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by MATT SILVER

Lindstrom City Council met January 21 for a regular meeting.  All members were present.

Council opened the meeting hearing a presentation from two representatives from Renewable Energy Partners Inc.  They were there to present a plan for solar panels to be installed on the new fire station as well as the liquor store.  The city has applied for federal grants prior and has been awarded for both.  The grants will cover 70 percent of installation costs leaving a remaining balance the city would owe at $40,000 for the fire department and $33,000 for the liquor store.  The company will offer a one year warranty on labor and the panels come with a 20 warranty on parts.  After some quick calculations, the council was told the payback to the city would then be less than five years.  

City administrator Dan Undem told the council he would speak with city finance director Kay Mattson to see what fund the monies would come out of.  

The company and the city is still awaiting the approval of Xcel Energy for the project, but all the paperwork has been submitted. Council agreed to table until the next meeting which would still allow ample time to complete the project in the spring.

Undem who then was speaking on behalf of city engineer Brian Bachmeier who was absent, told the council the state has awarded $171,000 for the street improvement project of Olinda Trail from Highway 8 to 3rd Avenue North.  Council then voted unanimously on a resolution accepting the funds.

Council then briefly discussed some price changes on the city’s fee schedule.  Water base fee will rise $10 per quarter as well as rates which will rise from $4 per 1,000 gallons used, to $4.28.  Sewer usage rates will increase from $10.20 per 1,000 gallons used, to $11.02.  

Council then heard from Undem about Lindstrom’s eventual beautification project which Tlal-li  will oversee.  Undem reminded council the city has $157,000 remaining from the Park Street Parking lot project last year which has to be used in the downtown business district.  Council has discussed multiple times in the past about city landscaping, parking buffers, signage, planter redesign as well as new sidewalk planters.  council agreed to use Talal-li for the project consulting not to exceed $32,000.  

Council then was told about  a Swedish museum in Vaxjo Sweden that had a bust (sculpture) of Wilhelm Moberg stolen a few years ago.  Vaxjo paid the bill for another bust to be made only to have the missing bust show up a year later in an IKEA bag on the museum’s doorstep.  The city has reached out to the City of Lindstrom and graciously donated the extra bust if Lindstrom is interested.  Lindstrom would be responsible for  shipping costs as well as constructing a display base for the statue.  Council unanimously agreed and will decide on a location for the bust in the near future.

Council then set the Board of Equalization hearing for April 14 at 6pm in the council chambers at City Hall.

Council was then told the HR committee was interviewing four applicants for the Public Works Director position.   Council all commented on what a great job the current maintenance department is doing both with every day procedures and snow removal.

Council ended the meeting briefly discussing the ongoing police station relocation or remodel project.  Council thanked all involved including representatives from Chisago City and Lakes Area Police.  No action was taken.

Council adjourned at 8:03pm

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