The City Council of Pelican Rapids met in regular session at 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, 11-28-17 in Council Chambers, City Hall.

Mayor Frazier called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Roll call was taken by Clerk-Treasurer Danielle Heaton.

Mayor Brent E. Frazier and four members of the Council were present at roll call: Council Member Steve Strand; Council Member CJ Holl; Council Member Kevin Ballard; Council Member Steve Foster.

City staff present:

Administrator Don Solga, Clerk- Treasurer Danielle Heaton, Street and Park Superintendent Brian Olson.

General Attendance: Ethan Fearing, County Commissioner Wayne Johnson, Kathy Knuteson-Olson, Nick Leonard, Chris Schuelke, Howard Fullhart, Andrew Johnson, and Lou Hoglund from the Pelican Press were also present.

The Mayor welcomed everyone to the Council Meeting and announced upcoming events in the community.

All present stood and said the Pledge of Allegiance.

Pastor Ethan Fearing of North Emanuel Lutheran Church introduced himself to Council and let them know he and his congregation are excited to do more community outreach and to keep them in mind.

Motion by Strand, seconded by Foster to approve the agenda with the deletion of No. 12 Business/Homeowner Tacklebox – Don Solga and addition of No. 16 General Fund Budget Work Session. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion by Ballard, seconded by Holl to approve the consent agenda.

• Approval of Minutes –11/14/17
• Approval of Accounts Payable Listing
• Liquor Store Report
• Utility Report – People Service
• Plumber Registration for Derek Maher of Grant Mechanical to Work in the City of Pelican Rapids
• Recreational Game License for 2 Games at Gilmore Weik Post 5252
• Certify Unpaid Sewer Bill for 1201 County Highway 9 to Property Taxes
Motion passed unanimously.

Kathy Knuteson-Olson on behalf of Friends of the Library asked Council to allow book storage in upstairs City Hall.

There were concerns about the books being in in the way of the contractors when they begin working on the building. There were also concerns about doing this long term. Motion by Foster, seconded by Strand to deny allowing Friends of the Library to use upstairs City Hall as storage for the books but continue to allow them to use the old well house which they are currently using. Motion carried. Opposed: Holl.

Nick Leonard updated Council on the Otter County Lakes Country Association. He reviewed the 2017 Regional Marketing Program and the Proposed 2018 Marketing Campaign.

Chris Schuelke from the Otter Tail County Historical Society addressed Council about Otter Tail County’s 150th Anniversary. The Historical Society is partnering with PlaceBase Productions to turn four communities into a stage exploring the history and stories.

Pelican Rapids is one of the communities where performances will take place between September 14-16, 2018. He would like the City of Pelican Rapids to help support the collaboration between PlaceBase Productions and the Otter Tail County Historical Society in celebrating Otter Tail’s 150th anniversary and the performance they will be doing in Pelican Rapids.

Howard Fullhart from the Minnesota DNR spoke to Council about the Dam. He presented pictures and answered Council’s questions. If the City wants to consider having the dam removed with the DNR’s assistance, we would have to get on the funding list in March 2018 to get the funds in 2019.

The DNR’s main goal is to provide fish passage, not to remove dams. The next step is to plan a public meeting to share their ideas with the public. An informational meeting was tentatively set for January 30, 2018 at 7:00 p.m.

City Auditor Dan Rollie reviewed the 2016 Audit with Council. The City is in very good standing.

Motion by Strand, seconded by Foster to approve the 2016 Audit. Motion passed unanimously.

Administrator Solga presented the 2018 Water Budget to Council. The Water Budget is increasing based on an increase in chemicals used and the planned wiring of the generator for the Water Plant. There will be no increase in Water rates for 2018. Motion by Strand, seconded by Foster to approve the 2018 Water Budget. Motion passed unanimously.

Administrator Solga presented the 2018 Sewer Budget to Council. The Sewer rates will not be increasing in 2018.

Motion by Foster, seconded by Ballard to approve the 2018 Sewer Budget. Motion passed unanimously.

Motion by Strand, seconded by Foster to not have a second meeting in December. Motion passed unanimously.

Administrator Solga shared the results of the lead/copper monitoring that is required by the Safe Drinking Water Act.

Because the action level for copper had been exceeded, letters were sent to those addresses.

Nothing more needs to be done by the City.

The General Fund Budget work session was set for Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at 3:30 p.m.

Motion by Strand, seconded by Ballard to adjourn the City Council meeting at 7:51 p.m.

Motion carried. Opposed: Holl. Danielle Heaton Clerk-Treasurer
12-20-c