DRAFT – Minutes are not official until approved by Council at the next regular meeting.

City of Effie August 10, 2009 Minutes Members in attendance were Mayor Matt David, Bill Hastings Lil Black and Liza Erickson and Tim Stewart. No one was absent. Also in attendance were Julie Aakhus, Tom Boland and Tim Grady.

Mayor Matt David called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

Matt opened the public forum. As no one wished to address the Council, the public forum was closed.

Minutes: Motion to approve the minutes by Liza, seconded by Bill, motion carried with Stewart opposing.

OLD BUSINESS

Sewer Update: Matt reported that Wagner had finished almost everything on the punch list and returned the as-built plans. The line at the Mann residence was videoed by Minnesota Rural Water. A break was found and Wagner repaired that. The only item left with Wagner is the $14,000 amount paid to Pugh Brothers because of work Wagner did not do. Wagner has not yet addressed this and their performance bond will be held until they do. Pugh Brothers finished their punch list. Matt reported that he had talked to the engineer about Burman’s and they stated there was no way they could have known the sewer line was lower than the basement level. The only way to know for sure would be for the City to hire a private surveyor. A quote was received from Landecker for $450 to do this. Motion by Liza to leave the situation as is until such time as it needs to be looked into further, seconded by Lil, motion carried with Bill opposing. The availability ordinance was given to the Council for review before next month. The ordinance establishes a sewer availability charge for future connections to the sewer system. Steve Mann requested stop payment for sewer service at his property. He disconnected the well from one cabin and connected it to the other one and now wants to stop paying for sewer on the cabin that has no water any longer. Motion by Liza to consult the City Attorney on Steve Mann’s proposal to find out his opinion in regard to the ordinance requirements, seconded by Bill, MCU.

Housing Rehab: Work is being completed on some houses. The Clerk has been unable to contact Kootasca to see if there are still spots open. This information will be sought before the next meeting.

Campground Business Plan: Matt presented the updated business plan that he and Jane Bymark from Itasca Economic Development Corporation had completed. A county grant writer is working on getting the rest of the funds needed to complete the project. Motion by Matt to approve the plan, seconded by Bill, motion carried unanimously (MCU).

Rodeo Wrap-up: Matt thanked Lil, Julie, the American Legion and Auxiliary and the rodeo committee for their work this year.

Playground Fence: Stewart reported once Ostendorf brings over the posts, Jeff will have the holes drilled within a couple of days.

Community Center Committee: Committee did not meet in July due to busy schedules and Rodeo. The August meeting has not been set up yet. The American Legion obtained a quote for re-routing the exhaust so that the chimney can be fixed. The quote from Five Star Mechanical was for $314.99. The Legion will probably pay at least a portion of this and will volunteer to patch the roof afterwards. The Clerk was directed to see what is left in the City’s budget for building repairs and get that information to the Building Committee.

Street Signs: Bill found that wooden signs would be too expensive and had not yet gotten a quote on the blue and white variety.

NEW BUSINESS

St. Martin Building Permit: Motion by Matt to grant permit as long as the planned addition is on his property, seconded by Liza, MCU.

2009 Timber Appraisal/Sale: A letter was received from Itasca County identifying timber on City-owned land that could be sold at auction this fall. Motion by Matt to have the timber available at the fall timber sale, seconded by Liza, MCU.

City Alley Behind Linder’s: Jim Linder repaired the alley at his own expense and it turned to clay after the sewer project. He requested that the City help pay for gravel and he would use his equipment to repair it again. Motion by Bill to pay for half ($200) of the gravel, seconded by Matt, roll call vote showed ayes from Bill, Tim, Lil, Liza and Matt.

Matt reported that since Burman’s will not be connected to the sewer system, the City could issue a certificate of completion to Pugh Brothers. Motion by Matt to grant final approval to Pugh Brothers contingent upon the engineer’s approval, seconded by Bill MCU.

Tim reported that he had seen lights on in the old school building. Matt stated he could turn the electricity back off. It had been off previously but they had turned it on while cleaning the building some time ago. The need to re-board some of the windows was also discussed.

Bills: Motion to approve the bills by Matt, seconded by Tim, MCU.

Boland stated the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is now open and welcomes everyone to stop in and visit.

Liza will not be able to help with sled dog race committee this year and asked if anyone wanted to take that over. It does not have to be a council person and Liza has the contacts for anyone who is interested.

Motion to adjourn by Matt, seconded by Liza, MCU at 8:22 p.m.

Angela L. Storlie City Clerk