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Thursday, September 02, 2010
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| | Email this article • Print this article | Lindstrom Council ok's privacy fence smoking area for muni; fire dept. makes case for pension increases
BY DENISE MARTIN
The Lindstrom City Council reached a unanimous compromise at the council meeting last week, on a "smokers shelter" for the municipal bar. There had been a request for council to approve expending funds for a smoking structure that had been turned down and in the process, generated some community debate on the appropriateness of the city operating a bar as well as the desirability of the site itself.
Bar Manager Michelle Magnuson came before council last week to present four quotes she'd put together to install a privacy vinyl fence adjacent off the backside of the bar. She said it is not a permanent resolution, so if changes are ever made to the muni building the fence can be easily dismantled. It will provide smokers with an enclosed area and alleviates congestion near the doorways, Magnuson added.
Council member Curt Flug made the motion to spend about $3,000 purchasing materials and hiring J. Hempel LLC to enclose an area about 18 feet by 24 feet.
Council member Steve Hartman said he wanted to go on the record re-stating his opinions that a smokers' shelter won't do much to boost the bottom line, and there are bigger issues regarding the city-owned bar than just outdoor smokers. "This does seem like a good alternative (to more costly projects)," Hartman added, and he voted for the fencing.
Council member Joe Wishy, on the other side of the argument, re-stated his opinion that much more money needs to be invested into this business, but he too said he'd support this along with the other council members.
Firefighters make their case
A couple of fire department officials came to the meeting to request an increase in the firefighters' pension payouts.
Brian Boudin and Chief Scott Sellman acknowledged this is probably not the ideal time to be upping pensions. Boudin pointed out, though, the benefits fund is capitalized at over 100 percent of required contribution.
Council member Jim Singer said Boudin was basing this assessment of the fund on old numbers, and Singer was displeased that when he contacted the professional fund manager (Fidelity) he was not allowed access to the latest quarterly statements and statements still weren't available in time to be distributed at the Oct. 15 council meeting.
Singer said there needs to be a city policy on this. He wants a policy to require the fund to be at 110 percent for two financial quarters as a basis to consider any increased benefits.
Boudin said a policy can be developed but quarters need to be specifically identified (first, middle, last) and the policy can't be "vague." In the meantime, Boudin said the increase should be adopted as "there is no policy yet."
Mayor Keith Carlson observed there is a precedent supporting increases, with council acting three times in eight years on requests for increases. Once a firefighter is vested (five years) the retirement payout is now $2,295 for each year of service. The request is to go to $2,364. The council enacted raises in 2005 , 2007 and 2008, which gradually brought the benefit up from $2,100 in 2004.
The matter was tabled for more financial information and is expected to be on the November council agenda.
In other business:
~ Council okayed spending $5,900 for painting the off-sale liquor store. Vale Painting and Restoration was the low quote.
~ Accepted a petition presented by Phil Deimel that includes signatures of Minnesota Avenue residents who wish to NOT be annexed. Deimel assured council that any septic system issues will be attended to. Mayor Keith Carlson commented that if those petitioners do not want city services "it's up to you," but Carlson noted the county sanitarian has identified systems in that neighborhood that are not functioning to standards.
~ The final plat for The Oaks of Lindstrom housing development was approved. Construction isn't planned until at least 2009. This plat is east of the Shalane Circle townhomes.
~ A parks board suggestion that the city buy surveillance cameras for outdoor sites was tabled for more information from the police; as to law enforcement recommendations for use, types of equipment needed, etc.
~ Paving of Moberg Avenue, a small dirt street serving three properties on the north side of Hwy. 8 and just west of County Road 14, was tabled. One of the property owners said there's a pending real estate deal that could affect the road, and asked council to hold-off on improvements.
~ A new massage-therapist was okayed to set up shop in the Lindstrom Professional Building-Dr. Holmquist offices. Lois O'Brien applied for the general business license.
~ Machmeier Court improvements contractor R.E. Peterson Inc. submitted a change order for an extra $1,250 for tree removal. The bill was approved.
~ SBC will construct a sidewalk and retaining wall project at the corner of Olinda and Newell. SBC was low quote at $9,420. The walk and wall will be cut into the hill on Newell and make a smooth walkway connection where the Olinda Trail walkway abruptly ends now. Sight distance at that intersection should also be enhanced.
~ A minor "subdivision" was okayed for Marlene Messin, who is moving two houses from their location (across the highway from the Dairy Queen), to new sites on 288th, south of town. Two new lots where the houses are being moved to will be platted and zoned R-1.
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