[clears throat] photo. [clears throat] >> So, would be too old. Storm water You can That's okay. Calling to order the the regular city council meeting on Monday, November 3rd at 6 p.m. Please rise for the pledge. >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Roll call, please. Johnny, >> mayor Vogle >> here. >> Council members Malbower >> here. >> Advig >> here. >> Robinson >> here. >> Bonus is excused for the night. Uh I'm looking for a approval of the agenda. Do I have a motion? >> Make a motion tonight. >> Motion by Councilman Robinson. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Councilman Udbig. All those in favor signify by >> roll. Oh, sorry. Roll call. >> Yes. Thank you. Roll call, please. Jenny. >> Council members. Muower. >> Hi. >> Robinson. >> Hi. >> Edveig. >> Hi. >> Mayor Vogel. >> I. >> On to the consent agenda. Do I have a motion to approve tonight's consent agenda? >> I'll give it to I'll give it to Councilman Yu Bowers. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Second by Councilman Robinson. Any discussion? hearing and seeing none. Uh, roll call please. Jenny. >> Council members Advig. >> I. >> Robinson. >> Hi. >> Melbour. >> He said I. >> Mayor Vogle. >> I. >> Next I'm going to open the meeting open to the public. And just just so the public knows I'm also going to be open two more times here and specifically about the 2025 street reconstruction project. So that's a little further down. and the miscellane miscellaneous special assessments. But if anybody wants to just speak in general right now, please come forward and just state your name. Seeing none, we're on to the public hearing for the 2025 street construction project. Uh if you would like to speak on that, please come forward. Just state your name. >> Mr. Mayor, I do have I have a short presentation if you want to do that first. >> Sure, that that works. Okay, >> let's do that. >> Thanks. So, we're here for the 2025 street reconstruction project assessment hearing. Uh, this project in whole included 233rd Avenue and 229th Avenue. Those were milling overlays with some minor water mane improvements. Those are in red on the figure. And then uh the reconstruction project which was 229th Lane and Woodbine Street. and then the construction of a city parking lot in orange there. So, specifically, we're here tonight for the partial assessments of the reconstruction streets, 229th Lane from Ambassador to Rum River Boulevard and Woodbine Street from Rum River Boulevard to Bridge Street. The project included replacing the water man on Woodbine Street. uh the replacement of the water services associated with that water man. The construction or addition to concrete curb and gutter on these streets. Um a construction of the complete storm sewer system. Reconstruction of the pavement service surface and restoration with seed and mulch. So this again is being partially assessed um according to the city's assessment policy. The water services were 100% assessed to the property owners. The water man and the storm sewer were 40% property owner, 60% city, and the streets, curbs, and restoration were not assessed as part of this project and are covered by other city funds. The total assessment amount was $103,33. There's three payment methods um that one can take on this. Uh option one is to prepay the full assessment amount without interest to the city within 30 days of adoption of the assessment. So assuming the council adopts the assessment role tonight, that gives you till December 3rd of this year to pay in full without any uh interest. Option two is to pay the assessment beginning in 2026 with your property tax over 15-year period at an interest rate of 4.6%. The interest begins um once the assessment rule is adopted. So that would be in 2025. And the last option would be to pay at a later date. uh you must pay by November 15th and then with that interest is added through that year that you pay. So if you decide to pay it in full in December of or uh say October of uh 2027, interest would be through December of that year and no partial payments are allowed once uh it's assessed on your taxes. Uh so with that, I'd stand for questions and recommend you conduct the public hearing. Kevin, any questions? >> No, sir. I have none. Thank you, >> sir. >> I have any questions on >> Joe? >> I have no questions. Thank you. >> I don't have any questions either. So, thank you. Um, anybody from the public wish to come forward and speak about this? Okay. Okay, I'm going to close the public hearing then at 6:05 p.m. and then we're on to >> Yes. >> I would just note that if anyone does have an objection, they need to make it >> by tonight if they have not already done >> they will need to perfect that in court, but it sounds like >> from the public. >> Correct. >> Okay. [clears throat] Just to to note though, and then those folks that would object would get their own attorney to perfect the objection. I'm just just in terms of what the law is. >> No, appreciate that. Thank you. Okay. Uh we take a roll call vote on this then? >> Motion. >> Yep. On so the special assessment. >> Yep. We need a motion in second. >> Yep. Do I get a motion on the street assessment the 2025 street reconstruction project? >> Second time on new business. Are we >> Oh, further down. >> Do we need a roll call on this one, too? >> We need a roll call on it. >> Okay, >> Mayor Vogle. >> Well, I I'm We need a motion in a second. First, I I'll make that motion. Do I have a second? >> A second, Mayor. >> Second by Councilman Robinson. Uh, roll call, please. Vote. Jenny. Jenny. >> Mayor Vogle. >> I. >> Council members Melbour. >> Hi. >> Redbig. >> Hi. >> Robinson. >> Hi. >> Thank you. On to the miscellaneous special assessments. [snorts] Uh, do you want to present on that? Who wants to? >> Mayor, council. Darcy. >> Darcy. >> Mayor and council. Before you tonight is the miscellaneous special assessments. These are all the delinquent bills that are owed to the city. There's utility bills. There's storm water. There's some admin citations and then there's an a building permit review uh that never was paid that is on there. Um we do this once a year. They go on next year's taxes. It's completely due next year along with the that 10% fee. Um now we will we do still accept some payments. So the final list will be somewhat different than this, but there'll be payments that are accepted for like another week. You want to open the public hearing? >> Oh, I there was one letter that I put in there that they were requesting to have two of their ladies reimbured. You guys will have to decide whether you want to do that or not. >> So, >> open the public hearing. >> I'm going to open the public hearing right now for the miscellaneous special assessments. So, if anybody from the public would like to come forward right now and speak about the miscellaneous special assessments, now is your chance. [clears throat] >> I'm Don Stany. >> Just I'm sorry. Come up to the mic, please. Just state your name. Thanks. >> You either. >> Sorry. >> My name is Don Stany and um I wanted What are the special assessments? I didn't hear what they were. And this is going to be on top of the assessments that we're already paying. Is that what I'm hearing? >> This is just for any delinquent bills that are the city. >> All right. >> Yeah. See, we couldn't hear. >> It's very hard to hear. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Next time. That's all. I'm guilty of it, too. So, thank you. >> Anybody else? Seeing none, I'm going to close the public hearing at 6:09 p.m. Uh, any discussion amongst staff here about the So, this is where we got to talk about the late fee that they're requesting the waiver of. >> Uh, Joe, do you want to go first? I guess. Um, I don't know. I mean, unless there's extreme mitigating circumstances, which I mean, personally, I don't I don't see that. But, um, for me, I don't I guess I mean, we we usually work with the public very well. Um, staff is usually pretty good about getting notices out, trying to contact them. Um, some people don't come in until this time. Um, but that's that's all I have for now. I don't have anything any reason to necessarily wave it. If I could real quick, Darcy, could you I I mean I read the whole exchange a little bit, but could you clarify a little bit the exchange on that late fee? >> Um they had gotten So they had multiple properties and they received they said two in the mail in March. They paid those two. They said they didn't receive anymore. There's two more that they didn't receive, but they didn't call and ask about them. And then they got the notice here in September that had the late fee on there. And so they were upset that they hadn't gotten they said they hadn't gotten the first to notice. And I can't write that late fee off. The council would be the one that would have to write that late fee off unless I find a mistake of some sort like it was misposted or whatever like that. So when that initial notice went out, they they paid two of them. >> They received they said they received they only received two of their four >> and did we and I don't I don't know the procedure here. So do we send them a saying you're behind on July 1st and then they receive the special assessment notice in September. Okay, Sarah. >> Uh I my is this the first year that they've had these properties that they've paid them before? Okay. So So they they should have probably known that if they were paying for two, they would have had two more. That were my question. I mean, if this was a first year, I can see maybe something. But if we if this has already been more than a year, then I I guess you would probably know that you paid for last year. >> Kevin, >> I have no qualms. I keep it. Um they should pay their dues. They must they must be a company with more than one property, especially in our town. I would think um they have a file going on these things and they got to be checking their properties and if something didn't pop up um we sent it out. Our daries in the records got evidence that the postal service sent it out there. The postal service to make mistakes as well. It doesn't look like we made a mistake because there's time stamps on these items that were sent out. So I think they're liable for the 10day over over fees. >> Darcy, what what what's the total on the on the fees then was for the late the late >> for them? It would be two $10 late fees. So it' be $20. >> So I >> we start now. We got to give it to everybody. >> No, no, I understand that. And I I I admit I'm conflicted on it because from what I could read in the in the exchange, it seems like they're somewhat conscientious about paying their bills. I don't Sometimes there's no correspondence or whatever or no followup. Um, >> we send the original one in March, April. >> March. Yep. >> March. and they get no more commun and they don't pay. >> We we used to send one out in uh I think in June reminding them and the council at that time said uh after we did that a couple years they said we're not going to do that expense and so we don't we don't send them another one until they get the special assessment notice. >> I'm just going to be honest, it's a tough one for me because I I my gut tells me it's probably a legit forget or loss on their part, but at the same time I I understand what you're saying, Kevin. I don't know. >> I don't know where we draw the line in future ones. So, I think >> they should be on property taxes, aren't they? >> Next year, the storm water will be on Correct. will not they will not Oh, that's true. Good point. Storm water invoices. >> Good point, Joe. So I I >> dollars isn't going to make or break us, but it's the whole purpose of it is to cover the cost of the administrative cost of extra notices or whatever being sent out or just the time spent on it. So >> I in this particular case, I think I'm going to go along with the consensus. So, uh, I think now we just got to go to do I have a any other discussion on any of anything else on the miscellaneous special assessments? >> I have one, mayor. Yeah, >> go ahead. >> Um, I the storm water fee like Darcy said, next year it'll be just going into our general budget. So, there'll be no more nuisance billings of $82, you know, per address, etc. The storm water money is again unfunded mandates by the state of things we got to do and what things we have to have for storm water piping labor upgrades uh sil did silt ponds uh you name it. We we got it covered but it all cost money to do it. So that's what the storm water fee was for. It was clear and it was out there. It wasn't hidden. It wasn't a franchise fee. It wasn't attached to anything else. Like I said in the past, when you get your electric bill, take go home and take a look at your electric bill and see a railroad fee in there. What the hell is a railroad fee doing on your electric bill? I don't get it, you know, and it might be 82 cents, but every time, you know, 82 cents times how many people, you know, it's that's called a franchise fee, but we're not doing that. So, but otherwise, we're truly guilty, mayor, of wasteful spending as a city here. um the time and the effort to put in the postage. But we can't help the wasteful spending because on the first three pages alone of the nine pages, it's a roughly $23,000 with $120 addresses that owe that money and they're going to let it roll to their taxes. It goes from $800 all the way up to $5,600 per address. The middle ground is anywhere from $800 to $1,500 to 25. There's one page alone of $2,500 average per address. and there's 40 addresses on that page. So again, that's just kind of flipping around the math. 120 addresses at $23,000. That's wasteful spending on someone's part because now we've got to add the percentage to it. Darcy's got to get the postage, all the generation of her time and then her assistance time. And then um it just it's just crazy. And plus, like Darcy, I called her today on this. People don't realize if you got a $2,500 bill, it's going to go over your property taxes. If you have a mortgage, then you're when the mortgageer, the mortgage g the bank says, "We're not we don't have enough in escrow, the taxes keep going up. Why is that?" Well, again, people have their reasons for not paying this. I get it. There's hard times. There's there's things that hardships. There's things that take place that we don't know anything about, but we're here and, you know, the office is open for people to come talk about this stuff. But I'm astonished that they loan the city this much money at 10% interest. That's freaking crazy. But again, back to the mortgage portion, uh they'll start raising your escro amount. You'll get a statement from your US bank on your mortgage is $160,000. Well, by the way, our escrow is light um $1,500 or whatever for this year because now you've rolled in a $2,300 plus onto your um mortgage under the guise of property tax. So, people say your property tax is going nuts. Some of this stuff might be with the 900, how many people are on this list? 914 addresses total. No, sorry. 914 for the storm water, 196 addresses for just the sewer and water. So those 200 individuals are addresses, you know, are having this issue. So all I got to say, it's a shame that we have wasteful spending here in our city, but it's caused by all this. So that's all I got. Anybody else? Anything additional? >> So do I have a motion to approve the miscellaneous special assessments? >> I'll make that motion, mayor. Motion by Councilman Udvig. Do I have a second? Joe. Councilman Muower. Roll call. Vote, please. Jenny. >> Mayor Vogel. >> I. >> Council members Robinson. >> Hi. >> Uvik. >> I. >> Malbower. >> Hi. >> On to old business. Ordinance amendment to chapter two of the city code. Second reading. Kate or Jenny. So, mayor and council, this is the second reading of the um amendment to chapter 2 of the city code we discussed at the last meeting. Nothing has changed. So, if there's any questions, I can answer. >> Just so the public's aware, this is a change to somewhat the public when the public comes forward that we're just asking for your name instead of your name and address try and protect people to some degree in this current state. So, any other discussion? >> Um, the only thing the only thing I would add is, uh, I get it. I don't have an issue protecting people. The only thing that I'd like to see happen, uh, in the future, too, is, and I don't know, I guess it would be on you, Mayor Vogle, is ask if they're a resident or a business owner. Um, even though business owners may not live here, and we don't necessarily technically represent them because they're not voters here. Um, we've had a lot of thirdparty interlopers in the past come and chime in on certain things and they have absolutely no vested interest or maybe they have a relative in the city and they're fighting for their relative. But I think it's it is important to state whether or not you're a resident. We don't necessarily need to know your address, but to me as a representative of St. Francis, I'd like to know if you actually live here or if you are a business owner, you do matter as well. So, um, that's just my opinion, but I don't have an issue with the ordinance. >> No, I think that's I think that's a good point, Joe. I I'll try and I definitely agree. I'll try I'll try and do that. >> Any other discussion? Okay. So, looking for a motion for ordinance amendment ordinance 350. >> I'll make that motion, Mr. Mayor. >> Motion by Councilman Muau. Do I have a second? >> I'll second more. Second by Councilman Udvig. Roll call, please. Jenny. >> Mayor Vogel. >> I. >> Council members Udvig. >> I. >> Robinson. >> Hi. >> Melbour. >> On to new business. >> Actually, there's also a resolution with that for a summary publication which allows us to print a smaller version of it in the paper. >> Okay. And we need a motion for Okay. So piggybacking on that resolution 202552 authorizing summary publication of ordinance 350. Do I have a motion? >> Make that motion. Mayor >> motion by Councilman Robinson. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. >> Councilman by Councilman Muower. [laughter] >> Uh roll call. Vote please. Jenny. >> Mayor Vogel. I council members. I Robinson. Hi. Malbower. Hi. >> On to new business. So to Jenny's earlier question on this 2025 street reconstruction project, this is >> the resolution has been passed. We jumped a little bit ahead there. Okay, Craig was very concise in his presentation and wanted to move forward on that, but Craig, I think you got what you need and >> yep, >> we're moving forward and we have council direction. >> Perfect. So we're on to the Dalton River Villa's final plat. Beth, >> not yet. Yep, there it is. Now it is. >> Security council for you tonight is the final plat request for the Dton River project. Um, just as a reminder, this is a 16 acre site that's undeveloped today located between the Round River and Ambassador Boulevard. Uh [clears throat] just as a little bit of a project timeline, uh the concept for this project was reviewed this summer in June and July. Uh the preliminary plat was approved in the first council meeting in October, so October 6th. Uh and then tonight, the final plat request is on uh the meeting for uh requested approval. Uh there will be a development agreement with this project that will be prepared for a future council meeting as well. Um so the final plat uh conforms to the approved preliminary plat. It includes 19 single unit residential lots uh the extension of Woodbine Street and then two outlots. And so staff is recommending approval of the final plat request and the suggested motion is on the screen. I'm happy to answer any questions. >> Uh Kevin, any questions? >> Uh the only concern I had and Beth has addressed it earlier or a question. Um, is the DNR involved during the construction of all this? I know trees have to be removed. That's part of development. Things happen. Trees get taken down and everybody likes trees for sure as well as I do. But, um, does the DNR get involved when something this close to a a waterway like that? Do they periodically check like an inspector would or? >> Um, so mayor and council uh my understanding is not during the construction process. They do review the plans uh and need to provide comment and approval for the the actual requests. Um but they don't check periodically for during the construction. >> So if there are any infractions, heaven forbid that they're uh unnecessary foliage removed, it's just too late. If they come in later on and then developer would have to deal with it accordingly. I'm not saying that's going to take place. I'm just >> it's interesting. Again, this is concerns by some of the neighbors that live there and us. It's a it's a nice waterway within our city. There's been some concerns about that and I'm just curious how much DNR had to play a role in it. >> Yep. >> Uh so it's it's up to the city to enforce the um the requirements of both the code as well as the the plans that are approved as part of the final plat package. So there's grading plans, landscaping plans, all of that. Um and so they're they're held to those those plans as part of the development. And do I this question is for Kate and or um the new girl. [laughter] Um does our city inspector or do we get any outside parties involved when it comes to something like this? Again, trees removed on an environmental waterway like this. Is there anything is our inspector trained that way or do we bring in outside resources to look at something like that as well? >> Yep. Mayor and council. So throughout the the grading and the the utility portions actually Hawinson Anderson does inspect on our behalf. >> Uh Shane is very um he's he's very ingrained in in the plans and part of the approval process on behalf of the city code and making sure um everything is following code. So if he was out for another inspection and saw a great infraction of the trees, he'd definitely point that out to us and get those those pieces moving as well as enforcement. So, >> and I'm not again anticipating any infractions whatsoever. I was just curious. And as far as Hoginson goes, um you how often do they come out to a project like like this? >> Well, [clears throat] we're there quite a bit during the construction of the sewer, water, streets, >> sidewalks, but other than that, we're typically not there. So, >> okay. Are you guys do you have any tree people or foliage people or do you look at environmental things like that have been asked about that in the past? >> Yeah, some. Yep. >> Okay. And how do you implement or how do you respond to that or >> Well, typically it's every situation's different. So, depends what the situation is usually work with staff to resolve if there's an issue to resolve it. >> Okay, that's all I have. Thank you, >> Sarah. I don't have any questions, >> Joel. >> Uh, no questions. I think Kevin kind of addressed it too and I know Beth addressed it previously with some of the residents concerned. I'm comfortable with that. >> I would agree. I don't have so I don't have I don't have any uh questions about it. So look looking for a a motion for the do for resolution 202554 approving the final plat for the Dalton River Villas subdivision. >> I'll make that motion. Mayor >> motion by Councilman Robinson. Do I have a second? >> I'll second. Mayor >> second by Councilman Dudvig. Roll call, please. Jenny. >> Mayor Bogle. >> I. >> Council members Neilbower. >> I. >> Robinson. >> I. >> Edg. >> I. On to new business. Item C, ordinance amendment, chapter 291, fee schedule, first reading. >> Mayor, council, ahead of you tonight is the update to our fee schedule. This is a process that we do every fall. Um, updating everything from fees that the city charges for different services for rentals and then also our utility fees. Um, you can see a few pieces on there are a cleanup such as removing the storm water as that is moving to um to the levy to adding some damage deposits and then um updating some of our building and community development fees. So, outside of that, I'm happy to answer any, you know, individual or specific questions on this um at this at this time. [snorts] >> Joel, any comments. >> I have no questions. I will comment, I guess, and just uh this is where we um agree or disagree with the uh water rates. So, that's all I have. >> Sarah, >> um so my only question is on the the liquor compliance violations. Um, this is for our I'm assuming for our our bars that are having issues with their buying cards and stuff. Is that where that came or is that not? [clears throat] >> So, mayor and council, I did some research with other cities um and we have um been asked what our liquor violations are, and these are strictly for um anyone that has an intoxicating liquor license that violates any part of state statute or um fails to abide by city code. We didn't have any violations in place before >> and so we decided to put some in there. So >> So we just based the fees off of other cities around >> correct. Yep. I just kind of did like a went around to our sister cities and >> Okay. >> pulled their fees. >> That was my only question on that. That was new. So am I >> Kevin? I have no questions here. I've only got one. It's just a suggested maybe change I which I I should have gotten a hold of you earlier on. On page seven of 10 down under the ballpark use, we have a damage deposit, $50 refundable for resident, 75, refundable for non-resident. But then when I when I jump down to the rink rental, we have damage deposit. Do we need to put refundable behind the 150? So there's no refundable portion. Lake key return that wouldn't be refundable but damage deposit would be refundable under exhibit A on page eight eight excuse me it's on page top of page eight >> mayor council so under the warming house >> correct >> with the damage deposit late fee yep we can add that before the second reading if that's >> yeah it's just a matter of adding the refundable to keep the language consistent that we have going on up above with the park ballpark use so >> okay and mayor and council it would just be something that you would adopt on the first reading with the additional direction to staff to bring back for second reading. >> Okay. So, do I have a motion to approve with that minor change at the second reading for ordinance amendment chapter 291 fee schedule? >> I'll make that motion, Mr. Mayor. >> Motion by Councilman Mulebower. Do I have a second? I'll second me. >> Second by councilman Udvig. Roll call, please. >> Mayor Vogle, >> I. >> Council members Robinson. >> I. >> UDvig. >> I. Malbower. >> Hi. >> On to meeting open to the public. Anybody wishing to speak, please just come forward. >> Nobody. So, we're on to report. City administrator report. Kate. Mayor, council. So, a couple updates just that Vista Prairie is welcoming their first residents next week. Uh, watch for a formal open house into the new year. Uh, staff has kicked off our preparation for our 2050 comprehensive plan trying to work through a two-year schedule to get that completed. Um, otherwise, we're doing a lot of working on fire documents and a lot of the year-end housekeeping, the fee schedule being part of that. uh the personnel policy will be coming forward, the updates in there and and some several codes. So just a lot of housekeeping and year-end work right now. So that I'm happy to answer any other questions or >> any questions without getting any specifics. Contracts um no matter what parties are involved, how how's that going? Will you have stuff packaged up? Are things looking good, bad, and different? >> May for which project? >> Labor contracts and contract. So I am meeting with um our legal staff and the uh outstanding bargaining unit on Friday to hope we can get to resolution. >> Does it look positive at this juncture or >> uh we are meeting with can I say mediation? >> It doesn't matter. >> We're going to mediation. It's part of the process. Okay. And >> we hope to resolve things. Good. It takes two willing parties on >> All right. that. So, we're going to figure out that process on Friday. >> I was trying to be delicate, so that's cool. [laughter] That's all I have. Thank you, >> sir. >> I don't have any questions. >> Joel, nothing. >> I have nothing at this time. Thank you. >> Thank you, Kate. Public works third quarter report. Paul, >> mayor and council, before you this evening is the public works third quarter report. Um, we'll just do a high level. Well, you can see the different facts in front of you tonight. One of the a few of the things that switched uh in the third quarter were uh Tom Tom went a different direction in the city uh this um summer. Um it uh we sure appreciated his time on all the recycling u effort and coordination that he did. It definitely um um took us a little time, but I think we filled in the gaps. We're we're working together to try and find some new ideas for the city. Uh it's going pretty well. Uh his replacement, [clears throat] Tony, um I think uh I think we did very well. Tony uh Tonyy's bringing all kinds of his own talents to the team and uh the nice thing about Tony is he's a pleasure to work with and he's always smiling. He always is a very very pleasant gentleman. Um some of the large projects that that uh public works worked this particular summer were the replacement of the Rum River Park playground. Um that was uh a pretty good feat. The the playground was I think it was 1997 was the last time it was put in. So uh we've got a the start of a a bunch of different good things there. Um the street projects Woodbine 229th um and the new parking lot from city hall here. uh working with Hawinson Anderson. Um we've also continued to work on the design for um the warming house ice rink. Uh we're we'll have that about 65% done uh here at probably middle December is where we're at there. I just met with them today. Um [clears throat] I want to uh I want to make it clear there's a bunch of other things that public works is doing. Parish is very good at listing them out uh in his report. in particular the last page. Uh they the group continues to um continues to evolve and and use their talents to to take on more of the duties. Uh we're we're doing more and more um work on pumps. They're they're they're replacing meters that we wouldn't have now that they wouldn't have in the past. Um so the I'm I'm actually quite proud of them for expanding their abilities and evolving. Um, I really appreciate what they're doing for us. Uh, one thing we noticed in the third quarter, and I think council will probably see it more and more is, uh, and everyone's noticed it, the the the emerald ashbor is killing a tremendous amount of trees in the area. Oak wilt started it. Now we got ashbor. And everywhere you drive now, it's hard now this time of the year um, to see it, but those those trees are dying everywhere. we were able to clean most of them up on the city property, but now our residents are having troubles with those. So, it's becoming um more and more common. Uh maybe some code enforcement, things like that. So, we're learning as we're going along with this. So, I hope the residents are patient with us as we work with VGS and and you know, our other residents that come in um trying to get this squared away and have a have a blanket policy. So, I just want bring that up this evening. Uh rainfall this summer was about 150% of normal rainfall uh from April to August. So when you have that kind of rainfall, it keeps uh the mowers extremely busy and the grater extremely busy because it creates so much mud on the roads. Uh I wanted to mention that uh we're constantly um finding redundancy in our processes at public works and now we officially have two gentlemen that can grade on staff. uh that happened this summer because of all the extra grading that helped us to get to that point. Um Jeremy was uh very good. He's a very good instructor. Uh and uh he's done a great job with Jason. So um I don't know if council members or not, but one of the things that we talked about we had we had ordered a patch trailer about a year and a half ago. Um it in fact they were doing it they were using the patch trailer today. In fact, uh it it it is amazing the time and money it's saved uh employees, the staff. Uh and I I hope the public is seeing it. I hope that that uh when they're driving out and about it, it's incredible how it's working for us right now. Uh it literally is about 25% of what it would of what we were doing before of cold patch. Um it's incredible and it's easier on the employees. It it's happening quicker. We're able to get through the I I believe they're getting close to getting through the full city. We're going to try to in the next in the next few days and we've never been able to do that before and that trailer has uh has helped us do that and I I think we're on we're actually on path to pay for that trailer in under three years at this point with the way things are going. So that turned out turned out very very well. Um and the last thing I'd like to end with was we've had because of the the the water sewer rates we've had a tremendous amount of interest in uh public works and the facilities the water and wastewater facilities. And I'd like to thank the citizens and and council for reaching out for taking the tours. Um it's been uh of course every department loves to talk about their department and and usually nobody comes to see us. So we've enjoyed that and and I really hope that that if anyone else is interested um we'd be happy to answer their questions and and give more tours. So um with that uh I have nothing further. If you have any questions be happy to answer them. Joel, any questions? >> Uh, no questions. Great report and uh just send our appreciation to everybody over there at public works. We do appreciate it. >> Thank you, Kevin. >> Uh, no, great report. Appreciate the uh the uh graphs and charts and that helps a lot. Um, is there anything that took more of your attention other than mowing? No, I shouldn't say attention resources overall last year or this year over last year other than the mowing portion >> road patching mayor and council. I think I think the second thing timing was perfect with the new trailer. Um, as you drive through town, you see where there's what they call the elamination where the the asphalt chips off. Well, we can fix we can well, we can band-aid that temporarily fix it now. And and I believe that that probably took the second most amount of time. Uh because when we use that trailer, it requires a minimum of three employees. So when when they do that, uh that I'd say that would probably be a close second to mowing. But I want to commend the staff this year. Uh mowing was at the point where our operators uh wastewater water wastewater operators uh I'm sure people who know the the staff seen them running around towing uh mowing as well. So it was a it was a big effort to it it it was uh the number one priority. So >> Sure. And the hot patch, where do you go get that or where do you get your batumas to? >> Sure. So St. Paul is where they're picking it up at. Uh I think there may council I believe it took us a little while working with Darcy to get to get our accounts all open up, but I believe they can pick it up in Rapids as well now. So getting getting quicker, getting better at it. >> I also read that the the consortium that you usually bring up from year to year. Rapids used to manage that consortium for hatchings. Uh what's what kind of effect did that have on your department or what you guys do? >> Correct. So the main reason the consortium was put together and and Rapids um uh basically held that JPA together was for chip seal. Now the chip seal you've seen where they put the oil down the road then they put the chips over the granite chips over the top of it for >> toilet paper and seals sealing. >> I know that's that's line that's lined crack filling. We call that crack filling. Was that part of the consortium as well? >> It it was um but the main reason the consortium was put together was for chip sealing. Uh we the city of St. Francis no longer is chip sealing. It's been too hard on the roads. It's created that problem where you see it it peeling off and causing that uh dilamination. So we're no longer chip sealing. So the only the only reason we it fell part of the reason it fell apart council was because nobody is chips anymore and that's where the majority of the savings was. So >> you guys haven't been really taking a party in any of that. >> Not not not the not not the chip seal part of it. We still would include we were included with uh with crack filling and line painting, but it it's such a small part of it that there won't be much cost savings there >> with the chips. Like in my neighborhood, you it's in six years now or better. You put down a hot hot layer of liquid, put the granite down, you roll the heck out of it. What happens to that now then if you're not getting >> uh Mayor Council that'll continue to wear off and eventually you'll you'll see the bare asphalt below it and I would rather see uh the bare asphalt below it than than to have it peel off. So I I I I think uh the money we save doing that in my opinion and and I think that's what we've been doing seems to be working. Um the three of us work very closely down there is to put that right back into the street projects. Save that money and put it right back into the street project. So, at some point it'll be a a cut and re reg grind or relay it down and >> correct >> cuz that gravel granite does raise havoc with concrete driveways as well. It's it's it's nasty stuff. But >> correct. >> I was just curious what the consortium consortium breaking up had effect. So, no great report. I really appreciate it the time and tell your guys awesome and that truck or treat was awesome. Your your group pulled together put together quite a show. So, we really appreciate that. Thank you, sir. >> I do not have any questions either in order to report. And as always, like Joe said, make sure you thank your staff. They do an excellent job. >> I will. Thank you. >> Only got one quick question and it's just the new city lot. Is there are we doing any I don't want anything fancy or expensive? Are doing any signage with with the >> mayor council the the post office >> the city the new parking lot? >> New parking lot. >> I have not yet. That I guess that has not been discussed. Um, if there's any suggestions, we'd be glad to. >> Well, I'm just curious. I mean, whether we got to label it so people know it's a city lot. And number two, I mean, do we I I don't know. I'm not saying I have the answer on this. Do we have to say no overnight park? I don't know. Kind kind of things in that so it doesn't become a catchall. I I don't know. >> Well, public works definitely knows sign people. Um, so absolutely if there's that's probably not a bad idea. So, if that's what uh we can we can make that happen in short order if you wish. I again I I'd want I'd want what go ahead Dave >> mayor and council I've just been made >> there we go [laughter] thank you Dave >> Greg you expect a call >> and then then I I'm going to piggyback on everybody else and I thank you before the meeting too but a fantastic job and it at the trunk or treat and it wasn't just the event and the size amount of people came out it it just it was a pleasure to watch your staff and the volunteers and other staff who helped with it. A well-run event that got good exposure to the public works department and it was a true a true team effort. I every everybody was there and involved and it was a a pleasure. So, >> thank you. I'll let them know that. I just some quick numbers. Uh we ended up we kind of did get a count. uh mayor and council, we ended up with three 327 children that signed up and then we ended up with I think just a tick under a thousand people. So it uh it it did it and and I want to say thank you to city staff and for all the volunteers that helped. It was it was incredible that it it it I didn't realize it was going to grow to this. Um but wow, we couldn't do it without our volunteers. So >> thanks Paul. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. You're welcome. >> Council member reports. Uh Sarah I attended the work session on the 28th and then I had the pleasure of going to the trunk or treat and for the most part I wear a costume. People don't recognize. [laughter] Some of the staff didn't know who I was until I took my took my monkey hat off and they're like, "Oh, it's you." So, [snorts] it was it was really fun. Um it was fun listening to people talk in line um about what they thought was going to be in there, what they thought they were going to do. And um yeah, I've I've heard from several people how much they had their kids had a lot of fun there. So I just want to thank public works again for all their hard work on that. >> Thank you, sir. Kevin, um I attended the uh um fire district meeting also. So we uh we had a work session I attended to do. We had a uh some levy talk as well as uh excuse me talking about the fire district and it's really a lot to entail and Kate I really give you guys my hat is off many times. I didn't realize what you know it's a musto situation. It has to come together but just the changing over one entity to make a new entity it's a lot involved as far as legality and whatnot. So, I really appreciate the work and time you guys have put in. So, our job will be a lot easier because of the what the the hard stuff you guys the heavy lifting you have done so far. So, it's great. I'm grateful. Also want to make mention about Small Business Saturday coming up in December. Um, the St. Francis Chamber of Commerce is still doing their podcast. Michelle and her vice president, they they do a good job. I heard bits and pieces of the second one, but they have Small Business Saturday coming up. I believe it's on the 13th, but uh take a peek at the their website. They're doing a really awesome job. It's something the city hasn't had for a long long time and they work in collaboration with the the city itself and then Michelle is a human dynamo. She's unbelievable. Um it it's just interesting being on the outside looking in on what's taking place and the business community is embracing it with big big arms. So, um [clears throat] check that out. Small Business Saturday, excuse me, coming up. And um check out the Chamber podcast andor the website. So that's all I got. >> Thanks, Kevin. Joel. >> All right, bear with me on this one. Um I wrote a long speech that not really a speech, but just some thoughts, I guess, that I was having. Um has to do with accountability. And I I don't know whether or not I should read it, but I think I'm going to read it anyway. I I hope it reaches people that uh you know that want to be reached, I guess. Um so it says, "I want to I want to address accountability. I want to continue to hold myself accountable. We have a lot of angry and upset residents right now due to higher taxes and water rates. We have a lot of people saying you can't fight city hall or city or the council do whatever they want to do no matter what the people say." Uh the power is in the people. When I say the powers in the people over the government, I'm not talking about protests or riots or acting like animals and destroying our own community out of anger. Knowledge is power. Uh maybe I'm brutally honest about what I'm saying. Uh my goal is to say what needs to be said and hopefully awaken something in the people that will spark the change that they're looking for. Knowledge is power and it starts with holding ourselves accountable and seeking out that knowledge. I can't expect anything from any individual. So instead of getting on Facebook and spouting off numbers that you think you understand, make the phone call and learn. Take the time you use to type your emotions online and use it wisely. Research and make the phone call to staff. Ask those questions and learn. If you have a concern or want more understanding about any given topic, make the phone call. Schedule an appointment with staff that your the staff that your tax dollars pay for and learn what, why, or how we are in the position we're in. Um, I understand where you're coming from because I was right where you were uh today. Before I ran for office, I was mad. I was online attacking the council that was in office at the time. Um, I sat in the audience for two years at almost everything. Then I started meeting with staff, asking questions, researching to learn and gain knowledge because we wanted to write what we felt was wrong. Myself and God rest the soul, Mayor Feldman got elected. Still somewhat ignorant to things and we did what we got elected to do. We lowered the increase in water rates in the second year of our first term uh by 20% and fulfilled our promise. Our finance director told us the risk and what what would be needed to be able to survive that 20% decrease. We were heroes that followed through with what we promised. We chose to take that risk thinking we would get the development. And Mayor Feldman, who was much more optimistic than myself, believed we would get the development we needed to make it to 2023. and we would implement small increases to stabilize the water rates. That development didn't come. Oak Grove needed a hand uh with the ponds wastewater and that was our saving grace. Uh had we had we not given that 20% increase, we would have had that additional 20% over the last eight years, which would have in turn affected the increase significantly by not having to raise it as high as we're looking at today. I was the only current council member in office at the time as Sarah, Kevin, Mark, and Amy were not in office at the time. Uh we gave the people what we what they wanted and we're paying for that now. We're now being asked by the people to do the same thing. And if we were to do that, we would be facing an even bigger increase in a couple years. Our decrease in relief we gave people in 2018 has hurt us today. We never had a building maintenance fund. To me, that's pretty irresponsible to build multi-million dollar buildings and not have a plan to maintain them. I think everyone can agree with that. Uh we've implemented we've implemented that. We never had a fund to maintain the parks and actually had to scrape up one park as was in such bad shape because we didn't have the money to maintain that. Again, pretty irresponsible as a city in my opinion. We now have that fund. Uh we used to nail residents on the roads that needed to be redone with $10,000 assessments with interest to be paid by the taxpayers on the roads because we didn't have a road fund. We now have that and people aren't assessed for roads anymore. you can be assessed for water and sewer which you've seen tonight um is that is a different thing and it's a little more complicated to get into at the moment. The issue we're having now uh which is unfair to the residents now is that these things were not in place years and years ago. So we did a lot of catching up all at once. Why past councils before me never implemented these funds, I don't know. So, by giving people what they ask for, who who choose to be ignorant, and I don't mean that poorly, you'll you'll understand what I mean because ignorance can be cured. Um, but who choose to be ignorant to the effects of their demands or desires. It can have a detrimental impact to the future. The city gets accused of hiding things all the time. I would love to know how having packets online, videos of every meeting on YouTube, staff phone numbers, and council member phone numbers and emails all available online is hiding something. The information is there if you choose to consume it. And if you don't, that's okay, too. But please take a moment, take a breath, and ask yourself, can I do better? Uh, do I care about what's going on in my city? And if you do, then please prioritize some of your time to learn, listen, and become more knowledgeable before you blame others for what you can control. I often ask to be granted the serenity to accept things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. I don't intend to come off condescending and I really hope people don't view it that way. Uh if you do believe if you do believe that way if you do feel that way apologize know this is not my intent. Ignorance is a choice in the age of information. The information is there and in today's society it seems people have expectations that we are their personal public servant. I believe this is part of the problem at all levels of government. We have busy lives and if I'm honest with myself, I make time for things that are important to me. Sometimes life may get in the way of some of those things. But if we really want something, we will find a way to get to that sports event, that concert, our child's play or school event. It's how we choose to use our time. Uh what happens after this or how people feel about what I said is out of my control. Knowledge is power, the power of the people. uh when that knowledge is used collectively to find solutions and suggestions by our community, that's my hope. So, I hope those words reach somebody and uh I I I mean all that in a positive manner. So, please don't butcher me for that. That's all I have. Oh, and uh congratulations, Jody, by the way. >> Back. [laughter] >> Thanks, Joel. >> Can I say one thing, Mayor? >> Go ahead. >> I made a mistake and just a correction. It's November 29th is a small business Saturday. And if you have a cottage industry or something you're doing out of your home or creating whether it be uh candles or pot holders or I mean it doesn't have to be an established business brick and mortar. It can be a home business. So November 29th from 9 to 3 at the American Legion and it's also on the the the commerce's website. So thank you. Thanks mayor for indulging. >> Thanks. No problem. >> Don't feel bad Joe. I I pretty much agree with everything you're saying. And I think it's the number one problem when it comes to government right now is the public's largely disengaged from their government. And that's and that's sad. It's tragic. I think I think we're too apt to just stay home and complain. I I'm thrilled when I see people here from the community here. Whether you have anything to say or you don't have anything to say, it means you took time out to come here. And I I encourage all of our residents. I mean, once or twice a year, pop in a meeting. even if you don't have anything, it's just community engagement's key to how your government's run. So, thanks Joel. Uh I too attended the work session where we discussed the uh upcoming levy budget and the fire department. I thought it was a good discussion. Uh I attended the trunk and treat event as we talked about pri prior. Um I went to the Anoka County LGA meeting here this last this last Wednesday. Um, nothing earthshattering out of that, but it was very nice to see our representative Lawrence there and I had a good discussion with him, continued discussion about our highway 47 project >> and kind of along the lines of what Joe was saying here too. I just popped into the police chief's office just the other day just for nothing no other reason than just really to chat some idle questions and I encourage our community to do the same thing. I have yet to see anybody on staff who is not 100% approachable or or would not sit down with you. If you have any questions or times and if if you ever do run into some staff that that is not responsive, then then it's time to reach out to us or the city administrator, let them know. So, uh bonding prep tour, we got a a meeting tomorrow about prepping before our big bonding meeting on November 13th. And just so everybody understands because it gets really murky and ugly. What we're this bonding meeting is strictly about the below ground stuff under Highway 47 which the city is 100% responsible for. Everything from the ground up is pretty much the responsibility of the state and county and a little bit from the city. But it's the below ground stuff that's highway 47 that this bonding tour is specifically talking about. We're look requesting help with the sewer and water lines that the city has underneath Highway 47. So that's really all I've got. Anybody anything anything else, Mr. Chair? Okay, seeing nothing else. Meeting adjourned at 6:56