Cooperstown public meetings in 2020
21 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
The City Council approved a $37,400 agreement for water main replacement design and additional geotechnical work for city streets. The council also authorized the purchase of 5.05 acres of county property and discussed future plans for the city storage building.
- $37,400 agreement with Moore Engineering for water main replacement design
- $4,500 for geotechnical work using ground-penetrating radar on city streets
- Purchase of 5.05 acres in the Commercial Addition for $1.00
- Approval to refinance the Series 2012 Bond with AMKO Advisors
- Approval of improvements to the Highway 200 ditch, pending State Highway Department approval
City Council
The City Council met to discuss a survey by Widseth Smith & Nolting regarding Cooper Drain #3. The council decided to proceed with cleaning the section of the drain located on the north side continuing to the west side of Cooperstown.
- Approval of cleaning plan for Cooper Drain #3 via Naastad Brothers, Inc.
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council held a special meeting to advance the Street Improvement District No. 2020-1 project, approving engineering contracts and a drinking water loan application. The council also approved a survey of Cooper Drain #3, discussed blight abatement procedures, and tabled a proposed facial covering mandate until the next regular meeting.
- Approved directing Moore Engineering to prepare detailed plans and specifications for Street Improvement District No. 2020-1
- Approved Master Services Agreement and Task Order #1 with Moore Engineering for project design
- Approved proceeding with Drinking Water State Revolving Fund application for water main replacement
- Approved Moore Engineering to contract a geo-technical firm for soil borings at approximately $10,000
- Approved Widseth Smith Nolting survey of Cooper Drain #3 for $27,757; tabled mask mandate
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council approved the purchase of a Komatsu WA270-8 loader from General Equipment for $87,696 with trade-in, and approved cleaning of Cooper Drain #3 (north and west areas) with a $20,000 cap. They also contracted with Cash & Carry Associates for a salt storage structure at $42,020.41, and approved new BCBS health insurance premiums with the city covering 93% for single and 81% for family policies. The meeting included routine approvals of minutes, bills, permits, and department reports.
- Approved purchase of Komatsu WA270-8 loader from General Equipment for $87,696.00 with trade-in
- Approved cleaning plan for Cooper Drain #3 (north and west areas) with a maximum of $20,000, work by Dirt Pro
- Contracted with Cash & Carry Associates for salt storage structure at $42,020.41
- Approved new BCBS health insurance premiums: city pays 93% single, 81% family
- Approved Gilbertson's contract for spoils/rock removal near lagoon and Cooper Drain #3
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on two items: authorizing a maximum bid for a used dump and spread truck at a state fleet auction, and gathering information on maintenance for Cooper Drain #3. Both motions passed unanimously.
- Approved maximum bid of $27,500 on a 2005 Mack CV713 TA Dump & Spread truck at State-Fleet Auction
- If outbid, authorized same maximum bid on a 2004 Mack CV713 TA Dump & Spread truck
- Directed Tim Erickson to collect information and get cost estimates for survey and maintenance of Cooper Drain #3
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council met on October 5, 2020, to handle routine business and take significant steps on a citywide street resurfacing project. The council rejected all submitted loader bids and approved applications for state funding programs to support the street and water main work. It also approved the 2021 final budget, certified unpaid utility bills to property taxes, and held a public hearing on a grant application.
- Rejected all loader bids and will issue a new Invitation for Bids
- Approved applications for Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and Bank of North Dakota loan programs
- Created Street Improvement District 2020-1 for citywide resurfacing and approved its Engineer's Report
- Approved 2021 final budget with $214,737.00 general fund property tax levy
- Certified unpaid utility bills totaling $3,784.56 to property taxes of 10 residents
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council held a special meeting to discuss and vote on two main items: authorizing a maximum bid of $25,000 for a used plow truck from a state auction, and approving mowing work for Cooper Drain #3. Both motions passed unanimously.
- Approved maximum bid of $25,000 for a 2005 Mack CV713 TA Dump & Spread truck from State-Fleet Auction
- Authorized Christine Olson to manage the auction bidding process
- Approved estimate from Tafelmeyer Seed Sales & Custom Service for mowing in Cooper Drain #3
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council approved several actions, including buying a propane generator, continuing steps toward a street repair special assessment district, and supporting the Cooperstown Medical Center's grant and loan applications. The council also approved a USDA equipment grant application for a new loader, a library board appointment, and a Constitution Week proclamation. The preliminary budget was approved and the final budget will be adopted at the October 5 meeting.
- Approved purchase of a propane generator (motion carried, Erickson dissenting)
- Approved applying for a USDA Equipment Grant for a new loader and soliciting bids
- Approved continuing steps to create a Special Assessment District for street repairs (Gruman dissenting)
- Approved city sponsorship for Cooperstown Medical Center to pursue grants and loans
- Approved $98,997.61 in September checks, including $12,500 for a generator
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council held a special meeting to discuss a building project request from Cooperstown Medical Center (CMC). Representatives from CMC and Moore Engineering attended to provide information on the project and available grants and loans. No formal votes or decisions were recorded in the provided text.
- Discussion of Cooperstown Medical Center building project request
- Review of available grants and loans for the CMC project
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council met on August 4, 2020, and received a presentation from Moore Engineering about a proposed street improvement project. The presentation covered the scope, reasons, and approximate costs of the work, followed by discussion and questions. No formal action was reported on the project.
- Street improvement project presented by Andrew Aakre of Moore Engineering
- Presentation included work scope, reasons, and approximate costs
- Discussion and questions followed the presentation
City Council
The City Council approved the preliminary budget with no increase for the upcoming year. The council also accepted three bids for city-owned parcels and authorized a $10,000 purchase for an air compressor.
- Accepted $2,150.00 bid from Chad Johnson for Lots 10, 11, and part of 12 in Commercial Addition
- Accepted $3,100.00 bid from Tessa Klubben for Block 37, Lots 17-20
- Accepted $200.00 bid from Robin Eckman-Hasenwinkel for Block 56, Lots 14-16
- Approved purchase of an air compressor for approximately $10,000.00
- Approved preliminary budget with no increase; final hearing set for October 5, 2020
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council held a brief special meeting to act on two items: hiring a Public Works Assistant and approving a liquor license. The council approved offering the position to David Ludwig at $16.00/hour, with a $0.50 hourly increase for each of nine required certification tests. The Fish Bowl Liquor License was also approved unanimously.
- Approved hiring David Ludwig as Public Works Assistant at $16.00/hour
- Added $0.50/hour increase for each of 9 required certification tests (Wastewater Treatment, Wastewater Collection, Water Distribution, Water Treatment)
- Approved Fish Bowl Liquor License
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council met on July 6, 2020, and discussed the condition of city streets, including the possibility of creating another special assessment district to fund improvements. The council plans to hold a public meeting to gauge resident reaction. The council also approved committee appointments, several permits, and a list of bills totaling $108,859.71.
- Discussed city street conditions and plans for a public meeting on a potential new special assessment district
- Approved committee appointments for finance, parks, water, streets, and other areas
- Approved special event permits for Di's Oasis, Trinity Lutheran fireworks, and GCC Dollars for Scholars
- Approved building permits for Chester Aanden, Lisa Martens, and Scott Saxberg
- Approved bills totaling $108,859.71, including $9,550 to Moore Engineering for street evaluation
City Council
The City Council held a special meeting to swear in new members and elect a President and Vice President. The council also approved specific salary increases for city employees and reviewed a proposed street improvement plan.
- Approved 3% salary increase for two full-time employees (Olson & Johnson)
- Approved 5% salary increase for Nancy Lunde
- Approved 15% salary increase for Blaine Larson
- Elected Steve Perry as President and Tim Erickson as Vice President
- Approved building permits for Caleb Nolan and Danny Bakken
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council is reviewing and approving the city's check register for June 2020, totaling $122,440.45. The agenda consists solely of a list of paid checks and an electronic funds transfer summary, with no other business items or discussion topics listed.
- Total checks: $122,440.45
- Payroll payments to city employees totaling $14,548.90 on 6/30/2020
- John Deere Financial: $19,155.41 for grader parts/labor
- Citizens Insurance Agency: $8,542.00 for vehicle insurance
- Brager Disposal Service: $6,800.00 for city hall dumpster
City Council
The City Council approved a $9,550.00 proposal for Moore Engineering to evaluate city streets and a $3,475.00 quote for a new water flow meter transmitter. The council also discussed potential federal grants for equipment and reviewed various building permits.
- Approved $9,550.00 for Moore Engineering street evaluation
- Approved $3,475.00 to Sweeney Controls for a flow meter transmitter
- Tabled Community Facilities Direct Loan discussion pending plow truck cost estimates
- Approved several building and demolition permits including Raymond DuPlooy and Jeremy Zaun
- Approved Town & Country Liquor License
City Council
The Board of Equalization met via conference call to review the 2020 median sales ratio and parcel value changes. The board reviewed a list of changes to the true and full value of parcels provided by City Assessor Farrah Saxberg. The board approved the changes to the assessment roll.
- Approval of changes to the 2020 assessment roll
- Review of median sales ratio, reported at 145%
- Notification sent to four property owners whose true and full value increased by $3,000 or 10%
City Council
The City Council approved a Health Emergency Declaration due to the COVID-19 pandemic and voted to delay the annual spring clean up week. The council also decided to close the city park until further notice for safety.
- Approved a Health Emergency Declaration
- Delayed annual spring clean up week to a later date
- Denied a Flex Pace Interest Buydown Loan request for Christopher Rondestvedt
- Denied a request to rent a portion of 604 10th St. NE
- Approved newspaper ads for the sale of city properties at 1005 Park Ave NE, 107 Baker St. SW, and Block 56, lots 14, 15, and 16
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council approved advertising the sale of three city-owned properties, purchased a payment collection box for utility payments, and transferred funds to keep the garbage fund positive for two years. They also discussed lead line reporting requirements and reviewed the 2019 year-end fund balances.
- Approved newspaper ad for sale of 1005 Park Ave NE, 107 Baker St. SW, and Block 56 lots 14-16
- Approved purchase of Model 400 I-G Payment Collection box for utility payments
- Transferred funds from general fund to garbage fund to keep it positive for 2 years
- Discussed EPA lead line information and reporting to new home buyers
- Approved bills including $10,908 for Twin City Garage Door fire hall doors
City Council
The Cooperstown City Council approved a rental agreement with Otter Tail Power Company to manage city-owned streetlights, including converting all bulbs to LED and maintaining poles, wires, and lights. The council also transferred $225,268.61 from the General Fund to the Highway Distribution Fund and dedicated half of monthly sales tax to that fund. Other actions included abating special assessments on city-owned property, accepting an engine overhaul estimate, and approving licenses and permits.
- Approved rental agreement with Otter Tail Power Company for streetlight management and LED conversion
- Transferred $225,268.61 from General Fund to Highway Distribution Fund and dedicated 1/2 of monthly sales tax to that fund
- Abated special assessments for Lots 10, 11, and south 1/2 of Lot 12 at 107 Baker St SW for 2016-2019 ($4,713.52)
- Accepted Cooper Implement estimate for overhauling maintainer engine
- Approved Cooperstown Golf Club liquor license and Hanson's Bar special event permit
City Council
The Council discussed a proposal from Ottertail Power Company to take over ownership of 35 city-owned streetlights in exchange for a flat rental fee of $15.71 per light. A decision on this proposal will be made at the next meeting following a cost effectiveness worksheet review.
- Ottertail Power Company proposed a rental fee of $15.71 per light instead of metered energy rates
- Council designated Bank Forward and Citizens State Bank as city depositories
- Council declared certain areas within corporate limits as slum and blighted for CDBG program requirements
- Approval of Northern Mayflower Charity Local Permit
- Approval of GCC Archery Local Permit