No Halloween party, park grant sought

It was Columbus Day Monday, so legally, no action was taken during the regular meeting of the Waldorf city council, October 10, 2022. 

All items discussed will have action taken Monday, October 17, following a business development meeting at 6:30 p.m. The meeting, preceding the city council meeting, will be to discuss growing housing opportunities in Waldorf. 

There will be no Halloween party at the Waldorf Community Center and families were encouraged to enjoy the newly paved roads and trick or treat in the community. In addition, the other reason, behind the cancellation, was Mayor Rob Wilkening is out of town and JoAnn is recovering from surgical issues, so there is no one to supervise the center. 

In the water report, manganese was flagged by the MN Department of Health and letters were sent to residents regarding the high levels. 

There were seven “no pays” in regards to water bills, totally $1,644 not collected from Waldorf residents. Weed spraying for the season was completed last week. There is a large gouge in the concrete next to the mandoor at fire station which is being looked into.

A resident asked about a crossbar hanging from the water tower and was informed the reason it has not been removed is likely due to a dispute of who is responsible to pay for its removal. The contract or the city. 

A question was raised regarding insurance billing for fuel supplies for the fire department and yes, for fire they are reimbursed fuel charges, but not for medical calls. 

The city audit is still in question and the bill for $21,000 from Clifton Larson Allen will be paid when the final aspects are wrapped up. 

At the community center, the leak under the sink has been repaired, and the interior painting has been completed. 

Mayor Wilkening said he applied for a $10,000 grant on behalf of the city to help fund a new park. “We have funds available, but we want to have enough to do the park right.” 

Council members have heard that there is interest in putting in a specific mary-go-round, similar to the one in St. Clair in the Waldorf park and Wilkening said when they are ready, they will form a committee for the new park. 

Waseca County staff have been directed to replace the reduce speed ahead signs on Southbound highway 3 and Westbound 74 with the proper warning signs. 

A resident said he wished they could have backed up the Waldorf sign to the city limits so people driving into town would slow down sooner. The mayor sounded surprised that the sign was not already on the city limits. No action was taken. 

Mayor Wilkening met with B.E.S.T. of Waseca group in September and had another meeting Wednesday morning. 

It was announced, again, that elections are November 8 for the Mayor of Waldorf, and two open council seats. 

After a question, the council informed those present that persons renting the community building, specifically Waldorf residents, may be entitled to a reduction for non-profit events, such as cancer benefits. 

The city received three applicants for the cleaning position and after some discussion agree to wait to hire until the first meeting of 2023. Council person Melissa Sorbo will continue to help clean in the meantime. 

At 7:26 p.m. the council held a public hearing for Jay’s Auto in regards to a conditional use permit for a business to operate on residential property. 

The business has been there for a long time, with no complaints, and the hearing appeared to be much of a formality and the permit will likely be approved at the next meeting. The hearing closed at 7:34 p.m. 

The city was told they need a separate bank account for their water and sewer payments.

The city is in search of an inspector for rental properties and has had no luck in their search thus far. 

Dave Bottin presented his case, and his neighbors cases for why the city should vacate the alley between 3rd street east and 4th street east. His presentation included pictures of the alley, which doesn’t much resemble an alley as it’s just grass. A future homeowner could demand the city take out the curbs currently there to be in compliance and Bottin, and his neighbors, would rather the space no longer be coded as an alleyway. In order to do anything the city will have to hold a public hearing and inform each property owner via letter. In addition, Council person Carrie Ferch said she will abstain from any input or vote regarding the decision due to a personal bias/connection to the persons involved. 

A discussion over compensation for meetings for council members took place. With the water sewer project, council members attended hundreds of meetings they weren’t expecting, many on a volunteer level, and many paid. The council didn’t reach a decision about how best to handle what should be classified as a meeting, and thus, payable to the council member. 

The meeting closed at 8 p.m.