By Kris Goracke

Reporter

Starbuck City Beach took a step toward inclusivity as the Starbuck City Council approved the purchase of a 5-foot Blue Jay Roll-up Walkway. 

The Mobi-Mat, a portable and removable rollout beach access mat, will provide people with mobility aids easy access to the lake. Back this spring, Linda Hoffmann, Starbuck City Beach Supervisor, presented the idea to the council. And now, thanks to the generous donation from the Starbuck Men’s Veterans Auxiliary, the city is moving forward with the purchase. “Everyone should have access to our public beach on Lake Minnewaska. This Mobi-Mat will provide more stability for people,” said Hoffmann.

Gene Boul from Widseth showcased the proposed design of the Starbuck Marina Lighthouse, which is to be located on the southside of the marina’s mouth. The lighthouse features a catwalk for the public to enjoy lake views. The estimated cost for the lighthouse is $187,000, with additional fees for design, inspection, testing, and permits. “This is a bit more than we had anticipated,” said council member Dane Christensen, “I think we should have public input before moving ahead.” The council agreed and tabled the decision until a public meeting could be held.

Mayor Gary Swenson raised a concern over a letter to the editor written by Mike Stai in the July 10 issue of the Pope County Tribune. The letter discusses the council’s decision on handling the invasive species Starry Stonewort located within the marina. “I have received many emails and calls about the letter. We need to start planning for next year on how we want to move forward with the Starry Stonewort in the marina. I want to include the Minnewaska Lake Association, Pope County Land and Resource Office, and possibly the DNR,” said Swenson. “We need to devise a plan that is agreeable to everyone.” The council agreed and suggested meeting with all parties this fall to begin the planning process.

Starbuck Police Officer Frank Ryan gave the police report, stating the department had 319 calls in May and 219 in June. “We have had a request for extra patrolling on Highway 28 as traffic is speeding coming into Starbuck. And so, we have placed the speed trailer there so drivers are aware.” Gordy Hagert, a Starbuck resident, spoke before the council, stating that he has already seen an improvement in the traffic speed since the speed trailer has been in place.  

Ryan also gave an update on seeking grants for signage for the golf cart/ATV traffic. “So far, we have been awarded $2000 in grants, and I am hoping to get one more to cover the $3,100 cost of the signs. If we do not receive the additional grants, would the council be willing to pay the balance?” asked Ryan. “Let’s see first if we get the rest of the grant money,” said Swenson, “if not, we can discuss it again.”  

“I see many people violating the golf cart/ATV rules,” said Christensen. “I would like people to be more aware of the rules. I have seen carts on the sidewalks, going up the highway, and generally, some unsafe behavior.” Christensen asked Ryan how often a golf cart/ATV driver is stopped, to which Ryan replied he had talked to two so far in July.

Fixing several streets in Starbuck was next on the agenda. Starbuck employee Randy Peterson presented two bids for street work to be completed in six separate areas of town. Two bids were provided, one from Ferguson, $139,330, and one from Riley’s, $178,328. “We have a $65,000 budget for streets this year,” said Starbuck City Clerk Joan Kerkvliet. “However, we do have $120,00 left in the ARP fund, which needs to be used for infrastructure,” she stated. The council voted to accept the Ferguson bid and use the ARP funds to help with the cost.

An issue of too much cotton from a cottonwood tree at Hobo Park was next. Starbuck Hobo Park employee Derek Kock spoke on behalf of the issue. “The tree is a nuisance for the campers. Cotton has continually been floating down for the past three weeks,” he said. Kock presented a bid from A+ Tree Service out of  Morris for $2450 to remove the tree. The council approved the removal.

Starbuck resident Gene Rossum addressed his concerns about numerous violations of the city’s ordinances not being enforced. “In my neighborhood, we have vehicles parked that are not licensed, vehicles in yards, and just junk in the yards,” said Rossum. “I have lived in my home for 3 ½ years, and I do not see anything being done about these violations. I would like to see something done.”  “We appreciate you coming forward,” said Swenson. “We all hate it,” commented council member Mary Baukol, “but there is a process we need to follow.”

Rossum continued, “I purchased my home in March 2020 when it was snow-covered. Had I known what the neighborhood looked like, I don’t think I would have purchased this house. It just seems no one is enforcing the ordinances. I would appreciate anything the city can do to help this.”

In new business, the council:

• Approved a public hearing request to subdivide PID #27-0664-001 on East Second Street.

• Approved Resolution #2023-17 accepting a $500 donation from Riverview Farms for a shed at the Starbuck City Airport.

• Approved a public hearing request for a variance for garage wall height as well as the overall height of a new dwelling at 602 East Second Street.

• Approved a public hearing in August for an ordinance temporarily prohibiting the operation of cannabis businesses in the city.