Minutes

City of Griswold

Regular Council Meeting

Council Chambers, April 21, 2008 6:00 p.m.

The Griswold City Council met in regular session at City Hall. Mayor Putnam called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Council present: Wyman, Bergstrom, Rink, Shields, Carlisle.

Motion by Wyman to approve the agenda with the removal of item 6a; second by Shields. Approved 5-0.

Motion by Wyman to approve the following items under the Consent Agenda:

a. Claims.

b. March Treasurerπs financial report.

c. Liquor License and Sunday Sales Permit Application – Dustyπs Place.

Second by Shields. Approved 5-0.

Water Department. Water Supt. Kevin Jipsen reported they are repairing a water main leak in the 900 block of 2^nd St. Directional boring is needed to complete the repairs and he has obtained an estimate of $900 and another for $400 to do the work. Motion by Rink to hire the Griswold Cooperative Phone Company to perform the directional boring at a cost of $400; second by Wyman. Approved 5-0.

Jipsen provided costs for the annual maintenance of the wells from Morrell Heating & Plumbing for $220 per well and Cahoy Pump Service for $195 per well. Motion by Rink to hire Cahoy Pump Service for the annual maintenance of the wells at $195 per well; second by Shields. Approved 5-0.

They have started the sump pump inspections and have found some residences not incompliance. The question was raised about where the water would to in the winter, as some areas do not have storm sewers close by for the water to go into. Kevin suggested that in those areas residents could have a switch that would allow them to have the sump pump go into the sanitary sewer from November to March and back to the street the other months. Council members said they would not allow this as it is against the ordinances and there would be no real way to monitor the residents.

Kevin reported that the city could receive a generator to be used at the Community Building provided by a program through the DNR Forestry Division. The generators are given to Fire Departments, but can be used at designated emergency sites such as the Community Building. When notified of a generator, the city has twelve hours to accept and is responsible for transportation of the generator. Motion made by Rink to accept a generator when one becomes available and to authorize up to $3,000 for shipping costs; second by Wyman. Approved 5-0.

Committee Reports. Rink said he spoke with Shirley Ward regarding her concerns about the erosion of the Baughman Branch behind the Motel. Carlisle said that the County is aware of the problem and is working on it.

Council discussed a letter received from Fred Gay regarding removal of rock by city employees while grading the alley that was purchased by the property owners. Mr. Gay requested that the City replace the rock that was removed. Motion by Shields to purchase a load of 1≤ rock if available and to replace only the amount of rock that was removed; second by Bergstrom. Approved 5-0. Council discussed the need for residents to inform the city when they have purchased rock for their alleys so this does not happen again.

28E Agreement with Cass County Sheriff. Shields questioned the change from a 30-day notice to 60-days and who made that change. Clerk Ridlen said it was changed during the review by the County, but was not sure if it was the County or City Attorney that made the change. Rink said he was curious about the 40-hour requirement not to begin until after an officer is hired and trained or within one year whichever comes first. The clerk said the year deadline was added due to the fact that the county may not be able to get the hired officer into the academy right away. Sheriff Bill Sage was checking to see if there would be an opening in the September academy, which would end in December so the deadline could be shortened to 6-months. Another item discussed was when payments would begin. Carlisle said payments would not begin until after the officer is hired and through the academy. Motion made by Rink to approve the 28E agreement as presented; second by Bergstrom. Shields stated he has a problem with the change from 30-day to 60-days and not knowing exactly who made the change. Roll call vote: Aye-Rink, Bergstrom. Nays-Wyman, Carlisle, Shields. Motion fails.

Motion by Rink to approve the agreement, but to change the wording that payments not to begin until after the officer is hired and through the academy; second by Wyman. Roll call vote: Ayes-Rink, Bergstrom, Wyman, Shields, Carlisle. Nays-none. Motion carried.

Public Comments. A resident asked what was happening with the floodplain study. Mayor Putnam stated that the work to be done by the city would begin in May and that the study was still being done, and the committee is hoping to meet every other month.

Propositions and Remarks from Council Members. Shields said he spoke with Jipsen Construction and they are planning to begin work at the sewer plant around May 1^st, weather permitting.

Carlisle said they should be starting on the potholes next week at the earliest, weather permitting.

Shields asked what could be done about residents taking their yard waste and tree limbs out west of town. It was agreed to have Kevin put snow fence up at the cemetery to prevent access.

Shields asked what was happening with the property at 907 2^nd St. Clerk Ridlen said the notification process was complete and that the city attorney is working with the owner and contract holder regarding removal of their possessions.

Shields stated he would like to know the court schedule for the Davies property.

Carlisle reported on the Conservation Board meeting he attended with Rink. He gave the council a copy of the report submitted to the Board by the Friends of the Fish Farm regarding the clean up that was done on April 5^th. They also discussed having the Board of Health inspect the house located at the Fish Farm to determine if it is inhabitable.

Motion by Rink to adjourn the meeting; seconded by Wyman. Motion carried 5-0 6:55 p.m.

Jerry Putnam

Mayor

Dawn Ridlen

City Clerk