April 21, 2023 at 11:17 a.m.
Stacy City Council hears freeway intersection not being funded
The council began the meeting with County Commissioner Ben Montzka speaking about the roads in Chisago County. Montzka told the council the county has secured about $40 million of the 80 million needed to reconstruct Highway 8. He noted the state is looking to do more financially on their end with the project. Montzka then spoke about the County Road 19 bridge and freeway intersections. Montzka said the area is “dangerous” and not designed for that many vehicles. He also added the bridge is not on the state’s scope of work for another 10 years or so. Montzka did say the bridge was placed on the County’s road agenda and he is actively looking for funding.
Mayor Mark Utecht added that he “Did not like” the letter sent by to the state rejecting the bridge proposal, but understood the bridge was in good mechanical shape”. Utecht told Montzka he would like to see the county find a way to fix the situation. There was a brief discussion about the possibility of Stacy hiring lobbyists to try and get funding, but after Montzka told them the county lobbyist rate, they decided against it. The council thanked Montzka for his work and keeping them informed.
The council then approved a liquor license for the restaurant The Fort. The restaurant is relocating from North Branch to the Rustic Inn site. The council thanked the owners and told them it was the most complete application they had ever seen.
The council then spoke briefly about an investigation at the Stacy Sports Grill. Under direction from attorney James Monge, they ended the conversation until more is learned from the investigator.
The council then rejected signing an agreement with Cintas. Mayor Utecht told the council he feels the current proposal leaves the city exposed to indemnity when he feels it should be on Cintas’ end. The council agreed to send a letter to Cintas to see if they would amend their proposal.
The council then discussed passing a resolution prohibiting excessive vehicle noise, including engine retarding and jake braking, Attorney Monge told the council municipalities are no longer putting up signs that say Jake Braking, because a brake company is actually names Jake Brakes and they have begun suing cities and towns. Monge suggested using the phrase Vehicle Noise Laws enforced on signs. The council agreed with Monge’s suggestion and voted in favor of new signage.
The council then discussed trash service for the city. There is a growing dissatisfaction with the current hauler used by the majority in Stacy, and city hall has received many calls asking for alternative rubbish haulers. The council agreed to reach out to local haulers to see if there was a competitor bid that would allow the citizens to be happy with their garbage service. Currently haulers allowed to operate in the city include Waste Management, Terry’s Disposal and SRC.
The council then discussed a proposal by a resident to build a new mini storage in Shafer Ponds Industrial Park. The council agreed there is sufficient storage facilities in the city and rejected the proposal unanimously. The council agreed they would like to see a business that holds normal business hours in the park.
The council then discussed a proposal brought to the from the Stacy Sports Grill. The grill is in need of new beer lines it its cooler. The council was shown a photo of the cooler which has lines strewn everywhere. The quote from Northern Draft is for $5,226.35. The council agreed the cooler is in need of new lines and were told the city can use its ARPA Funds to cover the expense. The council passed the proposal unanimously.
The council then had a brief discussion about excessive vehicles being stored at Tired Iron in the industrial park. It was agreed to have the city send the original agreement to Tired Iron and a letter stating there are too many vehicles being stored.
The council also agreed to send a letter to the owner of a property on Forest Blvd, about yard clutter. This is the same property that was ordered by a judge to clean up its property two years ago. The owner did clean the yard but since has been accumulating more junk.
The council adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
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