---

Center City Council met November 6 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

In open forum, resident Sue Freeman, Schulze Ave. was asking about her neighbors new shed.  Freeman thinks the size is too large and violates zoning regulations.  Freeman also questioned the location of the shed,  which city clerk Dana Miron told her has measured — and setbacks are within city requirements.

Next, residents Brandon and Brooke Hoyt spoke to the council.  They told the council they currently have five dogs and all five are service dogs. They were asking for a variance to keep all five.  Mayor Jill Behnke told the Hoyts the limit is three in Center City and any number over that requires a kennel license.  City clerk Miron reminded the council kennel licenses are not allowed in the city.  The council agreed if the Hoyts bring doctor notes stating these are service dogs and they get their annual registration/licenses, the city will allow it.

The council then briefly discussed Schulze Avenue.  There has been a drainage issue with the rear parking lot of some mainstreet businesses brought to the council’s attention.  Maintenance supervisor Shawn Gallagher told the council they have only received one bid that did not include curb and gutter.  Gallagher said the city could do a partial fix this year yet but the council agreed it would be best to wait until the spring. 

The council passed the certified election canvassing results.  In all, 505 residents voted in the election. Jill Behnke was re-elected as mayor, Mark Wolcott was re-elected to council and Sally Swanson was voted to fill the council seat currently taken by Ryan Pease,  who did not run for re-election.

The council then gave permission to clerk Miron to send out requests for proposals to hire a new city attorney.  Current attorney Ted Alliegro has notified the council he will step down but will remain until a replacement is hired.  

Council then approved  three zoning code variances for a garage for 132 Summit Avenue. 

Talk turned to the burned property on Busch Avenue.  A fire has gutted the one level home.  The garage is still standing on the property.  Neighbors were at the meeting inquiring on the demolition of the structure because most feel it is a safety hazard.  Mayor  Behnke told the audience the city sent a letter to the homeowner asking for an update on the demolition and has not heard back.  Some neighbors stated they have seen kids inside the burned out structure and fear the floor could give way.  

The council agreed to have maintenance install temporary fence around the structure.  Council member Pease suggested the city get demolition quotes and give them to the homeowner.  Council then voted to get quotes and hold a special meeting once quotes  are returned.  If the homeowner elects to let the city fund the demolition, the costs would then be collectible as a lien on the property taxes for the home.  

Council then had a lengthy discussion on the Center City Fire Department’s retirement program.  

Chief Travis Greene told the council he would like to see the city use the state Public Employee Retirement Plan PERA like many other municipalities use.

Center City Fire Department’s current pension fund is at 154 percent funded. They are asking the City to increase pensions leaving it still 115 percent funded.

The council then heard from Hazelden Chief Financial Officer Arnie Stueber.  Stueber was asking the council for a conduit bonding, which the city has done for years.  Council member Wolcott told Stueber he would really appreciate it if Hazelden could chip in towards the fire department’s truck fund. Stueber assured Wolcott he would look into the matter.  

Mayor Behnke then told the council the Chisago Lakes Beyond the Yellow Ribbon is officially ceased due to lack of volunteers.  Behnke said any remaining funds held by the group will be dispersed to the local American Legion and the Good Neighbors Club.

The council adjourned at 8:36 pm.

---