By Kris Goracke

Reporter

The Starbuck City Council convened for a work session on Friday, October 13, primarily focusing on preparing for the upcoming regular November City Council meeting. Two of the topics to be addressed at the November meeting are:  a potential change in garbage collection and the refusal of Beachside RV, owned by Derek and Amanda Bluhm, to meet their obligations related to a conditional use permit granted to them in 2017.

At the regular October city council meeting, the council discussed an email from West Central Sanitation, regarding the possibility of discontinuing alley services in Starbuck. 

The email raised concerns about the ability of the taller and heavier trucks to access garbage receptacles in the alleys. Another point emphasized was the need for increased efficiency in collecting trash. Council member Dane Christensen stated, “My concern is that when West Central Sanitation took over Mattheisen’s contract, the council was told there would be no changes. But now, not only are we looking at changes, but we also looking at a reduction of services.”

City employee Randy Peterson spoke of the snow removal challenges in the alleys, mentioning instances when a garbage truck had needed pulling out because it got stuck. Additionally, Peterson noted that the height of the trucks poses issues with cable TV wires in the alleys.

The council discussed alternatives to alley services and what the absence of such services might mean for residents.  Christensen encouraged the need for public input, saying, “I would like to hear our citizens’ opinion on this.”

To facilitate further discussion, the council has invited a representative from West Central Sanitation to attend the November council meeting.

Public Hearing set Nov. 13

The second topic concerns a public hearing set for Monday, Nov. 13, regarding the possible revocation of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for Beachside RV Park. On July 18, 2017, the Starbuck Planning and Zoning Committee granted a CUP for the park to operate as a business, contingent on constructing a privacy fence. Six years later, this condition has not yet been done, it was stated.

According to the Starbuck Planning and Zoning Committee, Derek and Amanda Bluhm, the RV park owners, have been notified of the violation multiple times and received copies of the original CUP. Without the CUP, the RV park will not be able to operate.  

During the meeting, the council acknowledged that they had all received a letter from the Bluhms.  Council member Chris Taffe emphasized the need to enforce the city ordinances. 

At the same time, Christensen inquired about Bluhm’s outstanding bill of $20,000 for the multi-use trail.  In the summer of 2021, the multi-use trail had been completed, with the Bluhms agreeing to pay $30,000 as part of the $86,000 trail cost. To date, RV Beachside and Myron Bluhm have paid $10,000, leaving a balance owed of $20,000.  

Peterson also mentioned another issue regarding a fence that the Bluhms had removed and failed to reinstall.  “They asked if they could remove the fence near the airport for some sewer work, which was granted. But they have never followed through with putting the fence back up. Multiple attempts to contact the Bluhms have been made regarding this matter, but we have received no response,” said Peterson.

Other items on the work session agenda included a donation request from the West Central Initiative, which was tabled, and an initial conversation about the city’s salary range. During the work session, Starbuck Police Chief Mitch Johnsrud presented a proposal to raise wages to be more competitive in recruiting new officers and retaining current ones.

As this was a work session, no decisions or votes were made. The regular November City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 13, at 6:30 p.m., with the non-compliance with conditional use permit public hearing at 6:40 p.m.