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Stacy City Council met August 12 for a regular meeting.  Council member Jeff Barrett was absent.

The council opened the floor for public comment and resident Emily Mack spoke. Mack told the council they lived in Lent Township before the merger where riding recreational vehicles was permitted.  Since the annexation, her family is now violating a City of Stacy ordinance.  “I think this is inexcusable, we as residents have a right to use our property,” Mack said.  

The City updated their recreational vehicle/snowmobile ordinance, one of the new sections of the ordinance states that you cannot operate a snowmobile or recreational vehicle within 100 feet of any person where operation would conflict with use or endanger other persons or property, or within 100 feet of any dwelling usually occupied by one or more persons. The Macks have a dirt bike track in their yard that runs  closer than 100 feet from their neighbor's house. 

The council then read a letter from deputy Kyle Jones regarding law enforcement calls over the last month.  There were 696 calls, 541 checks, 74 traffic stops, 62 warnings, 10 citations and eight medical calls.

Council then moved to new business where they unanimously passed an agreement with CWS Security for keyless access door lock system at the Lions Park bathrooms.  The agreement is for $313 per year.

Council then agreed to sign an OSHA training contract with Hennepin Technical College.

Council then was presented with a letter of intent for a lot in the Stacy Ponds Business Park.  Nic Kirvida has expressed interest in the lot that formerly was reserved by XPress Trucking and since has been formally cancelled. Kirvida spoke to the council about the type of business he is hoping to build there.  Kirvida showed a rendering of three buildings which would house up to 40 tenants.  The tenants Kirvida said will be tradespeople who need a small office and a place to store their wares. Kirvida feels the location close to the freeway will be enticing to those types of businesses.  Mayor Mark Utecht said it sounded like a good fit, but the city would need 60-90 days for planning commission and EDA. Council agreed to accept the letter of intent and send the project to said committees.

Council then agreed to return the final $1,600 back to Sherco Construction for escrow held on the Cliffs Falcon project.

Council then discussed a IUP for Zuercher Outdoor Storage. Since the approval which required a site plan approved by the planning commission, the land has recently partially been deemed wetlands.  Zuercher has proposed moving the site to a different area in the parcel.  Council agreed the IUP did not include the new area which is “Hundreds of feet” away from the original.   Council also agreed the entire process should be started over concerning the IUP including a public hearing.  “The public should have a chance to comment,” Utecht said.

Council then approved the installation of an eight foot tall fence along County Road 30 (Forest Blvd.). The homeowners requested the fence due to noise. The home is on a culdesac and will only have a tall portion along the road.

In the engineer’s report, city engineer Dan Boyum told the council the county is looking to start County Road 19 demolition from County Road 30 to Genesis.

Boyum asked the council for a payout for $249,767.13 for the completed street improvement payout.  Council approved unanimously.

Council then approved a special event permit application by A-1 Tire Service for their September 20 Ribfest event.

Council then accepted a $1,200 donation to the city from the Stacy Lions Club.

Council approved a lawful gambling event for North Branch Area Education for their yearly event held at the Lent Town Hall.

In the maintenance report, the council approved up to $15,000 for the installation of a new chemical mixer for the watertower.  

While discussing the liquor operations of the city, Mayor Utecht said the Sports Bar opted to not spend $5,000 on a band at Stacy Days.  Utecht said despite not having a band, the bar only did $900 less than last year, which included a band.

Council was told September 12 will be the last Farmers Market of the season.  

Council then learned the finance committee with  investments started this year, earned $5350 of interest last month.  Year to date interest earned is $95,745 between investments and CD’s.

Council adjourned at 8:45pm.

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