REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Monday, March 1, 2021
CALL TO ORDER AND DETERMINATION OF A QUORUM
The Regular Meeting of the City Council of the City of Olivia, Minnesota, was called to order by Mayor Hawkinson at 7:00 P.M.
Council Members Present: Jon Hawkinson, Blanca Ferguson, Tom Kalahar, George Ebbers and Landon Padrnos.
Others present: Dan Coughlin, City Administrator; Christi Weidemann, City Clerk; Jason Krumheuer, Police Chief; Bonnie Schwieger, Auditor AEM (via zoom); Steve McDonald, Auditor AEM (via zoom); Dawn Fischer, Ameresco (via zoom); Matt Baumgartner, PUC Member (via zoom); Amber Dale, Utility Accounts Manager (via zoom); Eric Laumeyer, Ameresco (via zoom); and Justin Alderman, Walton Law Group (via zoom).
AGENDA
Motion by Ferguson, second by Padrnos: to approve the Agenda as updated. Motion passed unanimously.
CONSENT AGENDA
Motion by Kalahar, second by Ebbers: to approve the presented Consent Agenda items:
- Resolution 2021-15, Scheduled Step Increase for Dan Coughlin
- Engineering Services Agreement: 2021 Airport Lightning Design Project (MnDOT Grant)
- Regular Meeting Minutes of February 16, 2021
- Committee Appointments
- Caeden Gluesing – Technology Committee
- Carter Bremseth – Technology Committee
- Julie Remer – Planning Commission
- March Payables #1
Motion passed unanimously.
Consultant Staff Introductions – Abdo, Eick & Meyers (AEM) – Auditors Bonnie Schwieger and Steve McDonald
Mayor Hawkinson welcomed staff from Abdo, Eick & Meyers. Bonnie Schwieger introduced herself and said she’s been with AEM for 8 years. Steve McDonald introduced himself and said he’s been with AEM for 15 years. McDonald said AEM has two offices, one in Mankato and another in Edina. McDonald said government is the biggest industry that AEM works with, auditing over 100 Minnesota cities; and 75% are in same population range as City of Olivia.
Schwieger said AEM performs audits, assists with government operations, long-term financial plans and performs process evaluations.
Coughlin said both Bonnie and Steve have been fantastic to work with. He shared that they have been a great resource for the City of Olivia both during the annual audit and throughout the year when their advice is needed on projects being worked on such as the recent CARES Act grant award process.
The Council thanked Schwieger and McDonald for their work and dedication to the City of Olivia.
Ameresco Proposal Update Presentation
Hawkinson welcomed Ameresco staff Eric Laumeyer and Dawn Fischer to the meeting. Laumeyer said Ameresco is an energy services company with a comprehensive portfolio of energy efficiency and renewable energy solutions. Laumeyer provided a presentation to the Council.
After a lengthy discussion, Ebbers recommended Dale work with the PUC meet to get any lingering questions answered and then the PUC board can make a final recommendation to the City Council on this proposal. The Council expressed unanimous support for the suggestion that was offered by Ebbers.
City Department Virtual Tour: Water & Wastewater Departments
The Water & Wastewater Department provided the Council with a virtual tour of their facilities.
Reschedule Second March Meeting to March 22nd with 5:30 P.M. Work Session
Motion by Ebbers, second by Ferguson: to reschedule the second March meeting to March 22nd with a 5:30 P.M. work session. Motion passed unanimously.
Summary of Annual Review of City Administrator Dan Coughlin
Hawkinson provided a summary of Administrator Coughlin’s annual review. Hawkinson said the City of Olivia is fortunate to have an administrator such as Coughlin.
Public Forum
Justin Alderman introduced himself. Alderman said he had worked with City Attorney Walton in the past and has recently started assisting him again on a part-time basis.
Technology Committee – February 25
Hawkinson said the committee discussed updating the City Hall main server. Ferguson mentioned that there is a Roku channel and Apple TV channel for citizens who would like to watch the City Council meetings and the other info shared on the City’s cable access channel.
Corn Capital Days – March 1
Ebbers reported that the committee continues to discuss the upcoming festival and they are cautiously making plans similar to pre-COVID activity levels.
Parks and Trails Report
Coughlin said that SEH, City Staff and MnDOT are continuing to have conversations regarding the upcoming HWY 71 project and its sidewalk and trail elements.
Other Reports
Hawkinson reported that the Chamber, EDA and Main Street are looking to partner on a few things moving forward.
Hawkinson reported that the Park Board meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 9.
Hawkinson also reported that there will be a special joint EDA and City Council meeting on Thursday, March 4 at 1 P.M.
ADJOURNMENT
Motion by Kalahar, second by Padrnos: to adjourn the meeting at 8:36 P.M. Motion passed unanimously.
