city council meeting benson city hall january 4, 20214cf162da-db48... · 2020. 12. 31. · benson...
TRANSCRIPT
City Council Meeting
Benson City Hall
January 4, 2021
City of Benson Mission Statement
Benson is a forward-looking community that values public safety,
Quality of life and treats people with dignity and respect.
The Council Meeting is at City Hall. Limited seating available. Masks required. Please use the FCC App on your device. (Activate video)
Call-in Information
Dial In: 1-425-436-6384
Access Code: 457987#
1. 5:30 p.m. Call the Meeting to Order (Mayor)
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Approval of Agenda
Additions? □ None 1. ____________________ 2. _____________________
Any Consent Agenda items to be moved to regular agenda item?
Approval of Agenda _____ as Presented or _____ Revised Action Requested
4. Consent Agenda:
a. Minutes:
3-10 ▪ 12.21.2020 City Council Meeting
b. Electronic Transfers:
Payroll: December 31, 2020 - $79,915.79
5. Persons With Unscheduled Business to Come Before the Council:
11 6. Update City Council Appointments (May Council)
▪ Emergency Chain of Command
▪ Economic Development Authority (2 voting members)
▪ Blight Committee (2 members)
▪ Fire Board (2 members)
▪ HRA (2 voting members)
▪ Library Board (1 liaison)
▪ Park Board (1 voting & non-voting member)
▪ Personnel Committee (2 members)
▪ Planning Commission (1 voting member)
▪ Utility Committee (2 members)
▪ Kid Day (2 members)
▪ Facilities Committee (2 members)
▪ City Attorney, Assistant City Attorney (Civil)
▪ Prosecuting Attorney (Criminal
7. Designate the City of Benson’s Official Newspaper Action Requested
8. Designate Bank Depositories: (suggested motion should include: Action Requested
State Banks, National Banks and Thrift Institutions located either
within or outside the State of MN qualifying as depositories under MN law)
9. Authorization of Check Signers (suggested motion should include): Action Requested
All Accounts: Mayor, City Manager, Finance Director
Incidental Fund: Lisa Kent, Valerie Alsaker
Hospital Fund: Lisa Kent
12 10. Approval of Electronic Funds and Wire Transfers Policy Action Requested
11. Schedule Board of Review on April 19, 2020 5:30-6:00 p.m. Action Requested
13 12. Openings on Boards and Commissions Information Only
14 13. MRES Customer Rebate Utility Commission Recommendation Action Requested
14. Consider Resolutions Designating Authorized Representation:
15 ▪ MRES Action Requested
16 ▪ WMMPA Action Requested
17-18 15. Consider Pay Request from UMVRDC–Small Cities Grant Ending Dec. 2020 Action Requested
19 16. Consider Resolution Transferring Xcel Grant Dollars - $8,446.65 Action Requested
20 17. Consider Resolution Transferring Xcel Grant Dollars - $12,114.65 Action Requested
18. Adjourn: Mayor Action Requested
In compliance with the American Disability Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting,
please contact the City Manager’s office at 320-843-4775. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will
enable the City of make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting.
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MINUTES - BENSON CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL
DECEMBER 21, 2020
The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Collins. Members present: Terri Collins.
Members present telephonically: Jack Evenson, Mark Schreck, Jon Buyck & Lucas Olson. Members
Absent: None. Also present: City Manager Rob Wolfington, Director of Finance Glen Pederson,.
Attending telephonically are Police Chief Ian Hodge, Public Works Director Dan Gens, Bill McGeary,
Dan Enderson, Melissa McGinty-Thompson, Liz Auch, and Reed Anfinson.
The Council recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Mayor asked for any changes to the agenda. The City Manager added Xcel Energy PILOT
payment as a agenda item. It was moved by Evenson, seconded by Schreck and carried unanimously to
approve the amended agenda.
It was moved by Schreck, seconded by Olson and carried unanimously to approve the following
items on the consent agenda:
▪ December 7, 2020 City Council Minutes
▪ Appoint Dixie Golden to the Library Board term expiring December 31, 2023
▪ Appoint Arlon Lee to the Library Board term expiring December 31, 2023
▪ Appoint Sue Fitz to Planning Commission term expiring December 31, 2023
▪ Appoint Sue Fitz to the HRA Board term expiring December 31, 2025
▪ Dave Martin to Economic Dev. Authority term expiring December 31, 2024
▪ Zane Anderson to the Cemetery Board term expiring December 31, 2023
▪ Judy Hoberg to Fill Cemetery Board term expiring December 31, 2022
▪ Carl Trinkle to the Airport Advisory Comm. term expiring December 31, 2023
Journal Entries November 2020 - $1,626,818.96
Payroll: December 17, 2020 - $137,934.25
The Mayor asked for anyone with unscheduled business to which there was none.
First was the discussion on COVID-19 Vaccination Response. Liz Auch addressed the Council
first and reported that they are receiving a very small number of doses to be used for vaccinations. If they
had more vaccine they could be looking for large spaces to handle people. At this time, they have
contacted law enforcement to provide security and the school to see if their facilities would be available.
Melissa McGinty-Thompson reported that the clinic and hospital would be utilized to vaccinate their own
staff and the ambulance service beginning on Wednesday the 23rd
. Dan Enderson offered that once this
was done that they would only be in a support role to Countryside Public Health. Bill McGeary reported
that his department is ready to help coordinate a large vaccination effort but it doesn’t appear that one will
be needed in the short term. When asked if the Armory would be needed for vaccinations both Auch and
McGeary indicated that other facilities would be their first choices. When asked who was in charge Auch
responded that she felt that it was being co-led by the MN Dept of Health and Emergency Management.
The Mayor thanked them for attending and for their service.
Motion was made by Schreck seconded by Buyck and carried unanimously to approve a On-Sale
and Sunday Liquor License to Track Bar & Grill as renamed from Hanny’s Bar and Grill effective on or
about January 1, 2021.
Motion was made by Buyck seconded by Olson and carried unanimously to approve a one-year
extension of the Sylte farm land lease to Brandon Goff and Corey Goff for $28,668.80. Buyck asked
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what fund the rental income went into and if they were available for land improvements? Wolfington
replied that the income is deposited into the Economic Development Authority Fund and that it is
available for however the council decides to spend it.
The City Manager reviewed a letter from the U.S. Department of Commerce informing us that
our grant application for WWTP Flood Control and force-main upgrade had been selected for further
consideration. More information is requested and will be sent to them over the next several weeks. Being
selected is no guarantee of receiving a grant.
Motion was made by Evenson, seconded by Schreck and carried unanimously to approved the
following dates as city council meeting dates for 2021:
January 4 July 6 (Tuesday)
January 22-23 Strategic Planning July 19
February 1 August 2
February 16 (Tuesday) August 16
March 1 September 7 (Tuesday)
March 15 September 20
April 5 October 4
April 19 October 18
May 3 November 1
May 17 November 15
June 7 December 6
June 21 December 20
Councilmember Schreck offered the following resolution:
A RESOLUTION DESIGNATING POLLING PLACE FOR 2021 ELECTIONS
(RESOLUTION NO. 2020-40)
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes 204B.175, subd 1a requires the City Council, by ordinance or
resolution, to designate polling places for the upcoming year; and
WHEREAS, changes to the polling places locations may be made at least 90 days before the next
election if one or more of the authorized polling places becomes unavailable for use; and
WHEREAS, changes to the polling place locations may be made in the case of an emergency
when it is necessary to ensure a safe and secure location for voting; and
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Benson City Council hereby designates the
following polling place for elections conducted in the city in 2021:
Precincts 1 & 2
McKinney’s on Southside Banquet Room
300 – 14th Street South
Benson, MN 56215
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the city Clerk is hereby authorized to designate an
emergency replacement polling place meeting the requirements of the Minnesota Election law for any
polling place designated in the Resolution when necessary to ensure a safe and secure location for voting.
AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Clerk is directed to send a copy of this
resolution and any subsequent polling place designations to the Swift County Elections office.
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Councilmember Buyck seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-40 duly passed and adopted.
Councilmember Schreck offered the following resolution:
RESOLUTION SETTING ASSESSMENTS FOR CURRENT SERVICES
BY THE CITY OF BENSON, MINNESOTA FOR 2020 PAYABLE 2021
(RESOLUTION NO. 2020-41)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Benson City Council that the following assessments for 2020 as
prepared by the City Manager are hereby approved and made a part thereof; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessments hereinafter noted shall be submitted to the
County Auditor on or before December 31, 2020 and placed on the tax roll for collection with the taxes
collectable in 2021.
Charges Name & Mailing Address Legal Description & Parcel No. Amount
Due
Demolition Expenses
703 – 15th St. S.
Kristine A. Knuteson
703 – 15th St. S.
Benson, MN 56215
Lot 9, Block 7
Southside Addition
23-0913-000
$17,840.12
House Repairs
708 – 11th St. N.
Doug Benson
110 Business 23W
Paynesville, MN 56362
Lots 2 S. ½ Lot 3, Block 8
Lynn Park Addition
23-0692-000
$467.70
Mowing Charges
726 – 12th St. S.
Ruby Higdon
726 – 12th St. S.
Benson, MN 56215
Benson Acre Lots
23-1443-000
$940.50
Mowing Charges
316 – 12th St. S.
Susan Marie McCall
P.O. Box 751303
Pataluma, CA 94975-1303
Lots 8, 9, & S.2’Lot 7, Block 3
Railway 1st Addition
23-0337-000
$555.75
TOTALS $19,804.07
Councilmember Evenson seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-41 duly passed and adopted.
Councilmember Evenson offered the following resolution:
RESOLUTION SETTING ASSESSMENTS FOR WATER AND
SEWER SERVICES RENDERED BY THE CITY OF
BENSON, MINNESOTA FOR 2020 PAYABLE 2021
(RESOLUTION NO. 2020-42)
BE IT RESOLVED, by the Benson City Council that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 444
that the assessment roll for 2020 Sewer and Water Bills as prepared by the City Manager is hereby
approved and made a part therefore; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the assessments hereinafter noted shall be submitted to the
County Auditor on or before December 31, 2020 and placed on the tax roll for collection with the taxes
collectable in 2021.
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Account Number, Name
& Address
Legal Description
& Parcel No.
Water Sewer
Totals
102-0014-00-03
404 10th St North
Corey Gallagher
City of Benson Addition
Lts 13 & 14 Blk 1
23-00005-000
$21.51 $301.77 $288.28
201-0084-00-07
308 16th St North
John & Mary Jensen
City Of Benson Addition
Lts 11,12,& 13 Blk 38
23-0236-000
$77.03 $128.34 $205.37
202-0072-00-07
315 19th St North
Jacob Johnson
Mckinney's 3rd Addition
N 34 Ft Of Lt 1 Blk 4
23-0528-000
$303.94 $622.50 $891.44
202-0076-00-06
211 19th St North
Ebnet Investments
Arthur Thornton Addition
Lts 1 & 2 Blk 51
23-0320-000
$21.90 $33.93 $55.83
301-0065-00-14
703 15th St. South
Kristine Knuteson
Southside Addition
Lot 9 Blk 7
23-0913-000
$0.00 $33.75 $33.75
302-0057-00-01
200 15th St South
Randy Olson
Morris & Payte’s Addition
Lts 1 & 2 Blk 42
23-0257-000
$9.72 $453.75 $428.47
401-0013-00-03
726 12th St South
Ruby Higdon
Benson-Acre Lots
23-1443-000
$55.12 $521.25 $541.37
402-0158-00-03
810 Kansas Avenue
Helen Flodstrom
Benson-Acre lots
23-1383-000
$18.33 $29.17 $47.50
402-0189-00-12
200 9th St South
Ebnet Investments, LLC
City of Benson Addition
Lots 1, 2, & 3 Blk 6
23-0026-000
$137.04 $143.61 $280.65
403-0096-00-02
417 13th St South
Dean Christenson
Railway First Addition
Lts 27 & 28 Blk3: S5 Ft Lot
29 Blk 3
23-0345-000
$0.00 $208.50 $208.50
TOTALS $644.59 $2,476.57 $3,121.16
Councilmember Olson seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-42 duly passed and adopted.
Motion was made by Schreck seconded by Evenson and carried unanimously to write off the
annual Utility Fund bad debt list in the amount of $18,128.23.
There was discussion on a donation request received from the Prom Afterbash committee. The
City Manager suggested 20 daily swimming pool passes with a $100 value. Motion was made by Olson
seconded by Evenson and carried unanimously to approve donating 20 daily swimming pool passes to the
Prom Afterbash.
Councilmember Evenson offered the following resolution:
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RESOLUTION APPROVING STATE OF MINNESOTA JOINT POWERS AGREEMENTS
WITH THE CITY OF BENSON ON BEHALF OF ITS CITY ATTORNEY AND POLICE
DEPARTMENT
(RESOLUTION 2020-43)
WHEREAS, the City of Benson on behalf of its Prosecuting Attorney and Police Department desires to
enter into Joint Powers Agreements with the State of Minnesota, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of
Criminal Apprehension to use systems and tools available over the State’s criminal justice data
communications network for which the City is eligible. The Joint Powers Agreements further provide the
City with the ability to add, modify and delete connectivity, systems and tools over the five year life of
the agreement and obligates the City to pay the costs for the network connection.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of Benson, Minnesota as follows:
1. That the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements by and between the State of Minnesota acting
through its Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the City of Benson on
behalf of its Prosecuting Attorney and Police Department, are hereby approved.
2. That the Benson Chief of Police, Ian Hodge, or his successor, is designated the Authorized
Representative for the Police Department. The Authorized Representative is also authorized to sign any
subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the State of Minnesota to maintain the
City’s connection to the systems and tools offered by the State.
3. That the City Attorney, Benjamin Wilcox, or his successor, is designated the Authorized
Representative for the Prosecuting Attorney. The Authorized Representative is also authorized to sign
any subsequent amendment or agreement that may be required by the State of Minnesota to maintain the
City’s connection to the systems and tools offered by the State.
4. That Terri Collins, the Mayor for the City of Benson, and Glen Pederson, the City Clerk, are
authorized to sign the State of Minnesota Joint Powers Agreements.
Councilmember Schreck seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-43 duly passed and adopted.
Motion was made by Evenson seconded by Buyck to approve the 2020 Summer Recreation bill
from Benson Community Education in the amount of $19,377.98 less $6,940.82 in swimming pool fees
that they collected on our behalf for a net amount due of $12,437.16.
Councilmember Schreck offered the following resolution:
CITY OF BENSON
RESOLUTION ACCEPTING DONATIONS
(RESOLUTION NO. 2020-44)
WHEREAS, The City of Benson is generally authorized to accepts gifts and bequests pursuant to
Minnesota Statutes Section 465.03 and Minnesota Statutes Section 471.17 for the benefit of its citizens;
and
WHEREAS, the following persons and entities have offered to contribute the cash amounts set
forth below to the city:
Library Patrons $34.20 to Benson Public Library
Benson Residents $1,448.00 for Beautify Benson Shirts
Benson Lions Club $500.00 Fire Donation
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Clayton Dale $20.00 Fire Department in Memory of Richard Dale
Eugene Doscher $20.00 Fire Department in Memory of Richard Dale
WHEREAS, all such donations have been contributed to assist the various city departments and
programs as allowed by law; and
WHEREAS, The City Council finds that it is appropriate to accept the donations offered.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF BENSON,
MINNESOTA, AS FOLLOWS:
1. The donations described above are accepted and shall be used to benefit the departments
listed above, as allowed by law.
Councilmember Buyck seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-44 duly passed and adopted.
Motion was made by Olson seconded by Buyck and carried unanimously to approve a payment to
Stantec Engineering in the amount of $8,050.15 for WWTP Miscellaneous Upgrades.
Motion was made by Buyck seconded by Evenson and carried unanimously to approve a payment
to Stantec Engineering in the amount of $1,266.75 for the Clearwell & Pump Station.
Motion was made by Evenson seconded by Buyck and carried unanimously to approve a payment
to Stantec Engineering in the amount of $4,541.25 for the Shell Station rezoning.
Motion was made by Buyck seconded by Schreck and carried unanimously to approve a payment
to TKDA in the amount of $3,285 for the Airport A&D Building construction administration.
Councilmember Evenson offered the following resolution:
RESOLUTION CERTIFYING THE FINAL GENERAL AND LIBRARY OPERATING
BUDGET AND GENERAL CAPITAL OUTLAY BUDGET
FOR THE CALENDAR YEAR 2021 FOR THE CITY OF BENSON, MINNESOTA
(RESOLUTION NO. 2020-45)
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Final General and Library Operating Budget and General Capital
Outlay Budget for the City of Benson, Minnesota, for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2021 and
ending December 31, 2021 is hereby approved.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Budget is summarized as follows:
Revenues
Taxes - General Fund 1,071,541
Taxes – Library 120,120
State Grants and Aids 1,313,564
Other Revenues 1,239,278
Total Revenues 3,744,503
Expenditures
General Government 425,288
Public Safety 1,418,400
Highways, Streets and Roads 623,135
Parks and Recreation 537,710
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Library 123,520
Capital Outlay 405,000
Other Expenditures 211,450
Total Expenditures 3,744,503
Excess (Deficiency) of Revenues over Expenditures $0
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Manager shall cause the entire final Operating
Budget to be printed and filed in the City Office for inspection and reference by the public.
Councilmember Olson seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-45 duly passed and adopted.
Councilmember Schreck offered the following resolution:
RESOLUTION ADOPTING FINAL 2020 PROPERTY
TAX LEVY, COLLECTIBLE IN 2021
(RESOLUTION NO. 2020-46)
BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Benson, County of Swift, Minnesota that
the following sums of money be levied for the current year, collectible in 2021, upon the taxable property
in the City of Benson, for the following purposes:
General Fund Levy $316,707
Police Personnel 754,834
Library Fund Levy 120,120
G.O. CIP Bonds 2014 – Street Garage
G.O. CIP Bonds 2017 – Police Department
70,397
86,809
TOTAL 1,348,867
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the following sum of money be levied for the current year,
collectible in 2021, based upon the market value of the taxable property in the City of Benson, for the
following purpose:
G.O. Swimming Pool $75,044
Total $75,044
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that $64,323.00 is irrevocably appropriated from the Utility Fund
to the equipment portion of the $1,130,000 G. O. Bond, Series 2012A Fund to cover that portion of the
2021 tax levy.
Councilmember Buyck seconded the foregoing resolution and the following vote was recorded:
AYES: Evenson, Collins, Olson, Buyck, Schreck. NAYES: None. Thereupon the Mayor declared
Resolution 2020-46 duly passed and adopted.
Motion was made by Evenson seconded by Schreck and carried unanimously to approve bills and
warrants in the amount of $574,633.11.
Motion was made by Schreck seconded by Olson and carried unanimously to approve the
following exempt wages for 2021:
Robert Wolfington City Manager
106,280.00
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Glen Pederson Director of Finance
96,050.00
Dan Gens
Public Works Director
86,790.00
Ian Hodge Police Chief
86,790.00
Tom Lee
Liquor Store Manager
54,640.00
Valerie Alsaker Administrative Asst.
25.10
Paul Larson Sergeant
33.75
Michael Jacobson Building Official
34.85
The City Manager reported that we have received the first of two annual payments from Xcel
Energy equal to the amount of local property taxes that they were paying prior to the power plant being
demolished. The total received was $815,921.95 and was negotiated as part of the purchase of the
property. Earlier council discussions centered on using the city portion to buy down the 2021 city
property tax levy and to give the County and School District portions to them. This will be an agenda
item in January 2021.
There being no further business to come before the Council a motion was made by Evenson,
seconded by Schreck and carried unanimously to adjourn the Council meeting at 6:22 p.m.
_______________________________________
Mayor
_________________________________________
City Clerk