By Anne Thom

The Stacy City Council opened and closed one of its briefest meetings in recent months. This was not because there are no longer pressing business issues to be handled, but because the council met prior to the 7 p.m. meeting and handled much of their discussion efficiently in work sessions.

The impact of a partial state government shutdown may be felt in Stacy within the upcoming weeks. The city is in the process of securing a grant for upgrade and development of the city sewer and water system. Triggering this grant application is the cityís quest for redevelopment and expansion of business opportunities including the Stacy Ponds Business Park and the new municipal liquor store.

The city has worked for months to go through the paperwork process and secure the funds to bring Stacy in as a part of the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission. The Post Review reported from the previous city council meeting of June 14 that a partial shutdown of state government offices would serve the citizens of Stacy by holding up the funding for this improvement.

City Engineer Chuck Schwartz said last week it is not known what will happen, but the city is working to make sure there is no impact in terms of not receiving funds or in terms of project financing from interest rates to disbursement of funds. The cityís financial advisor Todd Hagen of Ehlers and Associates told the council it was his understanding the stateís finance department would still have personnel and that department would take over in handling bonds.

Stacy was considering temporary bonds to finance the projects until the state issues are resolved. There was some urgency as Schwartz spoke about making sure the city secured the lowest possible interest rate. Schwartz told the council the city is eligible for the lowest available interest rate because that rate is based on the areas median income. Many issues regarding the development of both water and sewer and municipal projects now remain up in the air as a result of the stateís inability to get its work done.

Regardless, Schwartz and Hagen have plans in place to make sure there are no additional costs to the city and that there will be no delay in moving the projects forward. As Schwartz said, the loan applications will be completed and into the state ìregardless of if thereís anyone there to look at it.î A public hearing was held at 6 p.m., prior to the council meeting to approve the establishment of a redevelopment project area as construction of the new municipal liquor store moves forward.

Utility problems
The continuous heavy maintenance and work on upgrades to the city water and sewer facilities once again was the subject of some discussion. City Maintenance Supervisor Tom Archibald once again reported problems with lift stations. The power went out at the Richland Meadows Lift Station and Archibald reported the station had to be reset. Councilmember Mel Aslakson asked the residents near lift stations to call Archibald if they see red lights flashing. A citizen seeing a problem is frequently the only way the city will know that there is a problem. Councilmember John Daher said he had been driving around Stacy and noticed that the manhole covers on the east side of County road 30 are at grade level. This would cause more water to flow into the sanitary sewer lines and then, because the charge to the city will be based on the flow, would cause greater expense. Schwartz said he would take a look at those manholes to make sure everything is satisfactory. Schwartz advised the council that the cost sharing agreement for the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission (CLJSTC) is still being worked on.

A party who will not be party to the development and upgrades is the mobile home park. Schwartz met with the management of the park who will allow easements for construction projects but will not participate in any street upgrades or utility easements.
This was a concern to the council due to the recent events involving the water main break that caused brown water and reportedly damage to appliances throughout the mobile home park and the questioning of whether the water was safe for consumption. The council will seek the advice of its attorney in handling easement issues.

The traffic count
Advice had been sought from County Administrator John Moosey and County Commissioner Ben Montzka on what is a major public safety issue for Stacy. A letter was received from Montzka along with a memo to Montzka from Moosey. A traffic study had been performed in March. The county engineer had reported that the counts to justify the installation of a traffic signal were ìmarginal.î And Moosey determined a traffic signal would be a very expensive proposition with a total cost running approximately $700,000.
Approval would have to be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, in terms of meeting the requirements for a signal and then also in working to build lanes in the right of way. This would also involve the county and the city. Moosey added that at this time there would be no state money available.

Councilmember Mel Aslakson responded stating, ìWyoming has three lights and we have none, and we have just as much traffic as Wyoming.î Mayor Michael Carlson and Councilmember Barbara Otterson threw out the possibility of adding flashing red lights to be placed on the top of the existing stop signs.

It was also mentioned that the county may be seeking to reduce the speed limit on Forest Boulevard. Some of this appears to be in response to the recent accident involving a Hummer H2O that hit two young boys who were crossing the street in the crosswalk.
The council then requested that Deputy Shane Carol be invited to the next council meeting to discuss traffic issues he has seen in the course of his law enforcement duties.

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