Farm animal conditional use permit approved
The Mountain Lake City Council, moving on the recommendation of the Utilities Commission, adopted a Mountain Lake Municipal Utilities Commercial/Industrial/Rural Upgrade Fee during their meeting on Monday, May 5, at Mountain Lake City Hall. When commercial/industrial/rural utility accounts upgraded and expanded their services, the utility had paid all upgrade costs. In some cases, this was only a small increase in the amount of power purchased. The return on that investment is low. The Utilities Commission had been considering a better way of recovering these costs. A monthly upgrade fee on the utility bill was considered. Eventually coming out of the Utilities Commission meeting was the council-approved recommendation that all commercial/industrial/rural accounts be charged for equipment and material needed to upgrade their services. This policy was effective beginning on Tuesday, May 6.
Farm animal conditional use approved
En route to approving a Conditional Use Permit to Allow Farm Animals for Jubilee Fruits and Vegetables (Judy and Steve Harder), the application, maps of findings of fact were reviewed, and Judy Harder was in attendance at the meeting to answer any additional questions.
In other business
* Reviewed the first quarter 2014 Mountain Lake Public School indoor swimming pool bill. As per the agreement, the city will share 50/50 in pool operating losses – up to $15,000. The total first quarter loss was $7,361.78; with the city’s share at $3,680.89. * Discussed a Conditional Use Permit to Allow a Place of Worship in a Residential District for Mountain Lake Assemblies of God. Council Member David Savage stated his conflict of interest as pastor of the church, and that he would not vote on the matter. Due to Savage recusing himself, there was no longer a council quorum at the meeting, as two members were absent, leaving only three members addressing the meeting’s agenda. Because of this, the permit was only discussed, with the approval tabled until the Monday, May 19 council meeting. * Called for bids on a new well – Well #7 – contingent on receiving funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Small Cities Development Program (SCDP). Prior to the call, City Engineer Andy Kehren of Bolton and Menk presented a copy of the plans to council members. * Adopted a resolution on a Hazardous Building at 412 7th Street North after discussion on the property. Mountain Lake Police Chief Doug Bristol explained to the council previous attempts to eliminate the problems on the property. * Approved a $300 contribution to the annual Pow wow Road Race. * Approved April Shingling/Siding Permits: Estate of Lois Ross (710 8th Street North) – Shingle house, garage and storage shed. Kenton Stoesz (1st Avenue) – Shingle truck garage. Diane Van Dyke (517 3rd Avenue) – Shingle house and garage. Mark Hanson (415 11th Street North) – Shingle. David and Aggie Bennett (1012 7th Avenue) – Shingle and side house. Erland and Betty Braun (407 7th Street North) – Shingle house. Western Community Action (709 4th Avenue) – Shingle house with asphalt. * Approved April Building Permits: Matt and Nicole James (1018 Midway Road) – Replace 16′ by 18′ deck. Jan Stadtlander (420 15th Street North) – Construct 16′ by 12′ deck. Economic Development Authority (502 Cottonwood County Road #1) – 40,000 square foot addition to Mountain Power Hydraulics. Tim and Linda Marsh ( 1312 4th Avenue) – Construct 24′ by 30′ garage. Mountain Lake Assemblies of God (810 3rd Avenue) – Construct church sanctuary and remodel remaining structure.
