Public Notices December 28

Winthrop City Council Meeting Minutes Monday, November 28, 2022. A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Winthrop was called to order at 7 p.m. on November 28, 2022, in the city council chambers of the City Hall, for the purpose of conducting city business. Councilors Present: Mayor Pierson; Councilors Schmidt, Machaiek, Trebelhorn, Edwards, Wickenhauser. Councilors Absent: None Staff: Police Chief Logan Anderson, City Clerk Heather Haun, City Administrator Michael Looft, City Attorney Aaron Walton. OPEN PUBLIC FORUM Resident Jeff Keller – stated he was lied to on public record regarding the purchasing of equipment. He stated the council doesn’t care about the public’s opinion. He stated the city has spent too much on the police department; however, is upset that there is no SRO in the schools and feels that it needs to be brought back. He would also like to see more done to keep small businesses. APPROVAL OF AGENDA a. Establish Current Agenda – Councilor Schmidt asked to amend an item on the agenda, Councilor Edwards advised he would address the item when it was discussed. Motion to approve the agenda by Trebelhorn, seconded by Edwards. Motion Carried. CONSENT AGENDA Receive the order filed from the Treasurer regarding financial summary of operating results (unaudited) through November 23, 2022, including General Fund information, Ambulance Salaries and Fire Salaries. Administrator Looft advised Bridge Safety Inspection (Bridge No. 97877 – East 1st St over CD 42) Administrator Looft advised the city received notification from Minnesota Waste Processing Company regarding a rate increase, CIP-U 7.9% increase ($7.98/ton). Motion made to accept the financials, inspection and rate notice by Edwards, seconded by Schmidt. Motion carried. PUBLIC HEARINGS Administrator Looft presented the Truth in Taxation 2023 Power Point presentation explaining the 6.78% increase. Dave Trebelhorn, owner of Dairy Queen, inquired about tax abatement. He questioned if he was being taxed as a viable business or just the building. The city advised him to check with the Sibley County Assessor’s Office. Jeff Keller reiterated previous statements made in the open public forum. Marge Richer – Question about why it went up $200 when similar homes near her had less of an increase. She was requesting to know how the taxes were calculated. It was explained by the council that Sibley County is the one that sets the calculations. Bryan Anderson inquired about the value of his home. The city explained that the value of the homes is calculated by the Assessor’s Office and advised to contact Sibley County. Administrator Looft submitted the purposed Special Assessments for past due utilities. Mayor Pierson closed the public hearing at 7:44pm. NEW BUSINESS Resolution 2022-26 Adopting 2023 Tax Levy and 2023 City Budget (A). Motion to reduce the sewer and water by $15,000 and adopting the tax levy to 4.9% by Machaiek, seconded by Edwards. Motion Carried. a. Resolution 2022-27 Adopting Special Assessments for past utilities to be sent to Sibley County Auditor’s office. (A) Motion by Trebelhorn, seconded by Machaiek. Motion Carried. b. Motion to approve Right of Way permit for Christmas in the Country. Motion by Edwards, seconded by Wickenhauser. Motion Carried. c. Resolution 2022-25: Designating a polling place location for elections in 2023. (Winthrop Fire Hall – 2 N Main St.) (A). Motion by Edwards, seconded by Wickenhauser. Motion Carried. d. Proposed date for the City Annual meeting on January 3, 2023, at 7pm. The annual meeting will be to conduct city business in the City Council Chambers. (A). Motion by Edwards, seconded by Trebelhorn. Motion carried. e. Resolution 2022-28: A resolution regarding a loan from the City of Winthrop to the Winthrop Economic Development Authority. (A). During discussions it was decided that the public needed to have input on this and there would be two public community meetings at City Hall on December 12, 2022. The meeting times were set for 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm. City Council instructed Looft to put the notifications in the newspaper and post it online/social media. Motion to table the resolution. The table was motioned by Edwards, seconded by Machaiek. Motion Carried. f. Ambulance Barn Building Condition (I). Administrator Looft advised council members that the barn was inspected, and several items were found to be non-compliant including HVAC, building trusses, water capture, structure by the roof trusses. There was discussion inquiring if DFA would want the land. OLD BUSINESS a. Meter Testing Results (I). Looft explained there is nothing to report on this. b. PFAS Monitoring (I). Looft explained. REPORTS OF OFFICERS, BOARDS AND COMMITTEES a. Public Works Department Report- Michael (on behalf of Troy). Looft mentioned that the city bought an extra transformer to have as a back up due to the larger businesses in the city. He also advised the STAR Energy Contract is in place and the costs associated with it. The solar fee will be discussed at the fee setting meeting. b. Electric Department Report – Pete. Electrical rates are higher in the summer than in the winter. Discussion has been on pricing and hedging our budgets. Currently 70% of expenses are hedged by MMPA. Compared to our nearest competitor we are holding our rates close to our actual cost. c. Police Chief’s Report – Logan. See the attached arrest sheet. Chief Anderson spoke recently about body cameras with a new company. Most information will go to the police committee and worked on there. d. Cable Commission Report—Meeting on Wednesday, it will Councilor Wickenhauser first meeting. e. Park Committee- Trebelhorn. Looft informed the council about the memorial park resolution for next meeting. ADJOURNMENT Motion to adjourn at 8:39 pm by Edwards, seconded by Trebelhorn. Motion carried. Michael Looft, Administrator