Fulda public meetings in 2020

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council is meeting to approve the final 2021 tax levy, adopt the 2021 fee schedule, and consider contracts including an ambulance billing agreement with Expert T. They will also act on a conditional use permit for Darrel & Norma Meyeraan, approve tobacco licenses for Casey's, Graff's Liquor, and Maynards, and approve the sale of a 1993 Ford Rescue truck to Beardsley, MN for $10,000. The agenda includes routine consent items such as meeting minutes and November bills totaling $550,774.25.

• Final 2021 tax levy resolution
• 2021 fee schedule adoption
• Expert T ambulance billing contract for 2021
• Sale of 1993 Ford Rescue truck for $10,000 to Beardsley, MN
• Conditional use permit for Darrel & Norma Meyeraan

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a Truth in Taxation public hearing to discuss the 2020 tax levy to be collected in 2021. The proposed levy totals $459,765, with $403,765 for the General Fund and $56,000 for the Library. No questions were raised by the public, and the meeting was adjourned after the presentation.

• 2021 tax levy total: $459,765
• General Fund levy: $403,765
• Library levy: $56,000
• Public hearing held virtually via GoToMeeting

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to canvass the 2020 election results and set the final 2021 property tax levy. The council reviewed the election abstract and discussed the levy, considering an insurance increase and potential cuts. The meeting was adjourned after the canvass and levy discussion.

• Canvassed 2020 election results: 709 ballots cast, 88.40% voter turnout
• Discussed final 2021 tax levy, with preliminary budget set at 4.46% increase (currently 4.12% with revenue changes)
• Noted insurance increase of 9.7% would bring levy to 4.99%, or 4.31% with cuts of $500 for turnout gear and $2500 for police car savings

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council will consider routine consent items, including October bills of $136,575.08, and receive department reports. New business includes setting the 2020 tax levy, canvassing the November election, awarding snow removal bids, and discussing a lot offer in Wood Duck Addition. The council will also consider a temporary $5/hour pay increase for election judges using CARES funds and closing City Hall the day after Thanksgiving.

• October 2020 bills totaling $136,575.08
• 2020 delinquent utility bills for special assessments
• Snow removal bids: J. Ahlers $2,850, R. Burkard $1,355, J. Mitchell $3,500
• Lot 5, Blk 2, Wood Duck Addition offer from Eric and Tonya Bumgardner
• Election judge salary temporary $5/hour increase using CARES funds

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council is holding its regular meeting with a consent agenda covering minutes and September bills of $168,153.31. They will hear an open forum comment on sewer ponds, review department reports including PeopleService expenditures, and consider new business items such as a Southwest Initiative Foundation request, a Heritage Society paint reimbursement of $1,043.02, and permission to sell an old rescue/pumper.

• Open forum: Larry Schindler on sewer ponds
• September 2020 bills totaling $168,153.31
• CARES funds for payroll
• Heritage Society $1,043.02 paint reimbursement request
• Fire department permission to sell old rescue/pumper

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to review and set the 2021 preliminary budget. The agenda also included discussion of Wood Duck signs. The meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm and adjourned at 6:32 pm.

• 2021 preliminary budget review
• Wood Duck signs discussion

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a public hearing to discuss the potential purchase of a 2003 General Spartan Rescue Pumper for the Fulda Fire Department. The informational meeting covered economic and environmental impacts, service area, alternatives, and potential funding sources, including USDA Rural Development. No formal decision was made at this hearing; it was for discussion only.

• Discussion of purchasing a 2003 General Spartan Rescue Pumper for the Fulda Fire Department
• Review of economic and environmental impacts of the truck purchase
• Consideration of alternatives to the project
• Potential funding sources discussed, including USDA Rural Development
• Attachments included Letter of Conditions, Letter of Intent, and Request for Funds

The Fulda City Council held a public hearing to discuss the purchase of a 2003 General Spartan Rescue Pumper for the Fulda Fire Department, including economic and environmental impacts, service area, alternatives, and potential funding sources such as USDA Rural Development. No public comments or questions were received. The council reviewed the letter of conditions, request for obligation of funds, operation budget, and letter of intent for a USDA Rural Development grant, but took no formal action on the purchase.

• Held informational public hearing on 2003 Spartan Rescue Pumper purchase (no vote)
• Reviewed USDA Rural Development grant documents for fire truck purchase
• Adjourned public hearing at 6:30 pm (5-0)

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to set fine amounts for revised ordinances and discuss the use of CARES Act money. The city received $95,833 in CARES funding on July 2, 2020, with $2,930.18 spent year-to-date. The council reviewed several attachments, including questions about ordinances and CARES guidance documents.

• Set fine amounts for revised ordinances
• Discussed use of CARES money ($95,833 received, $2,930.18 spent)
• Reviewed CARES Act funding guidance and FAQs
• Reviewed small business grant examples from LMC

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council will hold its regular meeting on August 3, 2020, covering routine approvals, department reports, and several specific items. They will consider installing security cameras at the city park/tennis courts, approve an amended nuisance ordinance, discuss an alley dispute, and review a land split. The council will also set a date for a Truth in Taxation public meeting and consider an offer for a lot in the Wood Duck Addition.

• Approve July 2020 bills totaling $180,425.03
• Consider quote from Hawkeye Security for cameras at city park/tennis courts
• Approve Ordinance 244 amending nuisance ordinance (Chapter 92.02)
• Discuss alley dispute and no parking sign, including street vacation statute
• Land split of Dierks Properties parcel (25.156.010.0) to Brian & Alexis Gass and Gerald Duerr

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to review a proposal from VAST for phone and internet services. The council voted unanimously to approve the proposal, covering City Hall, Police/Ambulance, City Shop, and phone-only service at the Library. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Approved VAST proposal for phone and internet services at City Hall, Police/Ambulance, City Shop, and phone-only at Library (4-0)

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to review and approve a quote for repairs to the Depot roof and to consider a FirstNet cell phone plan for police and ambulance services. The council discussed whether to accept the quote from Barn Doctors or seek additional bids, and reviewed the FirstNet proposal. No final decisions are recorded in the agenda text.

• Depot roof repair quote from Barn Doctors
• FirstNet cell phone plan for police and ambulance
• Insurance adjuster approved the roof quote
• Council members present: A. Witzel, R. Dierks, J. Elsing; absent: C. Ouellette

The special meeting approved a revised quote of $34,470 from the Barn Doctors for Depot roof repairs, which had already been approved by the insurance adjuster. The council also approved a three-month trial of FirstNet as the cell phone provider for police and ambulance, citing higher priority on towers and a savings of about $30 per month. Both motions carried unanimously with 4 ayes and 0 nays. The meeting adjourned at 5:28 pm.

• Approved $34,470 quote from Barn Doctors for Depot roof repairs (4-0)
• Approved three-month trial of FirstNet for police and ambulance cell phones (4-0)
• Adjourned special meeting at 5:28 pm (4-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council voted 4-0 to resume water/sewer disconnects for customers behind on payments, offering payment plans as an alternative. The council also approved the purchase of a 2003 Spartan Rescue/Pumper fire truck, a temporary liquor license for Pork in the Park, and a revised grass/noxious weeds ordinance. Several items were tabled, including security cameras at City Hall and a potential switch of police/ambulance cell phone service to FirstNet.

• Approved resuming water/sewer disconnects with payment plan option (4-0)
• Approved purchase of 2003 Spartan Rescue/Pumper fire truck (4-0)
• Approved temporary liquor license for Pork in the Park (4-0)
• Approved revised grass/noxious weeds ordinance with 6-inch limit and fees (4-0)
• Approved Ordinance 243 amending sewer hook-up rules outside city limits (4-0)
• Approved 7 building permits and 1 chicken permit (4-0)
• Tabled alley dispute/no parking sign pending more info (4-0)
• Tabled City Hall security cameras and FirstNet phone switch

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special emergency meeting to review and approve a revised COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, updated due to recent guidance from DEED. The council approved the revised plan and adjourned.

• Approved revised COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
• Update prompted by recent DEED guidance

The Fulda City Council held an emergency special meeting to review and approve a revised COVID-19 Preparedness Plan, updated due to recent guidance from DEED. Council Member Witzel moved to approve the revised plan, seconded by Brown, and the motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned shortly after.

• Approved revised City of Fulda COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (4-0)
• Adjourned meeting at 7:46 pm (4-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council is meeting to handle routine business and several ordinances. They will consider adopting a state records retention schedule, amending the water late fee ordinance, amending the animal chapter, and deciding the future of the urban chicken study/Ordinance 239. The agenda also includes a sewer hook-up discussion, a lot offer for the Wood Duck Addition, and a DNR aquatic plant management permit.

• Ordinance 240 to amend water late fees
• Ordinance 242 to amend Chapter 90 (animals)
• Expiring urban chicken study / Ordinance 239
• Adoption of MN Records Retention Schedule (Resolution 2020-07)
• May 2020 bills totaling $116,698.51

The Fulda City Council approved several ordinances and motions, including Ordinance 239 allowing chickens in city limits with adjusted coop size requirements, the sale of Lot 1 Block 1 in the Wood Duck Addition for $10,000, and a moratorium on sewer hook-ups outside city limits. The council also approved travel for two firemen to Alabama to inspect a truck, with pay at $10/hour for 32 hours, and authorized hands-on fire training during COVID. All votes were unanimous (5-0).

• Approved Ordinance 239 allowing urban chickens with coop size adjusted to 30 sq ft or 6 sq ft per chicken (5-0)
• Approved sale of Lot 1 Block 1 Wood Duck Addition for $10,000 (5-0)
• Approved moratorium on Ordinance 171 to stop sewer hook-ups outside city limits (5-0)
• Approved travel for 2 firemen to Alabama to inspect truck, lifting travel ban (5-0)
• Approved paying 2 firemen $10/hour for 32 hours for Alabama trip (5-0)
• Approved hands-on fire training/testing in safe manner per MN Board memo (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2020-07 adopting MN General Records Schedule for Cities (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 240 amending water late fee penalties (5-0)

Emergency Meeting

The Fulda City Council voted unanimously to keep the senior center closed to normal senior use and activities due to COVID-19, but allow rentals under provided guidelines. The council also approved moving picnic tables to several local businesses for outdoor dining, while deferring a decision on outdoor liquor pending state guidance.

• Approved keeping senior center closed to normal use, available for rentals with COVID-19 guidelines (5-0)
• Approved moving picnic tables: 2 to green space, 2 to SheBrews, 2 to Antonios, 1 to Guide Point (5-0)
• Deferred decision on outdoor liquor pending state direction

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special emergency meeting to decide on reopening city buildings and parks, with the library excluded from the reopening. The council voted to adjourn after addressing this item.

• Reopening of city buildings and parks
• Library excluded from reopening
• Park sign advisory attachment

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to review the preliminary audit for the year ending 2019. Auditors from Jacobson & Bergerson presented the draft report. No decisions were made; the meeting was for review only.

• Reviewed 2019 draft audit report
• Meeting held via webinar due to COVID-19

Regular City Council Meeting

The City Council is reviewing items including the Red Cross/Community Center and asphalt for the Community Center. The agenda also includes discussions regarding hazardous property and the Curtis House.

• Approval of April 2020 bills totaling $121,575.79
• Discussion regarding hazardous property and condemning the Curtis House
• Review of Community Center asphalt
• Review of building permits for several residents
• Report on sewer hook-ups outside city limits

Emergency Meeting

The Fulda City Council held an emergency meeting to discuss the Fulda COVID-19 Preparedness Plan and a library-related item (LMC Question 13). The meeting was conducted via webinar due to the pandemic. No formal decisions were recorded on these items; the meeting adjourned after discussion.

• Reviewed Fulda COVID-19 Preparedness Plan
• Reviewed Health Screening Questionnaire
• Discussed LMC Question 13 and related research email

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council convened as the Board of Appeal and Equalization on April 21, 2020, via conference call. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ouellette and adjourned by consensus at 7:45 pm. No specific appeals or equalization actions are listed in the agenda text.

• Meeting held via conference call due to COVID-19 precautions
• City Assessors Erik Skogquist, Chris Larson, and Murray County Assessor Marcy Barritt were present
• No formal actions or decisions are recorded in the agenda

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council approved an off-sale liquor license for Antonio's, allowing the business to sell frozen margaritas with carryout orders. The council also approved a $12,500 museum ceiling project, extended the local emergency declaration, and tabled a proposed sewer ordinance until October. Several other routine items were approved, including tower cleaning, building permits, and a fireworks display permit.

• Approved off-sale liquor license for Antonio's (5-0)
• Approved $12,500 museum ceiling quote from Chad Deuschle Construction (4-0)
• Approved Resolution 2020-06 extending local emergency to May 13, 2020 (5-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 238 (clear water in sanitary sewer) until October (4-1)
• Approved 2021 tower cleaning contract with Maguire Iron (5-0)
• Approved fireworks display for Wood Duck Festival on June 19, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved bill of sale from Nobles Cooperative Electric for park light poles (5-0)
• Approved 7 building permits (5-0)

Emergency Meeting

The Fulda City Council held an emergency meeting via webinar to discuss and extend the state's stay-at-home order (EO 20-33) to May 4, 2020. The council voted unanimously to adjourn after the discussion.

• Extended EO 20-20 Stay at Home to May 4th via EO 20-33

The Fulda City Council held an emergency meeting via webinar to address Governor's Executive Order 20-33, which extended the stay-at-home order until May 4. The council discussed the library staff's status and approved two motions: allowing library director Beth Cuperus to work from home up to 20 hours per week, and giving part-time library employees the option to use accrued time or file unemployment during the temporary layoff, with a decision due by 8:00 am Monday. Both motions passed unanimously by roll-call vote.

• Approved motion allowing Beth Cuperus to work from home up to 20 hours a week (unanimous)
• Approved motion giving part-time library employees option to use accrued time or file unemployment during temporary layoff (unanimous)
• Adjourned emergency meeting at 6:01 pm (unanimous)

Emergency Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a brief emergency meeting via telephone to address the implementation of Governor's Executive Order 20-20. The agenda focused on identifying essential employees and continuing pay for staff. The meeting also included a discussion on EMS paid time off and a note about a future webinar test.

• Discussion of Governor's Executive Order 20-20 (Stay at Home) regarding essential employees and continuing pay
• Discussion of EMS Paid Time Off (PTO)

The Fulda City Council held an emergency meeting to address Governor Walz's Executive Order 20-20 'Stay at Home.' They voted unanimously to classify library staff as non-essential employees until April 10, 2020, and to pay them for the two-week shutdown based on their average hours from the past six pay periods. The council also voted unanimously to remove the 80-hour annual cap on EMS PTO for city staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. All votes were 5-0.

• Declared library staff non-essential until April 10, 2020 (5-0)
• Approved paying non-essential employees for 2 weeks based on average hours from last 6 pay periods (5-0)
• Removed restriction on EMS PTO hours during pandemic (5-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council met to review routine department reports and financial balances. New business included decisions on insurance coverage, a museum ceiling repair, and the condemnation of hazardous property. The council also addressed the renewal of liquor licenses and the purchase of a county visitors guide.

• Condemning property identified as a hazard
• Renewal of liquor licenses
• Purchase of 2020 Murray County Visitors Guide for $269
• Review of Work Comp and Liability Insurance
• Heritage Society Museum ceiling repair

Special Council Meeting

This special council meeting was held to conduct a one-year review of PeopleService, the company that provides city services. The council heard from PeopleService representatives and then adjourned; no formal decisions or votes were taken on the review itself.

• One-year review of PeopleService contract
• Attendance by PeopleService representatives Aron Hulstein, Jason Rossow, and Herb Krueger

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to review the first year of its contract with PeopleService for water and wastewater operations. They discussed contract adjustments, including chemical costs and maintenance underruns, and agreed to improve communication between PeopleService and Council Member Jim Brown. No formal decisions were made, but several action items were identified, such as testing for licenses, publicizing PeopleService's phone number, and having contractors bill PeopleService directly.

• Reviewed first year of PeopleService contract; no formal action taken
• Agreed to improve communication with Council Member Jim Brown
• PeopleService to review chemical costs and adjust if possible
• City staff to pursue license testing using PeopleService for time logging
• Council Member Elsing to tour facilities with Hulstein
• City Clerk to explore ways to publicize PeopleService's phone number
• Contractors to bill PeopleService directly for services
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30 pm (5-0)

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council held a special meeting to discuss the tennis court project. The agenda included only this single item, and the meeting was adjourned after the discussion. No formal action was recorded on the project itself.

• Tennis court project discussed

The council reviewed contractor estimates for the tennis court project and discussed cost-saving options, including having the city street department tear up existing asphalt. A surface overlay similar to Sibley's court would cost $72,000. No contract was awarded; Councilmember Witzel will take questions about rebar and base grade back to the contractors and report back. The meeting adjourned with no other substantive decisions.

• Reviewed tennis court project quotes from six contractors
• Discussed city street department tearing up existing asphalt to reduce costs
• Deferred contractor selection pending answers on rebar and base grade questions
• Adjourned meeting at 6:30 pm (5-0)

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council met for a regular meeting on February 3, 2020, covering routine items and several new business items. The council will consider a restrictive floodplain management ordinance (Ordinance 237) and a 2020 fee schedule (Ordinance 236), both listed as new business. The agenda also includes updates on the Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force, Center Point Energy pipeline safety training, and a report on a new ambulance.

• Consent agenda includes Jan. 2020 bills totaling $259,739.49
• New business: Ordinance 237 - Restrictive Floodplain Management Ordinance
• New business: Ordinance 236 - 2020 Fee Schedule
• Update on new ambulance from Roger Zins
• Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force letter received

The Fulda City Council approved the purchase of a new ambulance from Lifeline for $235,000 and a new cot for $18,000, and approved the sale of the current ambulance to Sanford Health in Bagley for $58,000, contingent on legal review. The council also approved Ordinance 237 (Restrictive Floodplain Management) and Resolution 2020-02 to join the National Flood Insurance Program, with one dissenting vote. Other actions included approving sweeper repairs, plow truck repairs, and the appointment of Gary Hogan to the EDA board.

• Approved purchase of new ambulance from Lifeline for $235,000 (5-0)
• Approved purchase of new cot for $18,000 (5-0)
• Approved sale of current ambulance to Bagley Sanford for $58,000, pending legal review (5-0)
• Approved sweeper repairs with Sioux Falls company for $14,497 (5-0)
• Approved plow truck turbo repairs estimated at $2,700 (5-0)
• Approved Ordinance 237 and Resolution 2020-02 for flood insurance program (4-1, Elsing dissenting)
• Approved Ordinance 236 - 2020 Fee Schedule (5-0)
• Approved appointment of Gary Hogan to EDA board (5-0)

Special Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council approved a pro-rated liquor license for Antonio's, the 2020 fee schedule (pending final approval on Feb 3), a revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, and the purchase of 6 HP ProBooks. Ordinance 158 on water services was tabled after discussion.

• Approved Antonio's liquor license with pro-rated fees to 03/31/2020 (5-0)
• Approved 2020 fee schedule, to be finalized on Feb 3 agenda (5-0)
• Approved revised Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy (5-0)
• Approved purchase of 6 HP ProBooks with cases and Office (5-0)
• Tabled Ordinance 158 on water services to abutting properties

Regular City Council Meeting

The Fulda City Council is holding its regular meeting to address routine approvals, department reports, and several new business items. Key actions include setting the 2020 cost of living adjustment, approving annual designations, and discussing the sale of forfeited property. The agenda also includes a presentation from the Fulda Heritage Society and a review of a streets employee.

• December 2019 bills totaling $438,343.41
• 2020 Cost of Living Adjustment proposal
• Resolution 2020-01 for annual designations
• 2019 forfeited property sale results
• Fulda Heritage Society depot paint/supplies request

The Fulda City Council approved a 2.5% cost of living adjustment for 2020, increased the Fulda Fire Relief Association pension payout from $1,400 to $1,500 per year, and authorized a Sioux Falls company to pick up the street sweeper for a repair estimate. The council also approved paying $1,805.63 to the Fulda Heritage Society for Depot scraping/painting, reduced assessments on a forfeited property to $6,000, and tabled iPad purchases to the Jan. 15 special meeting.

• Approved 2.5% COLA for 2020 effective Jan. 1 (5-0)
• Approved fire relief pension increase from $1,400 to $1,500 (5-0)
• Authorized Sioux Falls company to pick up street sweeper for estimate (5-0)
• Approved $1,805.63 payment to Fulda Heritage Society for Depot work (5-0)
• Approved Resolution 2020-01 for annual designations, removing standing committee sentence (5-0)
• Reduced forfeited property assessments to $6,000 (4-1)
• Approved fingerprinting for those with unaccompanied police dept. access (5-0)
• Tabled iPad/tablet purchase to Jan. 15 special meeting