Pierz public meetings in 2020
14 substantive meetings from 2020, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
The Pierz City Council approved an electric rate study by Dave Berg Consulting, COVID-19 Business Assistance Program Round #2 grants for seven local businesses, and renewed the city's membership in the Pierz Area Commercial Club. The council also decided not to waive municipal tort liability limits, and was informed that Horizon Health will discontinue the Community Gardens on their property.
- Approved electric rate study proposal by Dave Berg (unanimous)
- Approved $2,500 COVID-19 grants to 7 businesses, contingent on no past-due utility bills (unanimous)
- Renewed City of Pierz membership in Pierz Area Commercial Club for 2021 (unanimous)
- Chose NOT to waive municipal tort liability limits per Minn. Stat. §466.04 (unanimous)
- Approved minutes of Dec 14 public hearing and regular meeting (unanimous)
- Added Resolution #12282020-1 to agenda and approved agenda (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council held a special meeting on November 12, 2020, and approved Resolution #11122020-1, which canvasses the 2020 election results. The resolution was approved with a correction to the percentage of write-in votes for the City Council Member seat, changed to 2.2%. The motion carried unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
- Approved Resolution #11122020-1 canvassing 2020 election results, with corrected write-in vote percentage of 2.2% (unanimous)
- Adjourned the special meeting at 6:10 p.m. (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved Resolution #11092020-1 for the 2020 Street Improvement Project special assessments, and also approved a $500 donation to Law Enforcement United, a $1,450 donation to the Initiative Foundation, and utility billing agreements with RPSWD for 2021. The council approved building permits for Kelsey Meyer and Pierz MHC LLC, and tobacco licenses for four local businesses. They scheduled a public hearing and special meeting for November 12, 2020, to canvass election results, and set a Truth in Taxation hearing for December 14, 2020.
- Approved Resolution #11092020-1 for 2020 Street Improvement Project special assessments (unanimous)
- Approved $500 donation to Law Enforcement United (unanimous)
- Approved $1,450 donation to Initiative Foundation for 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved utility billing agreement with RPSWD for 2021 (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for Kelsey Meyer (221 Main St N) and Pierz MHC LLC (310 Third Ave NW Lot #26) (unanimous)
- Approved tobacco licenses for Lloyd's Liquor, Red's Auto, Vet's Super Stop, and Pierz Foods (unanimous)
- Scheduled public hearing and special council meeting for Nov 12, 2020, to canvass election results (unanimous)
- Set Truth in Taxation public hearing for Dec 14, 2020, at 6:30 pm (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved several purchases and agreements, including $17,899.25 for camera and broadcast equipment, $9,195.00 for police radios, and $50,880.98 in CARES Act purchases. They also approved building permits, a snow removal agreement, and resolutions for gambling and an easement. All motions passed unanimously except one building permit vote where a member abstained.
- Approved $17,899.25 for meeting recording/broadcast equipment (unanimous)
- Approved $9,195.00 for two police portable radios (unanimous)
- Approved $50,880.98 in CARES Act purchases via Resolution #10262020-1 (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for Meadow Ponds and RTO signs, with RTO conditional on setbacks (abstention)
- Approved 2020-2021 MNDOT Snow Removal Agreement (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #10262020-2 for Pierz Lions gambling at Pierz Ballroom and Lanes (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #10262020-3 for 2021 38th Ave N easement acquisition (unanimous)
- Approved use of city shop and giving jars for Pierz Area Toy Drive (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved the purchase of a used 2014 Toro trim mower from MTI Distributing for $20,306.25. They also approved building permits for three properties, appointed Herb Broschofsky to the Rich Prairie Sewer and Water District Board, and passed a resolution to receive COVID-19 funds for elections. The council accepted Rick Wacker's resignation from the fire department and voted to discontinue the 5% electric rate discount starting with the September 20 billing period.
- Approved purchase of used 2014 Toro trim mower for $20,306.25 (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for JD Folger, Dan Sauer, and Alyssa Martin (unanimous)
- Appointed Herb Broschofsky to RPSWD board for 2021-2023 term (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #08242020 for COVID-19 election funds (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Rick Wacker from Pierz Fire Department (unanimous)
- Discontinued 5% electric rate discount starting with September 20 billing period (unanimous)
- Scheduled city council budget workshop for August 31, 2020 at 6:00 pm (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council held a workshop to discuss the Pierz Foods loading dock relocation project, which is tied to a county road project and trail construction. Pierz Foods owner Allen Dahmen declined the city's loan/grant proposal, insisting on the original cost split of 50% county, 25% Pierz Foods, and 25% city. No formal decision was made; the item was placed on the agenda for the August 10, 2020 council meeting. The council also directed staff to revise the city's assessment policy using the City of St. Joseph policy as an example.
- Directed City Engineer and City Administrator to revise assessment policy using St. Joseph policy as example
- Placed Pierz Foods loading dock relocation on Aug. 10 council meeting agenda
- Discussed but took no action on Pierz Foods cost participation proposal
Council
The Pierz City Council approved a resolution allowing the city to issue a liquor license to the Pierz Golf Course and Campgrounds, and approved an on-sale wine license for the same. The council also approved new fire department officer salaries, a radio purchase, and several permits, while denying a shed permit due to setbacks. Traffic concerns on 3rd Ave NE were discussed and will be referred to Morrison County.
- Approved Resolution #07272020-1 to issue liquor license to Pierz Golf Course and Campgrounds (5-0)
- Approved on-sale wine liquor license for Pierz Golf Course and Campground (unanimous)
- Approved fire department officer salaries effective July 1, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved $11,869.80 for four fire department radios from Granite Electronics (unanimous)
- Approved building permits for Varner, Fluharty, and Leidenfrost; denied Pierz MHC LLC shed permit (unanimous)
- Approved COVID-19 Business Assistance Program application for Pierz Family Dentistry (unanimous)
- Approved exempt permits for Holy Trinity Catholic School events and Knights of Columbus Buffalo Raffle (unanimous)
- Approved Resolution #07272020-2 for fire department Sourcewell grant application (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved several building permits, including concrete work and accessory structures, and denied a fence height variance. They also approved a COVID-19 business assistance application, hired Jim Gross as Assistant Park Complex Superintendent, renewed a liquor license, and terminated a developer's agreement with Hoheisel Construction.
- Approved building permits for St. Joseph's Church, Jason Leeb, Holy Trinity School, Jamie Litke (unanimous)
- Approved accessory structure permits for Patrick's Bar and Grill, Bootlegger's Bar, Frosty's Bar and Grill with removal by Sept 14, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved lot line move for Dale Kloss at Pondview Townhomes (unanimous)
- Denied fence height increase permit for Jack Hoheisel at 309 Robert St S (4-1)
- Approved COVID-19 Business Assistance application for JR Brausen/BroTre Salon (unanimous)
- Approved hiring Jim Gross as Assistant Park Complex Superintendent at $18.50/hr (unanimous)
- Approved liquor license renewal for Frosty's Bar and Grill (unanimous)
- Approved termination of developer's agreement and quit claim deed for Hoheisel Construction (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved the COVID-19 Business Assistance Program and a COVID-19 Consumer Protection Plan for electric utilities. It also approved discounted liquor license fees for several establishments affected by closures, and approved a new license for Frosty's Bar and Grill with no fee for June 2020. The council denied a donation request from the Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame and approved a $300 donation to Horizon Health — Faith in Action.
- Approved COVID-19 Business Assistance Program (unanimous)
- Approved COVID-19 Consumer Protection Plan for electric (unanimous)
- Approved liquor license renewals with 1/3 discount for Bootlegger's Bar, Patrick's Bar and Grill, Pierz Ballroom and Lanes (unanimous)
- Approved liquor license for Pierz Legion Ball Park at 50% discount (unanimous)
- Approved new liquor license for Frosty's Bar and Grill with no fee for June 1-30, 2020 (unanimous)
- Denied donation request from Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame (unanimous)
- Approved $300 donation to Horizon Health — Faith in Action (5-0, 1 abstention)
- Approved $34,411.23 chip sealing quote from Astech for multiple streets (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved several items, including hiring Mary Caughey as clubhouse manager at $15.10/hr, a 5% electric rate reduction for May-August 2020, and a $35,000 road overlay bid. They also accepted a resignation and offered the position to Paul Hennessy at $19.00/hr, which passed 4-1. A donation request was tabled until next month.
- Approved lot line adjustment at 401 and 403 Park Avenue SW (unanimous)
- Approved building permit for Mark Eno at 397 Cody Court for a shed up to 216 sq ft (unanimous)
- Approved shelter donation to Pierz American Legion Auxiliary for July 23, contingent on availability (unanimous)
- Tabled donation request from Fishing Museum and Hall of Fame until next month (unanimous)
- Approved Pierz Area Food Shelf agreement (unanimous)
- Approved clubhouse manager job description and hired Mary Caughey at $15.10/hr starting May 3, 2020 (unanimous)
- Accepted resignation of Mathew Stumpf and offered Assistant Park Complex Superintendent position to Paul Hennessy at $19.00/hr (4-1)
- Approved 5% reduction on electric rates for May, June, July, August 2020 (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council met via Zoom on April 16, 2020, with three members present and three absent. The council heard an appeal from Ronald and Mary Ann Andrea regarding the estimated market value of their property at 382 Kamnic Street (Parcel ID# 42.0561.000). The council voted unanimously to make no changes to the estimated market value, denying the appeal. The meeting adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
- Denied property value appeal for 382 Kamnic Street, Parcel ID# 42.0561.000 (3-0)
- Adjourned meeting at 1:55 p.m. (3-0)
Council
The Pierz City Council met via Zoom on March 23, 2020, and approved several donations, including $1,000 to the Pierz Legion Ball Park, $1,500 to the Pierz Oktoberfest Committee, and $1,500 to Freedom Fest for the Pierz Fire Relief Association. The council also approved using the old food shelf building for fire department cold storage, voided a $500 check to the cancelled 2020 Road to Hope event, accepted the resignation of Fireman Dale Brausen, and set a public hearing for a conditional use permit for Jason Meyer at 232 Main St. S. for April 13, 2020. All votes were unanimous except the Legion Ball Park donation, where Mayor Fischer abstained.
- Approved $1,000 donation to Pierz Legion Ball Park (Mayor Fischer abstained)
- Approved $1,500 donation to Pierz Oktoberfest Committee (unanimous)
- Approved $1,500 donation to Freedom Fest for Pierz Fire Relief Association (unanimous)
- Approved using old food shelf building for fire department cold storage (unanimous)
- Voided $500 check to cancelled 2020 Road to Hope event (unanimous)
- Approved resignation of Fireman Dale Brausen (unanimous)
- Set public hearing for Jason Meyer conditional use permit for April 13, 2020 (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council approved the 2020 appointments and designations, the 2020 fee schedule, and the Morrison County Animal Humane Society contract. They also accepted a $5,000 donation from the Pierz Lions Club for kitchen improvements and approved a $3,025 donation to ISD #484 Community Education. All motions were carried unanimously.
- Approved 2020 appointments and designations (unanimous)
- Approved 2020 fee schedule (unanimous)
- Approved 2020 Morrison County Animal Humane Society contract (unanimous)
- Accepted $5,000 Pierz Lions Club donation for Park Complex kitchen improvements (unanimous)
- Approved $3,025 donation to ISD #484 Community Education (unanimous)
- Scheduled City Council/Park Board Workshop for Feb 4, 2020 (unanimous)
- Approved treasurer's report (unanimous)
- Approved claims for $294,604.24 (unanimous)
Council
The Pierz City Council directed SEH to prepare assessment worksheets for the 2020 street improvements with options of 20%, 16%, and 10% assessment. For the Third Ave N project, the council chose to bury electric lines and proceed with Option #4 of the streetlight feasibility study. The council declined a $3,500 shower conversion request for an apartment unit, citing a long-term plan to avoid capital investments in the building. No formal votes were recorded; decisions were made by consensus.
- Directed SEH to prepare assessment worksheets for 2020 street improvements with 20%, 16%, and 10% options
- Chose to bury electric lines on Third Ave N project
- Directed proceeding with Option #4 streetlight design (stand-alone non-decorative, north side, evenly spaced)
- Denied $3,500 shower conversion in apartment unit
- Discussed future development of Bob Cyr property (no action taken)