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Center City Council met November 1 for a regular meeting. All members were present.

The council began the evening discussing the complaints by neighbors of Hursh Ironworks.  The city heard from Rod Johnson who resides across County Road 9 from the business.  “You told us if Hursh violates any of the ordinances it would be ordered to cease and desist.  They have violated at least three ordinances, Why are they still in business?” Johnson said.   “Does the city enforce ordinances?” If so, then shut them down!” Johnson said.  Council member Mark Wolcott asked Johnson “Then you would be happy?” to which Johnson replied an emphatic no.  

Mayor Jill Behnke told Johnson the city has been advised by attorney Ted Alliegro to wait on commenting because the owner of Hursh Ironworks has notified the city he is willing to go to court.  

“Why are things so fuzzy? You are in violation of your own laws,”  Johnson exclaimed.  Behnke replied “We will let the courts decide.”

Other neighbors notified the council about other violations such as trucks parking on the shoulder of Co. Rd. 9 and a new complaint of vibrations coming from the business.  City attorney Ted Alliegro told the residents to call the sheriff so the complaints are documented.  “Complaints are evidence and evidence is key in trials,” Alliegro said.

The council then discussed ongoing complaints about excessive lighting at the Swedish Village Mall.  The council discussed and agreed the light emitted from the mall is too bright and is not cast downward as the city ordinance states it should.  Mayor Behnke said, “They need to install a deflector or shield.”

It was agreed the city would hire it’s own electrician to test the foot candle intensity of the lights because the owner had told the council he had an electrician come out before and test it and that electrician found no issue with the amount of light emitted.  

The council then discussed the proposed purchase of the Go Boat Motel by Nic Kirvida.  The city was waiting for payment on delinquent  fees to be paid, in order to move forward. City attorney also noted one of the hang ups on the purchase was the reviewing of ponds on the site.    

Real Estate agent Chris DuBose told the council the property was closed on that day and the bills will be paid.  The council thanked Dubose for the information.  The city will expect $9,442.35.

The council then set a Truth-in Taxation hearing date of December 6.

Brad Nelson who was there representing Peterson Companies, told the council his company was questioning a water charge from the city on the Per Road project.  Peterson Company used water from hydrants to water the roads when grading.   Nelson said the bill from Center City was $3,675 and he has had other similar jobs where the bill was around $600.  Nelson figured the city charged the project 7 cents per gallon for 52,000 gallons of water.  The council agreed and wondered if maybe the number was read wrong and agreed to table the bill until they reviewed the ordinance for water purchase.  

In the public works report maintenance supervisor Eric Garner told the council the new fire truck will be delivered this week.  

Garner then discussed four broken street poles in town.  Some are cracked and some are in need of paint.  Garner said he has spoken with the League of MN Cities about footing the cost of replacement and there is a possibility they will cover it.

The council will hold a special meeting to discuss the replacement for city clerk Valerie Fox, November 9.

The council adjourned at 8:50 p.m.

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