Paynesville public meetings in 2020

City Council

The City Council will discuss several new business items, including a regional storm water study for the industrial park and a labor attorney contract. The body is also reviewing 2021 cigarette licenses and the 2021 budget.

• Industrial Park Storm Water Study for $10,200.00 from the Storm Water Utility Fund
• Consulting Services Contract with Madden Galanter Hansen, LLP at $180-$190 per hour
• 2021 Cigarette Licenses for seven businesses at $125.00 each
• Discussion of Louis Industries Expansion
• Review of 2021 Budget

City Council

The City Council will review a debt management report presented by Northland Securities. The meeting also includes discussions on the 2021 budget, tax levy, water and sewer rates, and various personnel and ordinance updates.

• Debt Management Report presentation
• 2021 Budget and Tax Levy discussion
• 2021 Water & Sewer Rates
• Airport Private Hangar Ground Lease - Zaludy Aviation, LLC
• Police Department sale of forfeited vehicle property

The Paynesville City Council approved the 2021 budget and a 12.1% tax levy increase, along with several other actions including refunding 2021 liquor license fees, selling forfeited vehicles, and extending PTO limits. The council also tabled the new Personnel Policies pending union feedback and discussed but took no action on a rental ordinance and COVID-19 work plans.

• Approved 2021 City Budget (unanimous)
• Approved 2021 Tax Levy with 12.1% increase (unanimous)
• Refunded all 2021 liquor license fees (4-1)
• Approved sale of three forfeited vehicles via MinnBid (unanimous)
• Approved airport ground lease with Zaludy Aviation, LLC (unanimous)
• Extended PTO bank limit to 400 hours until June 30, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved MOU on police overtime calculation and elimination of past practice (unanimous)
• Approved Severance Pay/Retirement MOU for AFSCME units (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is deciding on 2021 liquor licenses and airport hangar and storage leases. The body is also considering disbanding two ad hoc boards and filling a part-time liquor store clerk position.

• Approval of 2021 liquor licenses for Paynesville American Legion Post #271, Queen Bee’s Bar & Grill Inc., and The Eatery at 112 LLC at $3,400 each
• Approval of $319,753.40 in vouchers
• Tee Hangar No. 10 lease with Peter Dillion for $100 per month
• Storage Garage lease with Jeremy Brutger for $75 per month
• Proposal to disband the Ad Hoc Front Counter Board and the Ad Hoc Library Development Board

Special Council

The City Council is meeting to canvass the election and announce the results. The body will also discuss a City Service Recognition Luncheon.

• Canvassing election and announcing results

City Council

The City Council will review the 2021 budget, ordinance updates, and various city administration matters. The meeting includes discussions on hosting a staff recognition luncheon and potential office furniture changes.

• Review of 2021 Budget
• Ordinance No. 20 regarding Deferment of Assessment For Senior Citizens
• Safe Routes To School (SRTS) update
• Approval of $236,406.48 in total vouchers and payroll
• Appointment of Melinda Chance to the Safety Board

Special Council

The Paynesville City Council is holding a special meeting to address old business. The primary item on the agenda is a contract agreement for the City Administrator position.

• City Administrator Position — Contract Agreement

City Council - Working Session

The City Council is holding a working session to discuss the proposed 2021 budget, including the water and sewer budget. The session includes a review of potential property tax levy increases and capital improvement fund transfers.

• Proposed 2021 budget with a calculated levy increase of $192,387
• B & F recommendation for a 16% preliminary budget increase ($122,000)
• Total transfers to Capital Improvement Funds of $300,498
• Proposed 2021 Water & Sewer Budget
• Revenue shortages due to Covid-19 across court fines, rental fees, and sales tax

City Council

The City Council is deciding on several new ordinances, including a senior citizen assessment deferment and a nuisance ordinance. The body is also reviewing updated police policies regarding use of force, body-worn cameras, and eyewitness identification.

• Ordinance No. 20: Deferment of Assessment For Senior Citizens
• Ordinance No. 19: CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise
• Live streaming equipment quotes: $4,175.00 for Tightrope or $1,240.00 for AJA HELO
• Temporary street closure of James St. W. and Augusta Ave. for Halloween Trunk or Treat
• Voucher approvals totaling $803,466.47

The Paynesville City Council approved the purchase of body-worn cameras and equipment from Watch Guard for $28,045, funded by $18,000 from DWI forfeiture funds and the remainder from Police Capital Improvement funds. The council also approved a new livestreaming system for meetings, a gas franchise ordinance with CenterPoint Energy, and several other routine items. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $28,045 body-worn camera purchase and training (unanimous)
• Approved $4,175 Tightrope livestreaming equipment (unanimous)
• Approved CenterPoint Energy Gas Franchise Ordinance No. 2020-19 (unanimous)
• Approved temporary street closure for Halloween Trunk or Treat (unanimous)
• Approved mortgage satisfactions for Dennis & Carolyn Swyter (unanimous)
• Approved postage machine lease with FP Mailing Systems (unanimous)
• Approved land lease and solar easement with DIVOCSG 8 LLC (unanimous)
• Approved CARES Act resolutions and agreements (unanimous)

Special Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to conduct interviews for the City Administrator position. The body will deliberate and decide which candidate to offer the position to and negotiate employment terms.

• City Administrator interviews from 8:00 a.m. to 12:40 p.m.
• Decision and contract negotiation for the City Administrator position

Special Council

The City Council is holding a special meeting to facilitate interview activities for a City Administrator. The agenda includes a tour, lunch, and a community meet and greet. The document states that no formal action will be taken and no decisions will be made.

• 9:00 a.m. Tour
• 11:00 a.m. Lunch
• 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Community Meet & Greet at the Paynesville Green Roof Area Center

City Council

The City Council will discuss allowing two firefighters who moved outside the 8-minute response area to remain on the department. The body is also reviewing various police and public works training requests and a refuse license application.

• Proposed waiver of 8-minute response time for firefighters Mike Chupp and Jason Schrantz
• Approval of $295,244.82 in vouchers
• DMT Certification Training for Officers Hegg and O’Brien at $375.00 each
• Refuse license for GFL Solid Waste Midwest, LLC with a $75.00 annual fee
• MRWA Hydrant Repair Training for Brad Mehlhop at $150.00

The Paynesville City Council unanimously approved a resolution ordering repair or removal of a hazardous dwelling at 509 Minnesota St. W., and waived the 8-minute response time requirement for two firefighters who moved outside the area. The council also approved a COVID-19 liquor license fee refund of $2,400 each for Queen Bee's Bar & Grill and the American Legion, and approved several staffing changes and training requests.

• Approved Resolution 2020-19 ordering repair/removal of hazardous condition at 509 Minnesota St. W. (unanimous)
• Waived 8-minute response time for firefighters Mike Chupp and Jason Schrantz (unanimous)
• Approved $2,400 liquor license fee refunds to Queen Bee's and American Legion Post 271 (unanimous)
• Approved AFSCME Letter of Agreement for staffing changes (unanimous)
• Called back Randy Burtzel for accounts payable at $18.58/hr, up to 20 hrs/week (unanimous)
• Removed DMV duties from City Treasurer and Admin Assistant positions (unanimous)
• Approved overtime for DMV staff for MNDRIVE training (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including payroll and vouchers totaling $295,244.82 (unanimous)

City Council - Working Session

The City Council is holding a working session to discuss the potential acquisition and relocation of a mobile home park and the allocation of remaining COVID-19 relief funds. The body is also reviewing the 2021 budget, liquor store goals, and a job description for a Police Secretary/Accounting Specialist.

• Discussion of Minnesota Housing Finance Agency grants for mobile home park acquisition
• COVID-19 relief fund 'wish list' totaling $61,945.00 for equipment and hardware
• Review of 2021 Budget
• Liquor General Fund balance of $249,453.43 and Capital Improvement balance of $561,209.77
• Job description for Police Secretary/Accounting Specialist (Grade 5)

City Council - Community Working Session

The City Council is holding a community working session to receive reports from local entities. The council will also discuss the local lodging tax with Paul Bugbee.

• Reports from Paynesville Area Schools - District 741, Paynesville Township, CentraCare, and the City of Paynesville
• Discussion of local lodging tax with Paul Bugbee

The City Council held a working session with no formal votes. They heard reports from the school, township, CentraCare, and city staff, and discussed a proposed local lodging tax with the Chamber of Commerce. The next step is to draft an ordinance for council and township consideration.

• No formal decisions made; meeting was a working session
• Discussed drafting a local lodging tax ordinance for future approval
• Heard reports from school, township, CentraCare, and city staff

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss new business including fire department bylaws and service benefit increases. The body will also review a snowplowing contract and the city's ordinance fine schedule.

• Approval of $134,858.57 in vouchers
• 2019 Fire Department Relief Association Audit
• Fire Department service benefit increase and bylaws amendment
• Snowplowing contract
• Ordinances fine schedule

The City Council approved a $152,800 contract with Rice Lake Construction Group for water treatment facility improvements, which will eliminate the need for citric acid and save about $60,000 per year. The council also approved a snowplowing contract with D & D Snowplowing, a firefighter service benefit increase, liquor licenses for The Eatery at 112 LLC, and several other items. All votes were unanimous.

• Approved $152,800 water treatment facility improvements contract with Rice Lake Construction Group (unanimous)
• Approved snowplowing contract with D & D Snowplowing for Oct 15, 2020–Oct 14, 2021 (unanimous)
• Approved firefighter service benefit increase from $2,000 to $2,100 per year (unanimous)
• Approved On-Sale Liquor & Sunday Liquor licenses for The Eatery at 112 LLC with prorated fees of $800 and $50 (unanimous)
• Approved 2019 Fire Relief Association Audit (unanimous)
• Approved Fire Department Relief Association By-Law amendments (unanimous)
• Approved moving police secretary Stephanie Serocki from full-time to part-time effective Oct 10, 2020 (unanimous)
• Adopted fine schedule and authorized City Attorney to submit to Stearns County (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss the 2021 proposed budget and preliminary tax levy, including a public hearing for Truth In Taxation. The body will also consider several contracts and the City Administrator position.

• Truth In Taxation Public Hearing
• Ridgewater College Fire Training Contract for $6,350
• 2021 Proposed Budget & Preliminary Tax Levy
• MN Dept. Of Health Source Water Protection Implementation Grant Application
• SafeAssure Contract/Agreement

City Council

The City Council will review the 2021 budget and a draft Capital Improvement Plan for the Paynesville Municipal Airport. The body is also considering a rezoning request from MKI Enterprises, Inc. and the hiring of up to three new firefighters.

• Approval of vouchers totaling $265,354.82
• Airport CIP including a 10-unit T-hangar building cost of $668,091.00
• Tee Hangar No. 6 lease with Ross Peterson for $100.00 per month
• Rezoning request from MKI Enterprises, Inc.
• Certification of past due garbage, water, sewer, snow removal, and mowing bills

The Paynesville City Council approved a rezoning request from MKI Enterprises to change 223 Pomeroy Ave from R1 residential to C1 central business for a real estate office, despite concerns about housing. The council also approved the Airport CIP, a tee hangar lease, and set a public hearing for certifying past-due bills. The 2021 budget was presented with a preliminary 16% levy increase, but no action was taken.

• Approved Resolution 2020-16 rezoning 223 Pomeroy Ave to C1 (unanimous)
• Approved Airport CIP (unanimous)
• Approved Tee Hangar Lease with Ross Peterson (unanimous)
• Set public hearing for Oct 26, 2020 on certifying past-due bills (unanimous)
• Accepted firefighter Tim Miller's resignation (unanimous)
• Authorized hiring up to three firefighters (unanimous)
• Approved revised EDAP loan applications (unanimous)
• Approved consent agenda including vouchers totaling $265,354.82 (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will discuss airport leases, street and sealcoat projects, and tobacco ordinances. A public hearing is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. regarding Police Department body worn cameras. The council will also meet in a closed session to discuss a real property offer for 420 Kira Lane.

• Public hearing on Police Department body worn cameras
• Proposed $14,295.00 quote from QT Petroleum for a new fuel terminal
• Tee Hangar leases for Alan Johnson and Jeff Kraemer
• Approval of vouchers totaling $429,142.71
• Discussion of 2019 Street Improvement and 2020 Sealcoat projects

The City Council approved directing $30,000 of its CARES funds to a Stearns County-administered COVID-19 small business relief program, and also voted to develop its own economic relief program. The council approved two tobacco ordinances, several construction payment estimates, and the sale of city property at 420 Kira Lane for $22,500.

• Approved $30,000 CARES funds for Stearns County COVID-19 relief program (4-1)
• Approved developing a city-run COVID-19 economic relief program
• Approved Ordinance No. 14, 3rd Series (tobacco regulations) and its summary
• Approved Ordinance No. 16, 3rd Series (tobacco offenses, minors)
• Approved $9,430.17 payment to Voss Plumbing for 2019 street project
• Approved $5,333.30 payment to Voss Plumbing for airport T-hangar project
• Approved $80,455.01 payment to ASTECH Corp. for 2020 sealcoat project
• Approved sale of 420 Kira Lane to Donavan & Nan Mayer for $22,500

City Council

The City Council will review several new ordinances, including tobacco regulations and wind and solar energy rules. The body is also considering a squad car purchase and a contract for fire department physical services.

• Ordinance No. 17, 3 Series: Wind & Solar Energy Regulations
• Ordinance No. 14 and 16, 3 Series: Tobacco Chapter 10 and 20
• Police Department purchase of a 2020 Squad Car
• Fire Department CentraCare Physical Services Contract
• Approval of $363,873.66 in vouchers

City Council

The City Council will conduct public hearings regarding utility easement vacations for Gehrke and Fangmeier. The body is also deciding on the appointment of election judges and the sale of surplus police vehicles.

• Public hearings for Gehrke and Fangmeier utility easement vacations
• Approval of $570,482.33 in vouchers
• Surplus and sealed-bid sale of 2009 and 2011 Ford Crown Victoria police vehicles
• Appointment of election judges for August 11 and November 3, 2020 elections
• Closed session to determine an offer on real property at 810 Diekmann Dr.

City Council - Working Session

The City Council is holding a working session to discuss Ordinance No. 14, 3rd Series. This proposed ordinance would prohibit smoking and the use of electronic delivery devices within 50 feet of entrances, exits, open windows, and ventilation intakes of public places and workplaces.

• Discussion of Ordinance No. 14, 3rd Series (Paynesville Clean Indoor Air Act)
• Proposed 50-foot smoking and vaping prohibition from public and workplace entrances
• Proposed petty misdemeanor penalty for ordinance violations
• Discussion on applicability within the C1 Central Business District
• Discussion on enforcement involving the Police Department and downtown safety

The Council discussed but did not vote on a proposed Clean Indoor Air Act smoking ordinance, with several members opposing it and suggesting the matter be dropped. The Council agreed to hold a closed session on July 13, 2020, to discuss a counter offer for the Shopko building, which Steel Turkey has contacted the City about purchasing. No formal decisions were made on the other agenda items, which included downtown safety, a mobile home park purchase, and annexation of city-owned property.

• Scheduled closed session for July 13, 2020, to discuss counter offer on Shopko building
• Discussed but did not vote on proposed smoking ordinance; opposition noted
• Discussed downtown safety and police community engagement; no action taken
• Discussed potential purchase of Shopko building for liquor store, library, and City Hall; no offer made
• Discussed mobile home park purchase by industrial park business; no decision
• Reviewed spreadsheet and map of city-owned property in township; no action
• Noted police will post no parking for Yarmon Outdoor Movie Night
• Noted sealcoat project will start the next day

City Council

The City Council will discuss a moratorium on rental properties and review reports on ground water storage and well rehabilitation. The body is also considering a request for a free community movie night and updating police use-of-force policies.

• Ordinance No. 16, 3 Series Rental Property Moratorium
• Well No. 8 rehabilitation and Ground Water Storage Tank engineering report
• Request for Yarmon Ford to host a free movie night at 605 Lake Ave
• Police Policy update regarding Use of Force & Deadly Force
• Closed session to discuss real property offer at 475 Kira Lane

City Council - Community Working Session

The City Council is conducting a community working session to receive entity reports. The body is discussing a bi-annual meeting schedule for April and October.

• Report from Paynesville Area Schools - District 741
• Report from Paynesville Township
• Report from CentraCare
• Report from City of Paynesville

The City Council held a community working session with no formal votes or decisions. Reports covered school construction progress, city services reopening, and the 2019 street project. The council discussed the library expansion and agreed to place it on the next working session agenda.

• No formal decisions or votes taken; meeting was informational only
• Agreed to discuss library expansion at next special community working session
• Noted City Administrator position will be reposted in July

City Council - Working Session

The City Council is reviewing a city building inventory and discussing an orderly annexation agreement with Paynesville Township. The session also includes discussions on a smoking ordinance and public safety engagement.

• Review of City Building Inventory including a proposed combined public safety building
• Joint Resolution for Orderly Annexation with Paynesville Township
• Discussion on Ordinance No. 14, 3 Series regarding smoking (Paynesville Clean Indoor Air Act)
• Estimated $70,000 cost for City Hall roof replacement in 5-10 years
• Liquor store lease extension request at $1,828.00 per month

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss several infrastructure projects, budget transfers, and police policy updates. The body will consider multiple bids for the irrigation pump house roof and review various utility easement vacations.

• Irrigation pump house roof bids: Yutzy Construction ($13,900.00), West Central Roofing (options from $7,220.00 to $36,696.12)
• Police Policy review regarding Use of Force & Deadly Force
• Vacation of utility easements for Fangmeier and Gehrke
• CARES Act Airport Grants
• Vouchers for approval totaling over $1.1 million, including $56,087.50 to Eckerly Separation

The Paynesville City Council approved Ordinance No. 15, 3rd Series, establishing a moratorium on storage buildings in the C1 Central Business District, with Councilmember LaBeau voting against. The council also approved multiple budget transfers, construction payments, and set public hearings for two utility easement vacations. Several items were presented as informational only, including the police Use of Force policy and a proposed smoking ordinance.

• Approved Ordinance No. 15 moratorium on storage buildings in C1 district (4-1)
• Approved $13,900 irrigation pump house roof quote from Yutzy Construction (unanimous)
• Appointed six 2020 storm spotters (unanimous)
• Approved State and Federal CARES Act airport grants (unanimous)
• Set public hearings for Fangmeier and Gehrke utility easement vacations for July 13, 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved $289,284 bond levy transfer and multiple 2020 budgeted fund transfers (unanimous)
• Approved construction payments totaling $478,681.50 for AMPI, airport, and street projects (unanimous)
• Approved mortgage satisfaction for William & Hancy Fuchs EDAP loan (unanimous)

Special Council

The City Council will meet to receive updates on the Emergency Management Director and COVID-19. Discussions will focus on the limited re-opening of salons, bars, and restaurants.

• Emergency Management Director update
• Bars and restaurants outdoor seating and limited re-opening
• Salons limited re-opening
• Outdoor smoking

The Paynesville City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 13, 3rd Series, an interim measure suspending conflicting regulations to allow outdoor dining and expedited on-sale liquor license expansion during the COVID-19 emergency. The council also approved the ordinance summary for publication and the temporary outdoor dining application and permit. Separately, a resolution was passed to temporarily designate three parking spaces for Elizabeth Rose Salon, and the city attorney was directed to draft a smoking ban ordinance.

• Approved Ordinance No. 13, 3rd Series for outdoor dining and liquor license expansion (unanimous)
• Approved summary of Ordinance No. 13, 3rd Series for publication (unanimous)
• Approved Temporary Outdoor Dining Application & Permit (unanimous)
• Passed resolution to temporarily designate 3 parking spaces for Elizabeth Rose Salon (unanimous)
• Directed city attorney to draft smoking ban ordinance and resolution

Special Council

The City Council will consider prorated liquor license reimbursements for businesses closed due to COVID-19 and emergency relief loans. The body is also reviewing municipal tort liability limits and mortgage satisfactions for the Stearns County HRA.

• Prorated reimbursements for 2020 Liquor Licenses ($3,200 for On-Sale/Sunday and $100 for 3.2 Beer)
• Approval of vouchers totaling $318,863.03
• Decision on whether to waive monetary limits on municipal tort liability per Minnesota Statute 466.04
• Mortgage satisfactions for 14 individuals/entities regarding Stearns County HRA Small Cities Grants
• Closed session to discuss a real property offer for 475 Kira Lane

Special Council

The City Council will meet to receive updates on the Emergency Management Director and COVID-19. Discussions regarding COVID-19 include staffing, parks and park facilities/equipment, and the frequency of weekly meetings.

• Emergency Management Director update
• COVID-19 update on parks and park facilities/equipment
• COVID-19 update on staffing
• Discussion on continuing weekly meetings

The Paynesville City Council voted unanimously to reopen playgrounds and park equipment, keeping parks open with signage as recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities. The council also discussed COVID-19 protocols, including a waiver for facility renters, and decided to cancel the May 18 meeting but continue with a May 26 meeting.

• Approved reopening playgrounds and equipment with signage (unanimous)
• Kept parks open with cleaning protocol and 'not sanitized' signage
• Directed City Attorney to draft a waiver for facility renters regarding gatherings over 10
• Cancelled May 18 council meeting; scheduled May 26 meeting

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss establishing service rates for Public Works personnel and approving various mortgage satisfactions. The body will also review bids for 2020 sealcoat improvements and discuss the AMPI Wastewater Expansion Project.

• Resolution 2020-09: Proposed fees of $62.30/hr for staff, $74.20/hr for clerical, and $93.68/hr for the Public Works Director
• Approval of $754,481.23 in vouchers
• Tri-CAP mortgage satisfactions for five individuals/couples
• Closed session to discuss real property offer at 810 Diekmann Dr.
• Review of 2020 Sealcoat Improvements bids

The Paynesville City Council rejected the purchase of the old Shopko building due to uncertain economic times (3-2), and voted to reject all city administrator applications and reopen the position (3-2). The council also approved the COVID-19 Preparedness Plan for reopening City Hall, allowed all employees to accrue up to 400 hours of PTO, and approved several contracts and payments.

• Rejected purchase of old Shopko building (3-2)
• Rejected all city administrator applications, reopened search (3-2)
• Approved City Hall COVID-19 Preparedness Plan (unanimous)
• Allowed all employees to accrue up to 400 PTO hours through Dec 31, 2020 (unanimous)
• Authorized liquor store manager to increase hours for 3 clerks to 40 hrs/wk and 1 clerk to 21 hrs/wk through Labor Day (unanimous)
• Approved Resolution 2020-09 Establishing Fees for Public Works Employees (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 sealcoat bid to ASTECH Corp. for $106,999 (unanimous)
• Approved separation agreement with Renee Eckerly (unanimous)

Special Council

The City Council is meeting to receive updates on the Emergency Management Director regarding COVID-19. The body will also discuss the status of the City Administrator position.

• Emergency Management Director/COVID-19 update
• City Administrator position update

The council voted down a motion to postpone the city administrator hiring process and re-post the position in July, failing 2-3. Staff will proceed with interviews scheduled for May 18-19, 2020. The council also discussed the Green Roof flower sale, deeming it acceptable under COVID-19 guidelines.

• Motion to hold hiring and re-post in July failed (2-3)
• Proceed with city administrator interviews on May 18-19, 2020
• Green Roof flower sale deemed acceptable with social distancing

Board of Appeal & Equalization

The Board of Appeal & Equalization is holding a continuation meeting to discuss old business regarding a specific property. The agenda includes a review of a commercial property located at 122 Washburne Ave.

• Discussion of property at 122 Washburne Ave.

The Board of Appeal and Equalization approved a change in valuation for the property at 122 Washburne Ave. (parcel 70.39026.0000), lowering it to $29,000. The assessor recommended this based on the building's condition and estimated $30,000 gutting cost. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting then adjourned.

• Approved valuation change for 70.39026.0000 (122 Washburne Ave.) to $29,000 (3-0)
• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing proposals to re-pipe the water treatment plant to improve water quality and discussing two options for downtown alley improvements. The body is also addressing COVID-19 emergency relief and potential temporary camping allowances within city limits.

• Water Treatment Plant Re-piping Project: estimated construction cost of $115,000 and engineering budget of $12,800
• Downtown Alley Improvements: options ranging from $120,000 for resurfacing to $190,000 for reconstruction
• Approval of vouchers totaling $199,466.97
• EDAP COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan Application
• Discussion on allowing temporary family camping on owned or rented property

The Paynesville City Council approved a COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan program and application, with a 3:1 vote (one abstention), to provide up to $20,000 over 5 years to local businesses. The council also authorized engineering plans for water treatment plant re-piping and downtown alley improvements, and approved the 2020 Housing Study. A panic button system for City Hall was approved for purchase and installation.

• Approved COVID-19 Emergency Relief Loan program and application (3:1, Reinke abstained)
• Authorized Bolton & Menk to draft plans for water treatment plant re-piping ($115,000 est.)
• Authorized Bolton & Menk to draft plans for downtown alley improvements
• Approved 2020 Updated Housing Study and posting on city website
• Approved purchase and installation of panic buttons via CRS
• Approved consent agenda including meeting minutes and vouchers totaling $199,466.97

Board of Appeal & Equalization

The Board will review the 2020 Assessment Report and property sales from October 1, 2018, through September 30, 2019. The meeting includes a report from the assessor and public comments from residents and Yutzy Construction.

• 2020 Assessment Report showing average residential market value increases of 4-6%
• 2020 Assessment Report showing average apartment market value increases of 3-7%
• 2020 Assessment Report showing average commercial market value increases of 1-3%
• Public comment hearing for Justin Paffrath and Yutzy Construction

The Paynesville Board of Appeal and Equalization approved three property valuation reductions and tabled one appeal. The board reduced the valuation of 110 Spruce St. to $124,000, 203 Washburne Ave. to $315,600, and the Hartmann property (Lots 27-33 on Central Ave.) to $21,600. The appeal for 122 Washburne Ave. was tabled until a reconvened meeting on April 30, 2020.

• Approved valuation reduction for 110 Spruce St. to $124,000 (unanimous)
• Approved valuation reduction for 203 Washburne Ave. to $315,600 (unanimous)
• Approved valuation reduction for Hartmann property (70.39193.0000) to $21,600 (unanimous)
• Tabled appeal for 122 Washburne Ave. until April 30, 2020 (unanimous)

Joint Budget & Finance

The Special Joint Budget & Finance and City Council will meet to review the 2019 Audit. A representative from Schlenner Wenner & Co. is scheduled to present the audit findings.

• Presentation of the 2019 Audit by Schlenner Wenner & Co.

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss several administrative items, including the 2019 audit and a request for a 25-foot height variance for a proposed 4-story senior housing facility. The body will also review wastewater equipment replacement and personnel hiring.

• Variance request for Fortitude Senior Living of Paynesville, LLC at 405 State Hwy. 55 to allow a 60-foot building height
• Proposed $9,486.00 contract with Automatic Systems Co. for an aeration pond Variable Frequency Drive
• Approval of $814,829.16 in vouchers
• Proposed hiring of Mark Schoenberg as Part Time Maintenance Worker at $13.86 per hour
• Review and approval of the 2019 Audit

Special Council

The City Council will receive an update from the Emergency Management Director regarding COVID-19 and discuss the City Administrator position. The meeting includes a closed session for attorney-client communication concerning threatened litigation.

• Emergency Management Director/COVID-19 update
• City Administrator position discussion with Liza Donabauer
• Closed session regarding threatened litigation

Special Council

The City Council will receive updates on COVID-19 and the Emergency Management Director. Members will discuss whether to proceed with the library and potential moves for City Hall, the police department, and the liquor store.

• COVID-19 update
• Emergency Management Director update
• Discussion on moving forward with the library
• Discussion on moving City Hall, Police, and/or Liquor Store
• Closed session regarding threatened litigation

Emergency Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss COVID-19 updates, specifically regarding essential and public works employees. The body will also receive an update from the Emergency Management Director.

• COVID-19 updates regarding essential employees
• Public works employee call backs and new hires
• Emergency Management Director update
• Scheduling of March 30, 2020 Special City Council Meeting

City Council

The City Council is meeting to decide on several fire department updates, infrastructure projects, and ordinance amendments. The body will also discuss commercial solar farms within city limits and the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

• Approval of vouchers totaling $412,482.17
• Proposed 2020 Crack Sealing and Sealcoat projects
• Discussion on commercial solar farms within city limits
• Proposed 2020 Irrigation System Expansion Project using Series 2020A Bonds
• Request for Yarmon Ford to host a drive-in movie night on June 13, 2020

Special Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss and potentially adopt Resolution 2020-07. This resolution declares a local state of emergency in Paynesville due to COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

• Resolution 2020-07: Local Declaration of a State of Emergency

The Paynesville City Council held a special meeting on March 23, 2020, to consider a resolution extending the mayor's declaration of a local emergency. Council member Reinke raised concerns that the original resolution did not reference Chapter 12.37 or list the items empowering the Council, so a revised resolution was distributed. The council unanimously approved the revised Resolution 2020-08, which was enacted pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 12.29.

• Approved revised Resolution 2020-08 extending local emergency (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council is discussing whether to adopt a rental ordinance similar to one used by the City of Hutchinson to ensure rental units meet safety and health codes. The body is also reviewing several police department equipment purchases and a variance request for Fortitude Senior Living Of Paynesville, LLC.

• Proposed Rental Ordinance based on City of Hutchinson model
• Variance request from Fortitude Senior Living Of Paynesville, LLC
• Police Department purchases: 2020 squad car, laptop, and office furniture
• Vouchers totaling $775,697.50
• Wastewater Treatment Facility Joint Powers Agreement with Lake Henry

Special Council

The City Council is reviewing options to finance the acquisition of land for the sanitary sewer system expansion. The body is considering whether to use local banks or seek a lower-cost outside bank for the General Obligation Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A.

• Proposed $715,000 General Obligation Sewer Revenue Bond, Series 2020A
• Perennial Bank proposal: 2.0% rate with total debt service of $805,731.67
• Central Mn Credit Union proposal: 2.15% rate with total debt service of $812,687.04
• Potential outside bank option: 1.75% rate with net debt service of $798,755.21

The Paynesville City Council approved a motion to finance the acquisition of land and related improvements for the sanitary sewer system by selling General Obligation Utility Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A, to Perennial Bank at a 2.0% interest rate. The decision was made after comparing proposals from Central MN Credit Union (2.15%) and Perennial Bank (2.0%), with a third option at 1.75% requiring additional paying agent services. The $500,000 project will be funded from the Sewer Equipment CIP and a sewer rate increase, estimated to cost the average family $12-$15 per year. The motion carried unanimously.

• Approved Perennial Bank at 2.0% for bond financing of sewer land acquisition (unanimous)
• Rejected Central MN Credit Union proposal at 2.15%
• Rejected alternative bank option at 1.75% due to paying agent costs
• Funded $500,000 project via Sewer Equipment CIP and sewer rate increase

City Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss new and old business, including TIF and tax abatement applications and a development agreement for Fortitude Senior Living of Paynesville, LLC. The body will also consider several public works purchases and personnel decisions.

• Development and loan agreement for Fortitude Senior Living of Paynesville, LLC
• TIF and Tax Abatement applications
• Vouchers totaling $115,823.39
• Land lease and solar easement for Viking Community Solar 23 LLC
• 3.2 beer licenses for Koronis Lanes, Paynesville Baseball Association, and Kwik Trip store #598

The Paynesville City Council approved a 25-year land lease and solar easement with Viking Community Solar 23, LLC, increased a seasonal worker's wage, and authorized the purchase of a new John Deere mower. The council also approved several routine items, including licenses, training requests, and a splash pad amenity purchase. A wastewater treatment contract with Lake Henry was tabled for further review.

• Approved land lease and solar easement with Viking Community Solar 23, LLC (unanimous)
• Increased Matthew Quade's wage to $13.18/hour (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of John Deere 1575 mower for $31,500 (unanimous)
• Approved purchase of splash pad water cannon and flower shower for $6,708.70 (unanimous)
• Approved sale of used SWAT equipment to Avon PD for $1,000 (3-2)
• Approved irrigation lease agreements as presented (unanimous)
• Approved TIF and tax abatement application form (unanimous)
• Tabled Lake Henry wastewater treatment contract

City Council

The City Council will discuss several policy updates, including employee reimbursement and respectful workplace policies. The body is also reviewing a development and loan agreement for Fortitude Senior Living of Paynesville, LLC and a land lease for Viking Community Solar 23 LLC.

• Ordinance No. 9, 3rd Series: Deferment of special assessments for senior citizens
• Opatz TIF: Development and loan agreement with Fortitude Senior Living of Paynesville, LLC
• Land lease and solar easement with Viking Community Solar 23 LLC
• Purchase of a liquor store humidor for $672.00 plus tax
• Approval of vouchers totaling $497,484.86

The Paynesville City Council approved a $1,173,050 purchase agreement for bare land, with $700,000 financed over 10 years and the remaining $500,000 for land and $365,000 for improvements from the Sewer Equipment Replacement Fund. The council also approved several ordinances, including trail amendments, senior citizen special assessment deferments, and deletion of the Cable Board. Other actions included approving a $10,938.07 library repair contract, hiring a volunteer firefighter, and approving multiple personnel policies.

• Approved $1,173,050 land purchase agreement (unanimous)
• Approved $10,938.07 library repair contract with Jason Vanderpool Construction (unanimous)
• Approved $11,000 transfer from reserves to Municipal Building CIP fund (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 7, 3rd Series – trail amendment (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 9, 3rd Series – senior citizen special assessment deferment (unanimous)
• Approved Ordinance No. 8, 3rd Series – deletion of Cable Board (unanimous)
• Approved hiring Jessica Stransky as volunteer firefighter (unanimous)
• Approved $230,373.15 payment to Eagle Construction for AMPI expansion (unanimous)

City Council

The City Council will consider several ordinance amendments regarding trails, tobacco, and senior citizen special assessment deferments. The body is also reviewing the City Administrator position and downtown redevelopment. Other business includes gambling permits and police equipment purchases.

• Purchase of a 2020 squad car for the Police Department
• Ordinance amendments for trails, tobacco, and senior citizen special assessment deferments
• Gambling permits for North Fork Crow River Double Beards NWTF and Koronis Ducks Unlimited
• Approval of $238,867.92 in vouchers
• Discussion of the City Administrator position

The Paynesville City Council approved a salary range and job description for the new city administrator position, and set a timeline for hiring. The council also created an Ad Hoc Library Development Board to explore a possible library move, approved police and fire wellness plans, and terminated the ClearGov contract. Several ordinance amendments were introduced for future approval.

• Approved City Administrator salary range Grade 17, $73,278-$92,829, exempt position (unanimous)
• Approved City Administrator job description as exempt (unanimous)
• Approved hiring timeline with finalist selection March 23, interviews April 21-22 (unanimous)
• Created Ad Hoc Library Development Board with up to 7 members (unanimous)
• Approved Police and Fire Department Wellness Plans as revised (unanimous)
• Terminated agreement with ClearGov (unanimous)
• Approved labor attorney contract with Madden Galanter Hansen (unanimous)
• Approved wage study MOU with AFSCME retroactive to Jan 1, 2019 (unanimous)

City Council - Working Session

The City Council is holding a working session to discuss several ongoing projects. Topics include a land lease and solar easement with Viking Community Solar 23 LLC, the Paynesville Area Schools Expansion Project, and downtown redevelopment.

• Land Lease and Solar Easement with Viking Community Solar 23 LLC
• Downtown Revitalization & Redevelopment — Phase 2
• Paynesville Area Schools Expansion Project
• City Administrator Position & Job Description
• Irrigation Management Plan

Special Council

The City Council is meeting to discuss a wage study for part-time employees. The body is considering a motion to approve wage increases based on 'option #4' of the study, effective January 1, 2019.

• Proposed wage increases for part-time employees via 'option #4' with a total impact of $1,667.47
• Wage study affecting roles including Liquor Store Clerk, Maintenance Worker, and Police Officer

City Council

The City Council is meeting to decide on the 2020 fee schedule, various board appointments, and ordinance amendments. The body will also discuss a wage study and a sober living home in a residential district.

• Approval of vouchers totaling $603,115.47
• Proposed 2020 Fee Schedule for licenses and services
• Appointment of Katy Westlund to the Planning Board
• Variance request from Shane Schmidt
• Ordinance amendments regarding alcoholic beverages and violation classifications

The Paynesville City Council approved a reasonable accommodation under the Fair Housing Act allowing up to 12 unrelated individuals to reside at the Recovery Center, LLC, operated by Mae Maurer-Rogers at 416 Wendell St. The council also approved the 2020 fee schedule, a $2,400 cable consulting contract, and a wage study option with retroactive pay increases. Several resolutions and appointments were passed unanimously.

• Granted reasonable accommodation for 12 unrelated residents at 416 Wendell St. for Recovery Center, LLC (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 Fee Schedule (unanimous)
• Approved $2,400 cable consulting services from Rudy Vigil for 2020 (unanimous)
• Approved wage study Option #4 for full-time and part-time employees, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2019 (unanimous)
• Changed job titles: Finance Specialist to Treasurer, Administrative Assistant/Zoning Specialist to Administrative Assistant/Zoning Administrator (4-1)
• Approved 2020 Council board appointments (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 City board member appointments with Katy Westlund and Erica Reinke (unanimous)
• Approved 2020 City assignments and appointments (unanimous)