Regular Council Meeting - 8/17/20

City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 8/17/2020
The regular August Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:08pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, Paul Lucas and auditor Jen Skoog. Council Member Justin Reiland was absent. Also in attendance was Jeff Roepke and Nathan Berseth.
Olson recognized audience members Jeff Roepke and Nathan Berseth. Roepke brought forth all the additional signatures requested for his proposed building. Olson confirmed that after discussion with the City Attorney, both the city and the developer need to sign off on the proposed building. Discussion was held and the topic was tabled for later discussion, pending further research by Berseth and the council.
Nathan Berseth requested the board to release 1 lot (lot 13 block 3 of Colfax Meadows 3). Motion made by Wulfekuhle, seconded by Lucas to approve the release request. Carried
The minutes of the July City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Lucas.  Carried
Financial report for July was reviewed. Wulfkeuhle made motion, seconded by Krump to approve financial reports, motion carried. 
The bills and meter reading differences for the month of July were reviewed; Krump motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Lucas.  Carried.
Discussion was held regarding the outstanding Schultz balance. Wulfkeuhle motioned to write off the balance as bad debt, seconded by Krump. Carried.
Skoog informed the council that Sue has a meeting at the bank next week to close the safety deposit box. Skoog also provided an update on the new city website. We are currently waiting for an authorization code from the old domain host before moving forward with the new site.
Wulfekuhle will talk to Damen at Interstate Engineering to obtain the correct information/estimate regarding the proposed Grant Street project. He will also inquire about recommendations on how we can reduce speeding on Grant street.
No update regarding the ditch south of the HS Football field.
Krump provided an update on the lagoon mowing. He also brought up issues with rock along the edge and tall weeds within the old lagoon area.
Clean-up Day is scheduled for Friday September 18th. Flyers will be hung around town.
Second reading of Nathan Berseth’s proposed zoning North of the ball diamonds consisting of commercial lots along the South end while keeping the remaining space agricultural. Intentions are to tap into Rural Water off Hwy 1 with septic holding tanks and using Cass County Electric. Krump motioned to offer the 2nd reading and publish, seconded by Lucas. Carried.
Discussion was held regarding a crosswalk with flashing lights at the corner of the county road and Grant Street, allowing residents to safely cross to access the park and pool. Discussion will continue.
New Business
Building Permits #142, 145, 146, 147 were presented to the Council. Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the proposed building permits, seconded by Krump. Carried.
Skoog brought forth a request from local realtors to put together a Colfax Info Sheet for new residents, including various contact and utility information. Lucas will work on compiling information and bring to the September meeting.
Olson appointed himself and Krump as the city contacts for Richland Emergency Management.
Wulfekuhle will contact Interstate Engineering about filing governmental paperwork for future water projects.
Lucas brought forth issues with various crooked street signs.  Wulfekuhle will explore having them straightened out.
Wulfekuhle received a quote on a pull-behind brush mower to rough-cut taller grass in the hard-to-reach areas for mosquito spraying (ex: along the railroad tracks, by the new trail). The quote received is from L&M Fleet out of Detroit Lakes for $2,399.99. This mower will keep grass cut down, drastically helping with mosquito control. Krump motioned to purchase the mower up to $2,400, seconded by Lucas. Carried.
Discussion was held regarding having street lights put up in Colfax Meadows. Olson will contact Cass County for more information.
Lucas motioned to recess the meeting at 9:02pm, with continuance at a later date to discuss the Roepke building proposal, seconded by Krump. Carried.