MINUTES OF CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

MENNO, SOUTH DAKOTA

December 4, 2006

 

Mayor Larry Tolzin called the city council to order at 7:30 p.m. on December 4, 2006 in the council room at city hall. Council present: Dennis Aisenbrey, Galen Guthmiller, Gary Herman, John Huber, Jerome Kotalik and Darrell Mehlhaf, Finance Officer Peggy Thranum, and Superintendent Fred Sayler. Glenn Kirschenman, Christian Sorlien, Dale Kessler, Aaron Matthaei, Erik Kaufman, David Hoffman, and Shannon Herrboldt were also present.

 

Guthmiller moved to approve the agenda with the following addition: Discussion of Lot Purchases with Development Representative. Herman seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

REGULAR MEETING ITEMS: Herman made a motion to approve the minutes of the November 6 regular meeting. Huber seconded; all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Aisenbrey made a motion to approve the budgeted transfer of $10,000 from the Garbage Fund to the General Fund. Guthmiller seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Herman made a motion to accept the Homeland Security Grant for water tower security by increasing the state grant revenue by $6100 and the water repair expenditures by the same amount. ($3186.06 was received in August and $2913.94 was received in November.) Kotalik seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Aisenbrey moved to approve the November finance report. Guthmiller seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

FINANCE REPORT:

 

  General

  Water

   Sewer

Garbage

Perpetual Care

Sales Tax

Totals

Checking 10/31/06 Balance:

76,480.05

30,509.20

33,400.62

31,561.49

1,199.28

21,908.48

195,059.12

     Warrants:

(31,862.99)

(22,938.61)

(10,505.38)

(6,083.47)

0.00

0.00

(71,390.45)

     Receipts:

65,903.59

7,314.26

4,078.77

5,926.75

0.00

2,815.49

86,038.86

     Interest:

62.29

8.30

15.04

17.51

 

13.78

116.92

Checking 11/30/06 Balance

110,582.94

14,893.15

26,989.05

31,422.28

1,199.28

24,737.75

209,824.45

Water Restricted Cash

 

(3,500.00)

 

 

Restricted

 

(3,500.00)

General Purpose CD's

50,000.00

 

 

 

Account

 

50,000.00

Designated Purpose CD's

51,522.95

20,179.49

11,776.55

1,518.19

45,321.50

 

130,318.68

Total Cash Assets:

212,105.89

31,572.64

38,765.60

32,940.47

46,520.78

24,737.75

386,643.13

Profit or (Loss) for the month

34,102.89

(15,616.05)

(6,411.57)

(139.21)

0.00

2,829.27

14,765.33

 

RECEIPTS: Water 6719.26; Sewer 4078.77; Garbage 5866.75; Late Fees 115.00; Ambulance 1780.03; City Hall Rent, South Central Child Development 45.00 and Brad Knutson 25.00; Tree & Park CD Interest 4.52; Homeland Security Grant, Water Tower 2913.94; Cemetery CD Interest 80.45; Sales Tax, 1% 2815.49 & 2% 2809.03; 5% License 175.49; Real Estate Taxes 57,645.67; Mobile Real Estate 259.53; Penalty & Interest 49.93; Water Deposit, Neta Byers 50.00 & Johna Scott 50.00, Clyde Mettler 100.00, Alison Sorlien 100.00, Marvin Guthmiller 100.00 and Dale Kessler, Sr. 100.00; Off Fee, Don Zeeb 10.00 and Football Field 10.00; Reconnect Fee, James Harley 25.00, Mike Wade 25.00 and Mike Wade 25.00;  RU Site-White Goods, Clifford Handel 10.00, Jerome Kotalik 10.00, Johnny Woehl 10.00 and Ron Diede 10.00; Painted Wood, Johnny Woehl 5.00, Don Zeeb 5.00, Menno School 5.00 and Alton Mettler 5.00; Interest Earned 116.92. Total Receipts: $86,155.78

 

WARRANTS APPROVED: Payroll: Council 580.94; Mayor 439.39; Finance 1030.87; City Hall 98.93; Police 2441.25; Streets 1817.55; Cemetery 108.81; Ambulance 176.75; Parks 354.80; Library 261.89; Development 290.74; Water 791.38; Sewer 797.91; Garbage 721.01; Wellmark BCBS, Group Insurance 1374.44; Principal Life, Group Insurance 532.70; SDRS, Retirement 1085.54; Menno State Bank, Payroll Taxes 2497.29. Professional Services: Rocky Zeeb’s Garbage Service 4842.00. Utilities: Golden West Co. 326.13, Phone; NorthWestern, Electricity 1400.61; Verizon Wireless, Police Cell Phone, 69.65. Water Fund: B-Y Water, 1.368 M. Gallons 3416.00; Deposit Refunds, Melissa Deckert 100.00 and John/Lois Hazen 100.00; One Call Systems, Locates 6.90; NSF Checks, Rick Smith 11.00, Randy Woehl 13.50, and Christian Sorlien 36.00. Sewer Fund: Dept of Revenue, Samples 94.00; Lyle Signs, Pond Signs 97.54; One Call Systems, Locates 6.90; Rural Medical Clinic, Hepatitis B Vaccine 98.00; NSF Checks, Rick Smith 11.00, Randy Woehl 11.00, and Christian Sorlien 11.00. Garbage Fund: Brown & Saenger, Receipt Book 10.81; SD State Treasurer, Sales Tax 320.91; NSF Checks, Rick Smith 13.00, Randy Woehl 13.00, and Christian Sorlien 13.00. General Fund: Freeman Ambulance Service, EMT-B Class Registration (5) 2150.00 (SuAnne Knutson, Jessie Van Hove, Johann Stokes, Heidi Wade, and Ryan Kenjalo); Ambulance Overpay, Leona Weidenbach 410.69; Banyon Data Systems, Payroll Support 770.00; Bertsch Law Office, Legal Fees 265.80; Brown & Saenger, Receipt Book-Timecards 25.99; Business Forms and Accounting Systems, Paychecks 84.40; Dust-Tex, Bathroom Paper Towels 44.00; Hawkins, Alkalinity Test Kit and Controller-Pool 2169.95; Heiman Fire Equipment, Fire Hose Adapter 151.90; Hutchinson County Highway Department, Additional Charge/Fuel-Asphalt 689.83; Klaudt’s, Fuel & Police Car-Maintainer Tires 3683.77; Linweld, Ambulance Oxygen-Contract 274.90; Menno Hardware, Building-Pool Supply 8.54; Second Century Publishing, Council Minutes-Hearing Notice 149.83; Clarence Simonsen, 4.5# Ambulance Laundry 10.13; Vantek, Street Radio-Batteries Ambulance/Fire 588.00; Western Office Plus, Mic/Tape Recorder 34.49.

 

Huber made a motion to approve the warrants as presented. Mehlhaf seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

SCHEDULED BUSINESS: Herman made a motion to approve the renewal of the following liquor licenses:

  1. Renewal - Package (Off- Sale) Liquor – Glenn Kirschenman, d.b.a. The Pit Stop, E. 113’ of Lot B of Original Out Lot 33 & 34 & all of Out Lot 36, City of Menno.
  2. Renewal - Package (Off-Sale) Liquor – Thomas R. Fischer, d.b.a. The Schnitz, N. 24’ of Lot 3, Block 2 & S 27’ of Lot 2, Block 2, Original Plat, City of Menno.
  3. Renewal - Retail (On-Sale) Liquor with Sunday Privilege – Thomas R. Fischer, d.b.a. The Schnitz, N. 24’ of Lot 3, Block 2 & S 27’ of Lot 2, Block 2, Original Plat, City of Menno.
  4. Renewal - Retail (On-Sale) Liquor with Sunday Privilege – Ruth Mettler, d.b.a., The Beer Garden, Lots 9-10, Block 2, Original Plat, City of Menno.
  5. Renewal - Retail (On-Sale) Liquor - Rames-Bender Post 152, Lot 1, Block 4, Original Plat, City of Menno.

Kotalik seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

7:37 p.m. Nancy and Greg Larsen entered the meeting.

 

David Hoffman, Hutchinson County Emergency Manager, visited with the council concerning Homeland Security funds for 2006. Hutchinson County is now included in an eight county area for funds. School security has priority for funding. Hoffman is working to obtain mobile back-up generators for emergency use if a power outage occurs, one for the east side of the county and one for the west side. The generator would be used to power the wells for water and the 911 communications system. Our fire hall has a generator and would be used as an emergency shelter. Hoffman suggested installing a shower in the bathroom at the fire hall to ready it for use as an emergency shelter. He asked Federal Signal for a quote for a battery operated warning siren. Hoffman will know after December 14 how much money he will have to obtain the generators and sirens.

 

Nancy Larsen, facilitator for the Southeast Enterprise Facilitation Project, gave the council a presentation on what she does as a facilitator, updated them on the Menno businesses she has helped and asked for questions. Since 2002, she has had 27 client inquiries, 20 clients, 2 new businesses established, 1 existing business expanded, 4 existing businesses retained, 15 and one-half jobs have been created or retained and she helped with 16 business plans. Two businesses she assisted are closed, but 77.8% of the businesses she assisted are still in business. SBA statistics state that after two years, only 67% of new businesses are still in business. She thanked the council for their support of the project. SEFP Board Vice President David Hoffman and board member Glenn Kirschenman were also present.

 

Ken Bertsch entered the meeting at 7:50 p.m. The Larsen’s left the meeting at 7:57 p.m.

 

OLD BUSINESS: “To Do List”: Aisenbrey asked if there was a reason the old cement street signs were still needed. Sayler said he would check it out and remove them if necessary.

 

We are searching for a grant to help with the pool repair. If we could obtain a grant, we could do more extensive repairs. The city engineer will be asked to look at the bathhouse for his recommendations on redoing the plumbing and the structure. An LWCF grant would be a 50/50 match.

 

Two quotes were received from engineers to view the sewer tapes. Michael Carr, DGR and Associates Company proposed an estimate of $300-$350. Daniel Eisenbraun, Eisenbraun & Associates proposed a lump sum fee of $900. Mehlhaf made a motion to have DeWild, Grant, Reckert and Associates Company look at our sewer videos and make recommendations on their findings. Huber seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Thranum reported receiving a new “Option of Probable Costs” for Sanitary Sewer Improvements during the Highway 18 project. The new total is $51,500, $3300 higher than the first option of $48,200. She also received a fax concerning the roadway lighting for the same project. The cost estimate for 24 lights is $185,000. We are responsible for 20% of the construction costs or an estimated $37,000. Herman suggested doing the road bore for the water line across east Highway 18 by Country Pride during this project. The city engineer will be advised of this.

 

NEW BUSINESS: Huber made a motion to hold a special meeting Thursday, December 28 at 5 p.m. to conclude business for 2006. Herman seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Guthmiller made a motion to hold the January council meeting on January 8 at 7:30 p.m. because of the New Years Holiday. Aisenbrey seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Kotalik moved to approve the following resolution, #2006-4. Huber seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

RESOLUTION NO. 2006-4

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF MENNO, SOUTH DAKOTA APPROVING THE TRANSFER OF THE FRANCHISE AND CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEM OF MEDIACOM MINNESOTA LLC TO GOLDEN WEST CABLEVISION, INC.

 

                WHEREAS, Mediacom Minnesota LLC (“Franchisee”) owns, operates, and maintains a cable television system (“System”) in the City of Menno, South Dakota (“Franchise Authority”), pursuant to a cable television franchise (“Franchise”), and Franchisee is the duly authorized holder of the Franchise;

 

                WHEREAS, on October 26, 2006, Franchisee and Golden West Cablevision, Inc., a South Dakota corporation, (“Transferee”), entered into an Asset Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) pursuant to which the System and Franchise will transfer (“Transfer”) from Franchisee to Transferee;

 

                WHEREAS, Franchisee and Transferee have requested the Franchise Authority’s consent to the Transfer in accordance with the Franchise requirements and have filed an FCC Form 394 with the Franchise Authority; and

 

                WHERAS, the Franchise Authority has reviewed the qualifications of the Transferee and finds it to be a suitable transferee;

 

                NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOVLED BY THE FRANCHISE AUTHORITY AS FOLLOWS:

 

                SECTION 1 . The Franchise Authority consents to the Transfer in accordance with the terms of the Franchise.

 

                SECTION 2 .  The Franchise Authority confirms that (a) the Franchise was properly granted or transferred to Franchisee pursuant to Resolution No. 9600; (b) the Franchise is currently in full force and effect; (c) the Franchise will expire on March 30, 2012, subject to options in the Franchise, if any, to extend such term; (d) the Franchise supersedes all other agreements between the parties; (e) the Franchise represents the entire understanding of the parties and the Franchisee has no obligations to the Franchise Authority other than those specifically stated in the Franchise; and (f) Franchisee is materially in compliance with the provisions of the Franchise and there exists no fact or circumstance known to the Franchise Authority which constitutes or which, with the passage of time or the giving of notice or both, would constitute a material default or breach under the Franchise or would allow the Franchise Authority to cancel or terminate the rights thereunder.

 

                SECTION 3 . Transferee may transfer the Franchise and the System, or control related thereto to any entity controlling, controlled by, or under common control with Transferee. The Franchise Authority acknowledges that any such transfer does not trigger any right it may have to exercise any first purchase right or other right to acquire the system.

 

                SECTION 4 . The Franchise Authority consents to and approves the assignment, mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, or other encumbrance, if any, of the Franchise, the System, or assets relating thereto, as collateral for a loan.

 

                SECTION 5 . The Franchise Authority waives any consent requirements that may be triggered in the Franchise, local ordinance or state law by the trading stock on a stock exchange or regularly on the over-the-counter markets, to the extent that there is not an actual change in the ultimate working control of Transferee.

 

                SECTION 6 . This Resolution shall be deemed effective upon the date of enactment.

 

                SECTION 7 . The Franchise Authority releases Franchisee, effective upon the Closing Date of the Agreement, from all obligations and liabilities under the Franchise that accrue on and after the Closing Date; provided that the Transferee shall be responsible for any obligations and liabilities under the Franchise that accrue on and after the Closing Date.

 

                SECTION 8 . This resolution shall have the force of a continuing agreement with the Franchise and Transferee, and the Franchise Authority shall not amend or otherwise alter this Resolution without the  consent of the Franchisee and Transferee.

 

                PASSED, ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 4th day of December, 2006, by the City Council of the City of Menno, South Dakota by the following vote:

 

                Ayes: Dennis Aisenbrey, Galen Guthmiller, Gary Herman, John Huber, Jerome Kotalik and Darrell Mehlhaf

 

                Nays: None

 

                Absent: None

 

                                                                                                                                CITY OF MENNO

 

                                                                                                                                By: Larry Tolzin

                ATTEST: Peggy Thranum                                                                     Its: Mayor

 

Herman made a motion to approve the Cylinder Agreement with Linweld to provide medical oxygen for our ambulance service. Mehlhaf seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Mehlhaf made a motion to give permission to the school to use the city’s talk around channel so they have communication with the fire, ambulance and law enforcement in case of emergency, if that is the direction they wish to go. Huber seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Ken Bertsch, representing the Menno Area Development Corporation, asked the council to consider making a donation to the corporation to assist in purchasing property on Fifth Street owned by Ray Woehl. Further discussion was tabled to the January meeting.

 

FOR YOUR INFORMATION: The packet from the November 21 MADC meeting and the SEFP report were included in the council packets. 

 

Aisenbrey made a motion to adjourn at 8:32 p.m. until December 28, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. Huber seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

Mehlhaf made a motion to reconvene at 8:35 p.m. with City Engineer Vernon Arens. Huber seconded, all members still present and in favor; motion carried.

 

Discussion was had on sewer repairs that need to be done on Highway 18 when the state redoes the highway. Arens suggested checking the condition of the manholes beginning with the Fifth Street intersection and those east of there. Each manhole reconstruction would add an additional $2800 to our “Option of Probable Costs” for Sanitary Sewer Improvements. Discussion was had on checking the grades of the drainage ditch and adding a connection for the last residence on the west end of the project.

 

Arens was asked to look at the bathhouse at the pool and give his recommendations for repair/improvements.

 

Herman made a motion to adjourn at 8:49 p.m. Kotalik seconded, all present in favor; motion carried.

 

ATTEST:                                                                    CITY OF MENNO, SOUTH DAKOTA

 

                                                                                                                                               

Peggy Thranum, Finance Officer                                    Larry Tolzin, Mayor