July 14, 2010 council meeting minutes
REGULAR MEETING – DANUBE CITY COUNCIL – JULY 14, 2010
Mayor Gene Allex called the regular meeting of the Danube City Council to order at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14, 2010. Councilmembers present: Sharon Lothert, Al Strunc, and Bob Simpson. Absent: Ryan Bentley
Also present: Public Works Director, Dan Kaufenberg; media
A motion was made by Strunc to approve the agenda with the addition of “approve door open between community center and Miller’s on Main Bar & Grill on 7/22/10” and “street lights” under new business. Simpson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Strunc to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 23, 2010 as submitted, with one word correction. Lothert seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Dan Kaufenberg, Danube Public Works Director, was present to give his monthly employee report. Items discussed were as follows:
· Kaufenberg went on the school roof to check out the work that had been done. There was some rippling and Forcier-Marty’s Roofing assured him that it is normal. The roofers re-hooked up all the vents and everything looks good.
· Kaufenberg and Strunc discussed the cement around the elevator shaft. Strunc feels it needs to be repaired or replaced to solve the problem of water in the elevator shaft.
· Lauritsen Septic should be starting the sewer line cleaning this week.
· Kaufenberg brought up doing minor street repairs. Hardline did the repairs last year. Bentley had told Kaufenberg to get an idea on what needs to be repaired. Before Fun Days, Duininck’s got the roads repaired where there were water main breaks.
· Sam Lang talked to Kaufenberg about the fact that it takes an hour to fill up his washing machine and that the pressure has been getting worse. He has a long 3/4”
service line. Kaufenberg plans to stop at his house and see if the meter or shut off valve is plugged up or if he sees any other issues.
· Kaufenberg heard comments that the area organizations were happy to not have to move picnic tables from the park to Main Street during Fun Days. He picked up 10 extra picnic tables from Renville County to use, free of charge.
· Kaufenberg’s part-time summer maintenance worker is doing and good job and is very polite.
· Strunc asked if there was any progress on getting the 2nd boiler blocked off. He hasn’t heard from Minnesota Welding, but will check again.
There was no update on the Mahoney case. Strunc would like to be done talking about the Mahoney case. There was a charge from the City Attorney for a conference with the Mayor regarding the Mahoney case on June 30. Strunc asked if Mahoney’s shed was in compliance yet. Allex stated that the roof is on but the building isn’t done yet. Strunc wondered at what point the council would want to push the issue again.
The council reviewed the Community Center and School Building rentals. Lothert asked if anyone authorized the door being open between the bar and the hall when it started raining during the Fun Days street dance. Nobody on the council authorized it and they wondered how the door got unlocked and who would be responsible for the clean up charge.
There were no blight updates available from the Police Chief.
Lee Elfering faxed his recommendations for the next steps on the possibility of paving 2nd Street. It was recommended to authorize soil borings for the street to determine the soil conditions and the existing gravel thickness. That will cost $1,500- $1,800. At that point the feasibility report can be prepared.
Strunc made a motion to authorize Elfering & Associates to order the soil borings and prepare the feasibility report for paving 2nd Street East. Lothert seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Lothert to approve the bills as submitted in the amount of $23,177.80. Simpson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Strunc to approve the election judges and wage scale as submitted in resolution by the Clerk. Simpson seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Renville County Heartland Express sent a letter requesting a donation of $794.00 for bus service for the upcoming year. The request is based on the population of Danube.
A motion was made by Simpson to send $794.00 to Renville County Heartland Express to help support the bus service. Strunc seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
A motion was made by Strunc to allow the door to be open between Miller’s on Main Bar & Grill and the Community Center on July 22, 2010 for an event at Miller’s. Lothert seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Lothert spoke of some street lights that are out and/or flickering in town. Strunc said the police should check the lights when they are on patrol at night. Lothert reminded the council that the contract with Xcel Energy is up in 2011.
Discussion took place about how it is determined whether or not to charge rent at the school building. It seems to be unclear as to when rent is charged and when rent is free.
At 8:10 p.m., there being no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Strunc to adjourn the meeting. Lothert seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted: Sara Wilson, City Clerk