Public Notices May 1
Winthrop City Council
Meeting Minutes
Monday, March 25, 2024
A Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Winthrop was called to order at 7 p.m. on March 25, 2024, in the city council chambers of the City Hall, for the purpose of conducting city business.
Councilors Present: Mayor Trebelhorn, Councilors O’Connor, Wickenhauser, Renner, Pierson.
Councilors Absent: None
Staff Present: City Administrator Michael Looft, City Clerk Heather Haun (ZOOM), Chief of Police Logan Anderson.
CALL TO ORDER
OPEN PUBLIC FORUM
Kelsey Odegard – gave an update on the park committee.
Loretta Stutsman – been a resident for over 50 years, it has really become aware the last few years that the federal and state government is getting and more corrupt.
Tom Witucki – Is here to advocate for Brent Roiger for council since he was next in line for votes. Doesn’t feel the council represents the community.
Kathy Hubble had a water bill for a pipe burst. On the 9th she found sticks in her gardens. She went to the city and asked to have time to move the plants. When she came home from work she saw her bushes were gone. Would like to receive notifications about plants being removed in the future.
Marlene Ropke would like to talk about Brent Roiger being on the council, in the last election he had 216 votes previously and she feels it should be taken into consideration.
Dave Schauer after the last meeting he has sent an email to Pierson and when he looked at this council, he stated that it is a decision of integrity. Dave stated the process can’t change and only one candidate did that last time. He is asking for that to be followed tonight.
Mayor Trebelhorn advised that in the public forum the council isn’t allowed to answer as they have been advised not to do so by the city attorney. She wants people to know that they are listening however, can’t respond.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
3.1 Establish Current Agenda
3.2 On 6.1 there was a correction to the original agenda that was sent out from $2.26 mil to $5.26 mil.
Motion by Pierson to approve the agenda with addition. Seconded by Renner. Motion carried unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
4.1 Approval of Minutes: February 26, 2024
4.2 Approval of Financials
Motion by Wickenhauser to approve the unaudited financials, policy updates and vendor direct pay list. Seconded by Renner. Motion carried unanimously.
5 OLD BUSINESS
5.1 Resolution 2024-008 Appointment to Fill Vacancy (A)
Motion by Wickenhauser to appoint Ed Stoll as a member of the council due to his commitment on the ambulance and as a business owner in the community. Seconded by Renner. Pierson wondered what the Charter says about appointments to council. Looft read the Charter’s section on Council appointment. Discussion ensued about all the appointments in the fall and that the LMC was contacted during such time. LMC advised Looft to follow the Charter. It was also asked if the seat could be left open until November, LMC advised to follow the Charter. Trebelhorn advised they decided to take applications this time since it wasn’t an immediate need for conducting business but that it wasn’t required by the Charter. Trebelhorn called for a vote. Motion carried unanimously. Trebelhorn thanked all the applicants. Oath of Office was taken by Edward Stoll, given by Administrator Looft. Motion passed unanimously.
NEW BUSINESS
6.1 Resolution 2024-013 Issuance and Sale of $5,260,000 in General Obligation Bonds (Series 2024A). (A)
This is the final resolution accepting the bond issuance for the 2023 Utility and Street project, now associated with Bond Series 2024A. Winthrop did order and execute a S&P credit rating, that credit rating remained an A+ for the city. Shannon Sweeney gave and update stating that the city received an A+ rating for the credit rating. DDA took that information and put the bond out for bids, they received 6 bids back with a narrow spread on interest ratings. Northland Securities had the lowest with a 3.7688% rate.
Motion by O’Connor to accept the bid by Northern Securities. Seconded by Wickenhauser. Motion carried unanimously.
6.2 Resolution 2024-011 Private Sewer Line Improvement Special Assessment
Motion by Pierson to allow the assessments. Seconded by O’Connor. Motion carried unanimously.
6.3 Resolution 2024-012 Resignation of EMS Personnel (A)
Attached is the resolution accepting the resignation of EMS personnel and their pension payout. Looft advised this is needed to payout their term.
Motion by Wickenhauser to accept the resignation. Seconded by O’Connor. Motion carried unanimously.
6.4 Replacement of the sewer diverter pond structure (A)
Recently the intact diverter at the sewage treatment ponds has had a few structural issues. The east diverter to the east pond was replaced last year. Public works is recommending that the remaining structure be replaced. The cost of the repair is $49,895.00 which would be paid for out of the sewer enterprise fund.
Motion by Pierson to replace the sewer diverter. Seconded by O’Connor. Motion carried unanimously.
6.5 Main Lift Check Valves Replacement (A)
The main check valves allow water to travel back through the valves which intern means that it is double dumping the same water. This causes inaccurate calculations which impacts our standings with MPCA and our I&I score. The source of the problem is seals that do not stop the water after the pumps run. The quote to fix both are $52,560.70. We did receive two bids on this; however, the second one was incomplete. This would be paid for by the electric fund and sewer fund enterprise accounts.
Motion by Wickenhauser to replace the main lift check valves. Seconded by Stoll. Motion carried unanimously.
6.6 Resolution 2024-014 Repayment of General Funds via Internal Fund Transfer the City Clerk is asking for authorizing to move funds from our savings account (Money Market account) to our general checking account. The total amount of repayment from the general fund is $240,384.00. It is our updated internal policy to notify the council when these types of internal transfers occur.
Motion by Renner to complete the transfer. Seconded by O’Connor. Motion carried unanimously.
6.7 Policy Update: Adjustments to City Utility Bills
Attached is updated language to our internal adjustment policy for utility bills. Our former policy did not directly address leaks in a way that was representative of how we addressed billing. We also have a new form for any disputes (attached). This policy specifically deals with adjustments to sewer charges.
Motion by Pierson to update the policy. Seconded by Wickenhauser. Motion carried unanimously.
6.8 Policy Update: Fire Fighter Attendance
Attached are policy updates from the firefighter officers. Attendance has become a concern for safety. It has also come into question whether some firefighters should be getting recorded years reported to PERA when they do not attend specific trainings, meetings, and service calls. The update reflects Chief’s Pagels recommendations. Looft read the fire policy and emphasized the changes.
Motion by Pierson to update the policy. Seconded by Stoll. Motion carried unanimously.
6.9 Fire Tanker Sale – The High Bid Came in at $10,851.98.
George Sheets came in with the high bid. We do share this with the townships, and they will get 50% of the proceeds of the sale. Looft went through the process of receiving bids when there is a bid process. The agenda was already posted when another person tried to bid. Next time the city has something out for bids there will be a time place on it for when it closes in addition to the date that was listed.
Stoll motioned to accept the high bid received. Second by O’Connor. 4 votes in favor. Pierson opposed. Motion Carried 4-1.
Committees:
Administrative – Spoke about the EDA grants for both façade improvements and technology.
Ambulance – We have one person taking the class, he is a firefighter also. We are working a lot closer with the fire department than years ago. There is one high schooler that is interested in joining.
Library – Getting ready for summer hours and activities, they are working on friends of the library. There is an informational meeting coming soon. They are getting ready for activities through the FCFF days and the parade. They are looking at a refresh of the library such as the front desk and where the computers are for better traffic flow and use of the space.
Police – This last week Anderson attended defensive tactics instructor recertification, we train our staff, and it is also opened to other departments. The police garage is starting to get utilized, there are some finishing touches needed yet but should be done soon. Talked about residence watches and what they are.
Public Works – April 10th Xcel will have power outage at 2:30 am due to redoing the transmission lines in the city. The expected outage would be 15 minutes according to Xcel. The city will be notifying at risk citizens and in the city bill.
Cable Commission – Still working on the community education class to put photos on a CD.
Park – We are submitting a grant to redo the South Park and turn it into a community garden with ADA accessible garden beds. Looking into a scholarship program for anyone who wants a plot but might not be able to afford it.
ADJOURNMENT
Motioned to adjourn the meeting at 8:12 PM by Pierson, seconded by Wickenhauser. Motion to adjourn carried.
Michael Looft
City Administrator
2024 NOTICE OF OFFICES TO BE VOTED FOR AT THE STATE GENERAL ELECTION
SIBLEY COUNTY, MINNESOTA
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes section 204B.33, notice is hereby given that a general election will be held in Sibley County on Tuesday, November 5, 2024 for the purpose of electing candidates for the offices listed below. The filing period for these offices begins at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 and ends at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. The filing period for presidential elector candidates begins at 8:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, 2024, and ends at 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 20, 2024, for non-major political party candidates and independent candidates. The certification deadline for major political party presidential elector candidates is August 27, 2024.
Candidates may file in person or by mail, if the filing is received during the filing period. Candidates who will be absent from the State during the filing period may arrange to file, in person, prior to departure. Note: Filing offices will be closed on May 27, 2024 in observance of Memorial Day; for presidential elector candidates, filing offices will be closed on Thursday, July 4, 2024 in observance of Independence Day.
This notice is based on current law. Be aware that the Legislature and/or Governor could make changes that affect some of these processes.
Candidates file for Federal Offices with the Office of the Secretary of State, Veteran Services Building, 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155.
Candidates file for State Offices with the Office of the Secretary of State, Veteran Services Building, 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 or with the County Auditor of the County in which the candidate resides.
Candidates file for County Offices with the Sibley County Auditor-Treasurer, Sibley County Courthouse, 400 Court Avenue, P.O. Box 51, Gaylord, Minnesota 55334.
FEDERAL OFFICES
United States Presidential Electors (10)
United States Senator (1)
United States Representative for District 7 (1)
STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICES
State Representative for District 17A (1)
State Representative for District 17B (1)
STATE JUDICIAL OFFICES
Candidates for judicial office may file either with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State or with the County Auditor in the county where the candidate resides. A Candidate filing for one of the Minnesota Court of Appeals seats that has been designated for one of the congressional districts must be a resident of that congressional district.
Supreme Court (Three Seats)
Chief Justice (One Seat)
Seat Incumbent:
Chief Justice Natalie E. Hudson
Associate Justice (Two Seats)
Seat # Incumbent:
5 Anne K. McKeig
6 Karl Procaccini
Court of Appeals (Seven Seats)
Appellate offices are elected statewide. Where designated, candidates must reside in congressional district listed for at least one year.
Seat # Incumbent: 2 Jonathan P. Schmidt
3 (2nd Congressional District) Sarah Wheelock
4 Tracy M. Smith 6 (1st Congressional District) Renee L. Worke 8 Keala C. Ede 12 Diane B. Bratvold
14 (8th Congressional District) Elise L. Larson
District Courts
First District Court (12 Seats): Counties: Carver, Dakota, Goodhue, LeSueur, McLeod, Scott, Sibley
Seat # Incumbent: 6 David L. Knutson 10 Paula D. Vraa 14 Michael J. Mayer
20 Bryce Ehrman
24 Jamie L. Cork
26 Jody L. Winters
29 Jessica J.W. Maher 30 Douglas C. Bayley
31 Richelle M. Wahi
32 Kathryn Iverson Landrum
33 Tori K. Stewart
35 Stacy Sorensen Green
COUNTY OFFICES
County Commissioner for District No. 3 (1) (4-Year Term)
Townships of Bismarck, Dryden, and Transit; City of Gaylord
County Commissioner for District No. 4 (1) (4-Year Term)
Townships of Faxon, Green Isle, New Auburn, and Washington Lake; Cities of Green Isle and New Auburn
Soil and Water Supervisor for District No. 3 (1) (4-Year Term)
Townships of Grafton, Moltke, and Severance; City of Gibbon
Soll and Water Supervisor for District No. 4 (1) (4-Year Term)
Alfsborg, Bismarck, Cornish, and Transit Townships; City of Winthrop
Soil and Water Supervisor for District No. 5 (1) (4-Year Term)
Faxon, Green Isle, Jessenland, and Washington Lake Townships; City of Green Isle
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NOTICE
HAY LAND FOR RENT
Sibley County Landfill
Hay Land in Dryden Township
The Sibley County Board of Commissioners will accept sealed bids at the Office of Sibley County Public Works until 4:00 p.m., Thursday, May 23rd, 2024 for bidders choice of a two (2) year to five (5) year lease of the following:
1. Hay land at the Sibley County landfill, on County Road 67, (7.37 ACRES), described as that part of the SE ¼ of SW ¼ of Section 34 of Dryden Township.
All bids must be submitted on a proposal form, which is available at the Office of Sibley County Public Works or at www.sibleycounty.gov , search location, Public Works, Advertisement for Bids.
Winning bid will be the highest per year average bid.
The County Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids and waive any informality in bidding.
Tim Becker
Sibley County Engineer
111 8th Street, PO Box 897
Gaylord, MN 55334-0171
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STATE OF MINNESOTA
COUNTY OF SIBLEY
DISTRICT COURT
FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT
Court File No: 72-PR-24-11
In re: Estate of
Mary Soto, a/k/a Mary M. Soto,
Decedent
NOTICE OF INFORMAL APPOINTMENT OF
PERSONAL
REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Notice is given that an Application for Informal Appointment of Personal Representative was filed with the Registrar. The Registrar accepted the application and appointed Ernesto Gomez, whose address is 1227 Regal St, Houston, TX 77034, to serve as the personal representative of the decedent’s estate.
Any heir or other interested person may be entitled to appointment as personal representative or may object to the appointment of the personal representative. Any objection to the appointment of the personal representative must be filed with the Court, and any properly filed objection will be heard by the Court after notice is provided to interested persons of the date of hearing on the objection.
Unless objections are filed, and unless the Court orders otherwise, the personal representative has the full power to administer the estate, including, after thirty (30) days from the issuance of letters of general administration, the power to sell, encumber, lease, or distribute any interest in real estate owned by the decedent.
Notice is further given that, subject to Minn. Stat. § 524.3-801, all creditors having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present the claims to the personal representative or to the Court within four (4) months after the date of this notice or the claims will be barred.
Dated: April 16, 2024
/s/ Heidi Schmuck
Registrar
Dated: April 16, 2024
Karen V. Messner
Court Administrator
GAVIN, JANSSEN, STABENOW & MOLDAN, LTD.
Lori L. Moldan
MN# 0397215
1017 Hennepin Ave. N.
Glencoe, MN 55336
Telephone: (320) 864-5142
Facsimile: (320) 864-5146
e-mail: [email protected]
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