DUNDAS CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Monday, November 22, 2021 7:00 p.m. Dundas City Hall
Present: Mayor Glenn Switzer; Councilors: Luke LaCroix, Larry Fowler, Grant Modory, Luke Swartwood
Staff Present: City Planner Nate Sparks, City Engineer Dustin Tipp, Administrator Jenelle Teppen
CALL TO ORDER/PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Switzer called the Council meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. A quorum was present.
PUBLIC FORUM - No public input.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion by Fowler, second by LaCroix, to approve the agenda. Motion Carried Unanimously (MCU) CONSENT AGENDA Motion by LaCroix, second by Swartwood, to approve the consent agenda as follows: Regular Minutes of November 8, 2021; and Disbursements - $65,281.89. MCU
OLD BUSINESS No old business brought before Council
ORDINANCES/RESOLUIONS Resolution 2021-33
A Resolution Approving Final 2022 Economic Development Authority Budget and Final 2022 Property Tax Levy Motion by Modory, second by Fowler, to approve Resolution 2021-33. MCU
NEW BUSINESS
Update from Bridgewater and Forest Township Supervisors Regarding Proposed Development at County Road 1 and Hwy 35
Glenn Castore (Bridgewater Township Supervisor) and Charlie Peters (Forest Township Supervisor): Castore explained that the two townships entered into a joint powers agreement to create a Forest/Bridgewater Development District that encompasses an area along the I-35 Corridor off the County Road 1 exit. They are working with Rice County to rezone the area Industrial. He stated they are working with a development company and attorneys to put a plan together for a distribution center in the area. Peters stated goal is to get a plan ready for developers in two years. Discuss Vision and Direction for Downtown Development Administrator Teppen gave an update per request from Councilor LaCroix on the property next to City Hall and stated there is steady interest based on the phone calls she receives from interested parties. Councilor LaCroix stated he was interested what direction the City wants to go and if there is a company to assist in the development. Mayor Switzer indicated the Comp Plan remains accurate with respect to the type of development the City is seeking for the property. He explained the City had done an RFP four or five years ago seeking a developer for a mixed-use building and at the end the developer proposed only a residential development which was not what the City Council was interested in seeing on the parcel. Teppen indicated she has had conversations with at least one developer and believes a concept plan is forthcoming. Councilor Modory stated it is good to have EDA involved to help guide the process for any future interest and plans. Mayor Switzer suggested the City should wait another year and reevaluate at that point if there is no development interest.
NEW BUSINESS
Consider Appointing Gordon Kelley to Park & Recreation Advisory Board
Motion by Fowler, second by LaCroix, to approve appointment of Gordon Kelley to the Park & Recreation Advisory Board through December 31, 2023. MCU
REPORT OF OFFICERS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES
City Engineer – Dustin Tipp
Tipp reported on the work to date regarding the City acquiring the Menards storm water pond to ensure that it is being maintained regularly. He provided an update on the map to be used in the park survey noting another draft will be coming to Council in January to review.
City Administrator – Jenelle Teppen
Teppen reported on email received from Allen Kern who is interested in acquiring 300 Railway Street, the site of the former Co-op property, but she indicated his proposal doesn’t meet the zoning requirements. She indicated the City has the right of first refusal of the sale of the property. Teppen stated Kern was informed his plans would be better suited in an Industrial Zone but none is available in Dundas. Teppen stated the MN City Manager Association has offered to partner with three cities in an intern program with funds provided of $3500. She stated looking at 20 hours a week with distribution funding from EDA fund and other funds. She felt the City had enough to offer in providing experience and would like to apply. She said if Dundas is chosen she would return to the Council for approval to participate in the program. Mayor, Councilors and Committees Councilor LaCroix asked on status of new snow plow and at this time staff was unable to answer, but said staff is prepared and ready for the season. Concern was expressed on attendance for December 27 Council meeting but noted no EDA meeting.
ADJOURN
Motion by LaCroix, second by Fowler, to adjourn the meeting at 8:04 p.m. MCU
Submitted by: Jenelle Teppen, City Administrator
Attest: Glenn Switzer, Mayor
