A Mn/DOT presentation on the Highway 371/34 Corridor Study and an appeal of nuisance notice on large flower baskets hanging over a city sidewalk were two of several topics discussed by the Walker City Council.
The July 2 meeting lasted more than 90 minutes with the corridor study and nuisance notice each taking about 20 minutes each.
The corridor study prepared by and given by MnDOT staff included an overview on the project that is scheduled for 2029-30. The cost is expected to be around $29-37 million, with the city of Walker responsible for about $2 million, not including utilities.
The presentation outlined the community review panel vision and public input. The council will vote on the plan at the Aug. 5 city meeting.
Following discussion on street project, the council held a public hearing on the appeal of a nuisance notice regarding large flower baskets hanging low over city sidewalks at 201 Fifth Street.
Chip Leer showed the council photos of other ADA and obstruction violations by other businesses in town. Councilor Gary Wilkening agreed with Leer that there are sidewalk obstruction issues around town, but the city has been addressing those violations over the last couple of years.
Councilor Jim Senenfelder added that the city could be sued if anything was to happen because of the baskets, with Mayor Jerecho Worth stating, for that reason the baskets are a nuisance.
A motion to remove the flower baskets was approved by the council.
City Administrator Hope Fairchild announced that the filing notice for two council and the mayor’s seat opens July 30 and closes Aug. 13. Walker residents wishing to file need to do so at City Hall.
In other city business, the council:
Passed resolution notifying Cass and Hubbard counties that the City of Walker is financially unable to meet the needs of the Walker Ambulance Primary Service Area without assistance.
Approved changing Walker Bay Spirits POS system to Propelr due to lower fee costs and purchasing a Delta 1 POS system at the estimated cost between $2,000 and $2,500. This will save the city about $15,000.
Approved the Minnesota Lawful Gambling application for Walker Area Community Center to conduct a raffle Oct. 5.
Discussed the draft donation request policy that will be up for approval at the Aug. 5 meeting.
Discussed the draft mobile food unit ordinance that will also be up for approval at the Aug. 5 meeting.
Approved the annual donation of $500 to the Initiative Foundation.
Discussed the donation request from May Creek Senior Center for Meals On Wheels Program that will be added to the 2025 Budget.
Denied request from Todd Farnam for permission to allow a camper on his property at 331 Ridgeway Lane until November, and for the city to send him a second letter to remove the camper.
Discussed community request for the council to look into an area housing study. The city is trying to secure funds to help pay for the study, with Sourcewell brought up as a possible source for funds.
Cass County did a study three years ago, so there’s a possibility to just do an update.
Approved an ordinance amending Part II, Land Department and Land Use Ordinances, Chapter 109 for zoning and subdivisions, Article V. performance standards, Section 109-152. signs, (B) definitions, and (F) prohibited signs, (9) roof signs.
Approved a resolution authorizing summary publication of Ordinance 2024-05.
Approved park use permit for Russell Kappes Sr. birthday party Aug. 11 at the lower park pavilion for about 75 people.
Approved park use permit for Walker Sons of the American Legion Squadron 134 to hold a hog roast fundraiser Aug. 10 in the lower city park for up to 500 people.
Approved park use permit for Summer Ramble Minnesota Bass Federation Bass Tournament weigh-in July 21 in the lower city park for about 40 people.
Tabled Walker Pickleball Club proposal to build two 16-foot shade structures within the center plaza of the new courts using raised pickleball funds.
Approved park use permit for Walker Lion’s Club to serve food and alcoholic beverages Aug. 1 in conjunction with Walker Bay Live event.
Approved a temporary on-sale liquor license from Walker Lion’s Club to for the Aug. 1 Walker Bay Live music event in the City Park.
Approved Public Works Committee request for an Event/Street Closure Permit Application from the Walker Lions Club for the Fourth of July parade on Michigan Avenue West, with the adjustment that parade floats will travel up Second Street and into the parking area by the school on Highland Avenue West.
Approved Public Works Committee request for an Event/Street Closure Permit Application from the Jefferson Highway Military Vehicle Convoy for the public display of historical military vehicles Oct. 3 in the parking lot and Front Street between Fourth and Fifth streets.
Approved Event/Street Closure Permit Application from Reed’s Family Outdoor Outfitters for the Reed’s Fall Classic and Expo Aug. 7-11.
Approved purchase of a 72-inch Exmark mower from Martin Snowplow and Equipment for $16,944.49 and trading in the old mower.
Hired Anderson Brothers to repave two sections of Summit Avenue at $80,745.75.
Approved DNR grant funding application to improve land fishing areas near Lake May and Leech Lake off of Railroad Avenue. This is a 20-year deal that will not take away the Lake May swimming beach.
Announced the next council meeting is Aug. 5 at 6 p.m.
Consent agenda items the council discussed:
Approved council meeting minutes for June 3.
Reviewed Planning Commission/Board of Adjustments meeting minutes for June 24.
Reviewed May Zoning Administrator Report.
Approve Public Works Committee meeting minutes of June 18.
Reviewed Park Advisory Board meeting minutes of June 25.
Reviewed Library Advisory Board meeting minutes of June 11.
Reviewed Walker Area Joint Fire Department Board meeting minutes of June 13.
Reviewed Walker Police Department report from May 26-June 23 that included four thefts, four traffic crashes, two traffic citations, 14 medical and five assists to other agencies.
Approved Cash Balance Report dated May 31.
Reviewed sales tax receipts.
Approved Library Advisory Board meeting minutes of May 14.
Approved Park Advisory Board meeting minutes of May 28.
Approved Planning Commission/Board of Adjustments meeting minutes of May 20.
Reviewed Cass County Property Tax System Statement of Remittance dated June 18.
Reviewed Minnesota State Demographer 2023 Population and Household Estimates.
Reviewed League of Minnesota Cities notice regarding preliminary maximum dues increase, proposed fiscal year changes and timing of dues notices, and additional changes to League Constitution and bylaws.
Approved payment of $2,340.64 to Hawkins, Inc. for water plant chemicals.
Approved payment of $55,709.88 to Ulteig Operations, LLC for Northwest Area Project engineering services rendered through May.
Approved payment of $6,976.25 to American Engineering Testing for Northwest Area Project engineering testing services.
Approved payment of $2,470 to Turf Technology, LLC for cemetery irrigation system spring start-up and irrigation repairs.
Approved payment of $16,439.29 to Thein Well for repairs to well No. 2.
Approved payment of $34,842.86 to Ulteig Operations, LLC for professional services rendered through April 30.
Approved payment of $2,430 to Johnson Jet-Line for repair services rendered to sewer and storm water systems.
Approved payment of $306,135.51 to Hy-Tec Construction for library construction project professional services and materials through May 31.
Approved payment of $2,005.00 to Turf Technology LLC for lawn fertilizer application at City Hall and City Park.
Approved payment of $169,621.36 to R.L. Excavating, Inc. for Northwest Area Project professional services and materials rendered through June 14.
Approved payment of $3,700 to Turf Technology LLC for Evergreen Cemetery May Lawn Mowing.
Approved the 2024-2025 Minnesota Association of Small Cities membership renewal for $607.50.
Approved resolution accepting donations of $277,000 made to the city for the new Dale and Harriet Jones Walker Library. $100,000 came from the Jones’ for naming rights, $20,000 from Shingobee Township, $147,000 from Friends of the Walker Library and $10,000 from Leech Lake Lumber.
Approved payment of $60,222.67 to Anderson Brothers Construction Company of Brainerd for Walker City Park pickleball/tennis court resurfacing project using raised pickleball court funds.
Approved payment of $1,080 to Tyler’s Backhoe Service for screened topsoil to the City Park pickleball/tennis court resurfacing project using raised pickleball funds.
Approved payment of $11,600 to Outdoor Specialties, LLC for down payment on pickleball poles, net, and footings in the City Park pickleball/tennis court resurfacing project using raised pickleball funds.
Approved payment of $16,704 to Oberg Fence Co. for final payment for fencing in the City Park pickleball/tennis court resurfacing project using raised pickleball funds.
Approved offering two employee health insurance plans and covering the full cost of single dental coverage for a total health and dental insurance cost increase in the amount of $2,607.
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