Bellechester City Council Meeting Minutes
July 19, 2023 @ 6:00PM
Regular City Council Meeting was called to order by Mayor Jody Gordon at 6:01 p.m.
Pledge to the flag.
Roll call was taken: The council in attendance: Mayor Jody Gordon, Council people Rich Majerus, Mark Gerken, Jered Buxengard as well as treasurer Kyle McKeown and City Engineer Matt Mohs as well as Sharon Kerr were present. City Clerk Lisa Redepenning was absent.
Minutes of June, 2023 regular meeting minutes were reviewed and motion was made by Rich Majerus with a second by Rich Majerus to approve the minutes. Motion carried.
Bills were reviewed and a motion by Jared Buxengard with a second by Kyle Blattner to approve and pay the bills as presented. Motion carried.
Old Business:
• Sewer Grant – update progress. The submitted sewer grant came back with a few clarifications on access that will be addressed. Manhole issues was discussed. Rural water had issues that Matt will discuss with them. Matt presented an easement map and it was discussed. Motion was made by Jered Buxengard with a 2nd by Mark Gerken to approve the right-of-way map that was presented for the project. Motion carried. Rochester Plumbing and Heating has only the trailer park remaining for inspections. Plans will be finalized after this is completed. Matt informed both counties of what we are doing so they are informed of what is going on and to keep this project moving.
• Water Meter Ordinance - Motion was made by Rich Majerus with a 2nd by Kyle Blattner to approve and adopt the Water Meter Ordinance #35 as presented. Motion carried.
New business:
• Building Permit – Favio Jurado – portable storage shed - review and approve. It was determined that a permit was not required due to the size. It will have vinyl siding and wood flooring. Council requested beginning/end date. Beginning is 10/1/2023. Motion was made by Rich Majerus with a 2nd by Jered Buxengard to approve proceeding with the permit. Motion carried.
• Sharon Kerr inquired about water quality and presented pictures. All our sampling that we send to the state to have tested have passed. Taking a sample in her home was discussed and is the plan moving forward.
• Wells Creek Snowmobiling Club is having a land owners meeting with raffle on August 5th. Motion was made by Rich Majerus with a 2nd by Jered Buxengard to approve the raffle drawing to take place at the Tavern. Motion carried.
Engineer Report – Lead line service funding is available from the state and Matt will get an application submitted. There are 7 galvanized lines coming from homes that were found in the city.
Clerk Report - Water Meter Ordinance – I checked with our insurance about how to handle when we supply the water meter and there is an issue. Here is their response:
You will only be charged the Property Premium. Liability is there with no additional premium. There would have to be some negligence on the part of the City for coverage to apply. The increase in our premiums depends on how many and the value. Quarterly Reports – federal withholding, state sales tax, state unemployment and building permit reports are done. Resident Complaint Received – received an email with a cycle/atv noise complaint. Referred them to contact GCSO and informed them they need to see it occurring before it can be enforced. Direct Deposit of Wabasha County Funds – I am filling out the paperwork to have direct deposit of any funds from them to go directly to bank – FYI. 2024 Budget – I have included information on this for your review. It is not on agenda - this is just an FYI for August meeting. LGA for 2024 – There is no information on this yet.
Treasurer Report – Past due accounts were discussed. Metal detector would be helpful to finding shutoff. Matt might be able to get us one to purchase thru Bolten Menk.
Water/Wastewater/Facility Report – Rich requested black dirt and seed by waterway by ponds where there are ruts. Wabasha county will be contacted about mowing property that they own next to community center. Weed killing around ponds is occurring.
Mayor Concerns: Lions Sunday Funday will be happening 1-5 this Sunday. Lions are looking at improvements at the park. Moving and flipping the ball field and basketball improvements was discussed as a long term project for them. The DNR has grants for this that Jody is looking into.
Council Concerns: Rich contacted county about passing/no passing lines on the county roads at the intersection in town.
Adjourn
Motion was made by Jered Buxengard with a second by Kyle Blattner to adjourn the meeting. Motion carried. Meeting was adjourned at 6:49. Motion carried.
Submitted by Lisa Redepenning – City Clerk
