The regular City Council meeting of the Mazeppa City Council was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Chris Hagfors.
Pledge of allegiance was said.
Present: Mayor Chris Hagfors. Council Persons Steve Liffrig, Mike Hammes, Jeff Nelson and Erica Young.
Others Present: City Attorney Luke Lamprecht, City Administrator Clerk Karl Nahrgang, Matt Mohs from Bolton and Menk, Bill Hedin, Mike Lange, Nancy Lange, Charise Mehrkens, Harper Mehrkens and Melanie Mehrkens.
Attending via electronic meeting:
Bob Josselyn, John Clemens, Holly Galbus from the News-Record, and Wabasha County Sherriff’s Deputy Joe Schneider.
Motion by Hammes, second by Nelson to approve the agenda and addendum. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Hammes, second by Young to approve the February 10, 2021 regular City Council meeting minutes. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Hammes, second by Nelson to close the regular Council meeting open the public hearing. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Regular meeting closed and public hearing was convened at 6:03 PM.
Discussion of Ordinance 2021-01 Adopting the Official Zoning Map for the City of Mazeppa.
Question: Do any changes being made change the zoning on existing properties? Zoning is not changing from the unofficial map that was in use previously.
Question: Why are some zones that are not buildable show as commercial or residential? The zoning in the map covers certain areas that City planning considers best for certain types of uses, based on multiple factors. Areas withing the zone may have other factors that would be a barrier to building and to separate those small areas into a separate zoning category would not serve useful purpose. There was also a small parcel showing as commercial surrounded by and agricultural zone that should have been changed with the surrounding area. A correction to the map will needed.
Motion by Hammes, second by Liffrig to approve close the public hearing and re-open the regular Council meeting. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Public Hearing closed and regular meeting re-opened at 6:23 PM.
Wabasha County Sherriff’s Patrol Sargent Joe Schneider presented the monthly Incident Command Report. A discussion of follow-up on a nuisance property cleanup and vandalism to Herb Vik Park grounds by vehicles was discussed.
A written report was submitted by Public Works and reviewed by Council.
A Fire Department written report was submitted and reviewed by Council.
Administrator Clerk Karl Nahrgang presented the Mazeppa Municipal Liquor Store update.
City Engineering update was given by Matt Mohs of Bolton & Menk.
Council members Erica Young and Mike Hammes were appointed to serve as a temporary committee with Public Works Director Scott Ellingson and City Administrator Karl Nahrgang to meet with City engineer Bolton and Menk to study and discuss options and steps to proceed regarding the wastewater treatment plant upgrade.
Charise Mehrkens proposed the Girl Scouts install a self-service food pantry Community Cupboard at Lion’s Park. The Girl Scouts and Stabilizing Zumbrota Mazeppa Families have installed 2 of these in Zumbrota.
Motion by Nelson, second by Young to allow the Girl Scouts to place a Community Cupboard at ions Park. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
A group of students from Zumbrota Mazeppa schools requested permission to place a memorial bench near the playground equipment dedicated to a classmate.
Motion by Nelson, second by Young to allow the student class from Zumbrota Mazeppa Schools place a dedication bench in the park next to the school. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Young, second by Nelson to approve building permits MZ20-54, Abby Hjermstad -garage and MZ21-01, Valley View Mobile Home Parks – set manufactured home. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Nelson, second by Liffrig to approve Illinois Casualty as the liquor liability insurance provider for the Mazeppa Municipal Liquor Store. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Young, second by Nelson to approve Resolution 21-06 Adopting Findings of Fact for Approval of Conditional Use Permit for Independent School District 2805 for Lost 3 & 4 Block 16. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Nelson, second by Liffrig to table Second Reading of Ordinance 2021-01 Adopting the Official Mazeppa Zoning Map. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Young, second by Liffrig to set the Board of Equalization meeting for April 14, 2021 at 6:00 PM. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Hammes, second by Liffrig to approve Resolution 21-07 Closing Portions of 2nd Ave. SE and Walnut St. from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM on April 24, 2021 for City Cleanup Day. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Young, second by Nelson to approve Fire Protection Contracts with Chester Township, Pine Island Township, Zumbrota Township and Mazeppa Township. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Hammes, second by Nelson to approve an on-sale liquor license and Sunday on-sale liquor license for Mazeppa Inc. dba Leo’s Sports Bar and a club on-sale liquor license and Sunday club on-sale liquor license for American Legion Post 588 pending payment and submission of insurance certificate. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Motion by Nelson, second by Young to pay bills and claims. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
City Attorney Luke Lamprecht said that W.S. Beng Associates had finished the process of re-writing the Land Management Ordinances involved regarding the platting process and the full document should be ready for review after the corrections to the zoning map can be updated.
Councilperson Mike Hammes asked about street repair priorities.
Councilperson Erica Young thanked Councilperson Steve Liffrig for his early morning efforts to repair the disabled snowplow truck.
Motion by Nelson, Second by Hammes to adjourn the meeting. All in favor, none opposed. Carried.
Meeting recessed at 7:50 PM.