New informational letters will be sent and a public hearing is now set for Aug. 12

By Kris Goracke

Reporter

After waiting four years following the completion of the 2020 Starbuck Road Project, officials scheduled a public hearing for community input and discussion on July 8 regarding the assessments. However, due to an error in calculation, the meeting was canceled just hours before it was to begin.

Nick Koos, a representative from Widseth Engineering, apologized to the council, explaining that while preparing information for the evening’s meeting, they discovered misinformation had been sent to the residents. “While preparing documents, we discovered an error in the numbers used for the mailings. I apologize for any inconvenience this has caused the city and its residents,” Koos stated.

Residents will receive a new assessment letter in the next couple of weeks, and officials will schedule a new hearing for next month. All impacted homeowners are assessed 35% of the project costs. The project includes assessments for streets, sewer and water.

The assessment covers 175 properties in total. Any appeals by residents must be submitted in writing and presented before or at the public hearing scheduled for August 12.

A second public hearing took place regarding the subdivision of parcel #27-0409-001, currently owned by Lowry State Bank. It was announced that the northern part of the parcel would be sold to Blake Nelson.

Blight issue arises

During the regular council meeting, Mark Barden addressed the council about water runoff on his property caused by the parking lot of Jared Grimsley’s business to the west of Barden’s property. “The erosion from the parking lot runoff is significant. We have lived here for 20 years without erosion issues, but since the parking lot was developed, we have been experiencing problems. We can no longer mow parts of our property,” Barden said.

“I drove by your property after the recent rain,” said Mayor Gary Swenson. “It was completely dry.” Barden responded, “The water runs through and out of our property, causing erosion. The water does not remain stagnant. I believe the city should take some responsibility since it sold the property to Grimsley.” Swenson suggested speaking to Grimsley to find a reasonable solution.

Swenson provided two reports to the council. The first involved enforcing the city’s blight ordinances. “I recommend the planning and zoning committee review the ordinances for necessary changes. Also, I suggest transferring ordinance enforcement to the Starbuck Police Department.” The council voted in favor of the motion.

At a work session on June 17, the council discussed the blight situation. “It is important that our town looks its best to visitors,” said council member Dane Christensen. “For example, the boats on the lot across from the bait shop – some aren’t even on trailers – it just doesn’t look good.”

The city’s webpage lists some of the blight issues discussed by the council, where violations are found in the town:

In residentially zoned districts, all materials, machinery, vehicles and equipment must be stored within a building or fully screened from adjoining or adjacent land and the street, except for 

a) Agricultural and landscaping equipment/materials in current use on the premises; 

b) Construction materials/equipment in current use on the premises; 

c) Vehicles undergoing restoration under ‘City of Starbuck Chapter #90 – Health and Sanitation; Nuisances Adopted 3/11/16 15 90.82, or otherwise permitted by the city’s building and zoning regulations, such as automobiles, pickup trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, boats, snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles and other recreational equipment bearing current vehicle registration licenses in the driveway.

In commercial, industrial, business and transitional zoning districts, all materials, machinery, vehicles and equipment must be stored within a building or fully screened from adjoining or adjacent lands and the street, except for:

a) Landscaping materials/equipment are currently used on the premises.

b) Construction materials/equipment are currently used on the premises.

c) Motor vehicles bearing current registration licenses, provided they are necessary for the business operation.

d) Licensed or unlicensed motor vehicles, agricultural or industrial equipment for sale, distribution, repair or rent by authorized dealers and businesses.

e) Items or materials requiring exterior storage are offered for sale on the premises.

f) Covered, rigid garbage containers in the rear or fully screened side yard.

g) Licensed or unlicensed motor vehicles, agricultural or industrial equipment used to obtain parts for repair to a customer’s vehicle or equipment, removed within 60 days after acquisition by authorized dealers and businesses.

In these districts, all open areas and parts of premises must be reasonably clean and neat. This includes removing dead trees and brush and inoperable machines, appliances, fixtures and equipment with no substantial value that constitute junk and lumber piles.

Noxious Weeds: The growth of noxious weeds and harmful vegetation is declared a nuisance due to its detriment to public health, comfort, and the aesthetic value of the city.

Growing Grass: Weeds or grass growing taller than eight inches on any lot within the city, or those that have gone or are about to go to seed, may be declared a nuisance by the Code Compliance Officer or assignee. For the complete list of Blight Ordinances, visit the Starbuck City’s webpage.

Marina to be treated

Next the mayor reported the Starbuck Marina will be treated the week of July 15. “We are awaiting the survey completion today or tomorrow (Tuesday, July 9). Once complete, the marina will be treated the week of July 15, weather permitting,” he stated.

No reports were given to the council in the absence of Starbuck Police Chief Mitch Johnsrud, Starbuck Water and Sewer Superintendent Randy Pederson, and Starbuck Fire Chief Doug Noyes.

Starbuck City Clerk Joan Kerkvliet said a notice regarding the filing dates for upcoming elections for open city council seats will be posted. This year, two council seats and the mayor position are open.  Filings open July 30 and closes August 13.

In the new business, the council discussed a rent proposal from Rent.Fun for a fully managed self-service kayak rental program. The city’s investment is $29,000, with the potential to recoup costs depending on which rental charging option the city chooses. Although the city’s earning is reflective on which cost and how many kayaks are rented each year, Rent.Fun provided three tiers for revenue returns based on 200, 300 or 400 yearly rentals.  The following is using the 200 annual rental model:

1. Market Rates – $25 per hour rental with a 50% revenue share, estimated to earn $3,750 annually for the first five years with 200 rentals per year.

2. Affordable Rates – A $17 per hour rental with a 35% revenue share is estimated to earn $1,960 annually for the first five years with 200 rentals per year.

3. Super Affordable Rate: $12 per hour rental with a 10% revenue share. With 200 rentals per year, the company is estimated to earn $560 annually for the first five years.

The council voted unanimously to adopt the kayak proposal.

Other business included:

• Approving the Berserker Cup Strongman Competition in the city park on Saturday, August 24.

• Approving the subdivision request from Lowry State Bank for parcel #27-0409-001.

• Approving a public hearing for a new floodplain ordinance on August 12, 2024.

• Approving issuing Tiffany Holten a credit card for city expenses.

The next Starbuck City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 12.