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

City of Effie July 13, 2009 Minutes

Members in attendance were Mayor Matt David, Bill Hastings Lil Black and Liza Erickson. Absent was Tim Stewart. Also in attendance were Julie Aakhus, Beth Jacobson, Danny & Avis Burman and Jerry & Crystal Fisher.

Mayor Matt David called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

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

Minutes: Liza noted that Lil should be added to the list of those in attendance at the June meeting. Motion to approve the minutes with that change by Liza, seconded by Matt, motion carried unanimously (MCU).

OLD BUSINESS

Sewer Update: Matt reported that the creek clean-up has been completed and the City is waiting for reimbursement from Itasca County for the cost of that. A final punch list with Wagner is almost complete. Burman’s connection was discussed again. Matt explained that the sewer pipe coming out of the basement is deeper than what the engineer thought it to be and may even be deeper than the sewer main. Burman stated his position that it was not feasible to put in a lift station for just his connection and he wanted to know where his responsibility would end and the City’s would begin. He had concerns about his yard and trees. He added that his current sewer system does not run to the creek which was one of the main reasons for the project in the first place. Matt felt it would be fair to leave Burmans’ current system in place and to have them hook up to the City system if they ever sell the property or need to install a new sewer for some reason. Hastings stated that he would like to question the engineer as to why this had happened in the first place and what they can do to meet the City’s obligation in making a connection available. Motion by Liza to have Liesch review the situation and put the correct numbers in writing for the record and then to allow Burmans’ system to be grandfathered in until such time as he either sells the property or needs a sewer upgrade, seconded by Hastings, MCU. Matt stated a final punch list needed to be done on the connection project for Pugh Brothers. A sewer committee meeting was set for this Thursday at 3:00 p.m. to do a walkthrough for this. Housing Rehab: Some projects have been started but Kootasca has not yet notified the City whether all the spots are filled. Storlie will try to obtain this information for the next meeting.

Rodeo Committee Update: Lil reported that the rodeo committee is pretty much set. Ads are in the paper and the vendors and parade participants are ready to go. Marshall will sponsor the medallion again. Bill is bringing back the 5K race and Linda Pigman is working on a trophy for it. The kids’ bouncy games and dunk tank are reserved. The next rodeo committee meeting is Wednesday July 22nd at 2:15 p.m. at the Effie Café.

Miss Effie Donation Request: A motion was made by Matt to give the requested $135 donation, seconded by Liza, MCU.

Building Permit for Beth Jacobson: Matt stated that Beth would be adding back the addition that was previously torn off. Motion by Matt, seconded by Liza to approve the permit, MCU.

NEW BUSINESS

Range Water Quote: Range Water gave a quote as requested for conditioning of the Community Center water. It would be just over $2,000 to buy a water softener or one could be rented. This is not in budget. Matt stated that it would also be an option to buy our own and install it. This issue will be forwarded to the Building Committee for discussion.

Playground Fence: As Tim was not in attendance, the issue was tabled until the next meeting.

Effie Café Sewer: Matt reported that there are still issues with the Effie Café’s sewer, however everyone he’s talked with about it thinks it must be a problem with the internal plumbing. Matt felt it would be cheaper for the City to hire a plumber to come and investigate than to keep paying to have the tank pumped out. Motion by Liza to have A&A Plumbing come and take a look at it, seconded by Matt, MCU. Motion by Matt to have the air monitor calibrated and left at the Café for the inspection, seconded by Liza, MCU.

IEDC Business Plan for Effie Campground: The Council reviewed a rough draft of the plan and made a few changes and additions. Motion by Matt to adopt a resolution authorizing IEDC to apply for grants for the project on behalf of the City, seconded by Liza, MCU. Motion by Hastings, seconded by Matt to have the draft updated with the changes discussed, MCU.

The Community Center Committee met and discussed a number of things. Their goal is to make the building more efficient and better taken care of and to have everyone pitch in. A garage-cleaning party will take place in early August. All organizations need to be present to help get the garage organized. The Committee recommended looking into a hand dryer to see if that is more cost effective than paper towels. A Committee update will be given at each Council meeting and reported in the minutes so that people are up-to-date and know what is happening with the building. The clerk needs to fix the voice mail so that it picks up instead of the fax machine when no one is in the office. Liza reported that the four main organizations that use the building, the Council, American Legion, Auxiliary and Saddle Club were going to try each taking a month to be in charge of cleaning the building and inspecting it after it is rented. The Committee also will be setting a meeting schedule so the dates are known by all.

Tim entered the meeting at this time and Matt asked for an update on the playground fence. Tim reported that John Ostendorf told him the cost for posts would be less than $300 and Jeff Powell just needs to know when the holes need to be dug. Motion by Matt to put the posts in, seconded by Liza, MCU.

Lil stated that dogs are a problem again and have been getting into her garbage even though her cans have lids. It was determined that a poster about the City’s leash ordinance would be posted around town.

Hastings offered to buy wood and arrange to have street signs made with it if he could put “Summit Ave/Silk Stocking Ave” on his road as that is the historical name. Motion by Matt to have Hastings do this, seconded by Liza, MCU. Matt stated there were probably sign posts around that could be used.

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

Motion to adjourn by Matt, seconded by Liza, MCU at 8:19 p.m.

Angela L. Storlie City Clerk