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COURTLAND --The Courtland City Council on Thursday worked on how to solve water drainage issues on Wishbone Way and Stony Point.
Residents, Tom Suess and John Stadick, were present last month and at this month's meeting to express their concerns about water not draining off their properties on Wishbone Way in Courtland and look for ways to resolve the issue.
"Council member Justin Kraus and I met with Bolton and Menk to look at the issues on Wishbone Way and had them survey it. We received a bid for $77,705 for both sides of the street, without engineering, to install a twelve inch pipe with a catch basin between each house and continue to use the existing culverts," said Maintenance and Utilities Supervisor Dave Ubel.
Stadick said about fifteen houses will be affected if the repair is done to both sides of the road. Mayor Al Poehler told Suess and Stadick that at least 70 percent of the neighborhood need to be in favor of the repair and that a petition from the neighborhood needs to be submitted to the council to proceed. Stadick questioned how residents would be charged and Poehler said it would be by parcel, regardless of size.
After the petition is received, the city would schedule a public hearing for people to hear what is being proposed. If the repair is not done, the ditch will need to be cleaned with the cost assessed to the property owners next to the ditch.
"Either way, property owners will receive a bill," said Suess.
Poehler explained that residents would have the option of paying the assessment immediately or over ten years with an interest rate that should be better than eight percent.
"I think the repair would boost resale for the property owners," Stadick said.
Ubel continued with a discussion regarding the water problem on Stony Point. Since the road was paved, the water runs down the road instead of flowing west and away from homes.
"If Ellingson Company can install plastic tile, we probably don't need additional engineering work done," said Ubel.
Poehler suggested to wait on further discussion until the next council meeting when all council members are present, and Ubel has had a chance to receive a quote for the work on Stony Point. Council members Justin Kraus and Ralph Bents were absent.
Other public utilities
Ubel commented that he is still getting calls from residents regarding water pressure. The pressure to the houses have all checked out fine.
Council member Pam Rodewald recommends residents contact the City Office and not call Ubel's phone for non-emergency issues.
Mayor Poehler agreed.
"I just want residents to respect our maintenance people and not call them directly unless it is an emergency," Poehler said.
"What is the status on the light for the water tower?" Council member Paul Bode asked
Ubel said he is continuing to work on that. Bode also questioned Ubel about the new chairs for the community center.
"They haven't come in yet, so I am looking at a new company for the chairs," said Ubel.
Park equipment
Council member Pam Rodewald gave an update on the new park equipment. With the Collin Drive project not starting until August, the sidewalk near the playground is also delayed. Poehler suggested that the new equipment be installed after the ball season in late July.
Rodewald will continue to work out details for removal of old equipment and the new equipment installation. She also plans to share photos on social media and talk to neighbors who live near the area, so they know what to expect during construction.
City nuisance complaints
Concerned has been raised regarding the jake braking of trucks, loud vehicles in the city, and a recent fire that burned for about a day within the city. Discussion led to whether more law enforcement is needed in the city.
The council agreed to request Sheriff Dave Lange to attend the next council meeting to discuss what options are available for law enforcement within Courtland.
City clerk
The city office will be closed on Monday afternoon, June 17 for Clerk Election Training, June 19 for the holiday, July 4-9 for vacation, and Monday morning, July 15 for election judge training.
City Clerk Julie Holm said that there are a few new judges this year. Also, due to the July Fourth holiday, the next regular council meeting will be 7 p.m. Thursday, July 11.
Council actions
The following were approved: The liquor license renewals for the Crow Bar, Swany's Pub, a temporary liquor license for the Fire Department Fundraiser on Aug. 17, and Resolution 24-113 Sioux Trails Ducks Unlimited Raffle and Bingo at the Fire Department Fundraiser.
Resolution 24-112 Conditional Use Permit for Gravel Crushing Operations MN Hardwoods LLC was approved after amending it so that it is just for the crushing operation at site at issuance of permit, only crushing from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and to be finished within six months.
Also approved were the bills for $45,355.79.