Proceedings — Elgin City Council

ELGIN CITY COUNCIL
Special Meeting Minutes
July 21, 2016
The Elgin City Council met for a special meeting on Thursday, July 21, 2016, at the Elgin City Hall.   Purpose of the special meeting was to discuss the increased price of the drainage ditch project.
Mayor Schmitt called the meeting to order at 6:30 a.m.  and announced the location of the Open Meeting Act.
Councilmen present were Jim Kittelson, Mike Dvorak, Don Mackel and Duane Miller.
Also present was City Clerk Vicki S. Miller, City Engineer John Zwingman, Jerry Niewohner and Janet Koinzan.
Discussion was held on the increased cost of the drainage ditch project.  In November the City Council approved the cost of $16500.00, which was ½ of the cost of $33,000.00.
The project was changed due to the property owner, Paul Pelster, wanting the piping to run further south on his property.
By moving the piping at angle, the price increased to $49,341.00.  Mr. Niewohner and Ms. Koinzan wanted the City to pay ½ of the new cost.
Discussion was held on various ways to keep the costs down.  Mr. Zwingman stated that we have to meet State requirements because we are inclosing a State culvert.
Mr. Niewohner said then it would be cheaper if we just left the hole open.  Mr. Zwingman informed Mr. Niewohner that we could not do that and he would not let that happen.
Mayor Schmitt stated that we could just go 60 to 70 feet from the highway and stop, which would bring the cost back to approximately $40,000.00.
Ms. Koinzan stated that the trees would still need to be taken out to make it look better, and that was what Mr. Pelster wanted.
Councilman Dvorak stated that the problem was that the property owner isn’t here to tell us what he wants.
Ms. Koinzan stated he knew the meeting was scheduled.
Mr. Niewohner stated that if the City would give them their property it would work better.   Mayor Schmitt informed Mr. Niewohner that the City is not going to give or sell that property.
Niewohner stated that they heard the City was going to put up “No Parking Signs” on their property.  Mayor Schmitt stated that you to come and talk to the Council for an accurate account of what you have heard.
Ms. Koinzan asked if an easement would be given because they maintain it now by removing snow and they are happy to do that, but they would like an easement.
Mayor Schmitt stated they would be given an easement to cross the City’s property for parking purposes, but there would be no blocking of the road into the sewer plant.
Following discussion, a motion was made by Miller to pay $20,000.00 and only $20,000.00.   A second to the motion was made by Kittelson.  All members voted aye and the motion carried.
All other costs will be the responsibility of Niewohner, Koinzan and Pelster.
A special designated permit application was received from the Elgin KOED Group.   They will be holding a foosball tournament, along with karaoke on Saturday, August 27, 2016 on the Central Valley Ag vacant lot, located at 100 Pine Street.  The hours would be from 1:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m.
A motion was made by Dvorak to approve the permit.  A second to the motion was made by Mackel.   All members voted aye and the motion carried.
Councilman Miller left the meeting at this time.
A building permit received from Vicki Miller and Melvina Mack was reviewed.  The present renter would like to place a 10’ x 16’ storage shed on their property located at 307 Cedar Street.
A motion was made by Dvorak to approve the building permit.  A second to the motion was made by Mackel.  All members in attendance voted aye, Miller absent and the motion carried.
There being no further business to come before the Elgin City Council, Mayor Schmitt adjourned the meeting.   The meeting ended at 7:15 a.m.
Mayor Mike Schmitt
City Clerk Vicki S. Miller
PUBLISH:  July 27, 2016
ZNEZ