3.2B SCC 3.9.2020 MinutesITEM 3.213
OTSEGO CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
OTSEGO PRAIRIE CENTER
MARCH 9, 2020
6:00 PM
Call to Order.
Mayor Stockamp called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM.
Roll Call: Mayor Jessica Stockamp; Councilmembers: Corey Tanner, and Jason Warehime.
Absent: Councilmember Tina Goede. Councilmember Tom Darkenwald arrived at 6:03 PM.
Staff: Adam Flaherty, City Administrator/Finance Director; Dave Kendall, City Attorney; Kurt
Neidermeier, Utility Manager; Daniel Licht, City Planner; City Engineer, Ron Wagner and Tami
Loff, City Clerk.
1. Franchise Fees.
City Attorney Kendall stated after review he found that Minnesota law permits a municipality to
impose a franchise fee on public utilities although that excludes a municipality electric company
so the City could not impose on the Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) territory. City Attorney
Kendall suggested imposing the fee on just the gas company or consider a joint powers
agreement with ERMU. It was noted that the City of Dayton recently obtained an agreement
such as this with ERMU. The City Council concurred to have City staff work with ERMU on a
possible agreement. The City Council also directed City Attorney Kendall to look at the
Ordinance to see if the City Council can set specifically what the franchise fees are used for; as
example road improvements were discussed.
2. School District No. 728 Proposals.
This is a follow up from the February 24 special meeting. Mayor Stockamp and CM Warehime
gave an update from the tour of the Mora Activity Center and their meeting with Dr. Bittman
from ISD 728. Mayor Stockamp also toured the St. Michael Activity Center and spoke on that
as well.
CM Darkenwald motioned at 6:53 PM to table this item until after the regular
scheduled meeting at 7:00 PM. Seconded by CM Warehime. All in favor. Motion
carried.
Mayor Stockamp re -opened the meeting at 8:01 PM.
The City Council continued the discussion on the tour of the facilities. After discussion the City
Council concurred that due to lack of gym access they are not interested in a building
agreement with ISD 728 instead they will focus on a field use agreement for the new school;
only if the City is able to program those fields.
3. Utility Rate Study Proposals.
Utility Manager Neidermeier presented the quotes received for the Utility Rate Study.
The City received proposals from Ehlers and AE2S. The City used Ehlers back in 2013 and City
staff felt the project was satisfactory. The City Council concurred for City staff to bring forward
an agreement with Ehler's. This will be added to the next City Council agenda for approval.
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ITEM 3.213
4. Adjourn.
CM Darkenwald motioned to adjourn. Seconded by CM Warehime. All in favor.
Motion carried. Adjourned at 8:35 PM.
Mayor Jessica Stockamp
ATTEST:
Tami Loff, City Clerk
03/09/20
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