Motley council agrees on terms for new city clerk/treasurer
Lacey Smieja of Little Falls has accepted the City of Motley’s offer to be their new city clerk/treasure and will begin work on Nov. 1.
The city council approved Smieja’s appointment at their regular meeting Oct. 10. Per their agreement, Smieja will begin at a Step 3 of pay Grade 10 on the city’s pay scale. Her salary is $23.40 per hour or $48,672 annually.
Smieja was present at the meeting, as was Gary Weiers, with David Drown Associates, Inc., the company which provided comprehensive search services as part of the hiring process.
In addition to salary, Weiers presented the council with a few other items for the council to consider during this transition time.
Prior to her start date of Nov. 1, Weiers said, Smieja is interested in attending applicable trainings. These would be relatively small expenditures. The council approved this, adding that she work with council member Amy Hutchison in lining up the trainings. It was noted that Hutchison was the hiring liaison for the council.
Weiers also suggested that Smieja be credited comp time on an hour for hour basis for work-related activities completed prior to Nov. 1, such as training. The council approved this as well.
Lastly, the council approved a motion for interim clerk/treasurer Scott Saehr to work with Smieja periodically during the month of November, not to exceed 45 hours. Weiers said that NJPA (National Joint Powers Alliance) has agreed to continue sharing the cost for this purpose.
The council also approved hiring Darci McGillivray as a student intern through an agreement with NJPA. McGillivray attends Central Lakes College. She will be paid $10/hr. by NJPA and will provide general administration services at city hall.
During this transition period, Smieja asked if it would be possible to post the city halls hours as 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This could be revisited after a deputy clerk is hired. The council did not see a problem with this, since the office hours have been irregular the past few months. Smieja said she wants to make sure that the hours will be consistent for the residents.
Mayor Nancy Nieken said she would like to schedule a ‘meet and greet’ in the future for the public to meet Smieja. “I think that’s a good idea,” Smieja said.
Council member Steve Johnson said to Smieja, “We are very happy you are here.”
In other matters the council:
o HEARD a presentation from Carol Anderson with Community Development of Morrison County and subsequently approved contributing $500 toward this.
o LEARNED that the new sound system for the council chamber has been installed. Mike Hills, from Community Sound and Security, was present to explain how the system works.
o ACCEPTED the solid waste contract with Long Prairie Sanitation. This is a five-year contract and begins Jan. 1, 2017. The monthly rates for the first two years (for solid waste) begin at 32 gallon, $9.75; 64 gallon, $12; 96 gallon, $16. Recycling will be $3.50/month for each residence. The rates are subject to an increase not to exceed two percent the following three years, based on the CPI-Midwest.
o HEARD monthly report from Chuck Gerads, Motley Fire Department (MFD) 2nd Asst. Chief, which included 19 calls during September.
o APPROVED bringing firefighter Jim Uhlman back on board the MFD. Uhlman was hurt on a fire call three years ago; but has been given the go-ahead by his doctor to return to work.
o APPROVED the MFD’s request to sell the department’s LifePac 12 defibrillator and purchase an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). Gerads said the estimated cost of an AED is between $300 - $400; and the MFD had purchased the LifePac 12 for $1,250.
o HEARD from Gerads that the MFD would like to pay firefighter Lonna Dille $250 a year to do the department’s medical-related work, a task that previously was done by the fire chief. The council would like to speak to their attorney about this before taking action.
o APPROVED the MFD’s request for the following training sessions: Chimney Fires in October, $600; and OSHA in November, $450.
o LEARNED that the MFD is in need of hiring additional volunteer firefighters. They currently have 16 on their roster and coverage during the day has been difficult.
o APPROVED sending a final payment of $23,000 to Kuechle Underground, Inc., for their services on a past streets project, pending the acceptance from the project engineer.
o ACCEPTED the License and Option Agreement regarding a potential new well site east of Hwy 10. Per this agreement, the city will test water at this location; and if water is found, pending quality and quantity, the city will need permission from the landowner to move ahead with a permanent easement.
o HEARD concerns from Bruce Brotherton, public works supervisor, regarding the location of the new Dollar General store currently under construction in Motley.
At the city’s request, the store was moved 6 1/2 ft. closer to Hwy 10 in an effort to gain more separation from the existing water main. The edge of the building is now about 9 ft. away from the watermain; but the site was filled in during construction, which means the water main is now approximately 10 ft. deep. Brotherton’s concern is that if the city ever has a water main break, while digging down to do repairs, they could potentially undermine the Dollar General building or cause structural damage. The city suggested that the store owners move the water main; but according to the developer, since they consider “it is a high groundwater condition which could make relocation difficult, they have agreed to repair any damage to the existing line should it be required.”
Brotherton said he would like to have this in writing; but still has concerns as to what might happen if the building changes hands. “We want to make sure the taxpayers are not responsible for any structural damage or added repair costs if there ever is a water main break next to the building, especially when it was known before construction started that this was a concern,” Brotherton said.
o SET next regular council meeting for Monday, Nov. 14, 6:30 p.m.
o SET budget meeting for Tuesday, Nov. 15, 8:30 a.m.
o HEARD concerns from Motley resident Bob Jenkins regarding the upcoming race for Motley Mayor; and a complaint regarding a comment made to him by a city employee.
