Meeting was held at West Concord City Hall
PRESENT: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
(Arrived at 7:01pm)
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Administrator Cory Hinz, City Clerk-Treasurer Lauren Highfill, City Accountant Michelle Lee.
OATH OF OFFICE
City Administrator, Cory Hinz, swore in new Council Members Christina Peterson and Crystal Nielsen.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Resident Sandra Sullivan presented her concern about the noise pollution from cattle trucks driving on city roads.
ADDITION TO AGENDA
MOTION TO APPROVE ONE-YEAR EXTENSION OF AGRICULTURAL LAND LEASE WITH DAN RABE
The City Council Granted a one-year extension on the Agriculture Land Lease Agreement with Dan Rabe leasing 6 acres of tillable agricultural fields located North of the Brush Dump and West of 6th Street.
MOTION: Motion to approve renewal of Land Lease with Dan Rabe.
Motion was made by Councilmember Collin Ripley, seconded by Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of City Council Meeting Minutes of December 15, 2022
2. Approval of Truth in Taxation Hearing Minutes of December 15, 2022
3. Approval of Municipal Liquor Store Hearing Minutes of December 15, 2022
4. Approve Payment of Claims, dated 12-30-2022, in the amount of $52,635.32
5. Approve Payment of Claims dated, 1-6-2023m, in the amount of $50.00
6. Approve Payment of Claims (Bond Payments), dated 1-11-2023, in the amount of $355,647.54
7. Approve Payment of Claims, dated 1-18-2023, in the amount of $9548.78.
8. Approve Cardinal’s Club 21 Plus Pre-Valentine’s Day - One Day Liquor License for February 11, 2023, to be held at the West Concord Bell Tower Center
9. Resolution 2023-10: Accepting Donation
10. Approve January 19, 2023, Personnel Committee Minutes: Part-Time Police Officer
MOTION: Motion to approve Consent Agenda, all items.
Motion was made by Councilmember Collin Ripley, seconded by Councilmember Jeff Burse.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
CITY BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION 2023-01: INCLUDING THE APPROVAL OF THE CITY COUNCIL CALENDAR OF MEETINGS, OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER, OFFICIAL DEPOSITORY, OFFICIAL INVESTMENT ADVISOR, CITY ATTORNEY, CITY ENGINEER, SIGNATORY AUTHORITY, AND WEED INSPECTOR
The following designations were approved by the City Council of West Concord:
1. The place, date and time of regular City Council meetings shall be the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in West Concord Bell Tower Center (401 Main Street West Concord, MN 55985). Special meetings shall be called as needed by the Mayor or two Council Members. Emergency meetings may be called by the Mayor or two Council Members in situations that warrant immediate attention and action. All City Council meetings are subject to Open Meeting Law and agendas will be posted at City Hall. In cases of emergency meetings, all reasonable attempts will be made to notify Council Members and the media. The Open Meeting Law may not apply in meetings concerning matters of personnel.
2) The official newspaper of the West Concord City Council shall be the Dodge County Independent.
3) The primary depository of West Concord City funds shall be Heritage Bank West Concord, MN.
4) The Investment Advisors: Ameritrade and Ehlers Public Finance Advisors
5) The City Attorney for legal advising and litigation shall be Kennedy & Graven and for prosecutions it shall be Weber, Leth & Woessner.
6) The City Engineer shall be Joe Palen – Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
7) Those given signatory authority on behalf of the City of West Concord are Mayor Jeffrey McCool, City Administrator Cory Hinz, City Clerk – Treasurer, Lauren Highfill, and Accounting Clerk Michelle Lee.
8) The city of West Concord chooses not to require an MD&A (Management, Discussion & Analysis) report for year-end financial reports.
9) The City Weed Inspector shall be Keith Clammer, Maintenance Supervisor.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-01
Motion was made by Councilmember Jeff Burse, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-02: APPOINTMENT OF ACTING MAYOR
A resolution was adopted appointing Councilmember Crystal Nielsen as Acting Mayor
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-02
Motion was made by Councilmember Jeff Burse, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-03: AUTHORIZATION AND APPROVAL FOR CITY ADMINISTRATOR TO PAY INCIDENTAL BILLS
A Resolution was adopted authorizing City Administrator Cory Hinz to Pay Incidental Bills.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-03
Motion was made by Councilmember Collin Ripley, seconded by Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-04: APPROVING FEE SCHEDULE – PLEASE NOTE CHANGES ARE IN “BLUE”
City staff recommended incorporating a new Minor Subdivision Fee of $150.00 to the 2023 City of West Concord Fee schedule and increasing the Water Utility Rates based upon the December 15, 2022 City Council Meeting approving the 2023 West Concord Financial Management Plan. City staff also added the 2023 Pool Fees to the 2023 City of West Concord Fee Schedule.
An amendment to the fee schedule was made to add a fee of $300/month, starting in April, for those who have not had a new water meter installed.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-04
Motion was made by Councilmember Jeff Burse, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-05: STATING ANNUAL DESIGNATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS FOR 2023
A resolution was approved stating the following Designations and Appointments for City Council:
Sidewalks & Streets: Burse and Peterson
Police: McCool and Ripley
Fire & Ambulance: Nielsen and Peterson
Sewer &Water: Burse and Peterson
Park & Recreation: McCool and Ripley
Personnel: McCool and Nielson, Library – Burse and Nielson
EDA: McCool and Ripley
Liquor Store: All Councilmembers
Planning & Zoning: All Councilmembers
Budget: All Councilmembers
Finance: All Councilmembers
Building Permits: All Councilmembers
City Ordinance(s): All Councilmembers.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-05
Motion was made by Councilmember Christina Peterson, seconded by Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
MOTION TO APPROVE 2023 FIRE RELIEF ASSOCIATION OFFICERS
A motion was presented to approve the 2023 Fire Relief Association Officers. The new officers are as follows:
President: Dave Breederland Term Expires 12/31/2023
Vice President: Jeremy Chilson Term Expires 12/31/2024
Treasurer: Matt Coy Term Expires 12/31/2025
Secretary: Kayla Woodard Term Expires 12/31/2024 (Temporary)
Trustee: Rick Braithwaite Term Expires 12/31/2023
Trustee: Dylan Persinger-Woodcock Term Expires 12/31/2022
Trustee: Councilmember Nielsen's Term Expires 12/31/2023
Trustee: Councilmember Peterson's Term Expires 12/31/2023
MOTION: Motion to approve Fire Relief Association Officers
Motion was made by Councilmember Jeff Burse, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
MOTION TO APPROVE 2023 LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS
A motion was made to approve the 2023 Library Board Members as follows:
President: Colleen Hayne
Vice President: Karen Peterson
Secretary: Michelle Lee
Member: Kayla Forehlich
Member: Heather Phillips
Member: Al Gilbert
MOTION: Motion to approve 2023 Library Board Members
Motion was made by Councilmember Crystal Nielsen, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
MOTION TO APPROVE 2023 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) MEMBERS
A motion was made to approve the 2023 Economic Development (EDA) Members:
President: Dan Rabe
Vice President: Curt Rapp
Secretary: Zach Bubany, CEDA Representative
Member: Jeff McCool
Member: Collin Ripley
Member: Steve Boe
Member: AJ Vontauffkirchen
Mayor McCool and Councilmember Collin Ripley were designated City Council representation to the 2023 EDA Committee.
MOTION: Motion to approve 2023 EDA Members
Motion was made by Councilmember Christina Peterson, seconded by Councilmember Jeff Burse.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-06: APPROVE 3% COST OF LIVING INCREASE
City staff recommended a 3% increase to all City of West Concord part-time and full-time employees (excluding Part-Time Pool Staff and Part-Time Police Officers) commencing January 1, 2023. The increase was supported by the Personnel Committee and incorporated into the approved 2023 City of West Concord Operating Budget and Liquor Store Budget.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-06
Motion was made by Councilmember Christina Peterson, seconded by Councilmember Jeff Burse.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-07: APPROVE 2023 PART-TIME LIFEGUARD HOURLY WAGES
City staff recommended the following hourly wages for the 2023 Part-Time Lifeguards. This would be in addition to a $1.00 p/h increase for Water Safety Instructor Certification and a .25¢ p/h increase for Pool Lesson Certification:
• 1st Year Lifeguard: $13.00 p/h (current: $9:00 p/h)
• 2nd Year Lifeguard: $14.00 p/h (current: $10.00 p/h)
• 3rd Year Lifeguard: $15.00 p/h (current: $11.00 p/h)
• Pool Manager: $13.00 p/h (current: $11.80 p/h)
The increase was supported by the Personnel Committee and incorporated into the approved 2023 City of West Concord Pool Operating Budget.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-07
Motion was made by Councilmember Jeff Burse, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-08: APPROVE THE ADOPTION OF THE FULL-TIME-EXEMPT LIQUOR STORE LIAISON POSITION TO BE FILLED BY THE CURRENT PART-TIME LIQUOR STORE LIAISON, CHARLIE PHILLIPS
City Staff recommended converting the current Part-Time Liquor Store Liaison to Full-Time Exempt Status. This business adjustment was recommended at the September Liquor Store 2023 Budget Work Session and incorporated into the 2023 approved Liquor Store Operating Budget.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-08
Motion was made by Councilmember Crystal Nielsen, seconded by Councilmember Jeff Burse.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
RESOLUTION 2023-09 - DESIGNATING POLLING PLACE
The City of West Concord, MN designates the West Concord City Hall, 180 Main Street, West Concord, MN as the polling place for the City of West Concord.
MOTION: Motion to approve Resolution 2023-09
Motion was made by Councilmember Collin Ripley, seconded by Councilmember Christina Peterson.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
TREE REMOVAL QUOTES FOR THE 2023 WEST CONCORD EMERALD ASH BORER (EAB) GRANT INITIATIVES
City Staff reached out to three local tree removal companies for tree removal service quotes to move forward with the 2023 City of West Concord Protect Community Forests by Managing Ash for Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Grant Initiatives. City Staff recommended awarding the 2023 tree removal work to the lowest responsible bidder Boyum Tree Service LLC, in the amount of $7,100.00.
Note: This cost is a reimbursable expense identified in the grant agreement with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
MOTION: Motion to approve Tree Removal Quote
Motion was made by Councilmember Collin Ripley, seconded by Councilmember Christina Peterson.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
JUNE 24, 2023 “SCOUTING IN WEST CONCORD” PROPOSAL: JOHN ZELLER
John Zeller presented “Scouting in West Concord” an event proposed for June 24, 2023. John is seeking the City of West Concord to sanction the event and provide approval for use of a site for camping, evening campfire, access to water buffalo, portables, and use of recreation and park amenities.
No motion was made but the Council Supported ‘Scouting in West Concord’ is pending further details. Discussions begin on water and bathroom access as well as proposed activities within the City of West Concord. The event would support the West Concord Historical Societies New Scouting Display. The idea is that the event becomes an Annual Boy Scouting event.
REPORT OF OFFICERS
REPORT FROM CITY ADMINISTRATOR
1. December 2022 Rent from West Concord Historical Society: $2,586.06
2. Municipal Liquor On & Off Sale Monthly Report
3. 2023 Dodge County Local Board of Appeals & Equalization (LBAE) and Open Book Meeting is Scheduled for Tuesday, April 25, 2023, from 6:00 pm – 6:30 pm at the West Concord City Hall.
REPORT FROM WEST CONCORD LIBRARIAN
A monthly report was attached to the Agenda for the West Concord Library
REPORT FROM WEST CONCORD PUBLIC WORKS
Keith presented his Emerald Ash Borer Tree replacement plan and asked for approval with his order of trees from Jim Whiting Landscaping, in the amount of $6,014.00. The Mayor explained that the trees must be removed within a specific seasonal period. The removal process will begin immediately.
MOTION: Motion to approve Tree Order from Jim Whiting
Motion was made by Councilmember Crystal Nielsen, seconded by Councilmember Christina Peterson.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
REPORT FROM PEOPLE SERVICES
Monthly Report was attached to the Agenda
REPORT FROM WEST CONCORD POLICE CHIEF
Monthly Report was attached to the Agenda
REPORT FROM WEST CONCORD FIRE CHIEF
Monthly Report was attached to the Agenda
Adjournment:
(Meeting Adjourned at 8:31pm)
MOTION: Motion to Adjourn. Motion was made by Mayor McCool, seconded by Councilmember Collin Ripley.
Ayes: Mayor Jeffrey McCool, Councilmember Jeff Burse, Councilmember Collin Ripley, Councilmember Christina Peterson, Councilmember Crystal Nielsen.
Nays: none
Attest:
By:______________________________
Mayor Jeffrey McCool
Attest:
By:_________________________________
Lauren Highfill, City Clerk
