COURTLAND — The Highway Transfer Turnback Program for State Highway 14 was discussed by the Courtland City Council at their regular meeting on Thursday, May 4.

Mayor Al Poehler shared what he has learned from his discussions with Stonebrooke Engineering, Seth Greenwood of Nicollet County, and Joe Duncan from Bolton and Menk regarding the city of Courtland.

Consideration is being given to narrowing the road and making larger boulevards along old highway 14 that goes through the city. Parking is also under review, and the city is possibly considering angle parking along the road close to the businesses. Poehler said, “I want us to be prepared with our ideas so we can negotiate what we need in Courtland. The county is already surveying so maybe we can work with them to survey things that we need.”

The reconstruction probably won’t happen until 2030 or 2031 but could be earlier. Councilman Justin Kraus said, “We need to do our due diligence so that we can go to meetings with a plan.”

Mobile Food/Non Alcoholic Beverage Unit Ordinance

A draft proposal for a Mobile Food/Non Alcoholic Beverage Unit ordinance was distributed to the mayor and council members for their review. After discussion about these units coming to the city and how they could affect local businesses, parking, and other issues regarding private and public areas, it was decided they should submit their comments to City Clerk Julie Holm and have more discussions later.

A hearing regarding the ordinance will be held sometime in the next month. After the hearing, the proposal goes back to the council for further review.

City Clerk

City Clerk Holm reported that she was able to sell nine of the city’s chairs and made $190 when she participated in the city’s garage sale last weekend.

Holm said she received a complaint from a resident about a storage shed that was charged a higher base rate for their water because it is designated at the county as residential, non-homestead, and this prompted a discussion on how property is zoned.

Councilwoman Pam Rodewald suggested that the city contact the county as to how they make determinations for property.

Councilman Paul Bode added, “When they get their permit the property is put in a zone.”

The City Office will be closed on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023.

The Crow Bar and Grill will be holding a Bike and Classic Car Roll-In. The first one is Friday, May 5, and will be held every other Friday through September. It will be held from 4:00-8:00 p.m.

Holm directed the mayor and council to a document from the League of Minnesota Cities regarding the Adult Use Cannabis Bill passing the House and Senate. It should now be going to conference committee to work out differences.

Holm reminded council of the moratorium passed on edible cannabinoid products in response to the bill. Nicollet County has been working on an ordinance for tighter control of edibles since the State passed the bill last year.

Mayor Poehler expressed hope that they will also include regulating cannabis as they do now for tobacco sales for Nicollet County.

Dave Ubel, Public Works

Discussion was held on a resident who has not paid their water bill in full even though they have been told that the water will be shut off. Public Works Director Dave Ubel questioned if the water should be shut off even though the resident did pay part of the bill.

Councilman Ralph Bents said, “We need to follow the ordinance.” The council agreed that the water needs to shut off until the resident can pay the entire water bill and fees.

Discussion was also held on a resident requesting the Fire Department to do a controlled burn of a prairie area to revegetate the area. After a lengthy discussion, the mayor and council agreed that the resident should give notice to the neighbors before the burn is done. As Fire Chief, Ubel said, “The fire probably won’t take more than 10 minutes.”

Ubel reported that Earthworks is working on the five Sherman Sheds being built. There is supposed to be a drainage swale behind each building. Ubel will check to be sure that things are being done according to the approved plan.

Ubel advised that residents should be aware that the sewers will be televised starting in the next couple of weeks.

Other

The mayor and council approved the minutes from the April 6 City Council Special Meeting, Board of Appeal and Equalization, and the April 6 regular City Council meeting. Also approved were the bills submitted by City Clerk Holm. The next regular will be Thursday, June 1, at 7 p.m.