By Kris Goracke, news@pctribune.com

With two public hearings and a short regular meeting, the Starbuck City Council meeting was quick and short.  The first of the two public hearings concerned a conditional use permit for the new marina located in the Starbuck City Park.  With no comments or questions the hearing was closed.  The second public hearing was about the construction of a 99-foot Verizon cell tower to be located in PID #27-0624-006 (behind the old Starbuck school). Again, with no comments or questions, the hearing was closed. 

A report on the 2020 Road project was given by Larry Van Hout from Widseth.  “MnDOT came down and we discussed the brick pavers and it was decided to pull out the pavers and replace the area with colored cement,” explained Van Hout.  The pavers which are located mainly in the first two blocks south of Highway 28 to Fifth Street have been shifting.  Council member Steve Gorder asked if the pavers could be pinned down to which Van Hout said that when looking at that option it was decided there just isn’t any room to do so and have success.

Additional items discussed with MnDot were the sidewalk heave in front of Peddler Dan’s as well as the broken sidewalk in front of Caseys. A contractor is scheduled to come and look at these projects.  “It appears the issues with contractors have been resolved and it looks as though we will have a final pay request possibly in June.  Once we receive this, the city can begin to work on the assessment calculations,” Van Hout said.

In the mayor’s report, Gary Swenson gave an update on the Pope Douglas Environment Drop Site stating that the land will be surveyed in the next couple of weeks and, at that time, they can begin setting up and hopefully be ready by June or July of this year.  Next on Swenson’s report was the upcoming Starbuck Beach equipment fundraiser.  The fundraiser is schedule for Saturday, May 28, in the Starbuck City Park.  Krispy Kreme donuts will be sold with the intent to purchase two slides, three floating rafts and a new sign, all totaling $15,000.  In addition to selling donuts, donations are also being accepted.   For up-to-date information regarding this fundraiser, people can check out the Facebook page, Starbuck Beach Equipment Fundraiser.

“The new docks have been installed in the Hobo Park Marina and all that is left is to paint the numbers,” said Randy Pederson in his report to the council.  “I also would like consent from the council to sell the old Case 580 tractor as we no longer need or use it.  Mixel’s have agreed to sell it for us.  Also, we have our old docks from the Hobo Park Marina just sitting at the transfer station and I would like to advertise them for free if anyone can find use for them.  We have about 80 old docks to give away.”  The council approved both requests.

In other business the council:

• Approved the new Verizon cell tower to be built on PID #27-0624-006

• Approved a conditional use permit allowing a commercial marina in the Starbuck City Park

• Approved fund transfers for the fire department rent and contract for 2022

• Discussed and approved salary raises for Election judge and summer help

• Approved Resolution #2022-10 in support for new Local Government Aid (LGA) formula to increase aid to cities

• Approved Resolution #2022-11 allowing the Starbuck Fire Department Auxiliary to hold a raffle during the pork feed and street dance on July 1, 2022.

• Approved a rental inspection service agreement with Alexandria MN Housing and Redevelopment Authority

• Scheduled a work session and special meeting for Thursday, May 12, 2022.