Morton City Council Meeting---February 14, 2012:
            Regular meeting called to order in open session at 6:30 p.m. with all members present.  Others present:  Bob Fox, Tony Mages, Ryan Becklund, Dillon Kuehn, Tyler Serbus, Greg Deinken, Tim Nesburg, Aaron Scheffler, Curtis Stellmacher, Tom Robinson.
            After 11 years, Tim Nesburg is stepping down as Chief of the Morton Fire Department.  Tim was recognized and thanked for his contributions to the fire department and to the community and presented with a certificate of appreciation.  Carl thanked Tim as well as the entire fire department for the great job that they do as fire department members and first responders.  Tony Mages is the new Fire Chief.
            Update on the new radio system coming to all fire departments in Renville County.   This equipment is being provided as a result of a grant award to Renville County and will be installed with no initial cost to any of the departments.
            Planning continues on options for a new fire hall and the enclosed trailer for the fire department has been ordered and should be arriving soon.
            County Commissioner Report: Update on County activities by Bob Fox.  They continue to work on the recycling project.  Ryan Becklund was recently appointed to the Renville County Park Commission.  A grant application is being submitted within the next two weeks for the ATV park.  Work is being done on the Beaver Falls park expansion.
            Secretary’s Report:  Motion by Cornwell and second by Brown to approve as presented. Motion carried.
            Treasurer’s Report:  Fund Balance Sheet, Monthly Statement and Year To Date Statements provided to council for review.  Motion by Mammen and second by Cornwell to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented. Motion carried.
            Business Development:  Motion by Mammen and second by Williams to approve the annual Beer License for Morton BP.  Motion carried.
            There are still funds available to qualifying businesses for development.  Applications and guidelines are available at city hall.  The loan, as previously approved for Northstar Plumbing & Heating was not made.
            Chamber meeting was scheduled for this morning – due to lack of quorum there was no meeting.
            Residential Development:  There has been some interest expressed about development of a 4-plex.  Further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
            Motion by Cornwell and second by Williams to approve annual burn permits for Keegan Mammen and Jody Bidinger. Mammen abstains. Motion carried.
            Support to Kids:  Planning of an educational night is underway.  Speakers and possible dates are being worked on for an educational night for both parents and kids to discuss drugs, alcohol and birth control.  Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
            Motion by Cornwell and second by Mammen to approve a contribution to PACT in the amount of $500 as budgeted.  Motion carried.
            Community Pride:  Foundation Update:  The foundation board will be accepting grant applications for community projects.  Details available at City Hall and in the newsletter.  The foundation has vacancies on the board.  Anyone interested may contact city hall for details.
            Clean Up Day:  Ben recommended that it be scheduled prior to the sewer project gets going too far.  Council approved April 10 as clean up day.  Details will be made available soon.
            Providing Municipal Services-Maintenance: SEWER PROJECT:  Update by Ben.  The facility project is ahead of schedule.  The infrastructure project will be beginning soon with a preconstruction meeting scheduled for March 1.  The construction company inquired about lots available for piling materials and equipment.  In the council packet was a map identifying possible lots that the city owns that may be suitable. Ben recommended that the “gas station” lots, trailer park lots and the vacant lots across from the city shop be first choices.  The plan is that if there is suitable fill, the lots south of the post office and to the north of the Lutheran parsonage will be filled in.  Contact has been made with DNR and Soil and Water to be sure we are able to fill these lots in.
            Motion by Cornwell and second by Mammen to pass a resolution requesting additional grant funds for the sewer project.  Motion carried. (resolution #02.2012).  The resolution was signed by the council members and will be forwarded to the representatives that will address our request.
            Motion by Mammen and second by Cornwell to approve pay request #4 in the amount of $124,168.67, contingent on Rural Development approval.  Motion carried.
            A request has been made by Xcel Energy to sign a street lighting agreement.  Council agreed not to sign the agreement.
            Reflectivity Sign Program Update:  This is the program we talked about during the past year or so where the state was mandating that street signs be replaced with reflective signs.  The state has now removed the deadline for completing this project and has added that the signs need to be replaced with reflective ones at the time replacement of a sign is necessary.
            Motion by Mammen and second by Brown to approve submitting a grant for safety equipment in the amount of $472.02.  Motion carried.  This is a 50-50 grant for magnets to be used for removing manhole covers.
            Providing Municipal Services-Police: UPDATE ON CONTRACTED SERVICES: Update by Gary. A meeting was held on Monday morning with Chief Deputy Pomplun.  A citizen concern was addressed at that time and resolved.   Gary updated the council on the change in scheduling going on with the deputies.
            SQUAD CAR: Motion by Cornwell to advertise the police car for sale with a minimum bid of $300, with sealed bids due on March 12.  Second by Brown. Motion carried.
            HOUSE NUMBERING ORDINANCE:   A draft ordinance was presented for council review. House numbers will be helpful for 911 calls and other emergencies.  Motion by Cornwell and second by Brown to approve ordinance 130.05 Numbering of Houses and Buildings.  Motion carried.
            JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT:  Motion by Mammen and second by Cornwell to approve resolution 01.2012  BCA Joint Powers Agreement and amendment as presented.  Motion carried.
            Providing Municipal Services-Fire: Election of Officers:  Council updated on Fire department election of officers earlier in the meeting.
            Management:  Motion by Mammen and second by Williams to approve the election material grant in the amount of $37.50 for magnifiers.  Motion carried.
            Motion by Cornwell and second by Brown to pay bills. Motion carried.
            There being no further business, meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.