Jace Carlson, right, is sworn in as the newest Motley City Council member at the council’s regular meeting Feb. 13. Also pictured, from left, are City Clerk/Treasurer Lacey Smieja, who conducted the ceremony; council member Nate Douglas; and Mayor Al Yoder. Carlson was one of four candidates who submitted a letter of intent for the open council seat. (Staples World photo by Dawn Timbs)

Jace Carlson appointed as Motley City Council member

“I like being involved in the community,” Carlson said

Jace Carlson is the newest member of the Motley City Council, filling the seat that was vacant since the beginning of 2017.

The council voted to appoint Carlson to the position at the beginning of their regular meeting Feb. 13. He was sworn in immediately after and took his place at the council table, joining Mayor Al Yoder and council members Nate Douglas, Amy Hutchison and Steve Johnson.

Carlson was one of four candidates who submitted a letter of intent regarding the vacant seat. Other letters were received by Pat O’Regan and Rob Sampson, each of whom previously served on the council; and Robert Follis, who was on the ballot for Motley City Council this past November.

The vacancy was created when Yoder, who previously served as a council member, was elected mayor, beginning a two (2) year term effective Jan. 4, 2017. There were two (2) years remaining on Yoder’s council term.

Prior to voting, the council discussed who they felt would be “a good fit.”

Johnson said he believed all four would do a good job, but in the end nominated Carlson. “It’s nice to have new people here, with fresh ideas,” Johnson said.

The motion was seconded by Douglas and was unanimously approved.

“Congratulations,” Mayor Yoder said to Carlson. “Now the work will begin.” Yoder thanked everyone who had submitted a letter of intent and echoed Johnson’s sentiments that he believed all four would have done a great job for the city.

Carlson has lived in Motley for the past 15 years. He and his wife, Holly, have three sons: Zachary, 17; Jordon, 16; and Garrett, 15, all of whom attend Staples-Motley Schools.

He has a great appreciation for the Motley community and the local area, Carlson said in a later conversation. He noted that he grew up in the Philbrook area and graduated from Staples-Motley High School in 1998.

“I like being involved in the community,” Carlson said, when asked what inspired him to pursue the vacant council seat. “I see this as one more way to help out.”

In his letter of intent, Carlson noted that he is currently on the Motley Fire Department, a position he has held for the past 11 years. He is involved in the Boy Scout program, serving 12 years as Cubmaster and eight years as Asst. Scoutmaster. For three years, he has been a certified firearms instructor for the DNR.

Carlson is employed as a sales representative at Manion Lumber and Truss in Pillager, a position he has held for the past 16 years.

“With all the years I have dedicated volunteering for the community I would be a good fit for the position and would like to have the chance to be more involved with the community,” Carlson included in his letter of intent.

In other matters the council:

o HELD a public hearing prior to their regular meeting to hear and consider public input regarding the vacation of the 20 ft. alley lying between Lots 1 - 6 and Lots 7 - 12 of Block 10. There was no public comment and the council later approved a resolution in favor of vacating the alley, which is located behind the new Dollar General Store.

o LEARNED that the owners of Dollar General have provided a utility easement to the city; and a Letter of Credit to ensure a water valve is installed prior to July 1, 2017.

o APPROVED a motion to begin collecting the city’s portion of the building permit fees. According to Inspection Services, the city’s flat fees are in-line with surrounding communities but its scaled rates (based on dollar value of project) are much lower than others.

o APPROVED a tobacco license for Dollar General; and a gambling permit request from St. Michael’s Catholic Church for April 9.

o APPROVED request from Bob Koenig to hold a Spring Firearm Safety Class in the meeting room of city hall, 7 - 9 p.m. on April 17, 18, 20, 24, 25, 27.

o HEARD from Lisa Kajer and Mary Noska of Barn Quilts of Central MN regarding a barn quilt trail that’s been established in this area. In addition to providing visual art, Kajer and Noska said the trail is intended to bring economic development to the area by attracting tourists. The organization offered the City of Motley two barn quilts, with the stipulation that they be mounted by June 15 and the city would pay for them to be mounted; and that they remain on the property for five years.

o APPROVED accepting the two barn quilts offered by Barn Quilts of Central MN, along with the stipulations.

o DENIED a request from Diana Eisel of Motley Motel to waive utility penalty fees incurred from June - September of 2016.

o APPOINTED Troy Davis as the city’s fire marshal.

o APPROVED a request from Fire Marshal Davis to update the open burning regulations. Per the request, the city will follow DNR requirements as to when a permit is necessary (removing burning restrictions for certain months out of the year); and will add in that burning leaves is not allowed.

o APPROVED final pay request from Young Excavating in the amount of $108,229.29 for work completed on Cimarron, Postel and Lil Street Improvements.

o APPROVED adding Cliff Goodwater to the Streets Committee. Other members include Bruce Brotherton, Steve Johnson, Lacey Smieja, Nate Douglas.

o APPROVED the fire department’s mutual aid agreement with Todd/Wadena counties.

o APPROVED request to have six firefighters be re-certified. Total cost is $150.

o LEARNED the fire department had 17 calls during the month of January; and that they have three applications for new firefighters. Chief Todd Judd would like to set up interviews in the near future.

o LEARNED that the police department had 165 calls in January. Chief Ron Smith noted that the Motley Police Dept. is “right up there” with the Staples Police Dept. in terms of the amount of calls and Staples has a lot more officers.

o APPROVED request from Police Chief Ron Smith to renew membership to the MN Police Chiefs Association. The fee is $165.

o APPROVED request from Smieja to purchase two new office chairs in the amount of $897. Smieja said she believes the city  has a rebate account balance from NJPA (National Joint Powers Alliance) in the amount of $1,033; and perhaps these funds could be used for the chairs. The chairs currently in the office are not comfortable and one has broken arm rests.

o HEARD positive remarks from Holly Cuffe during the public forum, regarding the work of Motley Police Officer Jason Borash and Chief Ron Smith.

o HEARD a reminder from Mayor Yoder that in order for an item to be acted on, it must be on the agenda.

o SET next regular council meeting for Monday, March 13, 6:30 p.m.

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