutely agree. you know, the Legion has done a ton for not just Lndale, but the community as a whole. Um, you know, just just this past Memorial Day, I mean, I was up there at the the cemetery. We go, my wife and I go every

315
01:26:44.560 --> 01:27:01.199
year. We go right after mass. We we go up there and we're there for the presentation, and it's it's the highlight of my Memorial Day weekend, honestly, is to be there. Um Um, you know, so I I do appreciate it, and I think Scott's got a good idea. I mean, I I agree with with Mayor Berg.

316
01:27:01.199 --> 01:27:18.960
Um, you know, I don't think we can do the 300. I just can't I mean, I I know I'm going to get a lot of push back from people saying, "You did it again. What about me? What are you going to do for us?" You know, I think it's going to be

317
01:27:18.960 --> 01:27:36.239
an easier conversation for us to have with our other business owners in town and other community members. You know, I mean, you got to keep in mind this is this is taxpayer expense when we cut these fees down. At the end of the day, it's money that we use for taxpayer

318
01:27:36.239 --> 01:27:54.239
benefit. Um, you know, some of that, of course, is offsetting the cost of the background checks and those sorts of things, but, you know, we we don't have revenue sources really. You know, I mean, it's taxes, unfortunately. We're we're the bad guys. Um, so we have to be

319
01:27:54.239 --> 01:28:09.840
good stewards of those dollars and part of that is if people are coming to town, like you know, we've got the tipsy bullfrog. I don't know if you guys are in here when we're talking about that that organ, you know, that's another bar coming to town. So that's more competition and they're going to say to

320
01:28:09.840 --> 01:28:28.320
us, why am I paying full price? I don't, you know, I'm the new guy. How about you help me out? Give me a a boost. Um, but I think it'll be easier for us to say, look, they're not going to be open all week. You know, I honestly I think you

321
01:28:28.320 --> 01:28:43.760
take that that Sunday off the table. I think that that's that's that's a helpful to to make this this fit, right? Um, and I really think that's a good thing for if you're not going to be open on Sunday, don't pay for a Sunday liquor license. >> Well, try to be. >> Well, I know >> that's that's the goal,

322
01:28:43.760 --> 01:28:59.920
>> but come back. Come back to us. You know, that's that's the beauty of it. You don't you don't have to get it today. >> You can come back and get it at a later date when you need it. Um don't pay for something you don't need. It's like you go and buy a new car and well man, I got

323
01:28:59.920 --> 01:29:15.040
this really good undercoat that you just have to get, you know, or the extended warranty that you don't want and they pressure you into. Don't buy something you don't need, I guess, is is kind of what I would say there. Um but yeah, I I'll leave it at that. We we've gone on

324
01:29:15.040 --> 01:29:33.840
my circle back. My my position for I guess for lenience was I don't want to say you inherited a dumpster fire, but you you you you're a plan in place. It's and you want to move forward and not just hey, we're

325
01:29:33.840 --> 01:29:49.760
just going to keep doing the same old same old. So that's why I feel a little bit better about it. So that's that's my impetus for that. Jimmy, >> I'm good. >> Um,

326
01:29:49.760 --> 01:30:06.800
Bernie, I I appreciate you a lot. I know you do a lot. You got to call me next time you go and put those flags up. I'll join you. >> Oh, okay. >> Can you hear me? >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Hey, next time you put those flags down,

327
01:30:06.800 --> 01:30:23.120
you call me and I'm going to help you out. >> Okay. >> [laughter] >> I'll help you out. >> Me, too. >> Um, I mean, I I think you guys are going to be on to something that's going to be

328
01:30:23.120 --> 01:30:40.080
really good. And at least if you accept the issues of the past, you got a good team around you. You got a good sense. You got a good ox. And and then on top of that, you know, you got a wealth of experience within your membership there to help you out with

329
01:30:40.080 --> 01:30:55.840
any volunteering, even if it's tearing that bar down, rebuilding it, you know, even redoing the floor, whatever it is. And um I just Yeah, I'm kind of with everybody else,

330
01:30:55.840 --> 01:31:11.840
you know, still with that original deal. Um, Scott, would you propose a th000 for the on sale intoxicating and then the additional 200 for the Sunday or would

331
01:31:11.840 --> 01:31:28.560
you do 800 for the intoxicating >> and then 200 for the Sunday? >> My initial thought was just for the standard license was the,000 u >> half price basically. Yeah,

332
01:31:28.560 --> 01:31:47.040
approximately 50%. >> I would I I guess I would even add on to that if they if uh uh over the course of the this licensing year if you came to us with a uh proposal for Sunday license to reduce that by 50%. So you'd be,00

333
01:31:47.040 --> 01:32:06.159
total versus 22. But this would be the final opportunity for a reduced license. So, city code already already says that um if it's not for the full year when you apply, it would be prorated. >> Okay.

334
01:32:06.159 --> 01:32:22.080
>> All right. So, I guess I I will I will make my motion for the um $1,000 for the intoxicating liquor license and uh the Sunday would be for the prorated amount of the 200. >> All right. Motion Michael. >> Second.

335
01:32:22.080 --> 01:32:38.000
>> Second by Vetka. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I I >> I. >> All opposed. All right. Dave, do you guys have your insurance, too? >> Uh, yeah. Milton's got it.

336
01:32:38.000 --> 01:32:55.679
>> Yeah. Milton. No. Milton's. >> This happened last year. >> Milton. Milton said, Who is it that Milton talks to? >> I I might see him tomorrow. >> Okay. >> I'm on the nights with him, so I can Yeah. >> Yeah. He he said he talks to somebody very specific and

337
01:32:55.679 --> 01:33:12.480
very bad. >> All right. [laughter] >> I might see him tomorrow. So if I ask you >> you need to submit it by what? June 30th. >> We have we have a meeting on the 18th. I think that's budget. Then we have the >> uh well I mean you've already approved

338
01:33:12.480 --> 01:33:28.639
the license at those fees. So they just need to provide the required documentation. Okay. >> All right. Sound good? I will let Milton know. [snorts and laughter] >> I appreciate you guys coming in. Yes, sir. >> Thank you for your time. >> Thank you guys.

339
01:33:28.639 --> 01:33:47.199
>> Thank you for everything. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you for everything, Bernie. >> Yes. >> All right. Item J, consider approval of the resolution 2026-48 resolution accepting donations for the 2026 Founders Fest Corey Hinsa Community

340
01:33:47.199 --> 01:34:02.639
Development Planner. >> Uh, thank you, Mr. Mayor. One of the items the founders day committee has been tasked with is bringing back a fireworks display in 2026 to celebrate lawndale his lawn sales history and the 250th birthday of the USA. The city council approved the fireworks display

341
01:34:02.639 --> 01:34:19.920
quote in the amount of $18,000 submitted by res pyro at the November 13, 2025 meeting. Since the last donation donations were accepted donation the following organization business or residents have made a donation and that

342
01:34:19.920 --> 01:34:36.000
is the Lndale Community Foundation of $1,1500 for founders festival activities. Council member uh Miller. >> All right. Um I just want to give a big shout out to the Lonzo Community

343
01:34:36.000 --> 01:34:51.360
Foundation. Thank you so much for your partnership in making this event happen. Um I just appreciate everything you guys do within the community. It's such an asset to have you guys with us. Um and then the other I'm going to give shoutouts to everybody who's donated so

344
01:34:51.360 --> 01:35:07.520
far. Um, so Lndale Community Foundation, Lndale Snow Wizards, Great Wrench, Macintoons, First National Bank, Francen Bank and Trust, the Lndale Lions, the Lansdale American Legion, Dwayne's Body Shop, Dwayne's Auto Sales, Steel Wasa

345
01:35:07.520 --> 01:35:23.199
Co-op Electric, Lansdale Tool and Manufacturing, DSI, Heath Valley Farm, Association 1, American Legion Auxiliary, Triumphant Life Church, Scott and Sandra Palava, Shirley Larson, LA Ldale Fireman's

346
01:35:23.199 --> 01:35:38.320
Relief Association, House of Insurance Agency, and the Lanszel Community Foundation. So, thank you all so much. Because of your partnership, we are able to have this event and bring back fireworks. I'm so excited. Thank you.

347
01:35:38.320 --> 01:35:54.000
>> All right. Thank you, Jamie. >> Uh thank you to the community foundation, everybody else that's donated, and the peepers for the use of the land. That is a huge undertaking. Believe it or not, we just lighting you up there. They have to schedule their

348
01:35:54.000 --> 01:36:11.280
hay around this so the field will be at the right conditions. >> Wow. Thank you, peepers. >> Scott, I'll just echo what Jamie had to say there. >> Ryan. >> Yeah. Big thank you to everybody. Um, you know, this is what small town is all about. Honestly, this is this is what

349
01:36:11.280 --> 01:36:28.719
shows why people move to small towns, places like Londale, because the community comes together to make these things happen. So, thank you to everybody involved and thank you to the the um committee for all their hard work. I agree that committee has done a

350
01:36:28.719 --> 01:36:45.360
phenomenal job and I thank all of them for all the work that they put in and a very special thank you to rail 19 for providing uh an actual live band and uh also shutting down railway without them or papers or even three our landmark

351
01:36:45.360 --> 01:37:02.080
allowing us to utilize their volunteers to show off the historical school we wouldn't have an event. So appreciate all of you and I'll entertain a motion. I'll make the motion. >> All right. Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Viska. Any further discussion?

352
01:37:02.080 --> 01:37:17.520
>> All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. >> Right. Consider approval to accept Steve Turner's letter of resignation from the Founders Day Committee and authorize staff to advertise the vacancy. Cory Hanza. >> Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Uh, Mayor Berg

353
01:37:17.520 --> 01:37:33.520
received Founders Day Committee member Steve Churn's verbal and email resignation on June 9th, 2026. Steve served on the founders day committee since October of 2025. The founders day committee is comprised of five appointed members and with Steve resigning, the

354
01:37:33.520 --> 01:37:48.880
committee is short one member. Staff is requesting the council to consider approval to advertise for the vacant founders day committee member position. The open position term ends uh this December 31st, 2026. Uh Mr. Mayor.

355
01:37:48.880 --> 01:38:05.040
>> All right, Corey. Thank you, Jimmy. Um, >> I say we make him come in here and resign in person. >> I agree. Come on, Journey. [laughter] >> Is he home, Brian? Can you see? >> I saw I saw his car in the driveway when I pulled up. >> This has been a long enough meeting.

356
01:38:05.040 --> 01:38:19.679
Let's put it that way. and I thought it wasn't going to be [laughter] >> I'd like to thank him for the time he's put in and um also acknowledge that he realized that he wasn't able to give as much as he should be able to and he

357
01:38:19.679 --> 01:38:35.520
stepped aside nobody knows Steve's running for house. There's a lot of stuff he's involved in right now. So, um good luck to him on that. Thanks for putting the time in that you did and acknowledging that maybe you couldn't do as much as you

358
01:38:35.520 --> 01:38:52.960
think you can. >> All right. Thank you, Jamie. Scott. >> Oh, yeah. Thank you to Steve for uh volunteering for that. And I understand uh why he uh would need to step down and u I guess thank him for the uh uh that

359
01:38:52.960 --> 01:39:11.920
that in that foresight to not over overburden himself and give lose uh focus of what the organization we're doing. >> All right, Ryan. >> Thank you, Steve. Um he knows I appreciate everything that he does. Um

360
01:39:11.920 --> 01:39:28.480
you know, I talked to Steve fairly regularly [laughter] and uh he's done a lot, you know, he he he does a lot. He he tries to give more than I think he realizes he has the capacity for in a lot of cases. So, um he's got a

361
01:39:28.480 --> 01:39:45.920
big heart. Um appreciate all he's done up to this point. Uh he'll be missed and um yeah, just thank you very much, Steve, for everything you've done. Appreciate you. All right. Did I already did that? No. >> All right, [laughter] Curry. All right.

362
01:39:45.920 --> 01:40:01.600
I just want to also say thank you, Steve, for uh the information that you did bring to the committee um with your past experience with community festivals. It was helpful information to share. So, we all miss you and thanks for everything you've done.

363
01:40:01.600 --> 01:40:18.239
And now I'm done. >> All right. [clears throat] Yeah, Steve, you know, I'll just talk to you when I see you. um you know it almost seems like every day you know and good luck with the house and you know great guy

364
01:40:18.239 --> 01:40:36.000
so bad he couldn't make the uh meetings a lot and he knows that it was a lot to put on uh you know the committee and and he tried to stick it out and and just couldn't and I I appreciate Steve a lot and and uh yeah

365
01:40:36.000 --> 01:40:50.880
entertain a motion So >> motion by the lab, >> second >> second by Miller. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> All opposed. >> All right. Department and council reports. Joe Dornfeld lunch. Kick us off. Thank you, mayor, members of the

366
01:40:50.880 --> 01:41:08.080
council. Um, we welcome Eli Carl Kramer back as a seasonal worker and Parker Mikica started today. Um been a pretty good size effort to get some repairs done to the three-hour school to get it ready for Founders Day.

367
01:41:08.080 --> 01:41:25.600
Uh mold in the basement being the number one. Um east welcome sign. We overhauled that. Took out all the old mulch. Got rid of a bunch of old shrubs, overgrown. Um it's looking pretty good. Uh mowing, mowing, mowing, and

368
01:41:25.600 --> 01:41:40.239
got the DRS lights fixed. Update on the lead service line grant is BCM has the contracts. We're waiting on MDH for the green light. The air raators are assembled and they're in the process of being wired. Uh we're hoping to have

369
01:41:40.239 --> 01:41:57.600
them up and running early next week. Um and then just organized the uh tar mill. Um it is going to be officially blacktop season. That's all I got for you guys. >> Thank you, Joe. Corey. >> Uh thank you, Mr. Mayor. Um been very

370
01:41:57.600 --> 01:42:13.679
busy working with the founders day f or our founders day committee lately. Uh we are July 3rd is coming very fast. Um so a lot of time has been uh put into that committee. Uh council member Ba you saw that the planning commission packet went

371
01:42:13.679 --> 01:42:29.600
out this afternoon getting ready for the Monday night meeting. >> All right. Very good. Thank you Corey Joel. Uh well since the last meeting we had our one-year walkthrough on the city hall project attended the steel wika

372
01:42:29.600 --> 01:42:45.600
annual meeting. I'm working on the 27 budget. Attended the uh t meeting for wetlands on the apartment site uh between now and the next meeting. Uh continue with 27 budget finalizing insurance renewals. We got our public

373
01:42:45.600 --> 01:43:00.880
works monthly meeting coming up. We've also got a meeting with the Rolling Ridge Marketplace owners and we have a audit of our small cities grant coming up in early July as well

374
01:43:00.880 --> 01:43:18.159
and um staff will be attending the um election public accuracy test out at Rice County. >> All right, very good. Thank you, Scott. Um EDA is meeting next Thursday morning.

375
01:43:18.159 --> 01:43:34.960
Uh agenda, our packet came out today. Uh going to be some updates on some stuff and we'll be looking at uh some collaboration with the chamber. Um so that's what we have on the agenda for next Thursday. >> All right. Thank you, Jamie. >> Uh planning and zoning is going to be

376
01:43:34.960 --> 01:43:53.199
reviewing definitions for city code 153.003, 003 which is design standards and uses for the business park. We added a lot of stuff. There's a lot of definitions to go over. There's over 50 pages to go over. Um

377
01:43:53.199 --> 01:44:10.560
little kids, it's not only you that have to go over definitions. Uh public officials have to go over definitions. And there's a reason we need the definitions, right? It's so they know what we were talking about in the definition uh ordinance to begin with. So there's no confusion down the road.

378
01:44:10.560 --> 01:44:27.040
All right. Thank you, Jamie Curry. >> Uh parks board, we talked about uh the DRS lights, um other priorities with safety and things like that. We're going to continue that discussion at our next meeting because we're talking about budget priorities as well. We also went

379
01:44:27.040 --> 01:44:43.679
on a field trip to um Stika Park and the dog park and kind of just looked over things and talked about future goals for our parks. and we have a couple more to hit up hopefully sometime soon. And then Founders Day, as everybody knows, it's

380
01:44:43.679 --> 01:45:01.119
coming up quick. Um we have an amazing committee and city staff and public works all working very hard behind the scenes um tying things up, getting ready to go. The schedule of events has been posted on the city web um on the city Facebook page. The opening ceremony is

381
01:45:01.119 --> 01:45:16.960
kicking off at 3:00 at the historic schoolhouse. Um hopefully we'll have the color guard with the Legion. We have an American anthem, a national anthem singer group coming, so that's going to be fun. And uh just a day of fun. We have food trucks down at Trishka. We

382
01:45:16.960 --> 01:45:33.520
have TCU soccer having some really fun events. They have a radar gun so that you they you can see how fast your shot is. You know, a lot [snorts] of fun things down on that end of town as well. And then um shout out to Rail 19 for having that entertainment at night with the band and the street dance. And then

383
01:45:33.520 --> 01:45:49.643
there's also a cornhole tournament going on uh that day as well. So, lots of fun all over town. Thank you. >> Great. Thank you, Gary. Brian, >> are these are these numbers okay to throw out? All right. Thank you guys for saving this for me because I've been

384
01:45:49.643 --> 01:46:05.280
[laughter] waiting a long time for this. So, we got our demographers report and I am happy to report that we are now at a population estimate of 5,79 people, which should have happened two years ago

385
01:46:05.280 --> 01:46:21.083
if they would have screwed up their calculations. So, I am happy to be able to read that number into the record here publicly. Uh, as Scott mentioned, EDA meets next Thursday, library [clears throat] board meets next Wednesday at 6:30, excuse me.

386
01:46:21.083 --> 01:46:35.679
>> [cough] >> Um, in this past week, well, last Friday was the kickoff to the summer reading program down at at JC Park. And it was a great day. I uh I took the time off and

387
01:46:35.679 --> 01:46:51.679
went down there and grilled hot dogs for the kids. And I am always so impressed at the turnout that we get for the summer reading program. Uh the families that come out for it, the kids, the excitement that they get, they get free books. Um, and as of today, we have over

388
01:46:51.679 --> 01:47:06.480
200 people signed up for our summer reading program. That's kids and adults. And um, again, I want to remind everybody, we have a a very a very [clears throat] lofty goal of 125,000

389
01:47:06.480 --> 01:47:24.080
minutes of reading over this period, this this two-month period. It ends August 1st. Um, to put that in perspective, that is a full-time position 125,000 minutes. That's a 40-hour a week FTE for

390
01:47:24.080 --> 01:47:40.960
one year. That's our goal in two months. So, that's the perspective we're shooting for. And to help us get to that goal, I took the liberty of, you can just go ahead and pass those down. Pass one to Scott. Getting packets for all of you on the council.

391
01:47:40.960 --> 01:47:56.480
>> Thank you. >> To participate in the summer reading program. >> All right. So, uh, I would really hope that everybody takes the time to participate. I'm almost already full with my first week. So, you got some catching up to do. And

392
01:47:56.480 --> 01:48:13.600
there's a schedule of events for both June and July in there. Lots of fun stuff. Chief is going to beat everybody again, right? Is that the plan >> for attendance? [laughter] >> I saw the last one on social media. >> I feel like, isn't it? Oh, here. No,

393
01:48:13.600 --> 01:48:29.440
that's generic. Yeah, the ambassadors are there Friday morning. So, I'm ready. So, there's a lot going on. So, I just wanted to get those to everybody. Help us out. Let's get that 125,000 minutes. So, um yeah,

394
01:48:29.440 --> 01:48:45.440
look over the calendar. Calendar for the people out there watching at home because I know there's a lot watching at home. The calendar is on the library's website, too, so you can see all the fun stuff going on. Um, there's going to be family movie nights at the library. There's going to be

395
01:48:45.440 --> 01:49:02.159
story time every Friday with different city folks. Be it the mayor, be it the chief, fire department. Joe, I know you're going to be down there. I saw there was a tow truck. That is Scott. Is that you? >> Yep. >> Oh, >> I was wondering about that. I saw the tow truck. So, Scott, thank you for for

396
01:49:02.159 --> 01:49:18.480
doing that. Um, that's that's July. Okay. I got my shirt. >> See, I did the same thing. So, thank you, Scott, for for doing that. You know, I mean, it it gets better each year. >> So, um yeah, I can't I can't say enough about it. And then the last thing is uh

397
01:49:18.480 --> 01:49:36.320
I got the opportunity to um do some filming with Stephen and Sophie. Uh so, we're we're highlighting the EDA in a video upcoming. So, I doubt it'll be as cool as the the compost site one. Um but

398
01:49:36.320 --> 01:49:51.760
>> it's a hard one to beat. Yeah, we'll we'll see what they come up with. Uh, >> the bar has been set. >> I I don't I don't know how to make EDA as funny and clever as that. So, >> we can send you Brad. >> I [laughter] We could shoot for Let's see what Let's see what we can

399
01:49:51.760 --> 01:50:10.480
>> Don't get on with Jordan. >> So, that's what I got. Thank you. >> Uh, well, thank you. Um, been working on a lot of things, but I just want to give a shout out to uh my son, Walker. Happy fifth birthday, buddy. and I love you and >> oh, happy birthday. >> Happy birthday.

400
01:50:10.480 --> 01:50:26.480
>> Other than that, uh, upcoming meetings are June 18th, June 25th, July 9th, July 14th, and July 30th, all at 7 p.m. Uh, I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. Some move. >> All right. Motion by Miller. >> Second. >> Second by Palava. Any further

401
01:50:26.480 --> 01:50:35.119
discussion? >> All in favor? >> All opposed. This meeting is now adjourned at

