Call to order:
The regular Randolph City Council meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. by Mayor Robert Appelgren.
Roll Call:
Present:
Mayor Robert Appelgren
Council Members Sarah Podritz and Todd D Carlock. Jacob Friedrich was absent.
Treasurer Sandy Nicolai and Clerk Mary Haro
Public Comments:
A citizen asked if we are considering anything regarding winter parking while we are working on our new ordinances. They were told yes we did discuss it.
It was also asked if we can make sure to post the agenda and prior minutes on the website.
It was also asked if once there are sidewalks along 292nd street are citizens going to be responsible for snow removal? They were told that we will be discussing this in the future.
Prior Meeting Minutes
A motion to approve the November 9, 2022 regular council meeting minutes was made by Podritz, seconded by Appelgren. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 4:0.
Treasurer's Report
We had some in/outs for the fire department. We received a deposit from Dakota County for real estate taxes. It was asked what our current rates are on our CD's. Sandy will check with Merchants what we are currently getting on them and we will discuss at our next meeting. It was also asked if she had heard anything regarding the fraudulent check, which she has not heard anything but will check on it.
A motion to approve the Treasurer's Report was made by Carlock, seconded by Appelgren. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 4:0.
Approval to Pay Bills
We had a discussion regarding how much money is left in the bond to pay for the land. There should be enough money to pay for the land. We also received Bryce's hours for the months of February – November.
Motion to approve the payment of bills as presented including the $760.00 payment to Dakota County Abstract & Title and contingent on the approval of the ordinance for the payment to the land owners for $5,000 was made by Podritz and seconded by Carlock. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 4:0.
Old Business
Wellhead Protection Plan
Clerk Haro asked if anyone had any questions regarding the plan. It was asked if the public had seen it and it was indicated it was supposed to have been put on the website. Carlock asked for a physical copy. She will get a hard copy for him.
Motion to approve the wellhead protection plan was made by Haro, seconded by Appelgren. Voting in favor, Podritz, Haro and Appelgren, opposed Carlock, motion passed 3:1.
New Business
Clerk's Salary
Discussion on what other cities and township pay the clerk and it was noted that it ran about $1,000 a month. It was asked how many hours are invested in a week/month. Approximately 10/20 hours a week with at least 40 hours a month. It varies from month to month depending on the reports that are due. It was noted that $900 would average about $15 an hour.
Motion to increase the salary for the clerk from $579 to $900 per month, starting in January 2023 made by Carlock, seconded Appelgren. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 3:0 with Haro abstaining from the vote.
Budget/Final Levy for 2023
Discussed if we needed to change the wages and salaries budget but we are okay with the amount that is listed.
After review, Appelgren made a motion to approve Resolution No. 22-11 setting the 2023 preliminary levy at $172,842 and the debt levy at $4,279, seconded by Podritz. Voting in favor, Podritz, Haro and Appelgren, opposed Carlock, motion passed 3:1.
Polling Place Designation
Clerk Haro noted that we need to pass a resolution every year designating the polling places for elections.
Clerk Haro made a motion to approve Resolution No. 22-02 designating the Randolph City Hall as the polling place for 2023, seconded by Podritz. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 4:0.
Resolution for Payment for Access to Property for Geo-Tech Investigation
The landowner requested the payment and our legal counsel believes it is a fair deal and we should consider it. It was asked if this is common practice and Matt indicated that yes landowners can request payment. It was also noted that Minnesota Statutes indicates that we need to pay for any damages. Matt also noted that the Geo-Tech testing is required for this project to satisfy the MPCA. It was asked if this is our best course of action and it was indicated that it was. Matt is checking if this amount can be reimbursed to us.
Motion by Podritz to approve Resolution No. 22-16 Authorizing Payment for Entry to Property for Geotech Investigation for Sanitary Sewer Project, seconded by Haro. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 3:0 with Appelgren abstaining from the vote.
Randolph Historical Society
Wade Murray indicated that he talked to the building inspector and he has the permit to pay the fee and indicated the only issue was the handicap parking. It was indicated it's not an issue it was only a suggestion. Mark indicated there is a requirement under ADA guidelines that he has to have a handicap parking spot. It just needs to be marked and the path needs to be ADA compliant. It has to be an assigned handicap spot. He suggested that it be on the property and not on the street.
Wade noted that they have a one year moratorium from Dakota County for their septic as they do plan to hook up to city sewer when it is available.
Wade also wanted it noted that the bar contacted them to purchase some land from the Historical Society and he's not planning to sell at this point but wants to keep the options open. He has made no commitments to sell any land at this point. They need to get their building up first and then determine what's next. They have to get their certificate of completion by January of next year.
He noted that the curb stop is in the alley way and was told that it can stay in the same place unless he wants it moved. It was noted that there is no water hook up fee for them since it was already paid once. He will have to pay for a new meter.
The permit will be $4,609.86 and he will pay the permit tonight. He said he would like to get the permit tonight and Mark indicated that he was good with it except the corners need to be marked so he can do the setbacks before they start digging. It was noted that the surveyor can put the stakes in.
Appelgren made a motion to approve the Randolph Historical Society building permit, seconded by Podritz. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 4:0.
Sewer Update
Matt from Bolton & Menk talked about the open house prior to tonight's council meeting regarding the Dakota County Road 88 project. Joe Connelly discussed the feedback they received regarding the three lane road and parking along the road. He discussed the revised plan going back to two lanes in the commercial area so that parking will remain along the road which he estimates 40 parking spots from the railroad tracks to the school. They will take the feedback they received at the open house and revise the plans. Their goal is to get to a 60% plan very soon. The revisions include pedestrian crossings and turn lanes. It was asked about maintenance for the sidewalks. He indicated that snow removal, weed control, etc. would fall on the city but Dakota County will maintain replacement if needed. He indicated that the next thing is to get the appraisals done on the properties affected along the project which it around 52 properties. The plan is to post bids in February and start construction in May-June of 2023. They are working on what areas go 1st and what areas go 2nd. After the bidding process, there will be another open house around April regarding "What to Expect During Construction". Bolton & Menk also asked if you have an event planned during 2023 such as a graduation party to let them know so that they know sooner rather than later for planning purposes.
Miscellaneous
Sarah asked about locates and flushing hydrants as this is Bob's last meeting and asked what we are going to do about them. Bryce is the person responsible for them but Bob indicated that he talked with Bryce and he is discussing hiring Bob to do these things. Bob will talk further with Bryce regarding these items.
This is Bob's last full meeting so he was thanked for his service to the City.
Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Podritz, seconded by Haro, the meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m. All voting in favor, none opposed, motion passed 4:0.