The Adrian City Council met in Council Chambers on Monday, April 22nd. Council members present were John Faber, Ron Lonneman, Dean Von Holtum, Tracy Kunkel, and Joe Hornstein. Also present were Administrator Bruce Heitkamp, Police Chief Shawn Langseth, Public Works Superintendent Adam Henning, and Deputy Clerk Rita Boltjes
Guests were: Tim Honermann, Jerry Lonneman, Meredith Vaselaar, Stan Wieneke, Larry and Sharon Balster, and NCR writer Deb Kroon.
The meeting began with a public hearing covering several issues.
A discussion was held concerning the City ordinance on sidewalks within the city limits. Bruce reported that the ordinance says that if a sidewalk exists and is taken out for whatever reason it has to be replaced, and that the sidewalks are to be maintained by the property owner. A request by several residents to remove a section of sidewalk that began and ended on their property was brought to the Council. The property that caused the most discussion was a property that is across the street from the Adrian Elementary School. After input from citizens present, council members, Chief Shawn, an e-mail from a concerned citizen and input from the school itself, concerning the foot traffic on the sidewalk, snow removal, etc., permission was given to remove the sidewalks with 3 approvals, 1 opposed and 1 excused.
A brief discussion was held concerning the request for a 5-year tax abatement on a new home/garage at 416 Oklahoma Ave as part of the Nobles County Home Initiative. A motion was approved to grant the tax abatement. It was noted that the School Board had tabled the request until the sidewalk issue was settled.
A discussion on the Suedkamp additions was held concerning the 2018 tax valuations on the sold lots. Bruce explained that the City has the option to place their own values on property within the city. Bruce said he would go to the County with the values and the County would come back with new tax assessments. At this point in time all the City can do is offer a rebate for overpayments. Bruce stated that the 2018 taxes payable in 2019 had to be paid as assessed, with a rebate at the end of the year (the amount will vary with assessments). The City will request that the County not assess the tax values of all the unsold lots at an amount higher than what the lot is sold for until improvements to the lots are made. This was passed by the Council.
The discussion of water flow in the addition and sale of 1/2 lots was also heard. The lots will remain sold as a whole lot. The water flow (who would be responsible for possible flooding because of building) was held. No one knew who was responsible, and Adam stated it is definitely something to look into.
The Council moved on to requested variances. Jason and Amber Like were seeking a variance to build a garage on their property and Sy Lonneman & Sons for a new house/garage. Adam replied that he had no concerns on either property nor did any of the neighbors around the properties. A motion was passed to grant the variances.
At this point the regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Faber.
Tim Honermann informed the Council that the improvement/remodel on the EMS building was near completion. He said his goal was May 1st, but they were waiting for inspectors and finishing touches and it would be a couple of weeks yet. He commented on the patience of the Senior Dining Center thankfully.
A discussion was held on the number of nuisance properties around the City. It was reported that spring trash clean-up helped in some cases and that the weather has not been conducive to outdoor work. Police Chief Shawn explained the process of dealing with homeowners.. Letters have been sent out, or soon will be to the offenders. Follow-up with non-responsive homeowners was discussed, and Bruce will talk to the City attorney. It was agreed to look at the building permits, and extend them to one year with a possible second year renal with no charge. This will be discussed at the next council meeting.
Bruce reported that an agreement with Christine Margenthaler for the land around the city wells has been reached. He will construct the purchase agreement working with the city attorney and the water agencies involved with the plan of having it completed for approval at the May meeting.
A resolution was made and passed by the Council concerning donations to the City for specifically designated items. It was resolved to use the donation for the specific items only.
Bruce informed the Council that the County is moving towards total County Assessing, beginning in 2020, making the City Assessor obsolete. The Council decided to wait for more information before acting in this item.
Landscaping will be done to the Adrian sign on the south end of Adrian and the electric sign by the power plant. The south sign will be moved farther south just past the Suedkamp addition road, remaining on the same side of the highway. Power will be run to the sign and Adam Henning described an aesthetic concrete base with cutouts for plants and a light for the sign. The same type of landscaping will be added to the sign at the power plant. This is what the north signage has and this will keep maintenance low for both areas. The council agreed to the project.
An update was given on the Trunk Highway 91 project. The City’s part originally came in at $63,000, but has now been revise to $72,700.00. This is still less than what was first quoted at the onset of the project.
After a lengthy meeting, adjourned was approved at a little after 8:30 p.m. It was noted that the Board of Review will meet on May 2nd and the next Council meeting will be on May 20th.
A-City Council Meeting
Apr. 24
