By Hannah Trainor

Reporter

The March Starbuck City Council meeting included a special hearing regarding the proposed vacation of Gaarder Street between East 2nd Street and East 3rd Street. 

Ryan Franks, speaking on behalf of property owners adjacent to the street, stated, “I feel the vacation for that road on the North side of the street would be in the best interest of the city.  The owners of the properties have already been maintaining all the upkeep for that area anyway, and if there’d be some way to allow easement for city utilities that would need to be done, all owners would be more than willing to allow access to that.”

Mayor Gary Swenson inquired, “What if we had to put sewer and water through there?” Randy Peterson, Starbuck Water and Sewer Superintendent, replied, “Yes…. I have concerns about giving it away. The way it sits now, you’re still able to use it however you want. This will limit building something on it later, and even if you did own it with an easement, you still wouldn’t be able to build it. Like I said, I don’t see the benefit of it really.” Swenson then asked if any property owners would object to a condition allowing the city to dig up the area if utilities needed to be installed. Franks replied, “No, I would have zero problem with that.”

Council member Dane Christensen asked about input from planning and zoning, to which Swenson and City Clerk Joan Kerkvliet responded that they had already approved the proposal. Christensen expressed his concern, stating, “My concern is that it’s functioning as it is right now, I don’t see a perceived benefit for vacating it. I’m not for changing something unless it’s going to be a betterment or improvement.” Council member Chris Taffe agreed, “It’s working the way it is, and you just don’t know what’s going to be needed in the future. I’m leery of letting it go.” The public hearing was then closed.

During the regular council meeting, Mike Nadeau requested to rezone parcel #27-0590-600 to a rural service district. He explained that the property is too far from city sewer and water hookups, and they had already received a variance for septic and well water. The council decided to hold a public hearing on the rezoning at the April meeting.

Kari Steinbeisser, with Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP, presented the 2024 audit, highlighting key points:

• General Fund Cash and Investment Balances: $1,922,029 in 2024 compared to $1,937,076 in 2023.

• General Fund Receipts: Collected property taxes were $722,741 in 2024, up from $703,668 in 2023.

• General Fund Disbursements: General government costs decreased to $354,179 in 2024 from $441,765 in 2023, while public safety costs increased to $656,718 from $576,829.

• Future Debt Services Bonded Debt: $415,312 in 2025 and $216,170 in 2026.

Steinbeisser noted that the fund balance is healthy and recommended maintaining it at 35-50% of expenses. She suggested using reserves for large projects rather than monthly bills (operating expenses).

Next, Dave and Patty Glomstad of Water’s Edge requested approval for the Benson Hockey Association to hold horse races/meat raffles on Saturdays at the Water’s Edge. After ensuring no scheduling conflicts with surrounding businesses, the council approved the request.

Nick Koos from Widseth updated the council on the engineering study for the wastewater treatment facility and water system costs. He emphasized the need for repairs due to aged equipment. Council members Taffe and Christensen moved to approve the projects.

Mayor Swenson announced a work session for Hobo Park repairs on March 20. Chief of Police Mitch Johnsrud reported a decrease in service calls and announced the Pope County Humane Society’s plan to install microchip scanners for dogs. The council approved placing the scanner north of the city office parking lot.

Randy Peterson presented quotes for a new mower, and the council approved the purchase of a John Deere mower. City Clerk Kerkvliet announced that the community center received a refurbished AED unit through the MN AED Project.

In new business, the council:

• Approved a public hearing to update city ordinances to allow chickens within city limits.

• Approved the city’s Fire Contract for 2025.

• Denied the vacation of Gaarder Street between East 2nd Street and East 3rd Street.

• Approved a 10% salary increase for seasonal positions.

• Approved upgrading the fire control panel and restoring office panic buttons.

The next council meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2025, at the Starbuck Community Center.