Regular Council Meeting - 3/15/2021

​City of Colfax – Regular Council Meeting 3/15/2021
The regular March Meeting and the scheduled Special Exception Hearings of the Colfax City Council was called to order by Mayor Olson at 7:02pm. Present were Mayor Jeff Olson, Council Members Tom Wulfekuhle, Justin Reiland, Kyle Krump, and auditor Jen Skoog. Council Member absent was Paul Lucas. Audience members in attendance were Damon DeVillers and Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering, Nathan Berseth, Kim Berseth, Neil Berseth, Amy Clark, Inis Frankl, and Chad Lingen.
Olson proceeded with the Special Exception hearing for Keith Hage. Nathan Berseth asked about the payment in lieu of taxes agreement and clarified that the special exception would most likely affect that agreement. Olson called Hage regarding the payment in lieu of taxes agreement and Hage confirmed that he is aware of how it may be affected by the zoning exception. Current City Resolution states Hage must abide by all industrial and housing codes. Krump motioned to accept Resolution 2021-01, granting the Special Exception Request from Keith Hage, seconded by Reiland. Carried.
Olson proceeded with the Special Exception hearing for Steve Haverland. Discussion was held by the council and discussion was had with the audience. It was noted that the septic system may not follow code, and may need to be adjusted by Haverland. It was also noted that the curb stop may need to be moved since it is not within 75ft of the Haverland property. Current City Resolution states Haverland must abide by all industrial and housing codes. Wulfekuhle motioned to accept Resolution 2021-02, granting the Special Exception Request from Steve Haverland, seconded by Reiland. Carried.
Mayor Olson recognized the audience. Damon DeVillers and Zach Hatting with Interstate Engineering presented two options for the proposed water project. This proposed water project would supply water to the new Wold development West of town, and to the North end of the Colfax Meadows Subdivision, allowing for better water supply and water pressure. City of Colfax already has an updated application in to DWSRF, which is done on a yearly basis, and is currently approved for a 2% loan, if needed. Discussion was held. Krump suggested that we test water pressure at various locations in town to see if/where pressure is low. No decision was made by the council, tabled for future discussion.
Nathan Berseth presented preliminary information regarding the possibility of moving the school’s football field to the East side of the baseball diamonds, allowing the school to put an events/performing arts center where the football field currently sits. This is strictly preliminary; Berseth ensuring the council is aware of the current School Board discussions.
The minutes of the February City Council meeting were reviewed; Krump moved to approve minutes as presented, seconded by Reiland.  Carried.
Financial report for January and February was reviewed. Reiland made motion, seconded by Wulfekuhle to approve financial reports, motion carried. 
The bills for March and the meter reading differences for February were reviewed, adding bills from Nordic Electric and Wahpeton Daily News; Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the bills as presented, seconded by Krump.  Carried.
Mayor Olson and Chad Lingen spoke with SEWU engineers about possible funding options for the proposed water loop project. SEWU is looking into possible options and will let us know if they are able to locating funding options.
Old Business
No update on the Savion Solar Project.
No update on the proposed Grant Street project.
Regarding Sid Berg’s request in February to remove the $10 fee currently being charged to his account, Reiland moved to remove this fee effective March 1, 2021 until a city water hookup is established, seconded by Krump. Carried.
No update regarding the New Resident Info Sheet.
Discussion was held regarding the next steps needed to proceed with fixing the Gerald Way Cul-de-sac.
New Business
Building Permit #151 was presented to the Council.  Wulfekuhle motioned to approve the proposed building permit, seconded by Krump. Carried.
Building Permit #152 was presented to the Council. Krump motioned to approve the proposed building permit, pending review/approval by city building code inspector and payment of the permit fee using new construction fee structure, seconded by Reiland. Carried.
Reiland requested to clean out one of his ditches to allow for the planned draining flow. Council discussed and granted Reiland permission.
Discussion was held regarding the advertising of gravel bids for the upcoming year. Wulfekuhle  motioned to directly contact gravel companies for bids in lieu of advertising in the newspaper, seconded by Krump. Carried. 
Mowing bids are currently open for the City of Colfax. Information is posted at the High School, Post Office, and the Community Board at the Community Center. All bids should be received no later than Thursday April 15th.
There being no further business, Reiland made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Krump.  Carried.  Adjourned at 8:55pm.