CITY OF WANAMINGO
City Council Regular Meeting
Monday, July 8, 2024 7:00 P.M.
Wanamingo City Council Chambers – 401 Main Street
Wanamingo, MN
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Ryan Holmes.
PRESENT: Council: Ryan Holmes, Stuart Ohr, Eric Dierks, Jeremiah Flotterud, and Rebecca Haugen
City Administrator: Michael Boulton
Deputy Clerk: Karen Masters
ABSENT: None
ALSO PRESENT: Brad Kennedy, Beth Haas – Zumbrota News-Record, Andrew Deziel – Kenyon Leader, and Matthew Garrick – Goodhue County Deputy Sheriff.
ADOPT AGENDA: Ohr motioned to adopt the agenda, seconded by Haugen. Passed 5-0-0.
CONSENT AGENDA: Dierks motioned, seconded by Flotterud. Passed 5-0-0.
PRESENTERS:
A) Brad Kennedy reported on:
1) Much of the last month was in preparation for the 4th of July
2) Sprayed weeds along curb/gutters of streets, downtown sidewalks, and parks.
3) Replaced swimming pool plastic façade on doors. This was a requirement from the Minnesota Department of Health yearly inspection.
4) Filled various potholes around town with cold mix
5) Dug out and brought in gravel to install garbage can and pet waste plastic bag dispenser at Prairie Ridge Estates park shelter. Shane Electric buried electric service line for park shelter. Xcel Energy will need to install electric meter to get power turned on.
6) Trimmed trees along parade route
7) Started flood clean up. Most of the sugar sand was washed out of the volleyball courts. Pushed around what sand was left so the public does not get hurt. Cleaned up various sand bars and sediment deposits at Riverside Park and by the sewer plant. Removed debris from nature trail walking bridge. The walking bridge wood ramp will need to be pressure washed and stained in the future. Boulton stated that a federal emergency declaration had been approved. City staff were tracking cleanup time and obtaining quotes for new volleyball court sugar sand and walking bridge work.
8) Cannon Valley Concrete completed concrete curb replacement and repairs at 3rd Avenue/3rd Street E and 5th Street E alley between West Avenue and high Avenue, respectively.
9) Weed whipped and mowed around public and private properties leading up to the 4th of July
10) Mowed and trimmed along MN TH 60 & MN TH 57 ditch and utility poles. Mowed at the WWTP, community garden, undeveloped lot boulevards, and other various areas around town.
11) Coordinated Waste Management dumpsters and brought garbage containers to fire hall for 3rd of July Dance/4th of July activities
12) Staff have completed street sweeping along the streets every two weeks and multiple times leading up to the 4th of July celebration.
13) New Ford F-150 Truck was delivered by Midway Ford. The City of Wanamingo decals were installed on both the new F-150 and F-550.
14) Swept streets; the goal is to sweep Main Street weekly, the west side of town one week and the east side of town the next week on Wednesdays.
Flotterud requested that the maintenance staff work on gravel erosion along the edge of Mingo View Drive. Kennedy stated that the maintenance staff will assess the erosion and attempt to make repairs. Mayor Holmes stated that the Wanamingo 4th of July activities went well considering the rain. The main events such as the fireman’s dance, parade, and fireworks were able to stay on time even though some of the small activities needed to be canceled. Holmes thanked all that were involved in planning on putting on the events.
NEW BUSINESS:
RESOLUTION: None
Administrator Boulton provided a memo on 643 2nd Avenue utility billing request. The new owners of 643 2nd Avenue, Lary & Bunny Ronningen) have requested that future utility bills only have one set of water/sewer debt service/base rate charges ($54 per month - $26 water and $28 sewer). The property has a full apartment in the basement but only one water meter for both units. The Ronningens are currently not renting out the apartment. They will not say for definite whether or not the unit will be rented in the future. The do not intend to change the physical layout of the property to make one unit.
City staff explained to the Ronnigens that the property is set up as two separate units and should be charged two water/sewer debt service/base rates each month. Staff explained that the debt service/base rate charges go to pay for the infrastructure costs for water and sewer. The infrastructure costs are spread out to all properties with water and sewer services, including individual residential housing units. City staff said that there is no mechanism for the City to quit charging the second set of debt service/base rates and then know to start charging if the unit is occupied in the future. It should not be on City staff to check the property periodically to see if the unit is occupied. City staff suggested a separate water meter be installed for the second unit since little to no water would be utilized if the unit was unoccupied. The City would remove the second set of debt service/base charges. This would show to the City that if there is usage consistent with being occupied to charge the second set of debt service/base charges. The cost of the meter is $360 plus any costs to plumb the meter for use in the basement unit. The Ronningens said the compromise would create an unreasonable cost and again requested that the second set of debt service/base charges be removed. Staff told the Ronningens that the request would need to go to the City Council for consideration.
Administrator Boulton stated that the request needs to be addressed by the City Council. City staff recommend that the second set of debt service/base rate charges remain unless there are either physical changes made to the property making one unit or a simplified mechanism is in place to start charging the additional rates if occupied. The Council has the authority to instruct staff to remove the second set of monthly debt service/base rate charges if they desire to honor the request. However, this could create problems in the future for water/sewer debt service/base rate billing. It would go against treating properties equally in sharing infrastructure costs, if the second unit is occupied. Kennedy stated that it may not be possible to install a second meter for the basement only since the water lines are connected throughout the house. Flotterud asked how many homes are set up with multiple units. Boulton stated that there are other single-family homes set up with second living units that are being charged a second base rate. Flotterud moved to charge one based rate to 643 2nd Avenue and the owners are required to let the City know if the second unit is occupied, to be changed back to two base rate charges, seconded by Ohr. Flotterud requested that a letter be sent to the Ronnigens for a paper trail honoring the request and stipulating any changes. Boulton stated that the code of ordinances does speak to enforcement process if the second unit is found to be occupied without the homeowner notifying the City. Passed 5-0-0.
OLD BUSINESS:
Public Hearing – Mayor Holmes opened Ordinance #207 – Amending Wanamingo Code of Ordinances § 53 Waters & Sewers – Sump Pump Ordinance at 7:16PM. Boulton stated that the proposed changes to the ordinance were in preparation for the sump pump inspection program that will start this fall. The City Council approved a professional service agreement with WHKS in April. WHKS put together the proposed changes to the water & sewers section of the ordinance. City staff and the City Attorney reviewed the changes and placed them into the Wanamingo ordinance format for City Council to review. Flotterud asked if the ordinance was to help reduce ground water (inflow and infiltration) from going into the sanitary sewer collection system and having to be treated at the wastewater treatment plant. Boulton said that the program is the first step in the process to reduce inflow and infiltration. Holmes asked what WHKS timing was to start the program. Boulton stated that WHKS would be initiating the public hearing, mailers, and website starting in August. Boulton stated that inspections would probably start in September. Ohr asked what would happen to those that needed to replumb sump pumps and if the lines would be allowed to be drained into the curb/gutter of the street. Boulton stated that draining into the curb/gutter of the street is preferred to into the sanitary sewer line. Boulton stated that the City would look to add drain lines behind the back of the curbs and storm lines when roads are reconstructed in the future. This would eventually eliminate sump pump discharge from being placed into the curb/gutter of the street. No Additional Public Comments Offered. Mayor Holmes closed the public hearing at 7:21PM.
ORDINANCE #207 – Amending Wanamingo Code of Ordinances § 53 Waters & Sewers – Sump Pump Ordinance – Second Reading. Dierks moved to approve, seconded by Ohr. Passed 5-0-0.
Administrator Boulton provided an update on the residential/commercial solid waste/recycling collection. Administrator Boulton and Mayor Holmes have been in discussions with Waste Management as the current contract for residential solid waste, residential recycling, commercial solid waste, and commercial recycling is up December 31, 2024. Boulton stated that the contract allows for mutually agreed upon terms for a five-year extension. Boulton has requested and received pricing from Waste Management for a potential five-year extension.
The Council reviewed Waste Management contract extension proposals. There were concerns with the residential recycling and commercial solid waste collection proposed increase pricing. Waste Management has offered the alternative of every other week recycling. The proposal also has a 4% annual increase for the duration of the contract. Inflation is up significantly since the 2019 contract and 2021 approved surcharges reflecting the proposed residential/commercial solid waste/recycling rates. Boulton had obtained rates from the Cities of Zumbrota, Pine Island, Kenyon, and Goodhue for residential garbage and recycling. Boulton stated that Pine Island is the best comparison because their rates were established at the beginning of 2024. Boulton stated that the Waste Management proposal is in line with Pine Island’s rates for both residential garbage and recycling.
The Wanamingo Code of Ordinances 50.09 states “…In no case shall the City Council be required to provide for recycling of recyclables for which the city is unable in its judgement to secure an adequate collection arrangement or a market within the financial capabilities of the community.” The City is not required to contract for recycling. However, the City Council may not want to have the headline of dropping recycling service. Dropping to every other week service would have drawbacks of overflowing containers along with additional items being blown around in heavy winds when tipped over. City staff does not wish to see addition debris blown around town that would need to be picked up. Waste Management has assured the City that roughly 85% of recycling collected is recycling. The remaining 15% in not recycled because, when sorted, the items should not have been placed in the recycling and are not recyclable.
Boulton stated that there is very little competition for contracts involving solid waste and recycling for commercial and residential. In April 2024 Hometown Haulers out of Dodge Center recently sold out to Waste Management. This is similar to the sales of Gibson Sanitation, Advanced Disposal, and Countryside sanitation over the past few years. In 2019 the City received proposals from Waste Management, Countryside, Advanced Disposal, and Highland Sanitation. Waste Management and Highland Sanitation are the remaining options that provided proposals in 2019. There may be other haulers options (LRS serves Zumbrota and Harters services Pine Island, but other regional options such Flom Sanitation had not been willing to expand into Wanamingo in 2019.
Time is running short to put together a full RFP’s for residential/commercial solid waste/recycling haulers to have contract in place for planning and logistics by fall. Going to a formal RFP could push out a final contract decision until September. A potential new hauler may not be able to obtain containers by January 1st. Staff had hoped to bring the Waste Management numbers to the Council in May or June but they were not received until June 27th. Holmes stated that there is a lack of options for garbage and recycling in the area. Dierks said that he was fine with the Waste Management proposal and would be good with putting together a contract. Flotterud requested to see how many haulers would be willing to offer proposals on an RFP. Flotterud stated if there were at least three haulers that would provide proposals that the City should initiate an RFP process. Flotterud stated that he hoped to save residents money if there was competition in the RFP process. If there were not at least three haulers to provide proposals the City should extend the agreement with Waste Management. Boulton stated that he would contact the roughly five area haulers to check interest. If there were three haulers willing to provide proposals he would bring a proposed RFP to the Council at the July 22nd meeting for consideration of approval.
Goodhue County Sheriff’s office provided the policing contract numbers that will be submitted to the County Board for policing contracts. The sheriff’s office is requesting a three-year pricing agreement from the County board. The pricing request is $87.72 for 2025, $90.66 for 2026, and $93.73 for 2027. This is an increase from $58.55 for 2024. Goodhue County Sheriff have evaluated the minimum number of policing hours needed for a contract. They are looking at adopting a formula of city population times 1.6. The minimum number of hours, per day, needed would be 5. The City would have the opportunity to stay with the 6 hours per day coverage, increase the hours per day coverage, or decrease the hours of coverage each day to no less than 5. The current contract is $58.55 per hour or $127,873 per year. The $87.72 per hour would be $192,106.80 per year. Reducing the contract to 5 hours per day would be $160,089.00 per year. Flotterud asked if the City could reduce to less than 5 hours of service per day. Haugen stated that the information provided at the police workgroup meeting was that the 5 hours per day were based off a formula of 1.6 times the population. Haugen stated that the City could save roughly $32,000 by reducing 1 hour of service per day on a future contract. Haugen stated that Wanamingo needs to maintain the policing presence close to the current contract. Flotterud asked if the City needed 6 hours of policing service per day. Boulton stated that the service coverage was up to the Council. Boulton advised to consider the County minimum service level formula. Boulton stated that town has been relatively quiet recently but there are cycling of activity that necessitate additional coverage requests. Flotterud stated that the county proposal would be double dipping as Wanamingo residents being both tax payers and having contract for services. Flotterud stated that some of the County costs are fixed and should not be considered with contract for additional service beyond that of a regular taxpayer. Flotterud had no concern with actual wage and vehicle costs. Boulton stated that he had attended several board meetings and had expressed similar thoughts. Flotterud stated that he had spoken with several residents since last month’s meetings that were concerned with the proposed increase and what that translated into proposed increases to the property tax levy. Flotterud stated that it is nice to have a patrol car in town for a presence. If there were no contract with the county there would still be a presence, even if it was reduced. Flotterud stated that there would be no enforcement of City ordinances without a County Sheriff contract. Flotterud suggested negotiating County Sheriff to see what they would provide for service based on smaller number. Boulton stated that the County board is setting the per hour rate and that the County Sheriff would be limited on their ability to negotiate. Holmes stated that the 6 hours of service at $87.73 would not work with the 2025 budget and levy. Flotterud stated that there may be a possibility to work with Kenyon Police Department on ordinance enforcement and a reduced patrol presence. The Goodhue County Sheriff would still be required to respond to emergency calls. Ohr stated that Kenyon would have a tough time providing the needed policing service load. It would be difficult for Kenyon to provide even limited service for Wanamingo. Flotterud stated that he planned to attend the Kenyon City Council meeting on July 9th to start the conversation. Holmes stated that the Council needs to have a clear idea of what they want for future service. Flotterud stated that Kenyon has five employees and could get creative on shifts. Boulton stated that any policing coverage contract, either with County or another community, needs to have clear expectations. Without clear expectations there will be issues. Holmes stated that ideas for coverage and understanding the current contract can occur by attending the police workgroup committee meetings held every other month. Ohr asked Deputy Garrick about a typical shift. Garrity stated that most of the patrol coverage was in the evening. Garrick stated that all deputies are different on what they did on the shift, he drove the community at least twice, ran through the requested list by the City, checked business doors, and made his presence known. Holmes stated that past contract with Goodhue County for policing reflected give and take. The City paid a reduced price but the deputies were able to come and go with calls throughout the County. Having service in Wanamingo helped the west half of the county residents have quicker response time. Holmes desired that the County Board honor this give and take with future contracts rather than calculating out all costs for the contract rate. Flotterud asked if the County contract could be reduced to 3 or 4 hours per day. Boulton will discuss with the Chief Deputy about reducing hours to less than the required five hours per day. Holmes stated that the City needs ordinance enforcement and some sort of law enforcement presence with the next contract.
Enforcement Process – Mead Johnson - Reckitt – 210 day written letter toward meeting goal of waste pH – Boulton stated that the City had received a letter from Mead Johnson – Reckitt. Mead Johnson – Reckitt pH of wastewater discharge was within range during most of the month of June. The frac tank was installed and incorporated into their process back in March. Mead Johnson – Reckitt goal is to install a new lift station with pH treatment. The project has been funded and is proceeding through the final engineering design phase. Boulton stated that the Wanamingo staff are still monitoring the wastewater discharge from Reckitt-Mead Johnson. The pH levels of the wastewater discharge are being adjusted before being sent to the wastewater treatment plant. Prior to December 2023, results have regularly shown extremely low and at times high pH levels along with the presence of high levels of QAC (Quaternary Ammonium Compounds) have been sent to Reckitt-Mead Johnson. The pH levels should be within 5.0 and 9.5. City Staff have been working with Reckitt-Mead Johnson toward the achieved solution of pH levels within the limits. The City appreciates the open dialogue and work, to date, from Reckitt-Mead Johnson. The City continues to keep the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency informed during this process, including Carolle Ternus the new Municipal Wastewater Compliance and Enforcement staff member. Boulton stated the Enforcement Process would be left on the monthly agenda until November 2024, or when the action items are completed. Boulton stated the Reckitt-Mead Johnson would be required to provide written monthly updates to the City Council.
Holmes stated that he spoke on behalf of the City at the June 24th Kenyon-Wanamingo School District board meeting. Holmes stated that he, Council member Rebecca Haugen, Council Member Stuart Ohr, and City Administrator Boulton were among the more than 30 concerned citizens in attendance at the board meeting. Mayor Holmes commented on the proposed closure of the Wanamingo site and its effects on the Wanamingo Community. Flotterud stated that the school board would like to make repairs to the Wanamingo site and keep it open. This will include asking for referendum for building repairs.
Wanamingo City Council General Election - Filing for Mayor (2-Year Term), City Council (Two 4-Year Terms) will run from July 30th - August 13th.
*Next City Council meetings: 7/22/2024 at 6:00PM and 8/12/2024 at 7:00PM.
Adjourn: At 8:22PM a motion to adjourn was made by Ohr and seconded by Dierks. Passed 5-0-0.
Signed: Attest:
_____________________ ____________________________________
Ryan Holmes, Mayor Michael Boulton, City Administrator
