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City of Starbuck Moves To Change Blight Charges
Pope County Tribune - Starbuck Times
Written by Zach Anderson - Starbuck Times New Editor   
Friday, 20 March 2009 14:53


• Heard from Starbuck resident Tara Gorder who inquired about a neighboring house which the city required a clean up. She asked if the homeowner, Mike Dinsmore, has completed the clean up requirements. The council indicated Dinsmore had complied with the exterior improvements - siding, windows, doors. Dinsmore said he planned to do some painting this spring and install a section of trim. Gorder told the council she was concerned about the potential effect of the neighboring house's appearance, if she were to put her house on the market.

• Heard from Starbuck resident Chad LeGare who questioned the amount of water that the city indicated his family used. The council indicated LeGare is still responsible for paying the water bill and should consider providing monthly meter readings.

• Authorized the Starbuck Fire Department to pay for its 1996 pumper truck repair. During last Monday's council meeting, Starbuck Fire Chief Todd Johnshoy said he didn't have an exact cost for the repair. The council and Johnshoy discussed the department's options to pay for the repairs. The fire department reportedly has about $5,400 in its truck repair fund and $12,000 in its new truck fund, totaling $17,400. The fire department is also expecting arrival of a new fire tanker-pumper truck this summer. After it arrives, the department's older truck will likely be sold. Councilman Jamie Logan expressed concern about the department building up its new truck fund again after it's depleted for the repair costs.

• Approved payment of Starbuck Fire Department bills totaling $943.99.

• Heard several updates from Starbuck Police Chief Jim Minion:

- He said February is generally the slowest month of the year for police activity in the city, and reported that there were about 50 fewer calls in February 2009 than February 2008.

- Minion said he dismissed a couple blight charges indicating that he couldn't justify the city spending $1,500 on a jury trial for a $100 blight ticket. Pending review by the city attorney, the council approved changing the blight charge from a misdemeanor to a petty misdemeanor. Changing the charge to a petty misdemeanor means the violation would be treated like a speeding ticket in court - violators could make a court appearance and the judge would determine the fine amount, up to $300.

- Authorized Minion and Mitch Johnsrud to attend a mandatory police pursuit driving training in St. Cloud. Every three years, law enforcement is required to take the course and the charge for two officers to attend the one day class is $880. Minion said he would forgo an opportunity to attend the state's police chief convention this year.




- Authorized Minion to apply for a COPS FAST grant that would pay for a full-time officer for three years to work at the day treatment facility. The chief indicated his concern about the anticipated increase in day treatment students over the next few school years. Minion said he would arrange a meeting with the school district superintendent to better plan for the future at the facility.

-Heard that the city will pool all of its cell phones (used by police and public works) under one government contract with Verizon. According to Minion, it appears the city can save about $40 per month.

- Heard that two officers would be attending training in Deerwood regarding stalking and strangulation. The training entity will reportedly pay for the officers' mileage and salary for the day's training.

- Heard that Minion is working with Pope County Sheriff's Office employee Kim Joos to update and complete the city's emergency management plan.

• Heard from City Engineer Larry VanHout about an opportunity for the city to apply for grant funding to address phosphorus levels. The council authorized VanHout to proceed with a pre-application for the grant.

• Heard an update from Public Works Director Gary Koos:

- The Kramer company has expressed interest in setting up a local disposal site in Starbuck. The city would provide the site (in the northwest side of the city at the old transfer station) and Kramer would set up the site and staff it. Koos said there would be no cost to city other than a tipping fee. Disposal site users would be charged as they bring stuff in. It was also noted during the meeting that Waste Management offers a service that charges for their crews to come down to your property and take away items. The council asked that the information be put on the city's TV access channel and web site.

- Heard that the city is considering options for charging a fee for decks and sheds being built on campground sites in Hobo Park. It was suggested that any Hobo Park guests with a deck and/or shed pay $500 for the season and if it is approved, the fee would be applied during the 2010 season. The decks and sheds reportedly take up space on the campground lots that should be used for parking vehicles; now, those vehicles are sometimes being parked on the main road through the campground. The council will address the concept next month.

-Heard that Koos will attempt to use a new design for light pole bases in the marina area. The frost-thaw cycle causes the light poles to rise up and down in the ground.

• Approved spending up to $500 on a new computer and reservation program for Hobo Park.

• Approved annexation for the Jensen and Kuusisto parties, pending attorney approval. • Approved payment of bills and minutes from the February 9, 2009 meeting.

• Heard that the city's League of Minnesota Cities insurance premium can be paid quarterly.

• Heard that there are several parties who are not current on loan repayment through the city's Economic Development Association. The council agreed that these parties should be contacted immediately.

• Heard about two outstanding bills that are due to the city: Corbin Corson and Larry Kittelson both reportedly owe the city money. Corson owes legal fees and Kittelson owes rent.

• Discussed whether or not a building owned by Mike Dinsmore was in compliance with the city's residential ordinance. The council will address the issue again next month.

• Authorized the advertisement and public hearing procedures for a conditional use permit application for a property owned by Harry Blok.

• Heard that the city may have to take out a Tax Anticipation Loan to cover four general obligation bond payments due before the first-half of city taxes are paid in late June. The council discussed the sale of the old fire hall and if the sale of that property would come to fruition before the four payments are due.

• Reviewed the city's new community center rental fees, effective April 1, 2009.

Jeff Formo serves milk to Joe and Corrine Hoium during the Starbuck Fire Department Fish Fry on Friday evening. Approximately 375 people attended the annual fund-raiser at the Starbuck Community Center. Photo by Chad Koenen