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CITY MINUTES
  
 
City of Tower
Regular Meeting
August 11, 2008
Monday @ 5:30 PM
City Council Chambers

             The regular meeting of the Tower City Council was called to order by Mayor Stephen Abrahamson.
            Present:           Abrahamson, Hanson, Heinowski, Hiltunen, Nevala
            Absent:            None
            Also Present:   Kotzian, Lamppa
           
            Visitors:           Gary Giroux, Marshall Helmberger, Steve Altenburg, Steve Wilson, Rolando Noyes

             Motion by Hanson supported by Hiltunen to approve the minutes of July 14, 2008.  All yes.  Motion carried.

             Motion by Hiltunen supported by Hanson to accept the agenda as presented with the following additions:  1.  parking on sidewalk at Fuel and Food  2. Steve Wilson’s waterline problem.

             Steve Wilson spoke about the need for striping on the sidewalk in front of Vermilion Fuel and Food so that vehicles do not park on the sidewalk.   The City will repaint the stripping, put up signs for no parking in this area and inform Breitung Police Department to enforce the no parking zone.

            Steve Wilson also spoke about the continuing problem he has with his waterline freezing in the winter.  The City maintenance crew will dig up the problem area and insulate.
           
            Correspondence:  An  appraisal has been received on the old dump site. 

             Written reports were received from the Ambulance Department, Fire Department, Police Department, Blight Officer, and Emergency Management.

            Motion by Nevala supported by Hanson to approve the reports from all departments.  All yes.  Motion carried.

            Rolando Noyes, Fire Chief, informed the council on the need for new fire trucks.

             Gary Giroux, Walker, Giroux and Hahne, was present to review the 2007 audit.  Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to accept the audit as presented by Gary Giroux.  All yes.  Motion carried.

             Heinowski gave the Airport Commission report.  He stated that the snowblower has been received.
           
            Matt Bolf sent a written update on the Harbor project.  The final bridge plan review has been received.  The EA is still at Federal Highways.  S.E.H. is meeting with the City attorney on August 18th to resolve the ownership of the land at the intersection of Hwy 169 and Hwy 135.
  
             Planning and Zoning has been involved in Northstar 3rd Addition and is meeting on Aug 13th at 6:00 PM for the final design of lots and trails.
           
             Safety Committee met and approved two policies:  Facility Maintenance and Accident Investigation and Record Analysis.
           
             Richard Hanson gave the TEDA report.   TEDA wants to know what the City Council would like them to do and TEDA is putting together a list of items that they think should be accomplished and will have ready for next council meeting. He also reported that the TEDA home has been sold.
           
             The police chief has requested monthly meetings with Tower’s Police Commission.  These meetings will occur on the first Tuesday of each month at 8:30 am at City Hall.

             A discussion was held on the Public Safety Officer’s job description and salary.   Motion by Hanson supported by Hiltunen to approve the job description as presented and set the salary at $100 a month effective August 11, 2008.
             Deputy Clerk Lamppa presented the 4th of July Celebrations revenue and expenditure report.  Clerk Kotzian presented some issues on parades that have been brought up by the League of MN Cities.  In the future, the city will require proof of current insurance for any vehicle in the parade and will not allow the throwing of candy from any vehicle. Candy throwers will be required to walk on the edge of the street and throw candy onto the sidewalk.
             A discussion was held on the proposed Ordinance #24 Sewer Laterals.  This ordinance will require an inspection of the sewer whenever a person sells, remodels, or has sewer problems at his home.  Once an inspection is done, another inspection would no be required for 10 years.
            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Heinowski to give the first reading of Ordinance No. 24 Sewer Laterals.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             Motion by Nevala supported by Heinowski to appoint Steve Abrahamson, Richard Hanson, and Steve Altenburg to the Blight Committee.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             Whereas the Fibernet Joint Powers board voted to disband, it is necessary for each entity to vote to stop their participation.
             Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowksi to move that the City of Tower regretfully cease membership in the Fibernet Joint Powers Board.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             Marshall Helmberger gave an update on the new proposed heating systems for City Hall and the Civic Center.  Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to table this issue until the next council meeting.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the Airport User Study as recommended by the Airport Commission at a cost of $9800 with the city‘s cost at approximately is $450.  All yes.  Motion carried.
 
            Motion by Hanson supported Heinowski to approve the Maintenance Policy as recommended by the Safety Committee.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the Accident Investigation and Record Analysis Policy as recommended by the Safety Committee.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             A discussion was held on D’Erick’s Liquor Store Lease, the present lease expires at the end of 2008.  The Public Property Commission of Heinowski and Dan Broten will meet with owner, Dave Erickson, to review the lease.
             Cleaning the Civic Center after Senior Citizen events was discussed. Kotzian is to contact C. Hujanen and tell her cleaning must be done the day of the event except for the dance held monthly on a Sunday.  
             Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve a 6 month leave for EMT Valerie Lenci.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             A request to close South Second Street for a Block Party between Birch and Pine was received.
           Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the closing of South Second between Birch and Pine on Friday, August 15 between 3 PM and 8 PM.
             Ken Kube made a request to build a Junction Shack at the Depot.
            Motion by Heinowksi supported by Hiltunen to table this issue until K. Kube can make a presentation. All yes.  Motion carried.
             Motion Hanson supported by Nevala to pay the bills.  All yes.  Motion carried.
             Motion by Nevala supported by Heinowski to adjourn.  Time:  7:30 PM.
 Respectfully submitted,
 Ann Lamppa

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer

 

City of Tower

Regular Meeting

July 14, 2008

Monday @5 5:30 PM

City Council Chambers

 

            The regular meeting of the Tower City Council was called to order by Mayor Abrahamson.

            Present:           Abrahamson, Hanson, Heinowksi, Hiltunen, Nevala

            Absent:            None

            Also Present:   Kotzian, Lamppa

            Visitors:           Matt Bolf, Marshall Helmberger, Peter Wargowsky, Sheldon Majerle, Judy Reinhardt, Don Reinhardt, Ramon Berg, Ken Kube, John Jamnick, Steve Wilson, Rolando Noyes, Steve Altenburg,

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported  by Heinowski to approve the minutes of June 9, 2008 and June 19, 2008.  All yes.  Motion carried.

           

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to accept the agenda as presented with the addition of:  8.9  Good Ol Days,  and removal of:  9.8  S.E.H. Proposal on a Marketing and Development Plan.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

Public Input:  Ken Kube informed the council that he no longer needs concrete for work at the depot as this work has been finished.

                       Steve Wilson spoke on his continuing problem with frozen water lines and also addressed some concerns he has about parking on sidewalks and suggested restriping and putting up no parking signs.

 

Correspondences:

             1.  Hwy 169 Task Force Committee will meet on Wednesday July 16, Tim will attend and invited an councilor to join him.

            2.  St. Louis County Planning Commission sent out Lake Vermilion zoning maps for review and comment.  Four open house information meetings will be held during July and August.

            3.  Update from Mark Weber on the proposed land exchange was received.  St. Louis County is presently requesting quotes from appraisers.

            4.  St. Louis County Planning and Development Department is in the process of forming a task force to assist in the development of the water management plan.  They are looking for representatives from local governments to volunteer to be on this task force.

            5.  Bud VanDeusen sent two correspondences, one concerning an incidence at the Seaplane Fueling Station and the other with suggestions related to an airport manager’s position.

 

Reports from officers:

             Upon the recommendation of the Ambulance Commission, Wargowsky asked the council to approve a secretary’s position for the Ambulance Service.

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hiltunen to hire Polly McDonald as the Ambulance Secretary at $50 per month.  All yes.  Motion carried.

            Rolando Noyes, Fire Chief, asked to have the assistant fire chief replaced. The present assistant chief is now working out of town and not available when needed.          

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to have the training officer, Steve Altenburg, also take on the duties of Assistant Chief.  All yes.  Motion carried.

            Motion by Heinowksi supported by Hanson to place Dicasmarro on the Fire Department Roster.  Motion withdrawn.

            Motion by Hanson supported by Hiltunen to accept monthly reports from the following departments; Fire, Ambulance, Police, Blight and Maintenance.  (No report from the Emergency Management Director) All yes.  Motion carried. 

           

Reports from Commissions and Committees:

 

            Airport Commission did not meet this month.

 

             Historic Harbor Renaissance updated was given by Matt Bolf.  The developer review committee has met; the EA has been signed by everyone except Federal Highways; highway plans being worked on; the council will be getting an updated visual of the entire project with adjusted timelines; boathouse demo has been completed with some final cleanup left; property acquisition is being worked on.

 

            Planning and Zoning did not meet because of a lack of a quorum.

 

            Safety Committee approved  two policies, Evaluation of Safety and Health Hazards and Hazard Elimination Control.  

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Nevala to approve the Evaluation of Safety and Health Hazards Policy and the Hazard Elimination Control Policy.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            A discussion was held on the agenda format and when the agenda should be prepared.

               Motion by Heinowski supported by Abrahamson to move the time for the agenda to be ready, to noon on the Friday before a Monday council meeting.  Yes:  Abrahamson, Heinowski, Hanson, Hiltunen.   No:  Nevala.  Motion carried.

 

            Gary Giroux could not make the meeting so the audit will be discussed next month.

 

           A discussion was held on a salary for the Public Safety Officer.  The council wants a job description in place before they discuss salary.   The job description is to be ready for next month‘s meeting and then they will revisit the salary issue.

 

            Don and Judy Reinhardt had some concerns about donations.  They were assured that all 4th donations go for 4th of July activities.  A financial report of the 4th of July funds will be ready for next month‘s meeting. 

 

             A discussion was held on the City’s acquisition of private property for the harbor project.  Richard Grabko stated that there is a proper procedure to be followed whenever a public entity purchases private property for development.

             Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowski to follow the property acquisition guidelines as presented.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            The City received two quotes on engineering services to assess and design energy improvements for City Hall and the Civic Center.  One from S.E.H. for $15,400 and the other from Architectural Resources for $4,500.  

            Motion by Hanson supported Nevala  to accept Architectural Resources proposal for engineering services for City Hall and Civic Center heating system evaluations, as long as the proposal includes plans &  specs and does not exceed $4,500.  All yes. Motion carried.

           

            John Jamnick, RLK,  presented plans for street and alley improvements.  There are three ways to fund street repairs, which include, user fees, levies, and special assessments.  Some discussion was held on concrete versus blacktop.  If using assessments, there is a process that must be followed and properties affected would need to be appraised.

 

            A discussion was held on the Airport User Study.  The primary objective of the study will be to provide the City with information on the facilities need for the users to safely operate their aircraft and to justify extending the runway from 3400 feet to 4000 feet as currently shown on the Airport Layout Plan.  Send this agreement to the Airport Commission for review and also ask the commission to address the  regional airport issue.

           

            Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowski to approve the request from Good Ol Days to block off the east half of Poplar Street next to the business on August 16th for a wedding reception and on August 9th for the Lard Loop Run.  All yes. Motion carried.

 

            A discussion was held on a wastewater inflow and infiltration ordinance.

            Motion by Hanson supported by Nevala to allow Tim to work with RLK prepare a I & I ordinance for the City.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Hanson reported on Depot Days which will be held the last weekend in July.  

 

            Hanson informed the Council that funds have been secured for the Depot security system and that the Historical Society has specs for the security system.

            Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowski to have the City go out for bids on the security system for the cabin, depot and train.   All yes.  Motion carried. 

 

               Motion by Nevala supported by Hanson to approve the cabin lease transfer from Eric Norberg to Stanley Erickson.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

              Heinowski made several recommendations on how to stay on top of projects, which included hiring an owners rep for the City and defining the roles of TEDA, the Harbor Committee and the City. 

            Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowski to come up with a job description for the Harbor Committee.  Richard Hanson volunteered to be on the committee to write the job description for the Harbor Committee.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Recently the need for a Blight Committee has come before the Council.  Per the ordinance a 3 member committee is needed.  Richard Hanson volunteered to be on the blight committee, and the City advertise in our official paper for other members. 

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the CDBG grant application for 280,000 for North Area Water and Sewer Improvements and adopt the resolution authorizing this project to be submitted to St. Louis County for inclusion in The St. Louis County’s Consolidated Plan/Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and authorizing the Mayor or Clerk to execute all documents, agreements, or contracts which result from this application to St. Louis County.

           

            In connection with the North Area Water and Sewer Improvements Application, a public hearing must be held. 

             Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to set the Public Hearing for July 28th at 5:30 PM at City Hall.

 

            Hanson reported that the Historical Society is interested in the Old Fire Hall Building and that he will be working with Richard Grabko to see if any funds are available to purchase a historical building.

 

            A request was received from Daniel Williams, Wild Adventure Race, to use the City ski trail as part of the triathlon course.

           Motion by Heinowski supported by Nevala to allow the Wild Adventure Race to use the City ski trail for their race in September 2008. All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by  Hanson supported by Hiltunen to pay the bills.  All yes.  Motion carried.  

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hiltunen to adjourn.  Time:  8:30 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Ann Lamppa

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer

 
 

City of Tower

Regular Meeting

May 12, 2008

Monday @ 5:30 PM

City Council Chambers

 

            The regular meeting of the Tower City Council was called to order by Mayor Abrahamson.

            Present:           Abrahamson, Hanson, Heinowksi, Hiltunen, Nevala            

            Absent:            None

            Also Present:   Kotzian, Lamppa

 

            Visitors:           Marshall Helmberger, Peter Wargowsky, Matt Bolf, Dale Moore

                                    Sheldon Majerle, Ken Kube

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Heinowski to approve the minutes of April 14, 2008 and May 6, 2008.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Hanson supported by Nevala  to accept the agenda as presented with the following additions:  9.7 temporary liquor licenses.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Correspondence:  An oral complaint concerning the Blight Officers was received.   Hanson and Abrahamson will meet with the blight officer.  A job description for the blight officer is to be available for the next council meeting.

 

            Peter Wargowsky, Ambulance Supervisor, presented a proposal to purchase two (2) new power pro ambulance cots and a stair pro.  

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to purchase the ambulance stretchers and stair pro.  All yes. Motion carried.

 

            Safety committee report was given by Wargowsky.

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the following policies:

Compliance Policy, Safety Committee Policy and Identification of Safety and Health Hazards.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            A report was not received from the Tower Fire Department.           

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Heinowski to accept reports from the ambulance department, maintenance department, police department, emergency management, safety committee.  All yes.  Motion carried.

           

            Heinowski reported that the minutes of the Airport Commission meeting were not yet available and that Planning and Zoning did not meet.

           

            Matt Bolf gave an update on the Harbor project. He reported that stakes had been set on the east portion of harbor and corners of the Lakoskey property and that today the rest of the harbor had been staked out. He also spoke about possible land acquisition and that the plans for Hwy 135, Hwy 169 and Bridge plans had been submitted to St. Louis County last week.  The EA final meeting has been held and the City of Tower will be the RGU (responsible government unit) for the project.

             Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to have the City sign the EA.

All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Fibernet meeting to be held on May 20, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the Tower Civic Center.

 

            The Board of Appeal and Equalization Meeting will reconvene on May 14, 2008 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

 

            A discussion was held on the sale of old city equipment.

           

            Kotzian reported on the special deer hunting season to be held this fall by the DNR.  An informational meeting on this topic is scheduled is to be held at the Tower DNR on May 21, 2008 from 6 to 7 pm.  Nevala will represent the council at this meeting.

 

            Motion by Heinowksi supported by Hanson to approve Final Pay Estimate #7 for $3,549 on the 2005 Seaplane Base Improvements.  All yes.  Motion carried. 

 

            A discussion was held on the recent energy audit done at City Hall and the Civic Center.  Architectural Resources presented costs involved in preparing a proposal for City Hall and Civic Center heating improvements.  Kotzian was requested to get a more detailed report from Architectural Resources as to what their proposal entails. Marshall Helmberger questioned if Depot should be included.

 

            A request was received from Good Old’ Days to block off the east lane of Popular Street (from Main Street south to the alley) on July 4th and 5th.

              Motion by Heinowski supported by Hiltunen to approve the request.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            A discussion was held on the possibility of a boat launch at the Harbor and land acquisition that would be involved.  Also a city owned lift station is located on this same property and the lift station license expires next year.  Heinowksi and Kotzian are to talk to property owner about the lift station license, but not about land acquisition at this time, because Heinowksi stated there is a pending law suit against the present property owner that should be resolved in the next two weeks.

 

            An IRR Community Finance and Technical Resource Workshop is scheduled for May 21 from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.  Kotzian and Heinowski will attend.

 

            Recommended changes to the Commercial Rehabilitation Loan Program Guidelines were reviewed.

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the changes to the Commercial Rehab Loan Program Guidelines as recommended by the Commercial Rehab Committee.  Guidelines are on file at the City Clerk’s Office.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve a $15,000 Commercial Rehab loan for North Country Quilts as recommended by the Commercial Rehab Committee.  All yes.  Motion carried.    Heinowski supported by Hanson   $15,000 

 

            Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowski to approve temporary liquor licenses for the American Legion Post and the Tower Firemen’s Relief Association for the 4th of July.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to pay the bills.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion to by Heinowski supported by Hanson to adjourn.  Time:  7:05 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Ann Lamppa

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer  

 

City of Tower

Regular Meeting

April 14, 2008

Monday @ 5:30PM

City Council Chambers

 

1.                  Call to order/ Roll call

2.                  Minutes of previous meetings

3.                  Accept agenda

4.                  Public input

5.                  Correspondences

6.                  Reports from Officers

7.         Reports from Commissions and Committees

            7.1       Tower Airport Commission

            7.2       Historic Harbor Renaissance

            7.3       Planning and Zoning

            7.4       Safety Committee

8.         Unfinished Business                                       

            8.1       Discussion on street assessments: Jon Minne, RLK

            8.2       City/County land exchange

            8.3       Discuss proposed re-zoning (see map)

            8.4       Board of Appeal & Equalization:  May 6 from 6to7PM

            8.5      

            8.6      

            8.7

            8.8

            8.9      

9.    New Business

            9.1       Pay Equity report

            9.2       Good Ol’ Days loan

9.3       Appoint Muriel Scott to Commercial Rehab Committee to replace Sunday Young

            9.4       Summer help

            9.5       Broten/Erickson request to block City Street

            9.6       Good Ol Days:  pay phone request

            9.7       IRR/ CDBG applications

            9.8

            9.9

10.       Presentation of Claims

11.       Adjournment
 

City of Tower

Regular Meeting

March 10, 2008

Monday @ 5:30 PM

City Council Chambers

 

            The regular meeting of the Tower City Council was called to order by Mayor Abrahamson.

            Present:            Abrahamson, Hanson, Heinowksi, Hiltunen, Nevala

            Absent: None

            Also Present:    Kotzian, Lamppa

 

            Visitors:            Brian Johnson, Peter Wargowsky, Marshall Helmberger, Jane Sundeen, Steve Altenburg, Rolando Noyes, Christina Hujanen

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Nevala to approve the minutes of February 11, 2008 as presented by the Clerk/Treasurer.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Heinowski to accept the agenda as presented with the addition of:  (8.5) Fiber Optics.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            No public input.

 

            Reports from officers:  An oral report was given by Rolando Noyes, Fire Chief.  Marshall Helmberger gave a report on energy efficiency:  garage frig to be replaced, and looking into dual fuel for city hall and civic center. 

            Motion by Heinowksi supported by Hanson to accept reports from the Police Department, Emergency Management, Ambulance Department, Fire Department, and Energy Officer.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Brian Johnson, from the Airport Commission, was present to report on new equipment for the airport.  He presented prices for a snowblower, tractor, and sweeper combination.   Funding sources include:  Federal 95-5 and State 2/3 - 1/3.   A quote was received from Trueman Welters at a total cost $179,610.90.  Federal Funding would be  $170,630.35 and the City’s share is $8,980.55.  Mower is a separate cost at $31,153.38 with funding coming from the State at $20,748.15 and the City’s share is $10,405.23.

Brian Johnson would allow storage in his hangar for equipment in use at that time of the year.  Off season equipment would be stored in the City‘s pole barns.

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve purchase the purchase of the sweeper/mower as presented.   All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Heinowski reported on the seaplane base fuel system and that the airport commission had voted to turn this problem over to the city’s attorney.  A discussion followed and the council wants assurances from S.E.H. that the seaplane base fuel system problem will be taken care of soon.

            Motion by Heinowksi supported Nevala to authorize the city’s attorney to contact general contractor and give him 15 days to fix the problem or the city will go after the surety bond, if no assurances are received from S.E.H.   All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            A written update was received from Matt Bolf on the Tower Harbor Redevelopment Project which included:

            1.  The boat house demolition is nearly complete and should be finished by

                 April 1.

            2.  S.E.H. provided the Planning & Zoning Commission with an updated current zoning map.

            3.  John Cope is working on registering all the property in the proposed plat so that the plat can be filed in the future.  He is also working on resolving several land ownership issues for property around the proposed harbor.

            4.  The highway and bridge plans are 30% complete.  The EA needs to be approved before the plans can be finished.

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Hanson to approve the 2007 Zoning Map as presented by S.E.H.  All yes.  Motion carried.

                       

            The Planning and Zoning Commission has approved Tim Kotzian’s request for building permits. 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Abrahamson to approve the building permits for T. Kotzian as approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission.  Yes.  Hiltunen, Hanson, Heinowksi, Abrahamson,   No.  Nevala.  Motion carried. 

 

            Abrahamson presented his idea to purchase and/or to work with the property owner mentioned in the above permits to get the best use of the property.

            Heinowski supported by Hanson to appoint a committee of three (2 councilors - Heinowski and Abrahamson and 1 member of P & Z) to meet with landowners to discuss purchase of the property.  Yes.  Hanson, Hiltunen, Nevala, Heinowski   No:  Abrahamson.  Motion carried.

 

            Peter Wargowsky, Safety Officer, presented the Vision Statement of the Safety Committee and the responsibilities of the city, its supervisors and employees.

           Motion by Hanson supported by Heinowski to approve Safety Committee Vision Statement and the responsibilities of the city, supervisors and employees.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Hanson to adopt a resolution allowing the Tower Fire Department to proceed with efforts toward application for and securing a grant under the FEMA Grant, Assistance to Firefighters Program for radios.  This grant process is being handled by Laurentian North.  All yes.  Motion carried.    

 

            The City/County land exchange is moving forward.

 

            Jane Sundeen, Tower Soudan Historical Society, was present to request a donation of $500 to create a Cemetery Record Management and Online Record Search Project. This project is a joint effort of the Tower Soudan Historical Society and the Tower Cemetery Association.

             Motion by Hiltunen supported by Nevala to approve a $500 donation to the TS Historical Society.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Hanson to approve the reorganization list.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to pay councilors $30 for each extra commission/committee meetings and/or special council meetings attended each month. Only commissions/committees meetings listed on the Reorganization Chart will be reimbursed for.  This pay raise takes effect January 1, 2009. Yes:  Hiltunen, Heinowski, Abrahamson.   No: Hanson, Nevala.   Motion carried.

 

            A discussion was held on the Cell Tower Lease.

           Motion by Hiltunen supported by Hanson to appoint the Mayor and his designee to meet with Cope and work out the details.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Richard Hanson gave an update on Fiber Optics.

            Motion by Hanson supported by Hiltunen to commit to working with ValleyNet Fiber and to move on to the next step.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Nevala supported by Heinowski to approve the Electronic Funds Transfer Policy.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            A discussion was held on a sewer cleaning program.  This item is to be put in next year’s budget.

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Nevala to approve the Board of Appeal & Equalization meeting for May 6, 2008 at 6:00 PM in the City Council Chambers.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to pay the bills.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Hiltunen supported by Heinowski to adjourn.   Time:  7:55 PM

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Ann Lamppa

Deputy Clerk/Treasurer
 

City of Tower

Regular Meeting

February 11, 2008

Monday @ 5:30 PM

City Council Chambers

 

            The regular meeting of the Tower City Council was called to order by Acting Mayor Jon Nevala.

            Present:  Hanson, Hiltunen, Heinowski, Nevala

            Absent:  Abrahamson

            Also Present:   Lamppa, Kotzian

 

            Visitors:  Jon Minne, Matt Bolf,  Dave Durrant, Jane Sundeen, Marshall Helmberger, Jim Hill, Peter Wargowsky

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to approve the minutes of January 14, 2008 as presented by the Clerk/Treasurer.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Motion by Heinowski supported Hiltunen to accept the agenda as presented with the following additions:  1.  Newspaper bids, 2.  Blight Officer, 3.  Obstruction removal at the Airport (Pay estimate #1), 4. Lake Country Power Grant, 5. Coach 81 Renovation.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Correspondence:   A letter was received from Ken Kube stating he was interested in the Blight Officer Position.

            Motion by Heinowski supported by Hanson to hire Ken Kube as Blight Officer at the rate of $100 per month to begin March 1, 2008.  All yes.  Motion carried.

 

            Reports were received from the Safety Committee and the Ambulance Department.  No reports were received from the Maintenance and Fire Departments. A discussion was held on the replacement of the box on the dump truck and on the possibility of renting a sweeper.  The dump box replacement will be included in the 2009 budget.

 

            Ambulance Supervisor, Pete Wargowsky, explained that the Wolf Track Classic Sled Dog Race committee has requested the help of 6 EMTs on the day of the race.    Motion by Hiltunen supported by Heinowski to pay EMTs who help out, $10 an hour.  All yes.  Motion carried.