If the city had opted for the transfer, it would have been for three years. During the board of review, local residents voice concerns about their property tax increases.
City Administrator Dennis Wilde recommended the council turn down the transfer. "It's nice to be able to offer a local appeal process," Wilde said.
Councilman Dave Peschong reminded the council of the county mistakes that have been found in previous board of review sessions.
"People are more comfortable coming here for an appeal," said councilman Dennis Zimmerman.
Wastewater agreement
Ron Mergen, public works director, informed the council that Quality Checked Plastics approved a wastewater treatment agreement with the city.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires any business discharging an excessive amount of BODs (solids) to have an agreement.
According to Mergen, the normal domestic sewage discharge is 280 milligrams per liter. Quality Checked Plastics is discharging 400 mg per liter in their wash cycle.
Established rates for Quality Checked are established the same as Master Mark Plastics which reached an agreement with the city recently. Quality Checked Plastics agrees to pay surcharges on a monthly basis for excess BOD: nine cents per pound per day for anything up to 100 pounds in excess; 18 cents per pound per day for 101 to 300 pounds in excess; and 36 cents per pound for over 300 pounds in excess.
The agreement is for five years. The city and Quality Checked will begin reviewing the contract on March 1, 2005, for renewal on March 1, 2006.
Public hearings
The council set a public hearing concerning the cable services of Mediacom for Tuesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. The city's cable contract expires on June 1, 2001.
Questionnaires concerning cable service were distributed to the cable area in the city and Paynesville Township over the weekend. Questionnaires can also be picked up at city hall from Wilde.
At 8 p.m., on Tuesday, Feb. 13, the airport zoning board will hold a second hearing at the Paynesville Area Center to receive input on the proposed airport zoning ordinance.
Other business
•The council approved purchasing a Motorola MCS200 radio from Granite Electronic for the new fire department rescue vehicle. The cost of the radio is $2,990.
•The council approved purchasing 25 new pagers for the fire department. The present pagers are about 14 years old and parts are hard to obtain, said Jim Freilinger, fire chief. The low bidder was Litcom of Litchfield with a bid of $9,824.
•Mergen informed the council the new well near the Morningside Addition is up and running. Another well, located south of Highway 55, will be tested on Monday, Feb. 5.
The MPCA also requested and approved funds for an observation well in this area. The observation well is required for the well head protection area.