City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 2/15/2020
The regular February 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, Kyle Krump, Paul Lucas and auditor Jen Skoog. Audience members in attendance were Sid Berg and Jon Erdahl. Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Sid Berg purchased a lot in town from Dick Horner. Agreement was that Dick will pay the remaining specials on the lot directly to the city. Sid asked about the $10 lagoon fee on the lot and requested that the $10 fee be waived on the lot he recently purchased until he builds a house and begins service. No decision made by the council and tabled until the next meeting. Jon Erdahl inquired about and update on the Grant Street Project. Olson provided a recap of the proposed options. Erdahl also asked about garage/shed/outbuilding size and speed limit/stop signs. Council recapped outbuilding size requirements and that signs will be put up this spring when the ground thaws. Erdahl asked about lights in the new addition and Spring Cleanup. Olson confirmed that lights will be added to the new addition over the next few years and council has not yet made a final decision on when the next Spring Cleanup will be. Erdahl asked about the city leash law, the Savion Energy project, the possibility of a park in the new addition, and if the city plans to purchase the elevator tractor. Council confirmed that residents can call the county to remove unleashed pets, provided an update on the Savion project, confirmed that a park in the new addition would need to go through Nathan Berseth, and the city has no plans to purchase the tractor from the elevator. The minutes of the January City Council meeting were reviewed; Krump moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Lucas. Carried. Financial report for 2020 was reviewed. Wulfekuhle moved to approve financial reports as presented, seconded by Reiland. Carried. The bills and meter reading differences for the month of January were reviewed; Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Lucas. Carried. Old Business Contacts with the Savion Solar Project requested council contact info. Olson provided the requested information. Olson received a letter with all proposed amounts to land owners. Discussion was held regarding the project. Discussion was held regarding the Hage/Haverland Properties. Olson confirmed with the city authority that Hage/Haverland can submit a written requests for special exceptions to the current city zoning ordinance. Both have submitted the required special exceptions. Council discussed that both applicants will still need to apply for a residential permit and pass inspection by the city building inspector. A Special Exception Hearing will be at next meeting in March. Olson talked to Nathan Berseth regarding the possible water loop into his new development. Reiland reported that AE2S could possibly help with current funding for the water project, however it needs to be actioned on immediately as funds will not last long. Discussion was held regarding the Grant Street Improvement project, however further discussions and decisions will be made at a later date. Paul will provide the New Resident Sheet for review in March. New Business Nathan Berseth requested the board to release Block 1 Lot 11, Block 2 Lots 5 & 16, Block 3 Lots 20 & 23 of Colfax Meadows 3. Motion made by Wulfekuhle, seconded by Reiland to approve the release request. Carried The Community Center Council requested $14,000 from the Darrel Hendrickson Fund. Motion made by Krump, seconded by Lucas to approve the request. Carried. The Haverland Permit Application approved was reviewed, adding a $50 fee with inspection required when the project is complete. Motioned by Wulfekuhle, seconded by Lucas to approve the permit. Carried Lucas brought forth that he has noticed many school buses are speeding through town. Discussion was held. Wulfekuhle brought for a letter requesting that the county board move the 40mph speed limit signs further East of town. Wulfekuhle motioned to have Olson sign the letter, seconded by Krump. Carried. The City of Colfax Equalization Meeting will be held April 19th @ 7pm. There being no further business, Reiland made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lucas. Carried. Adjourned at 8:32pm. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 1/18/2020
The regular January Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 6:59pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland, and auditor Jen Skoog. Council Members absent were Kyle Krump and Paul Lucas. Audience members in attendance were Damon DeVillers and Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering. Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Damon and Zach with Interstate Engineering reviewed the updates made to the Grant Street Improvement Project proposal, including special assessment examples and maintenance costs. Damon noted that there is no major funding options outside of special assessments available at the Federal/State level at this time, however there may be some options in the future. Olson asked Damon and Zach about adding a water loop into Nathan’s new development. Discussion was held regarding eligibility for water structure funding. Olson will contact Nathan and Interstate Engineering will obtain more information for a future discussion. The minutes of the December City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Reiland. Carried. Financial report for December was reviewed. Wulfekuhle moved to approve financial reports as presented, seconded by Reiland. Carried. The bills and meter reading differences for the month of December were reviewed; Reiland motioned to approve the bills as presented, with the addition of ND Water Users for $75, and modifications to the US Treasury bills for $222.61 and $375.62, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Old Business Interstate Engineering discussed the revised proposal of the Grant Street Improvement. No further discussion. No update provided on the New Residents Info Sheet. Due to sale the of the Colfax Elevator, the new owners do not want to keep the tractor currently being used for city snow removal, with it currently being on auction through February. With the city without a tractor by the end of February, Olson is working on a backup plan for equipment and John/Brady will continue to help with snow removal. Discussion was held regarding the possible Solar Project proposal. There is no action at this time. Auditor Skoog is working on verifying the ETZ restrictions of 1 mile. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of starting to put up CCE lights along Grant Street and throughout the new addition. Olson will inquire with CCE about scheduling out a few light installations at a time. New Business Discussion was held regarding the Hage/Haverland property. Olson will obtain more information from the property owner for a future discussion. Council discussed the possibility of of updating the outbuilding/shed size ordinance, along with a handful of other city ordinances. No action at this time. Mayor Report Olson reported possible scrap metal assistance funds that help with removing scrap metal. He will obtain more information. There being no further business, Reiland made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Adjourned at 8:04pm. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 12/21/2020
The regular December Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:00pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland, Paul Lucas (via phone) and auditor Jen Skoog. Audience members in attendance were Stewart Gunness, Matthew Workin, Lowell Workin, Sid Berg, Nathan Berseth, Leon Heyen, Inis Frankl, Vance Gylland, Bonnie Gylland, Amy Clark, and Scott Gauslow. Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Sid Berg brought forth concerns regarding engine brakes being used near his place, although they are illegal in the county. Berg requested the council to consider a “no engine brakes allowed” sign and reduce the speed limit to 40mph further East of the current limit change. Berg informed the council that he purchased a vacant lot from Dick Horner and inquired about building ordinances in regards to lot lines, and asked about an outbuilding ordinance. Berg also requested new water and sewer lines be brought onto the property. Council will look into requesting the reduction in speed limit and the ‘no engine-breaks’ sign from the county. Nathan Berseth requested the Council to check with an Engineer about a water loop north of ball diamond in new development. Olson provided some background information to the Council and audience regarding Savion Energy’s intentions and current status in the area. Olson stated that zoning jurisdiction for the city is 1 mile outside of city limits. At this time, Savion is offering a 40 year lease, therefore the Council needs to consider future growth. Amy Clark informed the Council that the city would need a zoning change since agricultural land around the city does not permit solar panels. Olson dialed into the Savion conference call via phone at 7:29pm. Savion members introduced themselves to the Council and audience, then providing a brief overview of solar energy. After explaining the proposed project, they proceeded to answer various questions from the Council and audience members. Once the call was complete, discussion was held regarding the information provided and the Council listed to the audience comments and opinions. Olson asked Amy Clark her about having living quarters in a commercial building. Amy clarified that Ordinance allows the council to make a special exemption upon request. Discussion was held regarding the possible request. Council will need to explore further information regarding water and septic before further discussion. General discussion was held regarding the Grant Street Improvement project, and was decided to table for future discussion. The minutes of the November City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Krump. Carried. Financial report for November was reviewed. Reiland made motion, seconded by Wulfekuhle to approve financial reports, motion carried. The bills and meter reading differences for the month of November were reviewed; Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Reiland. Carried. Old Business Further discussion was held regarding Nathan’s request to have water looped into the new development. Olson will reach out to the engineer to discuss this option. No update provided on the New Residents Info Sheet. Olson rode around town with Cass County Electric looking at where lights would be. Each light is $800 one-time charge + $10.50 monthly fee. Tabled for future discussion. Most of the excess dirt pile along the railroad tracks has been moved. Council with update at January meeting. Olson confirmed that John and Brady will help with snow removal this winter. Some repairs/maintenance will be needed on the tractor/blower. New business Annual liquor license for Colfax Bar was completed. Wulfekuhle made motion, seconded by Reiland to approve 2021 liquor and beer licenses for Colfax bar. Carried. Mayor Report None There being no further business, Krump made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Adjourned at 9:30pm. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 11/16/2020
The regular November Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:02pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland, and auditor Jen Skoog via phone. Council Members absent was Paul Lucas. Audience members in attendance were Damon DeVillers and Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering. Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Damon with Interstate Engineering reviewed the different proposals put together for Grant Street improvement options. Option 5 would allow for increased protection from garbage trucks, construction traffic, etc. Basic maintenance will included filling cracks every time they appear. Damon indicated this would cost about $1/foot to fill. He also recommends an oil seal about every 7 years. Interstate will provide a rough breakdown of maintenance schedule/costs. Discussion was held regarding different options for road side finishing, including paved, aggregate, soil, etc. Manholes will be brought up and blended. Cul-de-sac will have to be looked at and possibly use any excess gravel to fix. Driveways will be “cut” up to the right-away line and fixed at city cost up to that point. Interstate will allow residents to work with the contractor to have their whole driveway done at the time of construction. Length of project was discussed regarding resident access. Residents should have access most of the time, with about 1-2 days without access. Damon stated that we would be able to build a contingency into the project to ensure residents have access to their homes by end-of-day each day. Speed restriction options were discussed for Grant Street. Funding and grant options were also discussed. Interstate will compile some scenarios on how much lots will be assessed based on a few different factors. The minutes of the October City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Krump. Carried. Financial report for October was reviewed. Wulfekuhle made motion, seconded by Reiland to approve financial reports, motion carried. The bills and meter reading differences for the month of October were reviewed; Krump motioned to approve the bills as presented, minus the 3D Specialties bill being investigate by Wulfekuhle, seconded by Reiland. Carried. Old Business No update provided on the New Residents Info Sheet. Olson is meeting with Cass County Electric on 11/17/20 to determine where lights should be placed. A possible memorial gift may be received for the Tom Wold ball diamonds. These funds will be treated like the Hendrickson Fund. Council is currently waiting for the dirt pile to be removed. Due to winter weather, no further maintenance or work will be done on Grant Street until Spring. Olson will follow up with a couple people who have expressed interest in city snow removal. Curb stops need to be raised on a number of properties to ensure proper access, especially during winter months. Council will discuss for at future meeting. New business None Mayor Report Olson brought forth the topic of Nathan Berseth’s new development being in the City of Colfax water district. The City would need to release him from our district for him to access water directly from Southeast Water Users. There being no further business, Krump made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Adjourned at 8:21pm. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 10/19/2020
The regular September Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:10pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, Paul Lucas, Justin Reiland, and auditor Jen Skoog. Audience members in attendance were Kim Berseth, Vance Gylland, Bonnie Gylland, Aaron Kleingartner, Turner Fixen, Inis Frankle, and Ben Watkins. Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Since Interstate Engineering was unable to attend the meeting due to COVID, Wulfekuhle presented information received from Interstate Engineering regarding the proposed Grant Street Project. Vance Gylland voiced his concern regarding construction trucks using the newly paved road for additional builds in the new addition. Kim Berseth voiced her concerns on a few different points. A number of audience members brought up the idea of putting up some stop signs soon to help slow traffic down throughout town. Council requested questions from the audience to put forth to Interstate Engineering for response. The minutes of the September City Council meeting were reviewed; Krump moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried Financial report for September was reviewed. Lucas made motion, seconded by Reiland to approve financial reports, motion carried. The bills and meter reading differences for the month of September were reviewed; Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Lucas. Carried. Old Business Skoog provided an update on the website. Lucas provided an update on the New Residents Info Sheet. More information will be provided at the November meeting. Olson will reach out to Cass County Electric to schedule a drive-around to determine where lights should be placed. Olson provided an update regarding discussions with Vance Gylland to remove the dirt pile by the end of the year. New Business Discussion was held regarding the 2020-21 City Snow Removal. Conversations will be had with a few individuals to see if they are interested in taking on removal. Building Permit #149 was presented to the Council. Krump motioned to approve the proposed building permits, seconded by Lucas. Carried. The council reviewed the Southeast Water Users contract. Reiland motioned to accept the proposed contract, seconded by Krump. Carried Discussion was held regarding the upcoming meeting about the solar panel ‘farm’ that a Savion Energy would like to put up. Council members are encouraged to attend the meeting on November 19th. There being no further business, Krump made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Reiland. Carried. Adjourned at 8:52pm. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 9/21/2020
The regular September Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:04pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland, and auditor Jen Skoog. Council Member Paul Lucas was absent. No audience members were in attendance. The minutes of the August City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Krump. Carried The 2021 Special Assessments were presented by Auditor Jen Skoog. Krump moved to approve the special assessments as presented, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Financial report for August was reviewed. Wulfkeuhle made motion, seconded by Reiland to approve financial reports, motion carried. The bills and meter reading differences for the month of August were reviewed; Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Krump. Carried. Old Business Skoog reported that the city’s Safety Deposit Box at Wells Fargo has been closed. The only items retrieved were copies of Certificates of Deposit and digital plans of the Colfax Meadows Third Addition, and will be stored in the fire proof safes. The new city website is functioning, however updates are still being made. Skoog proposed to upgrade the website calendar function for $77/year. Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the request, seconded by Reiland. Carried. Skoog will also maintain the Community Center Scheduling and will update flyers in town with new contact information. Community Center scheduling will also be available on the website. Discussion was held regarding the Preliminary Engineering Report received from Interstate Engineering for the proposed Grant Street Project. The Council will invite Interstate Engineering to attend next month’s meeting to further discuss the proposed report. No update was provided in regards to the ditch South of Football Field. Clean-up Day was held September 18th. Discussion was held in regards to keeping it in Fall or scheduling clean-up in the Spring. Council decided to keep clean-up day scheduled for Spring, with the possibly of waiting until Spring 2022. There was no update from Lucas regarding the New Residents Info Sheet. There was not update regarding Cass County Electric streetlights. Tom provided an update regarding the use of the new DR mower. He reported that it works great in the rough areas and will certainly help keep the mosquito population down. Kyle will look into getting a cover and keeping the mower out at the lagoon throughout the summer months. New Business Building Permit #148 was presented to the Council. Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the proposed building permits, seconded by Krump. Carried. Discussion was held regarding the current shape of the snowblower, and if we need to proceed with looking for a new replacement. No decisions were made. There was no Weed Cutting & Special Assessments necessary for 2020. Final 2021 Special Assessments are due to the County Auditor by October 10th. The 2021 Final Budget was presented to the Council. No changes were made from the preliminary budget. A motion was made by Krump to accept the 2021 Final Budget, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Discussion was held regarding the dirt pile along the railroad tracks, north of the football field. Conversation will be had with Vance Gylland before allowing Rieland to clean up this area. Tom will get ‘20mph’ signs ordered to be placed along Grant Street. Discussion was held regarding multiple dogs in town and necessary licensure. No further action at this time. There being no further business, Reiland made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Krump. Carried. Adjourned at 8:26pm. City of Colfax – Special Council Meeting 9/9/2020
The Special Meeting Continuance of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:01pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Paul Lucas, and auditor Jen Skoog. Council Members Tom Wulfekuhle and Justin Reiland were absent. Also in attendance was Jeff Roepke, Nathan Berseth, Amy Clark, Scott Gauslow, Jessica Gauslow, Neil Berseth, Kim Berseth, Aaron Kleingartner, Bonnie Gylland, Tom Frankl, Inis Frankl. Olson recognized audience members, allowing each the option to voice their options. After audience comments, Jeff Roepke presented a modified building plan. The new building plan would include 1,344 square feet (32’x42’) with 10’ sidewalls, same roof pitch as the existing house. Lucas motioned to accept the new building plan, seconded by Krump. Carried. Lucas motioned to adjorn the meeting at 7:53pm, seconded by Krump. Carried. 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. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 7/20/2020
The regular July Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:02pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland, Paul Lucas and auditor Jen Skoog. Also in attendance was Dave Pasqual and Jeff Roepke. Olson recognized Jeff Roepke. Jeff brought forth his original proposal for a new building he would like to put on his property. Discussion was held by the council. Due to developer covenants, council will need to further discuss with the developer and the City Attorney. No decision made at this time. The minutes of the June City Council meeting were reviewed; Wulfekuhle moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Lucas. Carried Financial report for June was reviewed. It was noted the water usage difference is up again, and may be due to the pumping station issue in June. Olson & Wulfkuhle will discuss the Glacier bill with the Colfax Elevator to determine how much is owed by them. Krump made motion, seconded by Wulfkeuhle to approve financial reports, motion carried. The bills for the month of June were reviewed; Lucas motioned to approve the bills as presented less two Interstate Engineering bills, seconded by Krump. Carried. Old Business There is not updated on the closing of the City Safety Deposit Box. Discussion was held regarding the Grant Street Improvement. Tom will follow up with Interstate Improvement on their proposal to clarify city wants estimate for only Grant Street and not the whole town paved. There is no updated on the status of the ditch south of the High School Football field. Discussion was held regarding the lagoon mowing. Kyle will continue to maintain the mowing and will submit bills for payment as necessary. Regarding the Spring/Fall Clean-up, Olson will contact T&G about setting up a date for this Fall. New Business City Council Reorganization. Olson nominated Kyle Krump as President and Paul Lucas as Vice-President. Reiland motioned to accept the nominations, seconded by Paul. Carried. Olson appointed Jen Skoog as Auditor, Amy Clark as City Attorney, and Interstate Engineering as Engineer. Reiland motioned to accept the appointments, seconded by Paul. Carried. Olson nominated himself & Kyle Krump to be on the Colfax Community Center Board. Reiland motioned to accept the nominations, seconded by Paul. Carried. Olson nominated Lucas and Reiland for the Colfax Township zoning council. Krump motioned to accept the nominations, seconded by Wulfkuhle. Carried. Olson appointed Todd Johnson as Building Inspector. Krump motioned to accept the appointment, seconded by Wulfkuhle. Carried. Wulfekuhle motioned to have Scott Gauslow removed from all Bank of the West accounts, and have Kyle Krump as council president added to all Bank of the West accounts with full access, seconded by Lucas to approve as presented, motion carried. Building Permit #144 was presented to the Council. Reiland motioned to approve the proposed building permit, seconded by Lucas. Carried. Skoog proposed moving the city website from the current host to Weebly, allowing for a more user-friendly interface. Wulfkuhle motioned to approve, seconded by Krump. Carried. Wulfekuhle brought forth speeding issues on Grant Street. Council discussed various options to reduce traffic speed to keep our residents safe. Discussion will continue. Lucas brought forth the idea of having 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. Mayor Report Olson reported he spoke to the City Attorney regarding a Class Action Lawsuit the city may benefit from. Olson also signed the necessary paperwork under the Attorney’s advice. Skoog provided an update on the new software transition. The Gerald Way Cul-da-sac will need to be fully widened to the proper circle size. Discussion will continue. There being no further business, Krump made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Lucas. Carried. Adjourned at 8:41pm. City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 6/15/2020
The regular June Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Gauslow at 7:03pm. Present were Mayor Scott Gauslow, Council Members Jeff Olson, Neil Berseth, Kyle Krump, Tom Wulfekuhle, and auditor Jen Skoog. Also in attendance was Nathan Berseth, Kim Berseth, Paul Lucas, Dave Pasqual, Justin Reiland, City Attorney Amy Clark with Smith and Strege Ltd, and Kief Phelps. Gauslow recognized Nathan Berseth. Nathan brought forth updated plans for land north of ball diamonds. He proposed zoning 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. Olson motioned to offer the 1st reading and publish, seconded by Berseth. Carried. Discussion was held regarding the construction vehicles going through town. Gauslow recognized City Attorney Amy Clark. Amy addressed the Phelps property and asked how satisfied the council is with the current state of the property after clean-up has taken place. Council discussion was held. Wulfkuhle motioned to dismiss the proceedings against Phelps, seconded by Krump. Carried. Amy reviewed how the city proceeds with future issues and specified that typically all legal fees relating to such matters are the city’s responsibility. The minutes of the May City Council meeting were reviewed; Berseth moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried Financial report for May was reviewed. Olson made motion, seconded by Krump to approve financial reports, motion carried. The bills for the month of June were reviewed; Olson moved to approve the bills as presented less the Interstate Engineering bill, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried. Old Business Due to COVID-19, Sue is waiting for the bank to open the lobby before she is able to close the Safety Deposit Box. Discussion was held regarding the Grant Street Improvement. Council agreed to have Interstate Improvement to attend a future council meeting to discuss the plans, answer questions, and narrow down what the project will look like. New Business Road restrictions have been lifted therefore gravel repairs will begin. Council discussed dust control and agreed to continue with dust control as done last year. Discussion was held regarding the city road to the North of the High School. Gauslow advised the board to continue the conversation with the school board about having the road continue through. Wulfkuehl talked to Bobcat about a possible discount on a tractor for snow removal and reported to the council his findings. Water usage was high due to the pool being filled, a hydrant at Aurora’s property was hit, and the float on top of the well house was stuck. Future monitoring will take place. Harry Clark mowed the lagoon, however he does not want to continue. Kyle has been maintaining since. Berseth motioned to have Krump mow the lagoon once a month and bill the city, seconded by Wulfkuehl. Carried. Discussion was held regarding the standing water in the ditch south of the football field. School will proceed with collecting bids on cleaning out the ditch and will present Council with bids once received. No action at this time. City Council Reorganization will happen at the July 20th meeting. Colfax Farmers Elevator has entered into a purchase agreement to purchase the Buchholz house. There being no further business, Berseth made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Olson. Carried. Adjourned at 8:31pm. |
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