Minutes of Freshwater Education District # 6004
Board Mtg., 8/24/22
Wadena, MN
Called to Order by Chair Thalmann at 5 P.M.
Board Present: R. Thalmann-Henning; K. Howard-Menahga; B. Lund-Staples-Motley; C. Funk-Sebeka; C. Wolf- Long Prairie-Grey Eagle; B. Tumberg-Wadena – Deer Creek; S. Veronen -Verndale; J. Hillmer-Browerville; R. VanDenheuvel-Bertha-Hewitt. Supt: D. Fjeldheim-Sebeka & L. Westrum-Wadena – Deer Creek. FED: Supt. Weber; SPED Director, L. Murdock; J. Anderson; S. Thiel.
Agenda – MOTIONED BY VanDenhuevel & 2nd BY Lund to approve the agenda as modified. VOTE- U/C
Presentation – Early Childhood Family Ed provided a staff made video with information of “What is ECFE”.
Old Business- MOTIONED BY Tumberg & 2nd BY Hillmer to approve the 8/22/22 minutes as presented. VOTE-U/C
MOTIONED BY Tumberg & 2nd BY Hillmer to acknowledge receipt and review of the 8/17/22 Supt. Advisory minutes as presented. VOTE- U/C
Business and Finance- MOTIONED BY Veronen &2nd BY Thalmann to approve the June & July 2022 mileage claims as presented. VOTE- U/C
MOTIONED BY Funk & 2nd BY Howard to approve the 8/24/2022 Voucher Claims as presented. VOTE- U/C
The following Resolution is hereby MOVED BY Funk & 2nd BY Wolf: Resolved, the Board of FED #6004 approves the establishment and maintenance of the Green Island School Forest and outdoor classroom comprising approximately 33 acres in the NE ¼ SW 14 of Section 5, Township 134, Range 35 and supports enrollment of said school forest in the MN DNR School Forest Program for educational purposes.
Freshwater School Forest described as: the NE ¼ SW ¼ excluding the frontage area of highway 71 described as starting at the northwestern corner by the intersection of Highway 71 and Scheer Drive NE, then going 300 feet east along the property line, then going south 45° east to the point of beginning; and excluding an area in the NE of the parcel described as starting at the NE corner of the NE ¼ SW ¼ then going south 400 feet, then west 480 feet, then north 400 feet, then east 480 feet to the point of beginning.
VOTE on adoptions of this Resolution was as follows; ABSTENTIONS: None AYE: Thalmann, Wolf, Howard, Tumberg, Lund, Veronen, Funk, Hillmer and VanDenheuvel NAY: None ABSENT: None. WHEREUPON, said Resolutions was declared duly adopted.
New Business- MOTIONED BY Veronen & 2nd BY Tumberg to approve the agreement between Interquest Detection Canines & FED for the 22/23 SY as presented. VOTE- U/C
MOTIONED BY Howard & 2nd BY Hillmer to approve the Sourcewell Program and Services Agrmt. 22/23 SY as presented. VOTE- U/C
MOTIONED BY VanDenheuvel & 2nd BY Tumberg to approve the MOU between FED and Ed MN Freshwater Para/RVR Drivers Group to forego the HITA bid process in 2022 to retain at least a 12% rate cap from health insurance carrier Sourcewell. VOTE- U/C
MOTIONED BY Funk & 2nd BY Lund to approve the MOU between FED and Ed MN
Freshwater Teacher-Itinerant Group to forego the HITA bid process in 2022 to retain at least a 12% rate cap from health insurance carrier Sourcewell. VOTE- U/C
MOTIONED BY VanDenhuevel & 2nd BY Wolf to approve the FED Employee Handbook for the 22/23 SY as presented. VOTE- U/C
MOTIONED BY Thalmann & 2nd BY Hillmer to approve the transferring of funds as presented. VOTE- U/C Dept. Reports- SPED; L. Murdock gave an update on the following: Two additional Para’s needed for the start of the year; Installation of a breezeway completed at the Academies; New epoxy flooring installed in a reflection room of the Academy.
Bus. Mgr. Report; J. Anderson gave an update of FY22 audit will start in three weeks and looking at a $100,000 spend down.
Ex. Director Report; E. Weber gave an update on the following: Admin met with Supervising Supts., D. Fjeldheim & L. Westrum on WALC student classroom space issue; Update of AASA Certification will be reimbursed by Sourcewell; Welcoming at the August Supts. Mtg. of the three new Supts. in LPGE, Menahga & Verndale. ABE: fully staffed for the beginning of the 22/23 SY. ALC/TS: Program hours for the 21/22 SY were 100 hours less than the previous year. ALC Outreach Program added Pequot Lakes to this past summer programming, with Royalton & Crookston inquiring of this option. Update of new epoxy flooring installed at the mid-level classroom of the WALC as well as new desk and chairs. LPALC will be starting a new middle-level program for the 22/23 SY.
MOTIONED BY Tumberg & 2nd BY Howard to approve the updated School Nutrition Joint Agreement between SM #2170 & FED SALC for the 22/23 SY as presented. VOTE- U/C.
Carl Perkins: MOTIONED BY VanDenheuvel & 2nd BY Hillmer to approve the Career & Tech Ed Coordinator Service Agreement with WDC #2155, effective 7/1/22 – 6/30/23. VOTE- U/C.
FEF; Reviewed Balance Summary. Tech: Update on new phone system and security cameras installed. Reviewed the Wide Area Network Map with the changes of dark fiber to lit fiber.
Personnel Consent Agenda- MOTIONED BY Veronen & 2nd BY Wolf to approve the items as follows:
ADMIN: Re-assignment of B. Larson, SpEd Para to Year-Round Flex Sub Para; L. Perkins, Academy Instructor to Year-Round Short Call Sub. Decrease in Hrs. of N. Hibbs, TCC/FACTS Facilitator;
ECFE/SR: Increase in Hrs. for K. Schalow, SR Child Educator; V. Wood, SR Para; B. Faust, ECFE/SR Child Educator; M. Schmidt, ECFE Parent Educator; E. Hibbs, ECFE/SR Child Educator. Decrease in Hrs., for M. Murch, SR Para; M. Wolhowe, SR Child Educator; L. Hubbard, SR Child Educator; L. Wright, ECFE/SR Child Educator.
SPED: Hiring of T. Becker, Life & Social Skills Assist.; R. Rivers, ECSE Inst.; L. Bertram, SLPA; A. Lorentz, SPED Para. Decrease in Hrs. J. Miller, Van Driver; D. Baune, ECSE Para. Increase in Hrs. K. Kneisl, SpEd Para; M. Becker, SpEd Para. Increase in Days S. McAllister, Program Specialist. Voluntary Reduction in Days for L. Baumgart, PI/Assessment/WBL Specialist. Resignation of M. Rasmussen, SpEd Para. VOTE- U/C.
Adjournment- MOTIONED BY Howard & 2nd BY Tumberg to adjourn the meeting at 5:52 p.m.
Pre-Approved Publication Summary
Published September 27, 2022
CITY OF HENNING
Regular Council Meeting Minutes, August 1, 2022
Council Members Present: Mayor Darren Wiese, Acting Mayor Scott Hart, Tammy Fosse, and Wes Johnson.
City Staff Present: Clerk-Treasurer Jenna Kovarik, Police and Fire Chief Mike Helle, Willow Creek Director Lisa Augustus, Ambulance Director Jane Cook, Utilities Supervisor Ted Strand.
Members of the Public Present: Dick Johnson, Beth Chelcy, Judy Strege, Curt Mortonson, Patrick -Safe Route to School, Lisa Reidaenbold, Pete Hansen, Travis, Melissa Sparks, Heather- Gateway Pub.
1) Call to order at 5:30 pm and pledge.
2) Comment Period:
a) Waskosky shared article in Fergus Falls Newspaper, gave council members and public a copy. She wanted to ask a few questions regarding How this is ok, for someone to report this to the paper and cast shadows on the City of Henning? She also stated how we want to move on from a year ago. They also Thanked Jane for her help and the survey for the ambulance coming back positive and also to thank Mike for all the help and Kudos to Ted and Tim as well.
b) Judie Strege asked a question regarding increase in pay in the new employees, and wondering if a fourth employee is needed? Utility Supervisor stated as of now they’re not looking for another employee. They will continue down the path with contracting for meter reading and getting software issues corrected; Ted will report back with employee recommendations. She also brought up in question about City clerk position (ie…pay and training) Also was asked about snow removal. Mayor Wiese and Councilman Johnson stated we have a good group of employees and we need to move on from the past.
3) West Central Initiative
a) Samantha came and spoke of updates and questions. She explained different projects, loans, and programs for the different communities . She also spoke of Safe Routes to School and the apple trees that the community can ask request.
4) Baseball Letter:
a) Was discussed from prior meeting about the use of 10u & 11u name. It was clarified that clarified that they can continue to fundraise but can’t use either of those names or the City of Henning name in their fundraising.
5) School Referendum Information.
a) The school is asking council for public hearing regarding the closure of portion of the road for the school referendum. Also was discussed about utilities around school and the wells. Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to have a public hearing and give facts about the partial road closure.
6) MN DOT Reference Visual Quality Work for the reconstruction project of Highway 108 Todd Corroll/Lori Vanderhider: Todd spoke of working with committee members on the Highway 108 project. Wanting to get a vision for future and what MN DOT can do to help with that? Did discuss the different layouts in packet. Was discussed how to maintain the additional landscape features. Was suggested to have a meeting with local business on main street and discuss these options and what they would prefer outside of their business.
7) Motion by Haberer, second by Hart to approve $25,000 loan to Grizz-Lee Industrial Coating LLC.
8) Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to purchase Ambulance monitors for the cardiac defibrillator.
9) Motion by Johnson, second by Hart and unanimously carried to use donated Truck for the Public works department: The blue truck was in Autofix for repairs and found fuel leak, brake problem, and the frame crushed while being put on the lift. Utilities Supervisor Ted Strand did present three options for replacement trucks: 2016 Truck for $24,000.00, a donated 2002 truck from Bryan Brogard with a value of $11,000 or repair the Black squad truck. It was decided to proceed with the donated truck.
10) Department Updates:
Public Works:
They have been working on tree trimming, pothole patching, transformers, getting rid of transformers. The Baseball tournaments went well as well as Henning Festival. Wastewater flows are down which means less water to treat. He is also working on the budget. Also did install a cement pad by transformers, to keep them out of dirt and avoid tipping, there goal is to fence around that as well. Also been working on getting bigger gas meters replaced and work done at the Airport. Also have been working on the resizing of Gas Meters and getting those more accurate after the audit. Also, will be waiting on contractor for the window replacement at Willow creek, will give contractor 2 weeks and if not completed will have Tim complete the installation.
Ambulance:
Director position is on hold, will have another crew meeting to discuss.
Willow Creek Director Lisa Augustus:
Director discussed current capacity and vacancy. Discussed couple on waiting list for two-bedroom apartment. A contract was initiated with Augustana Senior Development II, LLC on 6/8/2022 for assistance with two outstanding Elderly Waver accounts. Total expenses for services through June 30th, 2022, were $1207.50 To date we have received 16,452.68 on one account, and $7,065.97 on the second account. (23,518.65).There is one other account that Lisa is considering having the consultant look at, it has not been paid since January 2022. These were all rebilled last month, but no payments have been received. Only one of eleven EW payment has been received for June 2022.
There was a MDH Elevator inspection completed 7/11/2022, there are six items that need to be repaired.
COVID, No current out brake in staff or residents. The iPad has arrived and a self-check in process will be in place in the coming weeks. See packet for additional information.
Overtime: Currently Willow Creek employees are being paid overtime for hours worked over 48 hours a week. Lisa would like the council to change this so that hourly employees are paid overtime for hours worked over 40 hours a week. Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to pay overtime after 40 hours in a week.
Dietary Manager Credit Card: Lisa is requesting a credit card for our dietary manager to use for purchasing food and dining entertainment items needed for Willow Creek. Motion by Haberer, second by Hart and unanimously carried for Dietary Manager to have a credit card for $1,000 for purchases.
11) Old News:
Motion by Hart, second by Fosse and unanimously carried for Ted Strand Utilities Supervisor to be issued and authorized a $1,000 credit card.
Motion by Hart second by Fosse and unanimously carried for Jenna Kovarik City clerk to be issued and authorized $10,000 credit card.
12) Motion by Hart , second by Johnson and unanimously carried to allow Darren or Jenna to contact Surveyor (Nyberg) regarding the walkway by B&D Foods also to check on utilities.
13) Motion by Hart and seconded by Haberer to adjourn at 8:30 pm.
Respectfully submitted: Jenna Kovarik, City Clerk-Treasurer
Attested to: Darren Wiese
Published September 27, 2022
STATE OF MINNESOTA IN DISTRICT COURT
SEVENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT
COUNTY OF OTTER TAIL CIVIL DIVISION
Other Civil
Wendy J. Schultz, Michael D. Berry, and Grace L. Berry,
Plaintiffs,
Court File No. 56-CV-22-1825
vs.
Paul J. Seidel; Irene M. Seidel; Harry L. Anderson; Bella M. Anderson; Donald W. Gades and Betty L. Gades, Trustees of the Donald and Betty Gades Family Trust dated January 21, 2015; Joyce Marie Christensen; Joyce Marie Christiansen; Debra A. Danielson; Nancy J. Danielson; Ross D. Pederson; Ann Marie Littlefield; Roger C. Pederson; Reid M. Pederson; Christopher A. Pederson; Erthel K. Johnson; Carol J. Nelson; Edgar J. Shaw; Myrna H. Shaw; Craig Joseph Shaw; Michael E. Kotten and Patricia A. Kotten, as Trustees under the Michael E. Kotten Trust Agreement dated September 15, 2004; and the unknown heirs of the above-named persons now deceased and any and all other persons unknown claiming any right, title, or interest in the premises described herein,
Defendants.
SUMMONS
1. YOU ARE BEING SUED. The Plaintiffs have started a lawsuit against you. The Plaintiffs’ Complaint against you is on file in the office of the Court Administrator of the above-named Court. Do not throw these papers away. They are official papers that affect your rights. You must respond to this lawsuit even though it may not yet be filed with the Court and there may be no court file number on this Summons.
2. YOU MUST REPLY WITHIN 20 DAYS TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS. You must give or mail to the person who signed this summons a written response called an Answer within 20 days of the date on which you received this Summons. You must send a copy of your Answer to the person who signed this Summons located at:
Allen Haugrud
121 East Lincoln Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Attorney for Plaintiffs
3. YOU MUST RESPOND TO EACH CLAIM. The Answer is your written response to the Plaintiffs’ Complaint. In your Answer you must state whether you agree or disagree with each paragraph of the Complaint. If you believe the Plaintiffs should not be given everything asked for in the Complaint, you must say so in your Answer.
4. YOU WILL LOSE YOUR CASE IF YOU DO NOT SEND A WRITTEN RESPONSE TO THE COMPLAINT TO THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THIS SUMMONS. If you do not answer within 20 days, you will lose this case. You will not get to tell your side of the story, and the Court may decide against you and award the Plaintiffs everything asked for in the Complaint. If you do not want to contest the claims stated in the Complaint, you do not need to respond. A default judgment can then be entered against you for the relief requested in the Complaint.
5. LEGAL ASSISTANCE. You may wish to get legal help from a lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, the Court Administrator may have information about places where you can get legal assistance. Even if you cannot get legal help, you must still provide a written Answer to protect your rights or you may lose the case.
6. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION. The parties may agree to or be ordered to participate in an alternative dispute resolution process under Rule 114 of the Minnesota General Rules of Practice. You must still send your written response to the Complaint even if you expect to use alternative means of resolving this dispute.
7. THIS LAWSUIT MAY AFFECT OR BRING INTO QUESTION TITLE TO REAL PROPERTY located in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, legally described as follows:
PARCEL A
All that part of Government Lot 4, Section 31, Township 133, Range 39, Otter Tail County, Minnesota, described as follows:
Commencing at the south quarter of said Section 31; thence North 89 degrees 39 minutes 43 seconds West (bearing based on Otter Tail County Coordinates – 2011 adjustment) along the south line of said Section 31, a distance of 733.57 feet to the centerline of Statesboro Drive as described in Document No. 1213567, as filed in the office of the County Recorder; thence northeasterly along said centerline, on a non-tangential curve, concave to the northwest, having a radius of 800.00 feet, a delta angle of 12 degrees 25 minutes 59 seconds and a chord bearing of North 14 degrees 30 minutes 34 seconds East, for an arc distance of 173.60 feet; thence North 08 degrees 17 minutes 35 seconds East along said centerline, a distance of 92.96 feet; thence North 67 degrees 53 minutes 25 seconds West a distance of 244.02 feet; thence South 38 degrees 02 minutes 37 seconds West a distance of 115.47 feet to the point of beginning of the land to be described; thence North 38 degrees 02 minutes 37 seconds East a distance of 115.47 feet; thence South 67 degrees 53 minutes 25 seconds East a distance of 244.02 feet to said centerline; thence South 08 degrees 17 minutes 35 seconds West along said centerline, a distance of 92.96 feet; thence southwesterly along said centerline, on said curve, concave to the northwest, having a radius of 800.00 feet, a delta angle of 12 degrees 25 minutes 59 seconds and a chord bearing of South 14 degrees 30 minutes 34 seconds West, for an arc distance of 173.60 feet to said south line of Section 31; thence North 82 degrees 25 minutes 04 seconds West a distance of 37.44 feet; thence North 80 degrees 49 minutes 20 seconds West a distance of 266.09 feet; thence North 48 degrees 35 minutes 01 seconds West a distance of 50.95 feet; thence North 27 degrees 07 minutes 08 seconds East a distance of 103.08 feet; thence North 48 degrees 28 minutes 20 seconds West a distance of 240 feet more or less to the shoreline of West Battle Lake; thence northeasterly along said shoreline to the intersection with a line which bears North 51 degrees 59 minutes 50 seconds West from the point of beginning; thence South 51 degrees 59 minutes 50 seconds East a distance of 228 feet more or less to the point of beginning.
Containing 2.62 acres more or less. Subject to Statesboro Drive.
Dated: August 4, 2022
By /s/ Allen Haugrud
Allen Haugrud, #42420
121 East Lincoln Avenue
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
Telephone No. 218-998-4299
Attorney for Plaintiffs
Published September 13, September 20,
September 27, 2022
CITY OF HENNING
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Friday, July 8, 2022
Council Members Present: Mayor Darren Wiese, Acting Mayor Scott Hart, Tammy Fosse, Jim Haberer, and Wes Johnson.
City Staff Present: none
Members of the Public Present: none
1) Call to order at 9:00 am and pledge.
2.) Interviewed potential City Clerk Applicant #1;
3.) Interviewed potential City Clerk Applicant #2;
4.) Interviewed potential City Clerk Applicant #3;
Published September 27, 2022
CITY OF HENNING
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 13, 2022
Council Members Present: Mayor Darren Wiese, Acting Mayor Scott Hart, Tammy Fosse, Jim Haberer, and Wes Johnson.
City Staff Present:
Members of the Public Present:
1) Call to order at 10:00 am and pledge.
2) Mayor Weise advised that while this is a public meeting, he would prefer to proceed with the door shut so that the second applicant does not sit in and hear the interview of the first candidate.
3) The City of Henning and Perham Natural Gas Operating Contract was reviewed by the entire council. It was noted that there would be a monthly fee and that any emergency work would be spelled out. This agreement is good for six (6) months. They will assist with training for the gas certificate and they will also provide on call time for us. Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to accept this contract and authorize the Mayor, Wiese, and Acting Mayor, Hart, to sign the agreement.
4) Ambulance Director, Jane Cook presented the council with 2 quotes via email. She is requesting that the council approve spending $4,401.17 for two (2) Dell tablets for the ambulances. This Is an increase from the previously approved amount of $3,100.00. Motion by Haberer, second by Hart and unanimously carried to approve Ambulance Director Cook to purchase two (2) Dell Tablets for the total amount of $4,401.17.
5) Interview of Candidate #1;
6) Mayor Darren Wiese, informed the council that there are two bids for the roof repair at Country View Apartments. Mayor Wiese advised that the difference in the two quotes is approximately $20,000.00 and has to do with the type of shingle each contractor has quoted. Insurance will only pay for the less of the two quotes. Mayor Weise advised he will get some clarification on the two quotes and difference in shingle grade and bring his information to the next council meeting.
7) Interview of Candidate #2;
8) Discussion regarding Candidate Interviews. Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to offer the position of City Clerk to Candidate #1 for $27.00 an hour with a $1.00 increase after a 60 day probation period for a total of $28.00.
Motion by Haberer, second by Hart and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Published September 27, 2022
CITY OF HENNING
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 20, 2022
Council Members Present: Mayor Darren Wiese, Acting Mayor Scott Hart, Tammy Fosse, Jim Haberer, and Wes Johnson.
City Staff Present: Utility Supervisor Ted Strand, Police and Fire Chief Mike Helle.
Members of the Public Present: Citizens Advocate Chad Koenen; Beth Rose.
1) Call to order at 1:10 pm and pledge.
2) Mayor Darren Wiese updated the council that the city clerk position was offered to Susan Needham, however her current company reached out to her and offered to pay her more to stay. She has advised she would need a couple more dollars an hour plus 4 weeks of vacation every year in order to take the position. Weise commented that if we go this route, when the wage study comes back we will need to look at all department heads’ vacation packages. Hart suggested the possibility of bringing back the HSA if employees would prefer that over vacation time. Council Member Hart suggested that if the electrical is paying and turning out the way it is we have some wiggle room.
3) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to authorize Mayor Darren Wiese to make a final offer to Susan Needham for $29.00 an hour with a $1.00 raise to $30,00 an hour after 30 day probation along with 4 weeks of vacation. This offer will be valid for the next 24 hours and we would like to have her decision by tomorrow.
The council agreed that If this position was not accepted by Needham, that we would repost the position immediately.
Motion by Haberer, second by Hart and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Published September 27, 2022
CITY OF HENNING
Regular Council Meeting Minutes Monday, May 2, 2022
Council Members Present: Mayor Darren Wiese, Acting Mayor Scott Hart, Tammy Fosse, Jim Haberer, and Wes Johnson.
City Staff Present: Clerk-Treasurer Kim Schroeder, Deputy/Billing Clerk Joe Miller, Utility Supervisor Ted Strand, Police and Fire Chief Mike Helle, Willow Creek Director Lisa Augustus, Ambulance Director Jane Cook, Ambulance EMT Riley Lueders.
Members of the Public Present: Chad Koenen-Citizens Advocate, City Engineer Bob Schlieman, Otter Tail County Amy Baldwin, MRES Representatives Joni Livingston, Terry Wolf and Sam Jones, Commissioner Betty Murphy, Dave Haglund, Pete Hagen, Jessica Strege, Travis Nelson, Clay Houselog, Elaine Dubel, Jamie Wilson, Dondi Kimber, Cora Wiirre, Wilma Morse, Shari Hab·erer, Hope Sapp, Connie Bachmeier, Elizabeth Augustus, Dan Broten, Sara Oscarson, Sara Booker, Beth Rose, Chad Mesker, Brenden Markuson, Dana Christenson, Beno Lohse, Patty Christenson, John Thalmann, Kelly Miller, Jesse Miller, Scott Grabe, Carleen Markuson.
1) Call to order at 5:30 pm and pledge.
2) Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to approve the agenda.
3) Motion by Haberer, second by Hart and unanimously carried by roll call vote to approve the consent agenda items with corrections as follows:
• Approval of April 4 and 18, 2022 Minutes
• Approval of April City Claims
4) Public Input: Judy Strege questioned how many applications have been received for the open positions. It was stated the clerk position was posted that day with one resume and no full application received at this time. The utility/public works positions have received numerous resumes or inquiries with one a few applicants completing the full application required to be a candidate. Of those completing the full application, none are meeting the responsibilities, work history, or desired requirements of the job.
5) Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to hire seasonal mowers and airpor.t mechanic with a range of $12.00-$15.00 per hour based on experience and level of job duties. The council hired John Thalmann at $15.00 per hour as the airport seasonal mower and mechanic.
6) Utility/Public Works Supervisor Ted Strand Update:
• Electric: The planned outage has been rescheduled to May 21st at 11:00 pm, weather dependent. Scheduled for approx. 4-5 hours however, notification will go out longer in case there’s need. Notifications to residents will be done in the newspaper, facebook page, posters around town, and the county’s Smart 911 system. Generators are available at the fire hall and water tower if someone is in need. Augustus noted she has a need at WC, Haberer offered his generator and will get it to her.
• Road Maintenance: Complaints have been received regarding the condition of Airport Rd and Marshall Ave. Helle has been communicating with the township about mutual maintenance assistance. This stems from the recent detachments of property from the city to township with half of the road now owned relatively 50/50 city and township. Strand will look into road patching potholes.
Inman St/CSAH 67: Engineer Bob Schlieman went over his outline. There’s a supply chain issue for items in the project. This has affected the bids for a 2022 project completion. To bring bids back to reasonable projected costs the timeline is extended to October of 2023. Bids were received May 4, 2022 and will be reviewed at the June 6 regular meeting. The Public Facilities Authority (PFA} will have grant funding information sometime near June. It was noted, the project will still commence as scheduled along with portions of the project continuing when supplies come in. Roads will be completed as needed to not to cause issues as well.
TH108 Project: Mn DOT spoke with Steve Fiskum at the elevator. MnDOT will move the 32’ entrance to the west and re-run turn movements to see if that helps the grass or concrete boulevard discussion. Mn DOT is still proposing to keep the curb as is, and not lower. The council will continue discussion or make a decision when they hear back from MnDOT regarding the entrance move and new turn movements.
2nd St Project: Selling Bros. is still pushing to replace the broken gasket with a stainless sleeve. Also requesting the council to review the additional fees allowed in the project, along with the city’s continency late fees as another option for negotiations. Members of the council still agreed it’s a brand-new service, should have never happened and want it fixed as originally planned.
Air voids are still an issue with the bitumi_nous, after Sellins met with the subcontract, the subcontractor requested additional testing in other areas. Braun lntertech will complete the testing at no cost to the city and are required to patch the areas. This will set back the completion of the project in to 2023. Boulevard and yard topsoil will be completed as soon as weather allows.
7) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to hire Apex Engineering for TH108 Planning for a maximum of $16,500. Schlieman has put in additional time towards the ongoing discussions between MnDOT and the city that’s not included in the original agreement. Schlieman doesn’t believe the biflable amount will be up to the $16,500. The city will only be billed hourly for the time invested.
8) Motion by Haberer, second by Fosse and unanimously carried to approve Resolution 2022-19 Missouri River Energy Service Distribution Maintenance Supplemental Service Agreement. Joni Livingston, along with other representatives Terry Wolf and Sam Jones were present to acknowledge the city’s unfortunate lack of employee and electrical requirements situation in the event there’s a power outage or other serious electrical need.
9) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to increase the Utility Technician/Public Works Utility Maintenance Worker pay range to $20.00-$28.00 per hour based on experience. The position has been advertised for over a month with no qualified candidates. Members decided to increase the pay range to attract qualified candidates.
10) Police & Fire Supervisor Mike Helle Update:
• Fire: Firefighter Dan Reese retired after fulfilling 22 years of service.
Police: No applications received to date for the open full-time position. Still unable to secure a title for the old squad.
11) Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to hire volunteer firefighter Darrin Lutgens.
12) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to increase the Police Officer pay range to $25.00-$28.00 per hour based on experience. The position has been advertised for over a month with no qualified candidates. Members decided to increase the pay range to attract qualified candidates.
13) Motion by Haberer, second by Hart and unanimously carried to purchase two new tablets with a budget up to $3,100. The current tablets are approx. 5 years old, showing signs of reaching their lifespan.
14) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to approve Resolution 2022-20 Otter Tail County HRA-CDA Calling for Public Hearing and Consent. Amy Baldwin, Otter Tail County CDA· updated the council that Otter Tail County HRA is merging with Otter Tail County CDA. The effort is to expand the program. There are no changes to staff or the program. Only a formality to provide a public hearing in Henning that currently has HRA funds available.
15) Willow Creek Director Lisa Augustus Update:
• Census: Current census is 22 residents. 15 on assisted living services, 2 on homemaking services and meal plans, 5 on independent.
•Discharges: No discharges in April.
•Admissions: One new on 4/10/22.
•Referrals: Informational packet given to one interested person. One tour completed 4/27 /22 and a second on 4/28/22.
•Financials: All private pay accounts are current. Over the past week a little more than $30,000 in outstanding elderly waiver (EW) has been collected. Deputy clerk Miller has received assistance from a Dept of HS supervisor to help with proper submissions and payments. ·currently, there’s one EW still outstanding that dates back to Sept 2021, the remaining are Dec 2021 and newer. Miller continues to work on this.
•COVID: No current out break in staff or residents.
•Visitation: There are no visitation limitations at this time. All visitors are required to check in at the front entrance and screened before entering the building. Anyone who appears ill or has a fever will not be allowed to visit. Masks are required for all visitors and residents in the hallways.
•Staffing: One part time open universal worker position at this time. One interview was completed this week, a second interest will be completed next week.
•AL License Renewals: notices will be sent out on or before May 1st, This is a lengthy application. Augustus and Schroeder will work on the application prior to Schroeder’s full-time resignation. The clerk is listed as the Authorized Agent. Once a new clerk is hired, this will have to be updated.
16) Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to approve the amended Willow Creek Commission by-laws at presented.
17) Motion by Haberer, second by Fosse and unanimously carried to increase tenant rent 4% and cost per meal of $.25. This aligns with the Mn Dept of Health housing support program allowable increases. The increases will provide WC with approx. $18,000 in added annual revenue.
18) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to have the Personnel Committee and all Department Supervisors convene to review and make recommended changes to the Personnel Policy. Augustus is interested in this for WC also. She notes, in some areas part-time WC employees receive better benefits than full-time employees. She’d like to review both and make recommended adjustments that coincide and meet all state law requirements.
19) Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to close City Hall to the public the week of May 9-May 13, 2022. Schroeder resigned full-time with the last day May 6th Deputy Clerk .
Miller will be attending a required MN Clerks Institute week-long training. Utility late fees will not be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
20) Motion by Haberer and seconded by Hart to adjourn at 7:26 pm.
Respectfully submitted: Kimberly Schroeder City Clerk-Treasurer
Attested to: Darren Wiese Mayor
Published September 27, 2022
CITY OF HENNING
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
Monday, June 6, 2022
Council Members Present: Acting Mayor Scott Hart, Tammy Fosse, Jim Haberer, and Wes Johnson.
City Staff Present: Deputy/Billing Clerk Joe Miller, Utility Supervisor Ted Strand, Police and Fire Chief Mike Helle, Willow Creek Director Lisa Augustus.
Members of the Public Present: Shari Haberer, Jamie Wilson, Beth Rose, Murray, Amy Baldwin, Jon and Pat Torkelson, Travis Nelson, Justin from ProAg, Elaine Dubel.
1) Call to order at 5:30 pm and pledge.
2) Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the agenda with the additions of note taking, election judges and Monday’s interviews.
3) Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to open the Public Hearing for Amy Baldwin and the HRA and CDA (Community Development Authority) information. No one from the public was present with any questions or comments. Amy Baldwin requested formal authorization for Ottertail HRA and CDA to operate in the City Limits of Henning. She advised the OTC HRA title would soon be transferred to the CDA and January 1, 2023 they will be consolidating. Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to close the Public Hearing. Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to approve the Resolution provided by Amy Baldwin authorizing OTC HRA and CDA to operate in Henning City Limits.
4) Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to approve the consent agenda.
5) Public Input: Beth Rose had continued concerns regarding the utility billing situation and that there are still inaccurate very expenses utility bills being sent to residents. She is concerned for those with auto pay. Jon and Pat Torkelson were present to discuss removing their property from city limits. Acting Mayor Scott Hart advised they would need to be placed on the agenda. Jon and Pat advised that they had attempted to be placed on the agenda but did not receive a return call in time. Acting Mayor Scott Hart apologized for this and stated the council would review the documents and be prepared to vote at the next meeting when they are placed on the agenda. They agreed to follow up with the city office.
6) Henning City Engineer, Bob Schlieman, was present to discuss the bids for CSAH 67 and wastewater project for the City of Henning. The project numbers were reviewed, Engineer Schlieman advised the council they would have until July 13 to accept or decline bids for the project. He explained that at this time there is still no PFA funding available for these projects even though the city qualifies for 80% Grant. He explained that due to increased costs for all the projects across the state there simply isn’t funds available. Schlieman recommends the council hold off on accepting bids until July. He stated that at that time if there is no bonding bill passed he would likely recommend that we hold off on the projects till fall. He advised bids will likely be higher, but receiving 80% PFA grant funds will still be worth it. The council agreed to wait until July to make a decision.
Schlieman then advised the council that the state is looking for approval on the South Side of the Elevator. The new estimated cost will be $6,262.00. It it was turf it would be their cost but if we request cement it would be our cost. The council agreed the cost would be worth it in the long run. Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to proceed with the cement lay across from the elevator for the cost of $6,262.00.
Che if Helle asked Engineer Bob Schliemen if there was a way to have the state slope the ditches better after replacement of the road in order to make it easier and safer to mow. Schlieman advised he would check with the State.
Schlieman advised the council he would be meeting with Utility Supervisor Ted Strand on Thursday for Capital Improvement Funding work. He stated that being proactive is better than being reactive. They will be working on a 10-15 year capital improvement plan.
7) Willow Creek Administrator Lisa Augustus advised there are 12 elderly waiver accounts that could be outsourced. Motion by Haberer, second by Fosse and unanimously carried to proceed with the outsourced company agreement for these accounts and training.
Augustus advised she will need to spend money to fix the flooring under the freezer, this will not be negotiable as it is a requirement after the inspection.
Augustus advised she is looking for 4 full time employees.
8) ProAg purchasing the land in the industrial park was discussed. Justin advised he would be in contact with the private land owner about being able to use the road. The council advised we would need to make sure we have a road between TNT and ProAg and would need that to be in the survey. The dates for the agreement should be updated by a month on each date. Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to approve the attached purchased agreement with ProAg.
9) Personnel Policy was briefly reviewed with Tom Jacobson. It was decided that a meeting needs to occur with Mayor Wiese and the Department Heads before Council reviews and approves the policy.
10) Motion by Fosse, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to move forward with the sale of the Senior Center. Roger Hick’s property was discussed at this same time and it was clarified that he will only be able to sell the building and not the adjacent land.
11) Motion by Haberer, second by Johnson and unanimously carried to support the detachment of Linderkamp’s property from city limits.
12) Beth Rose approached the council about changing the policy where landlords are stuck with utility bills after tenants leave. She questioned whether or not this policy was legal and whether there were state requirements that attaches utility bills to property. She would like to know if we can implement a policy that declines utilities to residents if they have an outstanding bill with another city. The council advised Rose that was not legal to deny utilities in that fashion.
13) Motion by Johnson, second by Fosse and unanimously carried to Authorize a credit card for Utility Supervisor Ted Strand.
14) Council Member Fosse asked the council if it was in agreement with implementing a “highlight reel” of sorts whenever we get a new city clerk. Fosse is requesting something that “reminds” everyone what decisions were made at the previous meeting as a recap of sorts so that things stop falling off the radar. The council was in agreement. Fosse advised she wasn’t looking for a motion, just wanted to suggest it. She will talk to the new clerk upon hire.
15) Council Member Fosse also discussed that Police Chief Helle has asked her to take notes at the May 31, 2022 special council meeting which she did, however after hearing the attorney suggest no council member provide administrative duties she was concerned with proceeding. It was agreed by the council that someone needs to take notes and since Council member Fosse would be at the meetings and that all notes would be approved by council anyway that she would be allowed to type the minutes, for no extra compensation, to which Council Member Fosse agreed. This will be for the meetings of May 31, 2022, June 6, 2022 and July 11, 2022 along with any other special meetings or further regular meetings until the council is able to replace the city clerk. Motion by Hart, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to allow Council Member Fosse to type the meeting minutes, to be approved by council.
16) Election judges were discussed. The City of Henning Head Judge will be Richard Johnson. The Henning Township Head Judge will be Karen Stueve. It was recommended that both Head Judges and Deputy Clerk Joe Miller receive a $100.00 stipend for their services. Motion by ___ _, second by ____ and unanimously carried to approve stipend of $100.00 be paid to Joe Miller, Richard Johnson and Karen Stueve.
17) Added that there will be interviews on June 13, 2022 at 10 am and 11 am for the City Clerk Position. Motion by Johnson, second by Haberer and unanimously carried to adjourn the meeting.
Published September 27, 2022