1.00   Call to Order & Roll Call– Mayor Randelin called the meeting to order at 4:00pm.

Members Present – Mayor Randelin, Council Members: Donna Melin, Leola Rodd, Norm Johnson and Kirk Johnson.

Members absent – None

City Staff in Attendance – City Administrator CJ Van Guilder, City Engineer Chris Rousseau, Steve White, Emergency Management Director and Brent Neisinger, Public Works Superintendent.

Also in Attendance – See sign-in sheet.

2.00   Pledge of Allegiance

3.00   Presentations and Guests –

3.01   Dave Beal – WLSSD Carlton Area Representative.

Mr. Beal informed the Council that the sewer extension for Willow’s Edge was granted at the Board meeting held on Monday, February 11, 2007.  Mr. Beal commended the City on the revision of the I/I Reduction letter.  He stated that the letter was going to be used as a model for reporting requirement for other communities. 

Mr. Beal also explained that WLSSD is in talks about fines that they are going to potentially assess communities when they go over the level of service.  The Council asked Mr. Beal to explain the fines.  Mr. Beal stated that the District is working on a draft ordinance addressing the I/I reduction annual report and the fines for exceed level of service.  Mr. Beal explained the draft copy was coming out to communities and there would be comment made to them.

The Council then asked Mr. Beal regarding the efforts Duluth was making.  Mr. Beal stated that in his opinion more needed to happen with Duluth.  Mayor Randelin stated that building storage was not going to correct the problem.  Councilmember Norm Johnson stated that this is an on-going battle and the smaller communities will always be punished for Duluth problems.

3.02    Mike LaVoie- Carlton VFW

Mr. LaVoie told the Council that the VFW will be going forward with their plans to expand.  Mr. LaVoie informed the Council that he had spoken with Public Works Superintendent Neisinger and they will not have to do anything regarding the sewer.  Mr. Neisinger explained the discussion and told the Council and Mr. LaVoie that nothing new need to be done to the VFW sewer with the new expansion and he does not want the new street and sidewalk to be dug up. 

Mr. LaVoie asked the Council if there would be a problem granting a permit for their expansion.  The Council discussed the process of a building permit and saw no issues to grant the permit but that determination would be that of the Building Official.  Mr. LaVoie asked if the City would be willing to discuss a discounted price on the permit.  Mayor Randelin asked Mr. LaVoie to bring back the plans and the cost to the Council and it can be discussed at a future meeting.

Mr. LaVoie informed Councilmember Melin, to answer her question regarding the bottle of liquor that survived the VFW Fire; the bottle was given to the last WWII post member Andrew Tan.  Mr. LaVoie said that the post members were talking and they figures that the last big fire in Carlton proper was the fire at the VFW in 1952.  All surrounding departments responded and Carlton had its brand new fire truck.

Mr. Lavoie informed the Council that the National MS Society as of April 1, 2008 will no longer be doing pull-tabs.  Mr. LaVoie turned the meeting over to MS Society Pull-tab Manager Adam Jaros.  Mr. Jaros explained that MS will be done with pull-tabs on April 1 State-wide.  Mr. Jaros was excited to introduce the new organization that the VFW has chosen to replace them.  Mr. Jaros explained that he will be working in the same capacity that he was working at MS Society.  Mr. Jaros stated that the operation will remain the same at the VFW and does not see much change.  The new organization is the “Confidence Learning Center” near Brainerd.  Confidence Learning Center main focus is to assist people with mental disabilities and special needs.  It is a great organization and has been in the pull-tab business for many years.  Mayor Randelin thanks Mr. Jaros for all his hard work and stated that if Adam recommended the Confidence Learning Center the he had no problem with the organization.  Mr. Jaros thanked Mayor Randelin for the compliment and asked if the Council would approve a premise permit for the Confidence Learning Center for the VFW for April 1, 2008.

A motion was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Donna Melin to approve a premise permit for the Confidence Learning Center to operate pull-tabs effect April 1, 2008 at the Carlton VFW.  The Motion carried unanimously.

4.00   Approve Agenda -   A Motion was made by Councilmember Donna Melin and seconded by Councilmember Norm Johnson to approve the agenda with the following additions. 

General Business

9.07    Speed on County Road 3

9.08    Update of South Terrace tennis courts

9.09    Webpage

The Motion carried unanimously.

5.00   Consent Agenda – A Motion was made by Councilmember Donna Melin and seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd approving the following consent agenda items:     

5.01    Approval of the minutes of the regular meeting of January 8, 2008.

5.02    Approval of Bills:  Exhibit A dated February 12th in the amount of                 $96,240.66.

5.03    Approval of Check Numbers – 17430-17560

5.04    Review and Approval of Petty Cash.

The motion carried unanimously.

6.00   Public Hearings

7.00   Petitions, Communications and Correspondence

8.00   Ordinances, Resolutions and Policies –

8.01    2008 Capital Investment Bill – Resolution of Support for Transportation Bill to be spent and Minnesota Brides and Roadways. 

A Motion was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Norman Johnson to support the 2008 Capitol Investment bill allocating monies to be spent primarily on Minnesota Bridges.   The Motion carried unanimously.

8.02    Submission of 2008 Carlton County Score Grant for recycle shed.

A Motion was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Donna Melin to approve the submission of the 2008 Score Grant. The Motion carried unanimously.

8.03    Accepting Donation – Carlton Volunteer Fire Relief Association.

A Motion was made by Councilmember Donna Melin and Seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd to accept a donation from the Carlton Volunteer Fire Department in the amount of $960.00 to be used in the Carlton Fire Department equipment fund.  The Motion carried unanimously

9.00   General Business

9.01   Project updates - (Old)

Water Tower

Water Tower went up smoothly and quickly.  Ran into no problems with erection of the Tower.  The control work at the Water Plant will start next week.  City Engineer Chris Rousseau explained that Maguire Iron has requested a 5 day extension on the Control work.  Mr. Rousseau explained the need for the Extra day due to weather but the Council denied the request.  Mr. Rousseau will deny the request to Maguire Iron in writing.  The Council asked Mr. Rousseau that the fencing and signage remain up even after the work crew at the site is gone.

Bike Trail to Cloquet

Nothing to update 

Well #4

Application down at the State for review, Mr. Rousseau explained that   it is just a waiting game at this point.  Mr. Rousseau explained that the     City needs to have an easement agreement with the school. Mr. Rousseau will have one sent to the City and City Administrator can have City Attorney Dennis Korman review it before having the school sign it.

Pedestrian Bridge

Mr. Rousseau stated that a meeting had taken place with Jackie Morris             with Congressman Oberstar’s Office.  Mr. Rousseau explained that the     wording for the changes on the bridge had to be changed.  Ms. Morris was going to make some calls and see if the verbiage could be changed or did the city need to complete the Earmark paperwork.

Four Seasons

Councilmember Kirk Johnson stated that everything is fine at the Four   Seasons and the Community Center is being used often.

Councilmember Kirk Johnson informed the council of his resignation     effective immediately as a voting member on the hockey association board.  Mayor Randelin explained the importance of a voting member   on this board.  This building is in the name of the City but ran by the association so the city needs to have a representative so that the city is kept informed on all aspects but most of all financially.

Mayor Randelin asked all Councilmember and staff if they would like to fill Councilmember K. Johnson spot on the board.  After much discussion Councilmember Rodd accepted the position as a voting member of the hockey association.

A Motion was made by Councilmember Donna Melin and seconded by Councilmember Norm Johnson to approve Leola Rodd as the new voting member on the Carlton Hockey Association.  The Motion carried unanimously.

9.02   Cooperative Agreement – Mayor Randelin reminded the Council and Staff of the upcoming meeting regarding the Ambulance and the meeting with the other Townships and Cities in the District.  Meeting will be on February 25^th at 5pm.  The meeting was to be held at the Civic Center but needed to be changed to a bigger venue; the Council suggested that Four Seasons Community Center would be better.  City Administrator stated that there was plenty of time to notify the townships/cities for posting requirements. 

The Council talked about the cost for the ambulance for the year 2009.  What was it going to cost, can we continue to operate if the billings are not paid and what will we do if this happens.  City Administrator Van Guilder is to run different scenarios on the operating cost of just the on-call wages for 2009.  The discussion by the Council revolved around the way the discussion is to take place at the meeting and the options the townships and cities will be given such as forming a tax district, form a new formula, keep the current formula and continue to billing process as is. 

9.03   Thorman Apartments – Water Billing - City Administrator Van Guilder stated
that Mr.Thorman water bill has a minimum usages charge on the building and asked the Council if this charge should continue.  City Administrator Van Guilder reminded the Council that it is standard to charge to all utility users if they do not use 1000 gallons.

A Motion was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd to approve for the Thorman Apartments; a no charge for minimum usage.  The Motion carried unanimously.

9.04   Accepting New Members to Fire Department

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Norman Johnson to accept the new members listed below to the Carlton Fire and Ambulance. The motion carried unanimously.

Nick Schlafer
Kyle Loisel
Tyler Bodin – JR Firefighter
Joe Broneak Jr. –JR Firefighter

9.05   Pay Application                        #6      $10,850.00

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd to approve Pay Application #6 in the amount of $10,850.00. The motion carried unanimously.

Pay Application                        #7      $10,850.00

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Norman Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Kirk Johnson to approve Pay Application #7 in the amount of $10,850.00. The motion carried unanimously.

9.06   March Meeting Date – Change date to Tuesday, March 18, 2008

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Donna Melin and seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd to change the regular Council Meeting to Tuesday, March 18, 2008 due to both the City Administrator and the Deputy City Clerk being away for training.  The motion carried unanimously.

9.07   Speed on County Road #3

South Terrace resident Jim Warren asked the Council if there could being anything done with the speeding that is occurring on County Rd. #3.  He claims that the speed is excessive; Councilmember Norman Johnson also stated that the speed was getting out of control.  City Administrator Van Guilder stated that she would contact Deputy Soderstrom to patrol this area more closely and would report on this at the next meeting. 

9.08   South Terrace Tennis Courts Update 

Public Works Superintendent Neisinger stated that he was working on getting a price but was having a difficult time due to the snow on the courts.  He has a quote from the person that previously repaired the courts and he claimed that it would cost him about $5000.00 to repair the courts.  Discussion revolved around repair and different financing options. 

9.09   Website

City Administrator Van Guilder stated that this was being worked on and they will be ready to take current pictures of the staff and Council at the next meeting.

10.00 Staff and Committee Reports

10.01 Emergency Management Director Report – Emergency Management Director Steve White states there have been 39 emergency calls for January 2008 with 5 of the calls being for fires and 34 for medical.  Steve stated that the fire department billed for one vehicle fire call.

Emergency Management Director reported that the Volunteer Relief Association is going well and there have been no violations from the State Gambling Board to date.  The month of January was a little slow where revenues were concerned; this can be due to the holiday season and low turn-out of patrons at the Third Base Bar.

Emergency Management Director also reviewed the Fireman’s Bingo.  The Volunteer association raised $3600.00 and had 202 people attend.

10.02 City Engineer’s Report – Previously covered. 

10.03 Public Works Superintendent’s Report –

Public Works Superintendent Neisinger reported on the water tower construction; upgrades at the Water Plant and the urgency for a meeting with City Engineer Rousseau regarding this matter; the continued work on the WLSSD I & I Reduction and the sump pump inspections; the placement of the No Parking signs in Town Center and the continual problem with the Winter Parking Ordinance.

Public Works Superintendent Neisinger addressed the Council about the on-going problems with the Night Watch truck.  Mr. Neisinger has already ready put $600.00 in maintenance already.  

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Norman Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Kirk Johnson to allowing Public Works Superintendent Neisinger a new vehicle for the Night Watch Department.  The motion carried unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Leola Rodd and seconded by Councilmember Donna Melin that the purchase of the new Night Watch vehicle is between the amounts of $8,000.00 to $10,000.00.  The motion carried unanimously.

10.04 City Administrator’s Report –

Annual Audit

City Administrator Van Guilder stated that the audit went fine and the auditors told them that it was a smooth audit and we have made huge strides of improvement.  City Administrator Van Guilder also stated that there will be some audit findings, some that should have been corrected and some that are out of the cities control.

Health Insurance Policy – Insurance Change

Ms. Van Guilder spoke to the Council regarding a request that she received from an employee regarding domestic partner opposite sex gender coverage under the current employee health insurance policy.

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd to approve domestic partner opposite sex gender as dependent on the current City of Carlton Employee Health Insurance policy effective February 12, 2008.  The motion carried unanimously.

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Kirk Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Leola Rodd to approve the pay percentage for the employee of domestic partner opposite sex gender is to follow current pay structure of 20% being the employee responsibility.  The motion carried unanimously.

10.05 Business Development Committee Report – None

10.06 Parks and Recreation Committee Report – Councilmember Kirk Johnson stated to the Council that a trail groomer is needed at the new trail behind the school and the city can have many uses for it.  Councilmember Johnson stated that he can obtain a groomer for $400.00 from the City of Cloquet. 

A MOTION was made by Councilmember Norman Johnson and seconded by Councilmember Donna Melin to approve to place a bid to the City of Cloquet for a trail groomer in the amount of $400.00.  The motion carried unanimously.

10.07 Library Board Report –None, meeting on Thursday.

10.08 Mayor’s Report –

Mayor Randelin updates the council on the Carlton Ambulance District, what road we have to take, and the hurdles the district will have to overcome and finally the hard decisions the Council may have to make.

11.00 Upcoming Meetings –

Monday,      February 25, 2008 5PM   Four Seasons Community Center        Ambulance

12.00 Carlton Comment - None

13.00 Adjourn – Having no further business to discuss, a MOTION was made by Council Member Kirk Johnson and seconded by Council Member Norman Johnson to adjourn the council meeting at 6:30pm.  The Motion carried unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,
Claudine Van Guilder
City Administrator