Regular Council Meeting - 5/16/2022

​City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 5/16/2022
The regular May Meeting of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:03pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Tom Wulfekuhle and Shaun Jacobson, and auditor Jen Skoog. Absent were council members Justin Reiland and Kyle Krump. Audience members in attendance were Bonnie Gylland, Inis Frankl, Kim Berseth, Vance Gylland, Jesse Moch, Nathan Berseth, Darla Rufer, Nicole Holdman, Amy Lehman, Mike Freeberg, Amy Clark, Anna Loff, Joshua Boehm, Kayla Gylland, Jeff Roepke, Gabe Klooster, Dennis Beck, and Shawn with Savion Solar, and Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering.
 
Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Gabe with Savion presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Flickertail Solar Project, including pictures demonstrating what it would actually look like within our community. Questions were voiced by various attendees, answered by Gabe.
Amy Clark, with the Richland 44 Foundation, provided an update regarding the location of the proposed Performing Arts Center. Tom & Inis Frankl have graciously earmarked some land between their home and the tower to the east available for the structure. Berseth spoke about the actual structure, and indicated there may be an issue with the lift station’s current location in regards to the new building. He discussed a couple possible scenarios with the lift station relocation/replacement. One scenario has the Performing Arts Center creating their own lift station separate from the city. The second scenario has the Performing Arts Center joining forces with the city to move/update the lift station and provide some funding to cover costs. The lift station is over 50 years old. Discussion was held.
Berseth also brought forth the Wold addition topic addressed at the previous month’s meeting. He has proposed to re-zone the 9-acre lot into two-4.5 acre residential lots. A formal publication will take place and the first reading will occur at the June meeting.
Regarding the fire hydrant repair, Berseth reported he has two bids, dependent on if the hydrant needs to be completely replaced or just repaired. Berseth will work with Aurora Plumbing to have the hydrant replaced/fixed.
Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the second reading of the Colfax Meadows Fourth Additional plat as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
After review of the Mike Freeberg building permit application, it was noted that there are issues regarding setbacks from property lines as indicated in the city ordinances. Freeberg already spoke with Berseth regarding the possibility of requesting a variance, and Berseth indicated that he wouldn’t fight it if brought forth to the city council. A formal publication will take place and the variance request will be heard at the June council meeting.
Kayla Gylland brought forth drainage issues behind her home. Previously, the water was draining properly; however, now with the Steinolfson home in place and other dirt work done within other lots, it is now forcing water to pool in Gylland’s backyard. Gylland is requesting help from the city to fix the drainage issues between the homes. Discussion was held, no decision was made.
Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering reported that the state funding application for the waterloop was submitted and Interstate is on the state water board meeting agenda for June where it will be approved or denied. If approved, the state will cover 60% of the project. The ARPA funds can also be used towards this project.
Hatting provided an update on the proposed Grant Street Project, handing out an updated proposal with updated costs. Discussion was held, no decision was made.
Hatting also mentioned that Interstate Engineering can help the city with a central, updated zoning map.
Olson reported that Brady Kummer will be handling the road blading within town. Aber township is allowing us to rent their grader, charging by the hour.
The minutes of the April Regular City Council meeting were reviewed. It was noted that Skoog will update the minutes to reflect a first reading of the Colfax Meadows Fourth Addition. Jacobson moved to approve minutes as presented plus the revision, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried.
 
Financial report for January - March was reviewed. Wulfekuhle made a motion to approve the financial reports as presented, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
The May bills and April meter reading differences were reviewed; Jacobson motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Wulfekuhle. Carried.
Old Business
No update regarding the city snow blower tractor.
TJM provided a gravel bid for 2022. Wulfekuhle motioned to accept the TJM gravel bid for 2022, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
New Business
Building Permit for Clark (601 Gerald Way) was presented to the Council for a basement remodel.  Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the proposed building permit, pending a review by the city inspector, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Many culverts throughout the city are plugged with sand and debris. It was suggested to have someone come out to get them blown out. A number of culverts throughout town have also been crushed.
Wulfekuhle made a motion to designate the Wahpeton Daily News as the official City newspaper, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Skoog presented the Preliminary 2023 City Budget. Wulfekuhle motioned to accept the Preliminary 2022 City Budget, seconded by Jacobson. Carried.
Wulfekuhle was contacted by a resident and asked to reiterate the necessity for residents to maintain their lawns in a timely manner, per the spring letter
Mayor Report
Wulfekuhle has done mosquito spraying in past years. Olson suggested that it would be ideal to have someone in town do it going forward, but if we have to hire out, that is an option.
The Colfax Community Center Board mentioned to Olson that their board continues to be the same individuals each year. Discussion was held regarding the possibility of the city taking over and running the community center going forward. Strictly for discussion purposes, as no decision has been made at this time.
There being no further business, Wulfekuhle made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Jacobson.  Carried.  Adjourned at 9:28 pm.