By Anne Thom
The April 26 Stacy City Council meeting began with the council debating how the residents of Stacy can best access their city government. During the public comment period, a resident asked to be heard regarding a privacy fence. As the plan, pictures and testimonies from neighbors were presented, the council talked about whether the fence ordinance needs to be revisited and rewritten. The consensus of the council was that many of the cityís ordinances may no longer fit the purpose for which they were written and would require review. For the time being, the council felt their responsibility was to uphold the existing ordinances. The resident was told to obtain a variance through the route of the Planning Commission.

softball sponsors
The subject of the auditorís report was brought up again as Kathy Stevens came to deliver a report on the liquor store. The auditor said the liquor store was improperly sponsoring two local softball teams. Mayor Michael Carlson said he did not feel the liquor store could give up the sponsorship; it is a source of revenue. City Attorney Peter Grundhoefer however, recommended a review of the report and the sponsorship. The council and Stevens agreed with the mayor, that the sponsorship is a source of revenue and they would like to continue with it. Stevens delivered some good news regarding revenue, the liquor storeís account is carrying a surplus that will allow the city to transfer $30,000 to a certificate of deposit.

rehab agreement
Grundhoefer devoted his time on the councilís agenda to work toward finalizing the agreement between Stacy and Lakes and Pines. Lakes and Pines is contracting with the city to provide technical and administrative services on housing rehabilitation and wastewater collection projects. Grundhoefer reviewed the contract for the changes agreed on at the 4/12 City Council meeting. After brief discussion, the Council approved the agreement with Lakes and Pines.

Sewer project
City Engineer Chuck Schwartz reviewed the bid results for the sanitary sewer to the Chisago Lakes Joint Sewage Treatment Commission Facility Project. The city received 11 bids ranging from $1,666,349 to $2,671,321. Richard Knutson, Inc. was the low bidder and Schwartz has requested documentation that the firm meets the state and federal mandates on contracts and women and minority businesses. Chisago County has requested a pre-construction meeting. A revolving loan fund will be available to cover the cost of the project.

Budget issues
City Clerk Sharon Payne spoke about the city budget. There were two line items of concern. The services of Grundhoefer have been nearly spent for the year and councilmembers requested a more detailed billing statement regarding the services from and payment to the city planner. Councilmember John Daher requested a work session to discuss the budget as there were areas the city had spent little or no money in at all and these funds could be shifted. It was also noted that the public safety budget was nearly half expended. In order to better manage the use of funds Daher also suggested that city employees do not undertake projects without the approval of the full council and this was agreed upon.

Annexation hearing
The events of the April 25 annexation hearing were discussed. Approximately 200 Lent Township residents had come to City Hall as they had been sent a letter advising them the hearing would be held to discuss an amendment to the cityís Subdivision Regulations to extend those regulations up to two miles outside of the cityís boundaries, an amendment to create an Agricultural Zoning District and amendment to Section 902.04, Annexed Land of the Zoning Ordinance. City Hall was not large enough to accommodate those who had come.

Some residents expressed extreme displeasure when the council advised the public the changes would not be discussed. The city had been informed on Friday, April 22, too late to cancel the meeting, that they may not have the authority to proceed. City Planner Crosby gave the council a memo advising that the city does have the authority to move forward with or without details outlined in a comprehensive plan.

Grundhoefer as well as councilmembers asked if Crosby was sure of this. Grundhoefer will review the state statute, quoted as 462.35. Mayor Carlson then requested that the Petition for Annexation, scheduled to be brought up on the May 10 agenda be removed pending contact with the Lent Township Board of Supervisors. Councilmember Barbara Otterson said ìwe are simply asking them to open up a dialogue.î

In other news:
ï The city streets will be cleaned beginning the week of May 2.
ï The Lionís Club has approached about holding a Bike Run. They would expect around 200 motorcycle riders. Possible planned events include a pancake breakfast and to set up tents and tables near the liquor store. Since the Lions Club has not asked for a liquor license for this event, there were no objections.
The council will meet next on May 10 at 7 p.m.

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