Minutes of the Public Hearing to Discuss the Proposed Tax Abatement for The

Minutes of the Public Hearing to discuss the proposed Tax Abatement for the 212 Seed & Ag, Inc. Project October 14, 2013 at 7:00 PM

Council members present: Erickson, Engelmann, Hansen, Sander, Wolff Mayor Erickson opened the public hearing. The hearing was called to order to receive public input on a proposal to grant a property tax abatement for the 212 Seed & Ag, Inc. project (Parcel 28-00043-00). The proposed ten year abatement is estimated at $87,000 (both City and County), and acts as a “rebate” to the property owner for site improvements that increase the value of the property. As there were no comments or concerns from the public, the hearing was closed. Deb Lingl, City Administrator

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Bird Island City Council October 14, 2013 at 7:30 PM

Council members present: Erickson, Engelmann, Hansen, Sander, Wolff The meeting was called to order by Mayor Erickson. A motion was made by Engelmann and seconded by Wolff to authorize payment of the claims and to approve the minutes of the last regular meeting and a land use permit for Mike and Leah Tersteeg (new home). Passed unanimously.

Resolution A motion was made by Engelmann and seconded by Sander to adopt Resolution 10-13, 10-13 approving property tax abatements for the 212 Seed & Ag, Inc. project. Passed unanimously.

2014 Street Jerry Van Dyke, representing Bargen Inc. & Midstates Equipment & Supply, was present to Maintenance further inform the Council regarding the Company’s RePlay product. RePlay is an agricultural oil seal and preservation agent used for asphalt preservation/maintenance. RePlay is a fairly new product that is said to extend the life of asphalt surfaces when applied about every five years. It is possible to apply RePlay to the newer streets in town and chip seal the older streets. It was stated that RePlay is not effective when applied over previously chip sealed roads; however, a chip seal could be placed over a street in which RePlay was applied. The City Engineer has some reservations about applying a product (RePlay) that has not been proven over the long haul, but suggested that both applications be presented at the Public Hearing on November 12th, and the project could be bid with alternatives.

Law A complaint was received from a citizen who was reportedly pulled over by a Deputy Enforcement Sheriff following the drinking of an unidentified beverage in the citizen’s driveway. Deputy Best will check into the matter. It was requested that when patrolling at night, officers shut off the park shelter & basketball court lights if they are still on after 10:30 PM.

Public The Council discussed a plan for fencing in part of the maintenance shop area at 340 Elm Works/ Avenue. Some old fencing from the ball park could be used. Fencing along the north of the Maintenance property could create some snow removal issues. Woelfel will firm up a plan and obtain cost estimates.

The Council reviewed the annual report from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) regarding the City’s water system. MDH recommends the use of manual air relief valves to replace the valves located in manholes in the finished water main line into town. The new valves would cost around $200 each. The Council concurred with the recommendation.

Discussion was held on a proposed storm sewer extension from 13th Street east on future Cherry Avenue, approximately 160’. This would be phase 1 of a project designed to intercept water draining into tile lines on vacant residential City lots west of the ball park and to help with drainage from the ball park complex owned by the City/School. Using 15” HDPE pipe, the approximate out-of-pocket cost for phase 1 would be $2190. If Cherry Avenue is to be developed in the future, the City Engineer recommends using 18” concrete and engineering placement of the pipe, as water and sanitary sewer mains would also be placed in the right-of-way. Since Mike & Leah Tersteeg are currently building a home directly south of the Cherry Avenue right-of-way, a letter will be sent to them stating that the street may be developed in the future, which may disrupt any grass seed on the boulevard north of their property.

Possible improvements to the lawn in front of City Hall were discussed. Woelfel will draft a plan for the Council’s consideration.

Baseball Mer Athmann and Mike Nagel, representing the Baseball Association, were present to Association inquire about the possibility of installing an electronic message board on city-owned property west of 1231 Highway Avenue by the Ball Park. A few parties have shown interest in constructing a commercial building on the property; therefore, it was suggested that the sign be placed on the west boulevard of 13th Street west of the property in question. Before a decision is made, the Council would like to know the exact design and estimated costs of the sign. There was also some discussion of an athletic training facility being constructed on the City lots west of right field of the main ball field, and possible fencing around the little league fields, in order to reduce injuries from “stray” balls.

BMX The Council discussed the possibility of a bicycle motocross (BMX) facility being Facility constructed in Bird Island. Risk management information from the LMC was reviewed, including any liability risks and additional insurance premiums if used for racing/competition. Possible locations, space needed, maintenance issues and accessibility (locked or unlocked) were also discussed. It was thought that the fairgrounds would be an ideal location for a bike track. It was suggested that supporters of a BMX facility present a signed petition to the Council.

Health Due to the continued increase in health insurance premiums, staff met with the City’s Agent Insurance to discuss various alternatives to the current plan, in which rates for 2014 are $489 for Benefit single coverage and $1622.50 for families. A proposal was presented to the Council which includes the City paying for employee coverage and contributing additional funds, in salary, to go towards private dependent health insurance coverage. The proposal involves a cost savings to the City of $11,212.80. A motion was made by Engelmann and seconded by Hansen to approve the proposal and an increase ($2500 to $5000) in the maximum employee salary reduction for medical (out-of-pocket) expenses for the employee Flexible Spending Account. Passed unanimously.

Park The City was approved for an $8362.80 grant to purchase the GameTime Xscape Tyke Equipment Town play system for 2-5 year olds. It is the recommendation of the Playground 2-5 Year Equipment Committee to purchase this play system. A motion was made by Engelmann Olds and seconded by Sander to approve the purchases, allocating an additional $2000 from the Parks & Rec. Budget. Passed unanimously. Resolution Interest parties from the Bird Island/Olivia areas have been meeting and working towards 12-13 the goal of constructing a paved bicycle trail between the two communities, on the south Trails Grant MnDOT Hwy. 212 right-of-way. The Committee is in the process of applying for a DNR Application Parks & Trails Legacy Grant to help construct the trail. If the grant is awarded and accepted, a joint powers agreement between the two towns would be needed to clarify ownership and maintenance responsibilities. Concerns were raised regarding maintenance costs, truck traffic crossing the trail, and who would enforce any illegal trail usage activities. An open house is being planned for this winter and a survey will be drafted to obtain public feedback. A motion was made by Engelmann and seconded by Sander to adopt Resolution 12-13, supporting an application to the DNR Parks & Trails Legacy Grant Program. All voted in favor except Wolff who was opposed.

Insurance It was stated that the City’s insurance company will pay for the ceiling tile replacement Claim needed due to water leakage, and will try to recover some costs from the Contractor’s insurance company, should they find any liability issues.

Meeting adjourned. Deb Lingl, City Administrator