March 15, 2011 Special Meeting

Call to Order by Mayor Roettger at 7:04 p.m.
Roll Call: Members Present:
   Gary Williams, Nancy Jacobson, Louise Russell, Jay Roettger, Joe Freesmeier
Staff Present:       Cindie J. Reiter, Kevin Sandstrom, John Parotti, Tom Niedzwicki, Duane Stensland
Others Present: Chris Bohrer, Rod Starke, Phil Housley, Paul Brown, Don Jones, LarryWang,    Tim Berggren, Dale Pierson, Jennifer Brigham, Dave Anderson, Karin Housley, ____3 females, __1 male___

Pledge of Allegiance was said

APPROVE AGENDA

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS TO ADD LSCV FIRE DISTRICT BY-LAWS AND APPROVAL OF DISBURSEMENTS PRESENTED TO THE AGENDA AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL TO APPROVE AGENDA WITH CHANGES.
           ROLL CALL: AYES 5

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY
Mayor Roettger brought forward a Declaration of a State of Emergency in the City of St. Mary’s Point. The declaration was read into the record by City Clerk Reiter.

TREASURER REPORT – Approve Disbursements
Tom Niedzwiecki, Treasurer present the list of bills to be paid, noting that they are being presented at this time because it is unknown as far as flooding is concerned, if the regular April meeting would be held. Mr. Niedzwiecki also presented that he was not longer a signatory at the bank and would need to be re-approved. Further discussion took place that statutory language provides for two signatures (an elected such as mayor or deputy mayor and one appointed such as clerk or treasurer). It was noted that both clerk and treasurer should be listed as signatories. Clerk to get (bank) resolution for approved signatures to submit to the city’s bank.

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL TO APPROVE CHECKS 3726-3743 FOR TOTAL OF $11,050.33 DISBURSEMENTS AND SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS TO APPROVE CLAIMS AS PRESENTED.
           ROLL CALL: AYES 5

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY – Approval by City Council
   Resolution 2011-03-01 was read into the record by the clerk.

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAMS TO APPROVE RESOLUTION
2011-03-01 DECLARING STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR CITY OF ST. MARY’S POINT SECONDED BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL.
           ROLL CALL: AYES 5



FLOOD UPDATE, DALE PIERSON, Emergency Management Director
   An update was presented by Dale Pierson as to recent river level predictions, the Saturday March 19th sandbag event scheduled at the ice arena. He also provided which local streets would be closed to traffic by barricades and jersey barriers and that properties located beyond closed roadways will require a resident vehicle pass. The passes will be available at city hall for pick up. All volunteers will need to register at the city hall on Saturday and the vehicle passes will be ready for pick up that day as well. Any residents needing sandbags should register how many bags are needed with the city.
   He noted that WCSO will man the blockades and the local cities will also have an extra patrol car in the area of the cities that experience flooding. Residents will need to alert officers of expected visitors.
   Five portable sanitation units are on order – but will be placed at last moment possible for resident use with a pump schedule of every other week. He also noted that recycle, trash and school bus routes will need to be addressed for change in altered routes.
   Further discussion took place regarding the likelihood of reimbursement of city flood expenses – he noted that documenting was very important of volunteer time and expenditures.
   Mr. Peirson asked that if anyone had difficulty in leaving the city that the city be notified so that provisions can be made should an evacuation be needed.   He noted the road elevation of Itasca Ave. is accessible to a level of 693 – if over this or at 693 and expected rise access is denied and an evacuation would be triggered. Also addressed were issues of loss of utilities, evacuation and care of pets, and it was noted that mandatory evacuation is not allowed. However, those that would choose to not evacuate need to understand they remain in the city at their own peril as emergency vehicle would not be able to access local streets
with standing or under water.
   It was noted that posting requirements are relaxed when the city has declared a state of emergency. Posting is still needed but the three-day requirement is waived.
   Councilmember Freesmeier expressed concern over the expense for concept of bringing gravel to elevate roadways (previous discussion noted a possible $67,000 cost). It was noted that that figure would be for total re-make of the roadway which was not being proposed for this flood event. Further discussion prompted addressed the local streets that do not meet code for elevation and how to address this in the future. At this time it is thought to bring gravel (only) in to temporarily elevate to 693 the roads to allow access to homes. The mayor noted that if there was a need to re-construct a roadway (due to possible failure) a special meeting would be called for the council. However if it just gravel to elevate to 693 the mayor would not call a special meeting.
Councilmember Freesmeier noted concern for damage to roadways and that people should be able to weigh in on the use of taxpayers dollars.
   Mayor Roettger once again stated it would be in the best interest of the city to plan for future elevation of city streets to code. Discussion turned to the use of moving sandbags via a forklift and if consensus was for Mr. Pierson to check on use of bobcats or forklifts for relocating sandbags to residents property. Mayor roettger noted he can not provide his equipment for city use, as it would be considered a conflict of interest however noted he could provide service for private use of residents.
   Councilmembers Williams and Anderson spoke to an Army Corps of engineer (ACOE) online video available for sandbag assembly and the issue of hydrostatic pressure. It was requested that funds be released to allocate another $5000 from the snow and Ice fund (a LT Improvement Fund) to the Flood Management and Control account.. An express bagger was presented for viewing noting that it takes 3 people to assemble the bags and that it is preferred that bags are not tied just folded over.
   Mr. Pierson noted that perhaps sand could be delivered to residential areas for property owners to filthier own sandbags if needed. Resident Paul Brown asked if it was permissible to use the city ROW and if city would provide help by delivering sand.
   City Engineer Parotti noted that it would be best to provide a route for trucks hauling sand so that only a few street suffer damage form the weight. He also presented maps that SEHE purchase dof the city that provide better contours in 8 ft. sections. He noted it would be best if the city laminated them before use that would possible damage the map by rain, spillage, etc. he offer that he coul dhave the maps laminated for about $20 each and there were 6 maps (which cost $20 each form the county). Council felt it beneifical to have the maps laminated.
   City Building Inspector Stensland noted that a building permit is needed to repair flood damage. He proposed that fees not be waived, as the permit is a good check and balance for residents to have good repairs and avoid fly-by-night contractors. Further discussion on what is a repair in livable space that is not allowed in the floodplain district.

It was stated that Saturday morning 3/19/2011 registration for volunteers to sandbag would begin at 8:00 am along with resident vehicle permit pick up at city hall would begin at same time.

It was noted the meeting would be recessed to allow for possible further need of emergency meetings of the council due to the likelihood of flooding.

MOTION MADE BY COUNCILMEMBER RUSSELL AND SECONDED BY
COUNCILMEMBER ANDERSON TO RECESS THIS MEETING AT 8:40 pm
MOTION PASSED, ALL AYES.

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Mayor, Jay Roettger

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