Rezoning fees discussed

Motley’s election results canvassed

Property owners in Motley wanting to have a property rezoned will be responsible for paying the $300 application fee...not the city.

It was a decision made by the Motley City Council at their regular meeting Nov. 14.

Prior to voting, the council learned that the owner of a single-family home on Ash St. East in Motley (Artesian Homes) is wanting to convert the building into a group home with two separate dwelling spaces. 

The property is currently zoned Public Use, which does not allow for dwellings. Ben Oleson, city zoning administrator, noted in a letter provided to the council that the applicant had stated a willingness to have this property rezoned.

Oleson noted that a public hearing is scheduled to take place at the Nov. 29 planning commission meeting regarding the rezoning of the above-mentioned property. He advised the council to address whether the city would initiate this rezoning on its own, or if the city feels this is something that needs to be addressed by the property owner.

Oleson went on to note that the city ordinance allows for a rezoning to be initiated by a landowner, by the planning commission or by the city council. Applications by landowners require an application fee of $300. The costs to the city involved are those related to the hearing, public notices and Oleson’s time.

After some discussion, the council approved a motion to have the party that is requesting the rezoning pay the application fee.

In other matters the council:

o CANVASSED and accepted the results from the Nov. 8, 2016 general election for the office of mayor (a two-year term) and two (2) four-year term council members. Al Yoder was elected mayor for the term of 2017 - 2018; and Steve Johnson and Nate Douglas were elected for the term of 2017 - 2020.

The total number of votes for each candidate were Al Yoder, 171; Amy Hutchison, 86; Steve Johnson, 155; Nate Douglas, 115; Robert L. Follis, 77. There were five write-in votes for mayor; and eight for city council. 

In Morrison County, the election results were as follows: 

o Mayor - Al Yoder, 170 votes; Amy Hutchison, 81 votes; write-ins, 3 votes. 

o Council member, 4-year term - Steve Johnson, 148 votes; Nate Douglas, 114 votes; Robert L. Follis, 76 votes; write-ins, 8 votes.

In Cass County, the election results were as follows: 

o Mayor - Al Yoder, 1 vote; Amy Hutchison, 5 votes; write-ins, 2 votes. 

o Council member 4-year term - Steve Johnson, 7 votes; Nate Douglas, 1 vote; Robert L. Follis, 1 vote; no write-ins. 

o ADOPTED a resolution naming Lacey Smieja, clerk/treasurer, as an authorized signer for all city checks. Other authorized signers include Nancy Nieken, mayor; Pat O’Regan, acting mayor; and Amy Hutchison, council member.

o ADOPTED a resolution appointing city clerk/treasurer Lacey Smieja as the responsible authority to administer the requirements for collection, storage, use and dissemination of data on individuals, within the city.

o HEARD monthly department reports.

o APPROVED request from the fire department to drop one of its members from the roll. This member has failed to complete his make-up time.

o APPROVED request from the fire department to join the Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association. The membership cost for one chief is $93; and the cost for each additional member is $57.

o ACCEPTED the revised by-laws of the Motley Fire Department Relief Association. As per the revisions, the minutes and bank statement from each month are to be signed off by a board member and treasurer.

o APPROVED motion to pay Gary’s Diesel in Staples for repairs to the pumper 1 truck. The estimated cost is $780.19 plus tax.

o DISCUSSED request of Police Chief Ron Smith to hire two additional part-time police officers at 20 hrs. per week each. Currently, the Motley Police Department has one part-time officer, as well as a full-time chief. Council member Amy Hutchison said she would like to discuss this first at an upcoming budget meeting. Fellow council member Al Yoder said he would like to see the MPD’s uniform policy in place before hiring additional officers.

o LEARNED from public works supervisor Bruce Brotherton that the city would be issued a rebate check in the amount of $4,718.30 for participating in Minnesota Power’s Power of One Business energy conservation program. The money will be used for multiple projects in the city.

o ACCEPTED the final assessment for the streets improvement project including Cimarron Dr., Postel Dr. and Lil St. The interest rate was set at three percent.

o APPROVED final payment request from Kuechle Underground, Inc., for their work on the 2011A Street and Utility Improvements Project.

o SET budget meeting for Monday, Nov. 21, 8 a.m.

o SET public hearing at the planning and zoning commission’s meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m.

o SET next regular meeting for Monday, Dec. 12, 6:30 p.m.

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Staples World

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 100 Staples, MN 56479 Telephone: (218) 894-1112 - Fax: (218) 894-3570 Toll Free: 1-888-894-1112 E Mail: office@staplesworld.com; editor@staplesworld.com

Deadline: Friday, noon

 

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