By Kris Goracke

Reporter

A public hearing on a request to vacate a platted Right of Way (ROW) was held on Tuesday, October 15, before the regular Starbuck City Council meeting. The ROW is located south of 117 East 5th Street and north of East Depot Lane. Mathias Briard, the owner of the Starbuck Locker, requested to use the space to construct the locker’s rebuild. Later, during the regular council meeting, a motion was made to approve the vacation, which passed unanimously.

WCI reports

At the regular meeting, Rich Schira, a representative from West Central Initiative, presented a report detailing the organization’s various programs and contributions to the counties it serves. One key topic Schira addressed was the Climate Action Plan. “We recognize the changing patterns in our climate and are working to align and activate our efforts around climate change,” Schira said. 

According to the West Central Initiative website, in December 2023, the Region IV Economic Development District of Minnesota approved the region’s first Climate Action Plan. The plan was developed through extensive research, expert consultation, and community engagement, outlining 40 strategies and 273 actions across eight sectors over eight years. The council thanked Schira for West Central Initiative’s work in the region.

MLA reports

Steve Nelson, representing the Minnewaska Lake Association (MLA), shared the news of the donation for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to be installed north of the Starbuck City Beach. Information provided to the council highlighted that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the U.S., claiming an estimated 350,000 lives annually, with 95% of victims dying before reaching the hospital. Access to an AED can significantly reduce these numbers. 

The AED will be housed in an outdoor Smart Cabinet to ensure it is always operational, regardless of weather. Council member Steve Gorder thanked the MLA for their donation and motioned for the city to accept the AED and cover the $600 yearly subscription fee, which was unanimously approved.

Next, Kris Goracke sought guidance from the council for a park improvement plan. In a handout, she emphasized the importance of Starbuck Lakeshore Park as a space for recreation, socialization, and relaxation. However, Goracke highlighted accessibility concerns, such as the lack of paths to park shelters and playgrounds, making it difficult for those with mobility aids to navigate. She proposed forming a committee to gather community input and design a more inclusive park plan. Goracke outlined a potential three-year timeline for the improvements, contingent on funding and grants. Council member Mary Baukol supported the idea, stating, “We need to promote our park.” The council permitted Goracke to work with the city park committee to pursue grants and improvements.

Mayor’s report

Mayor Gary Swenson gave his report, starting with a proclamation commending the descendants of the Harold Meyer family for their efforts in bringing the Starbuck Lighthouse project to fruition. He noted that work on a path and a potential bench will continue next spring. Swenson also provided an update on the HRA project, which could result in 17 new homes in the northwest section of town, and announced that the installation of a Verizon tower near the old Starbuck High School football field is nearly complete.

Other reports

In a written request, Starbuck Police Chief Mitch Johnsrud informed the council that he was covering Officer Wasiloski’s shifts due to her being on light duty. He requested to be temporarily switched to an hourly wage with the addition of call time, holiday pay, and overtime until Officer Wasiloski returns from maternity leave in March 2025. The council tabled the request pending further discussion with Johnsrud.

Water and Sewer Superintendent Randy Pederson presented his decision to purchase a CASE payloader, citing it as the best option for the city. The council approved the $154,010 purchase, financed with $30,000 annual payments over six years. Pederson also asked for approval for Lowry Manufacturing to begin work on the dock frames for Hobo Park Marina.

City Clerk Joan Kerkvliet reminded the council of upcoming events affecting the city office: it will be closed for training on October 24 and Veteran’s Day on November 11.  Due to Veteran’s Day, the next regular council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 12. 

Kerkvliet also provided a third-quarter budget update, noting that while Hobo Park revenues are down slightly, everything looked “good.”

Cannabis model 

ordinance discussed

The council then discussed the city’s cannabis model ordinance, focusing on moving forward or waiting for the county.  On the planning and zoning committee, Cody Blevins attended to address any questions.  Blevins explained the critical focus of the drafted ordinance was to place the control in the city’s hands.  “In this ordinance, all cannabis businesses are currently proposed as Conditional Use, meaning it would require the city to permit each business through a fee-based application individually,” explained Blevins. “The important takeaway here is that if the city remains as the ‘authority having jurisdiction,’ the city could impose whatever fees/specialized taxes they see fit,” continued Blevins.

“If the city does not adopt an ordinance before January 1, 2025, no local regulations would exist, and it would become very difficult to add after that. Meaning any kind/quantity of cannabis business could set up shop and would only be subject to state or county regulations,” said Blevins. 

“Pope County does not currently have regulations. No local regulations = no local authority = no additional revenue for Starbuck,” cautioned Blevins. 

“I like keeping the control here,” said council member Chris Taffe.  “The planning and zoning committee have certainly put in a lot of work in this ordinance,” said Gorder.  “I like that we could have the ability to set a tax rate, which would result in money for the city.”  The council voted to have the city attorney review the ordinance and continue the discussion at the November regular city council meeting.

In new business:

•Approved sending past due utilities to the tax rolls at 7% interest.

•Approved Resolution #2024-24 accepting a donation from DyCast Specialties for the 2024 National Night Out.

•Approved Resolution #2024-25 accepting a donation from Knutson Concessions for the 2024 National Night Out.

•Approved the purchase of a new Canon printer for the city office.

•Approved Resolution 2024-26 accepting a donation from Patricia and George Schmidt towards the Starbuck Marina Lighthouse fund.

•Approved election judges of the general election on November 5, 2024.

The next regular city council meeting is Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. at the Starbuck Community Center.