Regular Council Meeting - 6/21/2021

​City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 6/21/2021
The regular June Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:00pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland (arrived late), Kyle Krump, and auditor Jen Skoog. Absent was Paul Lucas. Audience members in attendance were Zach Hatting and Kent Thoreson with Interstate Engineering, Peter Pfeiff, Sid Berg, Ron Pfeiff, Amy Clark, Tom Frankl, Inis Frankl, and Bonnie Gylland.
Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Amy Clark proceeded to explain the ETZ zoning process and the history behind the two previous attempts made years ago, explaining that the city is unable to locate the original resolution. Olson read the proposed ordinance, extending the application of the City’s zoning regulations to real property as described in the ordinance. General questions from the audience. With no further questions, Olson requested a Role Call Vote of the council members present. Wulfekuhle - yes, Krump – yes. Ordinance Passed.
Kent with Interstate Engineering reported that the city may be eligible for a cost share program for the proposed water loop project. Krump motioned to proceed with the application process for the state water commission funding for the water loop project, along with SRF funding application. Krump also motioned to approve Mayor Olson signing the application, once it is complete, without a special meeting. Seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried.
Sid Berg requested a 1” curb stop upgrade on his new property. The prior curb stop was rusted out, turned off, and buried years ago. Discussion was held regarding ownership of the curbstop and responsibility of purchase and install. Council agreed that the curb stop will be purchased by the city, however all installation will be the responsibility of the resident. Berg also inquired about the current culvert, indicating that both ends are crushed and buried, requesting that the city take a look at the culvert. Council members will investigate and discuss further at a later date.
The minutes of the May Regular City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Reiland.  Carried.
Financial report for May was reviewed. Krump made motion, seconded by Wulfekuhle to approve financial reports, motion carried. 
The June bills, plus a bill for $659.36 to John Myers, and meter reading differences for the month of May were reviewed; Reiland motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Krump.  Carried.
Old Business
No update regarding the Savion Energy project.
No update regarding the new Water Loop project.
No update regarding the Residents Info Sheet.
No bids were received for the Lagoon mowing. Olson will mow the ditch and outside parameter. Wulfekuhle will mow the inside parameter.
Olson spoke to someone at Titan Machinery regarding quotes on various sizes of snow blowers, and will present his findings at the next meeting.
Council reviewed the current city Sewer Rates. Wulfekuhle motioned to pass a resolution keeping the current sewer base rate of $12.50 with increases based on water usage, seconded by Krump. Wulfekuhle – yes, Reiland – yes, Krump – yes
New Business
Skoog presented an Amendment to the Equalization meeting minutes. The tax year starting should be 2021 not 2022. Wulfekuhle motioned to accept the amendment to the meeting minutes, seconded by Reiland. Carried.
Nathan Berseth submitted a request to release Lot 10 Block 2 of Colfax Meadows Third; Lot 6 Block 2 of Colfax Meadows Third; Lot 8 Block 3 of Colfax Meadows Third. Motion made by Krump to release the requested lots, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried.
Building permit requested from Keefe Phelps were presented for metal roofing and a deck added to the house. Council deeming that the roofing does not need a permit. After review of the deck permit, council decided Phelps must pay $100 for the deck permit and ensure it is inspected by the city inspector. Krump motioned to approve the permit, seconded by Reiland. Carried.
Building permits are required for all decks effective immediately. Further discussion will be had with Todd Johnson regarding requiring what structures permits may also be required for.
Mayor Olson un-appointed Paul Lucas from the Colfax Township Zoning Board and appointed Kyle Krump. Reiland motioned to accept the un-appointment of Lucas and appointment of Krump, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried.
Mayor Report
Olson asked that Wulfekuhle be sure to submit reimbursement for any mosquito spraying done in Colfax.
Various stop signs are now up in town, and Olson expects it will take time for people to acclimate. Many construction companies are still not slowing down.
Wulfekuhle talked to Glacier Dust Control about applying a dust control to city roads. They should be applying either later this week or next week. Olson will ensure roads are bladed again before dust control application.
Wulfekuhle reported that Our Saviors Church asked to put their own sign on the two City Signs as you enter town. Council agreed that they are allowed proceed.
Wulfekuhle has placed the ‘20 mph’ signs around town.
Reiland is still waiting for a quote on the repair of the fire hydrant.
Residents have been asking if we have a place for branch disposal. Krump will contact Tyler Gylland to see if we can use his current site as a drop-off site.
Wulfekuhle met with Cass County Electric regarding street lights. It was decided to place 3 lights along North Blaine Street and 2 lights along Neuman Street. CCE suggested that all future developments need to have a lighting plan included in their building plan. Reiland motioned to proceed with the 5 lights according to plan, seconded by Krump. Carried.
There being no further business, Reiland made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Krump.  Carried.  Adjourned at 8:41pm.