1.00   Call to Order & Roll Call –

Mayor Randelin calls the meeting to order at 4:00pm.

Members: Present: Mayor Dennis Randelin, Council Members Leola Rodd, Donna

Melin, Norm Johnson and Kirk Johnson.           

Members absent: None

Staff in Attendance: City Administrator CJ Van Guilder, Deputy City Clerk Lori

Schubitzke; Public Works Superintendent Brent Neisinger; Emergency

Management Director Steve White.

2.00      Pledge of Allegiance -  

3.0               Presentations & Guests – Councilmember Kirk Johnson and Mr. Larry Penk of Interfaith Nursing Home discuss the installation of a MNDot speed sign that is going to be installed coming into the City of Carlton by Interfaith.  The signs will cost about $3,000 each and 2 are needed; one by Interfaith and the other in the center of town for vehicles heading out of town on Hwy 45.  The City of Carlton will only be able to put one sign in at a time and Mr. Penk would like the first one installed coming into town by Interfaith and would also like amber colored flashing lights on each side of the sign to signal vehicles of pedestrians crossing in the crosswalk.  Mr. Penk suggests a pedestrian button on each side of the street for pedestrians to press to signal their crossing.  St. Frances Church and Queen of Peace will donate towards the purchase of the signs.  Conversation continues regarding sign possibilities and cost.

4.00      Approve Agenda – The following additions were made to the agenda: 

9.12      Public Works Position – form Committee.

9.13      Dale Waldriff update.

5.00      Consent Agenda -   

5.01      Approval of the Minutes:  Minutes of Regular Meeting of February 12, 2008 and March 18, 2008 and the Special Meeting of March 18, 2008.

5.02      Approval of Bills:  Exhibit A dates April 15^th in the amount of $88,871.61.

5.03      Approval of Check Numbers:  - 17724-17847.

5.04      Review and Approval of Petty Cash.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Norm Johnson and seconded by Council Member Leola Rodd to approve the Consent Agenda with a typing correction to the March 18, 2008 meeting minutes correcting Lea Barrett’s spelling of first name. The motion carried unanimously.

6.00      Public Hearings – None

7.00      Petitions, Communications & Correspondence – None

8.00      Ordinances; Resolutions and Policies –

8.01      WLSSD – Establishing Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Standards (OLD)
City Administrator CJ Van Guilder explains the addition of this item to the agenda and that it will stay on agenda to remind the council and staff on staying informed on upcoming public meetings.  Mayor Randelin asks if CJ heard from Mr. Dave Biel of WLSSD.  CJ states she has not heard from Mr. Biel but she will contact him regarding an update.

9.00      General Business –

9.01      Project updates – (OLD)
Water Tower – Painting is scheduled as soon as the weather warms up.  The painters are scheduled to arrive on site April 21-28^th and painting will take approximately 3-4 weeks.  Site work by Nelson will follow right behind that.  All work at the tower will be completed before Carlton Days.  A change order was prepared by MSA and reviewed by the project Electrical Engineer for work at the water treatment facility.  Demolition work on the old water tower along with the electrical work at the water plant will occur following the Carlton Days celebration. 

Well #4 – The easement from the school district that was required by the MnDOH has been completed.  This easement is needed prior to approval of the well plans by the State.  It is currently awaiting signature by the School District, and will be recorded with the County once completed with all needed signatures. 

Pedestrian Bridge – Carlton is in the Corrections bill at the Federal Level.  Nothing new to report from Congressman Oberstar’s office since the last meeting, and plan to meet with them to discuss the status of the bill in the next couple weeks.  Congressman Oberstar is doing everything he can to pass the bill that will allow the use of the federal money for the project.  Councilmember Kirk Johnson asks Mr. Rousseau if the Wetland Permits have been received and what the price of the bridge is going to cost.  Kirk has the cost of the blacktop and received the railroad right of way. 

WLSSD – WLSSD is requiring the City of Carlton to prepare and submit an Annual I/I Reduction Report for work done in 2007.  This report was prepared by MSA staff and submitted to WLSSD.  The letter re-stated the previously discussed I/I reduction activities proposed by the City in the last letter to WLSSD.

Trail Update – Mr. Mark Roberts is to attend the May 2008 council meeting to give an update on the project.  A letter from Mr. Roberts to The City of Carlton, City of Scanlon, City of Cloquet and Carlton County will be coming out the first of May 2008 asking for funding in the amount of $7,500 each to cover the match for the grant received.

Vernon-Grover Senior Housing – This project is scheduled to start construction in the spring (per Developer).  Public Works Superintendent Brent Neisinger and Mr. Rousseau have been discussing if the developer should be required to install separate services into each unit of the development, or if one service per unit will be sufficient.  Under single ownership, it is the understanding that only one service is required to each building to meet State plumbing code – it is essentially treated as a rental building.  The developer is also proposing to reduce the private road width within the project from 24’ to 20’ wide. 

9.02            Carlton Ambulance District – Monies have been received from City of Thomson, City of Wrenshall, Thompson Township, Twin Lakes Township and half from Silver brook Township for the 2008 Ambulance Paid on Call Program.  Clear creek Township and Sawyer Township will receive monies for there portion through taxes per Paul Gassert.  The total to be received is $36,046 out of the total of $75,000 needed for 2008 funding.

A meeting is set up by County Commissioner Gordon Aannerud to do a new formula to figure out each municipality’s amount to be given.  Mayor Randelin explains possible new formula.  Conversation continues regarding formula.  CJ covers letter received from municipalities regarding if they want a taxing district.  None were interested in a taxing district with Silver brook wanting a new formula done. 

CJ informs council of her conversation with Advantage Billing regarding charging different ambulance rates.  There are City Rates, District Rates and Non-District Rates.  Advantage states that a service can charge any amount but Medicare will still pay the same.  Kirk explains that the City needs to go to the Legislature.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Dennis Randelin to accept letters from municipalities and monies received.  Also, to increase ambulance charges of the municipalities that did not pay to a flat rate of $2,000 per run and $30.00 per mile. The motion carried unanimously.

Roll Call:
Leola – Aye
Kirk – Aye
Denny – Aye
Donna – Aye
Norm – Aye

A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Leola Rodd to sent Silver brook Townships half payment of $6,055 back to them and charges them the increase flat rate.  No monthly budgets will be sent to 6 municipalities that did not pay. The motion carried unanimously.

9.03      Four Seasons – Financial - Leola covers the Hockey Board meeting.  She informed the hockey board that the City of Carlton should take over the financial responsibilities of the Four Seasons so the board can concentrate on running the facility with Annette Keihn handling just the scheduling of the ice.  Conversation continues regarding the possible future of the Four Seasons.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Leola Rodd to send a letter to the Hockey Board offering the Cities help in taking over the financial, payroll and public works to take of maintenance operations of the facility. The motion carried unanimously.

9.04      Third Base Liquor License – New License –
A MOTION was made by Council Member Donna Melin and seconded by Council Member Norm Johnson to approve the new liquor license for the Third Base Bar showing Brandon Sell as sole owner effective April 1, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.

9.05      Outdoor Activities – Liquor License – Carlton Daze –
A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Leola Rodd to approve the outdoor activities for the VFW and The Third Base Bar to be covered on their Liquor License. The motion carried unanimously.

9.06      Increase of Sewer Rates – CJ explains the possible sewer rate increase options to the council.  CJ recommends an 8% increase in sewer rates for the rest of the 2008 year since the rate had just increased 3% January 1, 2008.  CJ explains the need to build the sewer fund to cover future WLSSD payments and for I&I repairs and improvements.  CJ states the fund is barely covering the current WLSSD payments.  Conversation continues regarding sewer rate increases.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Denny Randelin to approve the 8% sewer rate increase for the rest of 2008 effective June 1, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.

9.07      City of Carlton – Lapel pins – CJ explains wanting to purchase City of Carlton lapel pins to send to resident showing the Cities appreciation and support from its residents. 

Conversation Tabled until May 13, 2008 council meeting so administration office can give other options.

9.08      Fire Department Member – Resignation – A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Donna Melin to accept the resignation of Theresa Abbott from the Carlton Fire Department. The motion carried unanimously.

9.09      Fire Department Member – Insurance Request – CJ informs the council of a member of the Fire Department asking if he and his family could be covered under the Cities Health Insurance.  Mayor Randelin states that if they do it for one member they must do it for all.  Mayor Randelin gives options for member to contact for getting healthcare coverage through an individual provider.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Donna Melin to respectfully deny the request of the Department members request to be put on the cities Health Insurance. The motion carried unanimously.

9.10      Carlton Area Grants Submitted –
Mayor Randelin covers the grant request submitted to CCEDAC in the amount of $10,000 for the following City projects and the amount need for each: $5,000 for the Four Seasons A/C & Heat; $2,500 for Snowmobile parking in town center; and $2,500 match money for Tennis Courts.  Conversation continues regarding grant money.

9.11            Public Works Position – Committee –
A MOTION was made by Council Member Donna Melin and seconded by Council Member Leola Rodd to reluctantly accept Brent Neisinger resignation from the position of Public Works Superintendant. The motion carried unanimously.

An interview committee is set up consisting of the following members:  Mayor Dennis Randelin, City Administrator CJ Van Guilder, Public Works Superintendent Brent Neisinger, Council Member Kirk Johnson and City Engineer Chris Rousseau with the final interview to be with the council as a whole. 

1.         Posting & times to interview to be the following:
            Friday, April 25, 2008 starting at 10:00am going every 45min until
            completed.

2          Final Interviews:
April 29, 2008 starting at 4:00pm going every 45min until complete with council making final decision after interviews complete.

9.12      Dale Waldriff- update - Mayor Randelin covers the issue during a run involving volunteer Dale Waldriff.  Mayor Randelin states there was no wrong doing was found.  Recommendations for Mr. Waldriff include extra training to be done.

10.00    Staff and Committee Reports & Recommendations

10.01    Emergency Management Director Report –  Over the past 20 days the Carlton Fire and Ambulance service has responded to 30 calls for service, 26 medical and 4 fire calls.  That equals out to 1.5 runs per day, a slight increase from the previous month. 

The department will be completing the remainder of the mandatory annual training the members must go through to be caught up in their continuing education on April 26, 2008. 

2 department members will be attending safe driver instructor school to be held in Moose Lake sometime this spring.  This school is an accredited program that brings the department in compliance with OSHA and DOT certification and training requirements the department firefighter and EMT’s need annually.

Completion of the Pre Plan assessment plans for the commercial, assisted living and senior housing that are within our city boundaries.

The department has applied for another FEMA Grant this year.  The department is looking at replacing Wildland Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  Currently the structural bunker gear is used as PPE, and it wears on that gear heavily.

A training burn is being done April 13, 2008 on the outbuildings at the Betty Brown Studio.

616 Grass rig maintenance is increasing and Emergency Management Director Steve White believes it to be unreliable in the future; FEMA Grant may cover new rig.  CJ suggests putting it on the Fire Board Agenda and bring up to Black Bear Casino and they might be able to give some financial help in purchasing a new one.

10.02    City Engineer Report – Previously Covered.

10.03    Public Works Superintendent Report – Brent gives update on condition and options of maintenance of Tennis Courts.  Brent covers the quotes received from contractors as follows: 

1.         Greg Polo for just repairs of cracks and painting is $700.00 for cracks and
           $4,500.00 for painting totaling $5,200.00.

2.         Court Surface for crack repair and painting $6,380.00 and $2,190.00 for
            just refilling crackswith no painting done.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Norm Johnson and seconded by Council Member Kirk Johnson to approve bid at $5,000.00 and award bid to Greg Polo for crack repair and painting if he will do job for $5,000.00 . The motion carried unanimously.

DNR Park is tabled until April 29, 2008 meeting until Brent can check on pricing with Sparkle Wash to do stripping and refinishing of Pavilion.

VFW expansion still moving forward, no set dates. 

Covers contract with City of Thomson for Quarterly Water Testing with the City of Carlton charging $35.00 per test.  New Public Works Superintendent to continue providing water testing for City of Thomson.

CO2 Tank upgrade at Water Plant update.

Carlton Clean-up May 10, 2008.  John’s Twin Ports Recycling called to offer electronics pickup up small electrical items: (Computers, TV’s, etc) cost is .42 per mile, 3 employees at $10.00 per hour.  Council thought it is a good idea and possible option during Carlton Clean-up.

10.04    City Administrator Report –
A MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Donna Melin to approve the Deer Hunter’s Association raffle at the Carlton VFW. The motion carried unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Council Member Norm Johnson and seconded by Council Member Kirk Johnson to approve the 1^st Quarter Ambulance Write-offs. The motion carried unanimously.

CJ states the City received an $8,000.00 statement from the ARDC requesting payment.  Mayor Randelin to call ARDC regarding statement.

The change order in the amount of $38,240.00 for Maguire Iron was received and CJ to send out payment.

10.05    Business Development Committee Report – None

10.06    Library Board Report – CJ covers meeting with Vicki Berg and what is going to be required to be done for Chamber of Commerce by Library Director.

10.07    Mayor’s Report – Mayor states he was approached by Maintenance Assistant Bruce Snyder regarding the Public Works Superintendent position, stating the administration duties contain to much computer work and the position needs to do away with computers and do things old school.  Council discussed Mr. Snyder’s recommendation regarding duties.

Council Member Leola Rodd states the Carlton High School 7^th grade class could replant the flower beds outside the Four Seasons Sports Complex.  Council Member Kirk Johnson asks Council Member Rodd to confirm with Betty Brown’s Studio first due to Carlton Floral previous owners of Betty Brown Studio used to maintain flower beds.

Mayor states that a clean-up crew is needed to pick up ball field area by South Terrace were the Rotary had the trees for Hook and Slice.

11.00 Carlton Comment- None

12.00    Upcoming Meetings

13.00    Adjournment – Having no further business to conduct, a MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Norm Johnson to adjourn, the time being 7:15 pm.  The motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully Submitted,
Lori Schubitzke
Deputy City Clerk