• Discussed an inquiry from Greg Peterson about putting an ice skating rink on a piece of vacant land next to the Starbuck Bakery. While he said the thought of having an ice skating rink in Starbuck was a good idea, Councilman Jamie Logan raised the question of a safety concern about the ice skating rink being located on main street and the possibility of hockey pucks being erratically shot onto the road. While interested in the possibility of an ice skating rink in Starbuck, the council decided to contact Peterson to find out more details about the ice skating rink

• Discussed the property owned by Michael Dinsmore located at 205 W. 5th St.. At the June 16 Starbuck City Council meeting, the council gave Dinsmore until July 31 to complete work on the outside of the building and have the work inspected by the city building inspector. While it was reported Monday night most of the work was completed, there was still some things to be completed according to a letter from the building inspector. Holte said a copy of the letter from the building inspector stating what is left to be completed on the building along with a letter stating the work needs to be done should be sent to Dinsmore.

• Heard an update from Darin Peterson concerning the building he is trying to purchase which currently houses T. Vincents Cafe. Peterson told the board he has been talking with the city building inspector concerning reinforcing the alley wall as well as putting the basement staircase inside the building. However, he stated due to the extent of the structural changes associated with both pieces of work, he would not be able to begin construction until after the closing date which is scheduled either for the end of this month or middle of October.
Peterson also inquired about the building, which currently sits approximately 1.2 feet onto city land, and the city’s wishes about correcting the problem. Councilman Larry Noyes said now is the time to get rid of the issue and fix the problem. The council asked Peterson to contact his attorney and they would do the same to help find a fair corrective measure.

• Approved $26,636.30 for August bills.

• Discussed phosphorus removal within the city of Starbuck. Currently the city is buying credits from the City of Mankato, however, that agreement expires in 2010. While that agreement could be extended, City Engineer Larry VanHout said the City of Mankato had expressed some hesitations in doing such, hoping Starbuck would be able to upgrade their systems and meet the required 1 mg/1 phosphorus limit. With a tightening budget over the next few years, it appeared this wouldn’t happen by 2010 and trading credits would be the best possibility.
"If Mankato won’t trade with us we will need to find a new trading partner," VanHout said. He reported there are two new plants being built in New Ulm and Willmar, but warned buying credits from these two plants could be more expensive.
City Superintendant Gary Koos said Starbuck is merely a drop in the bucket for Mankato making the city viable to continue trading even if initial reports are contrary.
The council decided to send a letter to the City of Mankato asking to extend the current agreement.
All cities must meet the MPCA requirement of 1 mg/1 phosphorus by 2015. It was reported at the meeting Starbuck is near the 1.5 mg/1 phosphorus level.

• Approved asking two companies about removing trees along the bike path near the Starbuck City Beach. A bid had already been received for the Poplar trees, but interest had been received about the evergreen trees as well. The council was going to ask both companies about a potential price break for keeping the evergreen trees and removing the Poplar trees as well.