CITY OF  LANCASTER, MINNESOTA   LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS   The Lancaster City Council met for its regular meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall.  The following members were present: Rice, Swenson, Barron, Olson and Stenquist.   Barron moved to approve the minutes of the March 9, 2011 regular meeting, second by Stenquist and carried.   A copy of the Minutes will be posted at the Lancaster City Hall and U.S. Post Office and available upon request to the clerk.   Al Lundeen, representing Wikstrom Telecom, attended the meeting to update the council regarding the fiber optics updates that are scheduled for this summer.  Wikstrom has received a grant for updating their core data network and broadband capabilities and fiber optics.  The upgrades for Lancaster are estimated to cost $450,000.00.   Gaye Allan asked the council if she could purchase the 2 city lots directly south of her property.  Rice mentioned that even though the lots are small they have the water and sewer hookups installed as part of the State Grant for the West side addition to the city of Lancaster.  Rice mentioned the city policy of not selling lots for expansion of properties and that these lots are valuable as they have paid up water and sewer hookups.  The 2 lots also have street paving improvements for the new addition on the south side and the paving assessment would apply if the lots are sold.  At this time the request was tabled.   Gordy Dale & Merritt Knutson, with Hofman, Dale and Associates, met with the council to review the 2010 city audit.  They reported no issues and commend the city for their fiscal condition.   The council reviewed the April 2011 Bills to be paid. Olson moved to approve the bills for payment, second by Swenson and carried.  An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request to the clerk.   Rice and Swenson will meet with Public Works Director for a 6 month job evaluation and review.   Public Works Director requests that the city approve a water meter replacement program.  Some of the meters are quite old and many houses do not have remote readers.  Zondagh requests replacement of meter and installation of remote readers for 35 water users each year until completed at an approximate cost of $4000.00.  Stenquist moved to implement the meter and remote reader program for 2011 and future years until the replacement is complete, second by Olson and carried.   Zondagh has received cost estimates for replacement of the New Holland Lawn Mower.  Titan Machinery, Roseau, estimate for a New Holland replacement mower after trade is $15,885.00.  Kittson Equipment for an equivalent John Deere mower is $8,700.00.  Barron moved to trade the current NH mower for the JD 1435 Series II mower from Kittson Equipment, second by Olson and carried.   Water Director, Sebenaler, recommends joining the MN Warn (Minnesota Water Agency Response Network) Network.  This network will compile information on city resources (equipment and manpower) and act as a clearing house for cities needing assistance in a water, waste water or sewer emergencies. Olson moved to adopt the MNWarn Mutual Aid Agreement and  allow the Mayor and Clerk to sign the Resolution Authorizing and Mutual Aid Agreement, second by Stenquist and carried.   Jerry Bernstrom met with council to request an Off-sale hard liquor license or a satellite off-sale site under the Municipal Liquor Store.  The council discussed various issues about having a second license in the city and the possible consequence to the liquor store.  At this time the request was tabled for further information.   Clerk discussed the Federal mandate for sign retro reflectivity requirements.  By January 2012 the city is to have a policy on sign retro reflectivity and then a sign replacement program is to follow with various deadlines.   USDA has requested that the city pass a motion stating their intention to request loan funds for a community center in order for the USDA to encumber the funds and make them available for up to 5 years for city use.  This motion does not require the city to take the money if not needed.  This is just a formality required by the USDA.  Olson moved to pass the USDA Loan Resolution Security Agreement for obligation of USDA funds and allow the Mayor and clerk to sign the document, second by Barron and carried.   Stenquist discussed the Community Center Fundraising Committee activities and requests that the city approve an expenditure of up to $1,000.00 for smelt for the fall festival smelt fry.  The city will be repaid out of the smelt fry proceeds.  Olson moved to pay for the smelt with city funds to be reimbursed later, second by Swenson and carried.   Council reviewed the March City and Liquor Store financial information, Liquor Store Daily sales and Gambling Monthly receipts.   Clerk reported that the Liquor Store cost of goods is running high and that strategies to counteract this are being worked on by Jen Rice.  Clerk recommends that Quarterly Inventories be conducted this year.   Council Adjourned as there was no further council business.       Carol Johnson Clerk/Treasurer             Other links: Lancaster Riverside Golf Course | Lancaster Public School Home | Contacts | Meeting Notices | Minutes | Rates & Fees | Community Center | Events | Pictures Copyright © C Johnson-City of Lancaster all rights reserved