•City hears annual report from Starbuck Police Chief

By Kris Goracke

Reporter

The City of Starbuck Council conducted three public hearings at its regular monthly meeting on March 11.  

The first hearing involved a variance request from Michael and Andrea Nadeau to install a single-family home well and septic system on the 14.05-acre parcel #27-0590-600. With no questions or comments raised, the public hearing closed.

The second public hearing addressed a variance request to construct a 25-foot lighthouse with a light exceeding 15 feet on city-owned property, specifically on the south side of Starbuck Marina. The proposed construction includes an 8 to 10-foot path for access to the lighthouse, featuring an LED light. When asked if the lighthouse will be handicapped accessible, Mayor Gary Swenson said, “We will have a foot path made from pavers leftover of the 2020 Road Project.”

The last public hearing was for a conditional use permit.  The permit requests to bring in fill and complete excavation needed to construct the lighthouse and path.  Ann Beukens inquired about the decision to build the lighthouse on the south side instead of the north side, where the previous lighthouse stood.  Mayor Swenson explained that the north side is now occupied by a camping trailer, making the south side a more suitable location.  Council member Mary Baukol added that the new location is better, a sentiment echoed by Randy Peterson, the water and sewer superintendent, who stated that the new location offers improved visibility for boaters.

Nick Koos from Widseth Engineering reported that the final numbers for the 2020 Road Project are now complete, allowing the council to begin assessment hearings in May. Additionally, discussions were held regarding repairs to streets used as detours during road projects.

During his update to the council, Mayor Swenson mentioned that he had an initial meeting with West Central Initiative regarding a potential solar program.  He also reported ongoing discussions with MNDOT regarding the speed limit south of town.

Starbuck Chief of Police Mitch Johnsrud presented his annual report, directing interested residents to find it on the City of Starbuck’s website. He highlighted that some calls reporting suspicious activity to the police department had resulted in criminal investigations. “It is important for the public to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something,” he said.

Johnsrud also proposed an increase to the hourly wage for part-time officers. While the council had previously raised wages for city employees and officers, the part-time officers were not part of that adjustment. Johnsrud requested an increase from $23.34 to $30. The council unanimously approved the pay raise.

Peterson updated the council on the lighthouse construction, stating the Ferguson Brothers submitted a new bid, resulting in a $4,000 savings compared to the previous bid.  He also noted that David Dodds is managing the concrete work, charging only for materials and donating his labor to the project.

Starbuck Fire Chief Doug Noyes presented several department needs before the council. In a previous meeting, firefighter Paul Hippe had requested a portion of the Public Safety Grant funds for the Starbuck Fire Department, citing that other Minnesota cities had allocated funds from similar grants to their fire departments. The council, seeking a detailed list of the department’s needs, postponed the discussion until these needs could be specified. “We have several items that we have fundraised and purchased ourselves, as well as used funds given to us by the auxiliary. We now have an opportunity to purchase items on our list that we need, but have not been able to due to budget constraints,” said Noyes.

Starbuck received a $60,000 grant in December, with discretionary spending for public safety purposes. Noyes emphasized the importance of including the fire department in the decision-making process regarding the grant’s allocation. Council member Christensen stated, “We want to give you the tools to be successful and we certainly appreciate all that the firefighters do.”  The council took no action regarding the disbursement of the grant.

Under new business, the council discussed the potential hand-pulling of Eurasian Milfoil and Starry Stonewort in the marina. 

City Clerk Joan Kerkvliet informed the council that Water Front Restoration had contacted the city inquiring about its intentions regarding using its scuba hand-pulling services. Council member Dane Christensen suggested that the council postpone committing until they have consulted with the Minnewaska Lake Association. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the city, the association, and the county in the plan.

Another topic of discussion was the potential purchase of two new projectors for the community center, which would total $14,567.  Council member Christensen questioned the necessity of two projectors and suggested that one might do. The council decided to table the matter and requested Kerkvliet to obtain a bid for one projector for their consideration.

In other business, the council:

• Approved the audit report from CDS before March 31, 2024, to allow reporting to the state by the required deadline.

• Approved waiving the community room fee for the Beautification Committee’s Mystery Dinner on May 10.

• Approved a donation from the Starbuck Veterans Auxiliary of $500 to the Starbuck Police Department.

• Approved inter-fund transfer for 2024 Fire Contract and Rent.

• Approved lawful gambling permit for the Starbuck Area Chamber for music bingo.

The next regular city council meeting is Monday, April 8, 6:30 p.m. at the Starbuck Community Center.