NICOLLET — Nicollet residents have approached their City Council with nuisance complaints regarding chickens and a home occupation businesses.

The first complaint was against the Siemonsma/Scheurer home at 402 4th Street for having chickens in their backyard. The second complaint was against the Hanel residence at 312 4th Street because the owner appears to be operating a business out of his home.

Mayor Fred Froehlich was quick to say, “There is an ordinance against having chickens in the city.”

Clerk Vanessa Drill read the Nuisance Ordinance and it states no poultry or any other farm animals are allowed within the city.

Council member Phil Radel said, “I have been by there and saw the coop but did not see any chickens.”

Council member Matt Anthony added, “They probably have moved them inside because of the colder weather.” The council decided to have the Clerk prepare a letter and a copy of the ordinance and give the owners 30 days to remove the chickens. If no action is taken by the homeowners, the council will work on the issue more at their January meeting.

Radel volunteered to hand deliver a letter and talk to the homeowner at 312 4th Street regarding the business he appears to be running out of his home. The council wants to be sure the owner is aware of what should be stored in his shed and what can be outside. The owner was given 30 days to clear his property.

Driveway relocation

Derek Wahl of 315 Elm Street was present at the meeting to request a relocation of his driveway. He proposes to tear down the existing garage on the northeast corner of his property which has a driveway onto Elm Street. He plans to build a two-stall garage on the east side of his house and a new driveway that would be accessible onto 4th Street.

Council member Mary Wels said, “This would provide improved safety as it should be safer to have a driveway onto 4th Street rather than the busier Elm Street.” Council member Kevin Ostermann advised Wahl to check with Nicollet County to see if they will require a special permit for this as Elm Street is a county road.

Council then approved the driveway relocation with the understanding that Wahl will be responsible for all expenses of the project to include the new driveway’s curb and gutter, removal of the old driveway’s curb and gutter and install new.

The Nicollet City Council meeting that was held on Monday, continued with the following:

Meter Readers

The current meter readers are using software that will not be supported after June 30, 2024. This software is used to read water meters and for billing. The new software costs $11,000 with an annual charge of $1,800 and the city will also need to purchase a tablet for $300. The new software will allow city employees to read meters by phone, and the data will be stored on the Cloud. The council advised the Clerk to proceed with purchasing the new software and tablet.

Joint Powers

The Nicollet Township Board asked the Joint Powers if they could meet at the firehouse once a month. The Nicollet City Council does not want them to meet at the city’s building due to the conflict at last month’s meeting interfering with the city’s hearing. However, the council agreed to allow the board to meet at the city’s building in January, as it was unlikely Joint Powers would make a decision until January.

New Tanker

The new tanker is here and will be put into service. Cost upfront was $375,000, interest earned on prepayment was $13,333.83 which was used for the surcharge for the price increase while the tanker was being built, and extras that were added to the truck. The Joint Powers added insurance for the new $375,000 Tanker with a total replacement up to $750,000 for the first 10 years.

The city has not yet received the $50,979 from the free Public Safety Aid from the state. It is expected around December 26th and council will decide on how to best use it after it is received.

Approvals

The following approvals were done by the council. The bills for $256,099.61, the November 13 minutes of the Public Hearing of the final assessments for the 2023 Infrastructure Improvements, and the regular November 13 meeting.

The council adopted the Final 2024 Tax Levy for $610,524 which included $100,000 General Fund, $25,000 Water Fund, $25,000 Fire Capital Fund, $50,000 Capital Improvement Fund, $410,524 for Debt Service.

The final 2024 budget was also adopted with a revenue estimated to be $1,502,822.

Earned Safe and Sick Time

The ESST (Earned Safe and Sick Time) policy that is effective Jan. 1, 2024, needs to be added to the personnel policy in accordance state statute. This policy requires employers to provide each employee in Minnesota with at least one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 hours of accrued ESST a year. An employee is anyone who works at least 80 hours in a year for an employer in Minnesota and is not an independent contractor.