04-13-21 CCMHUTCHINSON CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
TUESDAY, APRIL 13, 2021
CITY CENTER — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
(The City Council is provided background information fog° agenda iten2s in advance by city staff, committees and boards. Many
decisions regarding agenda iten2s are based upon this information as well as: City policy and practices, inputfiron2 constituents,
and other questions or information that has not yet been presented or discussed regarding an agenda iten2.)
CALL MEETING TO ORDER — 5:30 P.M.
Mayor Gary Forcier called the meeting to order. Members present were Mary Christensen, Brandon
Begnaud, Chad Czmowski, and Dave Sebesta. Others present in the Council Chambers were Matt
Jaunich, City Administrator, Marc Sebora, City Attorney and Kent Exner, City Engineer
(a) Approve the Council agenda and any agenda additions and/or corrections
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, noted that Item 11.5 will be added to the agenda. This item is to
consider a Resolution calling for a public hearing on May 11, 2021, to discuss issuing general
obligation capital improvement plan bonds to finance the construction costs for the new police
facility.
Motion by Christensen, second by Czmowski, to approve agenda with the additional item noted. Roll
call vote was taken: Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye.
Motion carried unanimously.
2. INVOCATION — Riverside Church
(The invocation is a voluntary expression of the private citizen, to andfor the City Council, and is not intended to affiliate the
City Council with, or express the City Council's preferencefor, any religious/spiritual organization. The views or beliefs
expressed by the invocation speaker have not been previously reviewed or approved by the Council or staff)
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. RECOGNITION OF GIFTS, DONATIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE TO THE CITY
(a) Resolution No. 15294 — Accepting Donation of $5560.00 from Liz Stearns Towards Playground
Equipment Replacement at JC Women's Park
Lynn Neumann, PRCE Director, presented before the Council. Ms. Neumann introduced Liz Stearns
and Calli Schwartz. Stearns and Schwartz are neighbors to JC Women's Park and started a
fundraising campaign to raise funds to support a playground improvement project at the park. The
grassroots campaign had a goal of $5000. Stearns and Schwartz presented a check in the amount of
$5560 to the City for the playground improvements.
Motion by Czmowski, second by Begnaud, to approve Resolution No. 15294. Roll call vote was
taken: Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion
carried unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
(This is an opportunity fog° members of the public to address the City Council. If the topic you would like to discuss is on the agenda,
please ask the Mayor if he will be accepting public comments during the agenda item if not a public hearing. Ifyou have a question,
concern or comment, please ask to be recognized by the mayor state your name and address for the record. Please keep
comments under 5 minutes. Individuals wishing to speakfor more than five minutes should ask to be included on the agenda in
advance of the meeting. All comments are appreciated, but please refrain fi on2 personal or derogatory attacks on individuals)
5. CITIZENS ADDRESSING THE CITY COUNCIL
A group of junior girl scouts presented before the Council. The group informed the Council that they
CITY CO UNCIL MINUTES April 13, 2021
are working on a bronze award project and are focusing the project on implementing a butterfly
garden at Girl Scout Park.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(a) Regular Meeting of March 23, 2021
Motion by Czmowski, second by Sebesta, to approve minutes as presented. Roll call vote was taken:
Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried
unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
(The iten2s listedfor consideration will be enacted by one motion unless the Mayor, a member of the City Council or
a city staff member requests an item to be removed. Traditionally iten2s are not discussed)
7. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA
(a) Consideration for Approval of Resolution No. 15293 — Resolution Authorizing Donation of
Surplus Property (Sound Equipment to HCVN)
(b) Consideration for Approval of Resolution No. 15295 — Amending Resolution No. 15158
Establishing Income Guidelines & Asset Limitations for Senior Citizens 65 Years or Older,
Disabled Citizens, Active Duty Military Reserves or National Guard Deferred Assessment and
Senior Citizens Reduced Refuse Rate
(c) Consideration for Approval of Revisions to City Policy 3.34 — Telework Policy
(d) Consideration for Approval of 2021 Job Evaluation & Compensation Study Market List
(e) Consideration for Approval of Jaycee Women's Park Lease Agreement
(f) Consideration for Approval of Issuing Short -Term Gambling License to Hutchinson Rotary
Foundation on June 10, 2021, at Rotary Park
(g) Consideration for Approval of Issuing Short -Term Gambling License to Saturday Night Cruisers
Car Club
(h) Consideration for Approval of Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival Requests
(i) Consideration for Approval of Issuing Parade Permit for Memorial Day Parade on May 31, 2021
0) Claims, Appropriations and Contract Payments
Motion by Christensen, second by Begnaud, to approve consent agenda. Roll call vote was taken:
Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried
unanimously.
PUBLIC HEARINGS - NONE
2
CITY CO UNCIL MINUTES April 13, 2021
COMMUNICATIONS, REQUESTS AND PETITIONS
(The purpose of this portion of the agenda is to provide the Council with information necessary to craft wise policy.
Includes items like monthly or annual reports and coniniunications f on2 other entities.)
8. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY YEAR END REPORT
Miles Seppelt, EDA Executive Director, provided the department's year-end report. Mr. Seppelt
reviewed projects in the downtown area such as the downtown grant & loan programs, Franklin
Street redevelopment, and 3rd Avenue NW redevelopment. Mr. Seppelt also reviewed projects in the
Industrial Park such as the Warrior Manufacturing expansion, recruiting Rite -Way Conveyors, and
Resonetics locating to Hutchinson. Administratively the EDA developed and administered a CARES
program for local businesses, updated the EDA website, updated the strategic plan, promoted
McLeod County Economic Development and continued to market Hutchinson. Mr. Seppelt reviewed
goals and projects for 2021 which include business retention visits, continuing with downtown
redevelopment, recruiting a new company for the industrial park, maintaining relationship with SCSU
MBA program, supporting TigerPath, obtaining $100,000 in grants and continuing with development
of McLeod County Economic Development program. In addition, Jump -Start Downtown is in
process and the goal is to have a new Main Street business by October.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
APPROVE/DENY LAND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH HUTCHINSON UTILITIES
COMMISSION TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A SOLAR POWER GENERATING
FACILITY
Marc Sebora, City Attorney, presented before the Council. Mr. Sebora explained that in order to
continue with the renewable energy and energy conservation measures initiatives that the City and HUC
have begun over the years, the City and HUC have proposed a partnership for a solar project array that
would be located on land that the City owns in the Industrial Park near the corner of Industrial
Boulevard and Hackbarth Street. The solar array will be approximately 80,000 square feet in size and
will be connected to Hutchinson Utilities Plant 42 located at 1106 Industrial Boulevard SE. The
infrastructure and fixtures will be the property of HUC, however the array will be constructed on
property owned by the City. The lease agreement allows for a 20-year term with HUC having the right
to extend the term of the lease for two additional five-year terms. HUC will pay the City $40,000 per
year to use the City's property and of that $40,000, $4000 is to be paid to the Hutchinson EDA to help
offset the electric costs it has been incurring at the EDA's business incubator facility in the Industrial
Park. The HUC Board has approved the lease agreement as presented.
Motion by Czmowski, second by Forcier, to approve land lease agreement with Hutchinson Utilities
Commission to construct and operate a solar power generating facility. Roll call vote was taken:
Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried
unanimously.
10. APPROVE/DENY RENEWING OF WASTE HAULING CONTRACT WITH WEST CENTRAL
SANITATION
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich explained that in 2015 the
City entered into a waste hauling services agreement with West Central Sanitation. The initial agreement
with West Central was for five years and the City has been working with them over the last six months
on a new contract. The proposed contract will be for a term of seven years; there is no rate increase
CITY CO UNCIL MINUTES April 13, 2021
included in the contract outside of the semi-annual CPI rate adjustment; and adjustments were made to
the Spring/Fall Cleanup in which West Central will now be able to use the landfill at the City's cost.
Motion by Czmowski, second by Christensen, to approve renewing waste hauling contract with West
Central Sanitation. Roll call vote was taken: Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye;
Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried unanimously.
Don Williamson, West Central Sanitation, thanked the Council for their relationship over the last five
years and the continuation of the relationship moving forward.
11. APPROVE/DENY MOVING CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS FROM VIRTUAL SETTINGS
BACK TO IN -PERSON MEETINGS
Matt Jaunich, City Administrator, presented before the Council. Mr. Jaunich noted that at the last
Council meeting, council members expressed a desire to consider moving back to in -person meetings.
About one year ago, the Council voted to move into virtual Council meetings due to the pandemic. Mr.
Jaunich reminded the Council that due to state Executive Orders, masks are still required within the
Council Chambers for elected officials, staff and the public and may be removed only when testifying and
speaking within the Council meeting proceedings. In addition, it is still recommended that council
members properly practice social distancing. If the council meets in -person, staff will prepare the
chambers accordingly and will work on putting up dividers in the council chambers at the council desk
for additional protection.
Council Member Sebesta asked if dividers are put up in the front and the sides, would masks still need to
be worn. Mayor Forcier noted he would prefer to stay virtual until the mask mandate is lifted.
Motion by Czmowski, second by Forcier, to deny moving City Council meeting from virtual to in -person
until the mask mandate is lifted.
Begnaud voiced that he likes the option of appearing in -person and/or virtual depending on the comfort
level of each council member. And he noted he is in favor of meeting in person.
Christensen expressed that she feels the mask mandate will be in place for quite awhile and the COVID
rate is currently increasing. She expressed that the Council should continue to meet virtually.
Roll call vote was taken: Christensen — aye; Begnaud — nay; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — nay; Forcier —
aye. Motion carried 3 to 2.
11.5 APPROVE/DENY RESOLUTION NO. 15296 — CALLING FOR A PUBLIC HEARING TO
DISCUSS ISSUING GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION
COSTS FOR NEW POLICY FACILITY
Andy Reid, Finance Director, presented before the Council. Mr. Reid explained that issuing general
obligation bonds to finance improvements provides municipalities with the lowest interest costs and
favorable bond terms, including no reserve, 100% financing, and flexible amortization schedules.
Staff, with the assistance of Ehlers Associates, are proposing General Obligation Capital
Improvement Bonds as permitted under state law. The bonds are similar to special assessment bonds
issued annually for roadway improvements, with a slightly different process. No election is required
when issuing these bonds if the following qualifications are met: approval of the bond issuance by at
least a 3/5 vote of the Council; the financing is part of an adopted five-year capital improvement
plan; a public hearing is held with at least 14 days published notice; and subject to a 30-day reverse
referendum period where voters may submit a petition signed by at least 5% of the votes cast in the
last general election to place the measure on the ballot. Mr. Reid presented the anticipated schedule
for the bond issuance which has the City receiving the bond proceeds in late July/early August. The
plan is to bond for approximately 50% of the City's need in 2021 and the remainder in 2022. This
will save the City some interest costs on the financing not needed until 2022.
11
CITY CO UNCIL MINUTES April 13, 2021
Motion by Begnaud, second by Forcier, to approve Resolution No. 15296, setting public hearing for
May 11, 2021. Roll call vote was taken: Christensen — aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta —
aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried unanimously.
GOVERNANCE
(The purpose of this portion of the agenda is to deal with organizational development issues, including policies,
performances, and other matters that manage the logistics of the organization. May include monitoring reports,
policy development and governance process items.)
12. MINUTES/REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES, BOARDS OR COMMISSIONS
a) Public Arts Commission Minutes from February 10, 2021
b) Hutchinson Library Board Minutes from February 22, 2021
c) Hutchinson Utilities Commission Minutes from February 24, 2021
d) Liquor Hutch Quarterly Report
MISCELLANEOUS
13. STAFF UPDATES
Tom Gifferson — Mayor Forcier asked if the speed trailer could be moved to Hwy 15 North by
Maplewood Academy. It was noted that the City may need to seek permission from MnDOT since that
area is MnDOT's right of way.
Kent Exner — Mr. Exner noted that a restrictor has been put in on the LED street lights that are on Golf
Course Road and may also be put in on the lights on 2nd Avenue SE. The restrictor brings the lighting
level to a more bearable brightness. Mr. Exner also provided an update on the HAWK crossing project
on Montana Street/Hwy 7 West. Equipment for the project is anticipated to arrive in June/July with the
completion date scheduled for the end of August.
Matt Jaunich — Mr. Jaunich noted that the plans/specifications for the police facility will be before the
Council at their next meeting. Also, he noted that the city-wide spring cleanup is this Saturday for white
and hard goods pick-up.
14. COUNCIL/MAYOR UPDATE
Mary Christensen — Council Member Christensen noted that she would like to see the fountain in the
Crow River functioning and she noted that there is a partner that would like to work with the City
on getting it operational.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Czmowski, second by Begnaud, to adjourn at 6:40 p.m. Roll call vote was taken: Christensen
— aye; Begnaud — aye; Czmowski — aye; Sebesta — aye; Forcier — aye. Motion carried unanimously.
ATTEST:
Gary T. Forcier Matthew Jaunich
Mayor City Administrator