April 13, 2010

The regular meeting of the Staples City Council was called to order by Mayor Etzler at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 at City Hall. Present were Mayor Etzler, City Council Members Carlson, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg. Council Member Flaten was absent. Also present were City Administrator Mathews, City Clerk Lindaman, Community Development Director Nelsen, Fire Chief Braith and other interested persons.

It was moved by Quance and seconded by Schmieg to approve the agenda as presented. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

It was moved by Carlson and seconded by Reeck to approve the consent calendar items consisting of the minutes from the previous meeting and payment of the bills presented. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

A request from Bob Lee and Bruce Lee to approve the division of the south 200 feet of Block 10, Vetsch’s Addition was reviewed. Bruce Lee is proposing to split off the north 30 feet from the south 200 feet and sell to adjoining land owner Bob Lee. It was moved by Schmieg and seconded by Miles to approve the division as requested. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

It was moved by Carlson and seconded by Schmieg to accept the donation of a Bombardier J-5 brush fire vehicle and trailer from the Staples Fire Department Relief Association. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

Community Development Director Nelsen reported on a settlement proposal for payoff of the loan to Norbert Johnson on property at 202 12th Street NE. A purchase agreement has been executed for the sale of the property, however the proceeds will be insufficient to satisfy all obligations including the loan from the City. To allow the sale to proceed, maximize recovery on the loan, and assist with redevelopment of the property, the Staples Economic Development Authority has agreed to accept 75% of the outstanding loan balance in full settlement and is recommending that the City Council authorize staff to execute a satisfaction of mortgage, contingent on the sale of the property. It was moved by Quance and seconded by Schmieg to authorize the execution of a satisfaction of mortgage as recommended. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

City Administrator Mathews reviewed the minutes of the April 5, 2010 Public Works Commission meeting. Upon the recommendation of the Commission, it was moved by Quance and seconded by Miles to extend the street light reduction program city-wide in an effort to reduce costs. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

City Administrator Mathews updated the Council on various projects and activities.

Council Member Reeck suggested that the Council consider meeting monthly during the summer months.

It was moved by Miles and seconded by Reeck to adjourn the meeting at 7:35 p.m. Carlson, Etzler, Miles, Quance, Reeck and Schmieg voted yes. None voted no. Carried.

Approved: Chris Etzler, Mayor

Attest: Phil Lindaman, City Clerk

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