By Kris Goracke

news@pctribune.com

Two public hearings were held back to back prior to the regular Starbuck City Council meeting on Monday, April 11.   The first public hearing was to amend the alcoholic beverage ordinance.  “The current ordinance reads that no license shall be granted within 500 feet of any school or church,” read Starbuck Mayor Gary Swenson.  “The Quinns are wanting to open a tavern on the corner of W. 5th Street, the same block that has a church on the opposite corner,” he said.  The floor was then opened for public comment.  Jayne Schwalbach asked the council if anyone from Hope Church had contacted the council to which the answer was no.  “I think we should take out both school and church from the ordinance,” said council member Mary Baukol.  Jen Haugen addressed the council, “This is another business for our town and I would hate to see an ordinance stop that from happening.” With no further comments, the public hearing was closed.

The next public hearing discussed a subdivision of parcel #27-0622-00 owned by Matt and Jamie Katzenmeyer.  The Katzenmeyers wish to split their parcel to sell. They are asking the council to waive the ordinance that states all city property must have access to water and sewer.  “My understanding is that this land will be used for storage and not building,” said Swenson.  “The planning and zoning committee gives their consent to this, with the understanding that sewer and water needs to be hooked up if a building goes up” continued Swenson.  With no comments, the public hearing was closed. 

The regular council meeting opened and first to report was Larry Van Hout from Widseth, Smith and Nolting regarding the 20/20 Road Project. “We are still working on closing out with MnDot this summer and hope to be ready to have the assessment public hearing this fall,” said Van Hout.   

Next, the council recognized The Starbuck Depot Society by the reading of a proclamation supporting the Starbuck Depot’s Lefse Hall of Fame and to Honor the society’s 30-year anniversary to be celebrated on May 21, 2022.  Part of the proclamation reads: “The year 2022 marks a milestone for Starbuck as it is the 30th anniversary of the Grand Opening of the Starbuck Depot.  Five years of imagining, dreaming, careful planning, fundraising, hard work and fun culminated on May 16, 1992.   The saving and restoration of the Depot building as well as the development of a blighted and abandoned rail yard area has served this community very well in many ways through the years.  It is a tribute to the people of Starbuck that have volunteered and served to make it possible.”  Blaine Pederson, President of the Depot Society, was present at the reading and said a few words: “The Depot gives Starbuck a sense of pride.  It is an important feature of our town.  I feel we have something to offer a lot of other towns do not.  Just this past weekend a family was passing through town.  As they stopped to check out the Depot, I was able to give them a tour and welcome them.  They ended up spending a few hours before leaving.  They said they would stop again.  In addition to all the help from the community, the Depot Society wants to state our appreciation for all the city has done for us over the years.”

The Starbuck Police Department answered 187 calls last month which is up approximately 30 calls from February.  “This is usual as the warm weather starts and people come back to Starbuck,” said Chief Mitch Johnsrud.  “In the community, our police officer Amber Wasiloski was a guest speaker in Andy Goracke’s 9th grade health class at Minnewaska Area High School.  She spoke on the dangers of drugs and alcohol.  Also, I would like to comment on the collaboration and teamwork that took place during the kidnapping last month.  It was really great to see so many agencies come together to work on this case.  I think it speaks volumes for what we all can accomplish here.”  Last on Johnsrud’s report, was a comment on the city’s emergency manual and the need to refresh everyone on the procedures.  Johnsrud asked the council to determine a time when all agencies involved could get together.

Starbuck Fire Chief Doug Noyes asked the council to increase the fire department retirement benefits.  “We are seeking an increase of $50, raising the cost from $1450 to $1500.”  Council member Steve Gorder said he felt that was a reasonable request and motioned to pass the increase.  All voted in favor.   Noyes also mentioned that the Starbuck Heritage Days Street Dance is scheduled for Friday, July 1, with the band Dirty Word playing.  “We will once again be asking for a one-day liquor license and an off-site gambling permit for the event,” he said.

In old business the council heard again from Haugen and Kecia Noyes asking permission for a volleyball court in Hobo Park.  At the March regular council meeting a group of Hobo Park residents asked the council to approve the installation of a volleyball court.  Since that meeting, the planning and zoning commission, along with Swenson and council member Jill Hanson, have looked over the site and felt that it would be okay.  The council asked that the group to remove the metal slide which is currently at the site and place the slide near the other playground equipment.  Noyes commented that the group feels leaving the ground as grass instead of the original intent of sand will provide easier upkeep for the park.  The council approved the volleyball court.  “Thank you,” said Haugen, “We believe this will be a good addition to Hobo Park giving all another fun thing for families and children to do.”

In other business the council:

• Approved to amend Sec. 111.31-F of the alcoholic beverage ordinance reducing the distance to 100 feet of any school.

• Approved a resolution declaring police officer Kyle Brundage eligible to receive public employees’ retirement association benefits.

• Approved the subdivision of parcel #27-0622-000.

• Approved an on sale and Sunday liquor license for Mary and Wendy Quinn – The Tavern – contingent on license approval from the state.

• Approved a public hearing for Monday, May 9, for a Verizon Cell Tower on PID #27-0624-006.

• Approved a public hearing for Monday, May 9, for a conditional use permit to allow a commercial marina in the Lakeshore Park.

• Approved amended record of decision for the Starbuck Marina Project

• Approved resolution 2022-008 – amend record of decision on and response to comments on EAW for Starbuck Marina Project

• Approved to accept the donation of a waterless cleaning station from Minnesota Lakes and Rivers.  

• Approved revised marina lease for the Starbuck Marina Project changing the terms of the agreement. The original agreement was for the term of the contract to be 5 years which was amended to 10 years.  Also, the right to extend the agreement for two (2) additional five-year terms was amended to 10 years.   

• Extended the Local Emergency Declaration for Covid-19 through May 31, 2022.