City Council Agenda Packet 02-12-1979C
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING - MONr ICELLO CITY COUNCIL
February 12, 1979 - 7:30 P.M.
Mayor: Arve Grimsmo
Councilmembers: Dan Blonigen, Fran Fair, Ren Maus, Phil White.
Meeting to be taped.
Citizens Comments.
\g E s . a9tu r "r- *A
7.. Review of Worth Brasie Library Situation. to =S C, Y SEL
2. Consideration of Extension of Sidewalk from Easterly Property Line
of Pinewood Elementary School to Elm Street. ® Ofvtfi giollef hl.
sP
3. Consideration of Publication ,of Bills.
■ CoM♦.Mre Pate y -ON
4. Consideration of Approval of Set-up License, On -Sale Non -intoxicating
Liquor License 6 Off -Sale Non -Intoxicating Liquor License for
O'Ryan'a Restaurant. 41%u,,.4
5. Consideration of variance on Issuance of Cor ificate of Occupancy -
Marn Flicker's TV & Appliance. t%1 p"
G. Approval of Minutes - January 23, 1979 meeting.
Unfinished Buoinoso -
New Business-
An1 A
AnnualualLegislative Conference - March 1, 1979.
PUJ D,Rea301, 1�
1
lam"' AA
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6 MINUTES
REGULAR RELYING - MONTICELL40 CITY COUNCIL
February 12, 1979 - 7:30 P.R.
:.rmbcrt; Present: Arve Grinsmo, Dan Blonigon, Fran Fair, Kerr ;-taus. Phil White.
Membera Absent: None
1. Review of Worth Brasie Library Situation.
Currently, the Worth Brasie Public Library is part of the Oakwood ScLool
complex and since the School District is reviewing various alternatives
on the future of the school building, Mr. Shelly Johnson, Superintendent.
discussed with the City Council the City's feelings on a public lil,rary.
The Worth Brasia Library was constructed in 1928 as part of thL, Oakwood
School with funds left by Mr. Worth Brasie for that purpose. The problem
now facing the school district is that the future of the Oakwood complex
Is somewhat affected by the future of the library building itself which is
attached to the rest of the Oakwood facility. Mr. Johnson exilialm-d that
bj previous agreements and resolutions, the School would have to 1-erl'etually
maintain a lihrary on this site, which could be a hindrance in selling the
Oakwood site or tearing down the present building.
Citizens comments were heard from Mr. Bill Sandberg, who ext)laincd the
events of 1926 regarding the legacy left by Mr. Worth Branic for the
tuhlic library, and he also indicated that the School could not tramfcr
the library property nor does the City have the right to decide the fate
of the library without the voter's approval.
Mr. Bernard Kirscht, School Board Chairman, also vxplained that the School
would not like to see a new library attached to or made any part of a now
school building.
in order to review this situation more thoroughly, a motion was made ty
Yen Maus, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimously carried to have the City
Administrator organise a joint meeting of the School Board 4embers and the
City Council regarding the future of the worth Brosir Public Library.
2. Consideration of Extension of Sidewalk from Eastarl+, Pror}erty Lint, of
Pinswood Element&ryschool to Elm Street.
In 1975, tLr, City completed a sidewalk l rojt ct from l ici w,w i 1.14+m1 ritary
to ter. Niyh School along Broadway. At that time, it a1- 1_u1.,ii, r, 1 to rxtr nd
t Le sid,+walk from thr Plnrwund I'loMentary Srhuoi t v 1 11: .tt+•rt it' !. r .11.1
:,tract, Ixrt it was dwcidrd against since t11e i•erwan,ut :,ttrrt 1myrovmr., nt
tv<jsct would affect the ultimate elevation of the stir -et. an,i arc`01,1111.11y,
the elevation of the sidewalk. Now that the street irpruvoment l,rulort IW
been completed, there has been concern for the safety tot' tta' rhildrrn in
I
City Council Minutco - 2/12/79
the area that are forced to walk on a segment of Third Street until they
come to the sidewalk owned by the School.
The estimated cost of a 5' wide sidewalk, 400' in length and 4" in depth,
was estimated at approximately $4,000. Shelly Johnson, School Superintendent,
also indicated that the School would agree to maintain this section in regards
to snow plowing, etc. since it did abut up to their sidewalk at Pinewood.
Motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran Fair and unanimou3ly carried
to solicit quotas on the construction of the sidewalk along Third Street.
It was indicated that these quotes would probably provide for construction
sane time during the summer of 1979.
3. Consideration of Publication of Bills.
In 1978, the Minnesota State Legislature made comprehensive cLanges in the
financial reporting requirements for Cities over 2,500. As a result of these
changes in the reporting laws, Monticello is required to publish certain
financial data in the newspaper which is actually an increase from the
previous requirements. At the same time, the new law exempted those cities
using the accrual basis of accounting from the requirement of putlishing
bills at the and of each month or at the end of the year.
Don Smith, Editor and Publisher of the Monticello Times, requested to he
on the Agenda to have the Council consider continuation of publication of
the bills despite the fact that it is no longer required. Mr. Smith
indicated that the publication of bills shows the government %Lich is upen
to the public and he felt it would create good public relations for the
City of Monticello. Furthermore, he indicated that the cost of the publication
of the bills, approximately $500 to $600 annually, wag small in comi�arison
to the City's total budget, and that also a tradition has been Get Ly the
City Council of Monticello since the bills have been published since 1963.
Although the new state laws do not require the City to continue publitihing
bills, a motion was made by Fran Fair, seconded by Can Bloniqrn and
unanimously carried to continue the monthly publication of bills as
previously dons.
4. Consideration of Approval of Set Up License, On -Salo Non-Intoxicatina Liouor
License and Off -Sale Non -Intoxicating Liquor License for O'Rvan'm Feataurant.
Mr. Thomas McCauley, owner and proprietor of O'Ryan's Restaurant, formerly
the Monticello Rec, requested the above licenses for his restaurant at the,
corner of Cedar and Broadway Streets in Monticello.
Mr. McCauley explained to the council that he wanted to ulwn up tLe her an
the west side of the building for 3.2 beer and also ft It that no woul,l 14 rd
a set up license in order to have his ratablishment, wLl�,,!w It t. III to
e.crve pizza in, make a profit. Mr. McCauley a1H.. I',11 .It -I t at
be servimj pizza primarilly on the earl ride of t'. 1 u1111j,1, 11.
restaurant.
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City Council Minutes - 2/12/79
After Council discussion on whether a set up license would be appropriate
for this building, motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Dan Bloniqen
and unanimously carried to grant a set up license which will exrire June I.
1979, and an on -sale non -intoxicating liquor license and an off -sale non -
intoxicating liquor license, which expires June 30, 1979. All three licenses
will be reviewed at that time, prior to rcissuance.
5. Consideration of Variance on Issuance of Certificate of Occupancy; for
Marn Flicker's TV 6 Appliance Store.
Mr. Marn Flicker Lequested a variance from the provisions of the City
ordinances requiring the completion of the parking lot and landscaFing
before occupancy of a new building takes place. Mr. Flicker indicated
that he would be ready to occupy the building in approximately two to thrcc
weeks, and indicated that all building code provisions would be net except
for these two items. A motion was made by Phil White, seconded by Fran
Fair and unanimously carried to approve a certificate of occupancy for
Marn Flicker's building contingent upon him posting a bond for the
uncompleted landscaping and parking lot improvements.
6. Approval of Minutes.
The Minutes of the City Council meeting hold January 23, 1979 were
approved as read.
7. Miscellaneous.
Councilman ren Maus indicated that he would be resigninq from the Business
and Industrial Development Caamittee due to his Council position. The
Business and Industrial Development Committee will be asked to sock a
replacement for Mr. Maus.
Council also discussed with the City Engineer, John Badalieh, the recent
occurrence of frozen water service lines to individual properties within the
last few weeks. Mr. Badalich explained that becausn of the severe winter,
that the City of Monticello is not alone in having frozen water lines.
Mr. Badalich felt that the strut improvement project of 1978 was not a
major fault of the frozen water lines, and that other connsunities are
having the some problems as the City of Monticello.
Bearing no other business, the meeting was adjourned.
Fichard Wolfsteller
A,!;1_tant Admiui)tratnr
FW/ns
City Council - 2/12/79
AGENDA SUPPLE74ENT
1. Review of Worth Brasie Library Situation.
As you are all probably aware, Independent School District #882 is reviewing
various alternatives on the future of the Oakwood School Building.
Although there are other issues involved in the matter, one of the concerns
the Monticello School district has is with the Worth Brasie Library. Cur-
rently, the Worth Brasie Library is part of the Oakwood complex. In light
4 of the fact that the City currently pays the operating expenses of
�r maintaining the library and is directly involved with the future of the
vs library services in Monticello, the School Board requested to come to the
City Council and discuss the matter at our meeting.
49
(� �� bh Enclosed for your review, is a memorandum that I completed relative to
y• the various documents and matters pertaining to the Worth Brasie Library
that are contained within the City's records. Briefly, the situation is
that Mr. Worth Brasie left a legacy of approximately $10,000 in 1920
to the Village of Monticello, and this amount accumulated to $14,000 with
interest in 1928. At this time, the decision was made by the School Dis-
trict and the Village to transfer these funds from the Village to the
School District and to use these funds in a 1928 construction project which
included other school facilities at that time. As you can see by the memo,
special legislation was needed to allow the School District to construct
a public library on school grounds. The problem now facing the School
District is that the future of the Oakwood complex is somewhat affected
by the future of the library building itself, which is attached to the rest
of the Oakwood facilities. There is concern on the part of the School
District officials whether by the acceptance and previous agreements, resolu-
tions, etc., that they will have to perpetually maintain a library on this
site, or what can be done with the present structure. It should be pointed
out that it could be feasible, possibly not practical, however, to leave
the Worth Brasie Library building facility stand regardless of the future
of the rest of the Oakwood complex since it is somewhat of an attached annex
facility. of course, there would be problems involved with establishing
heating facilities, etc.
For your information, and as indicated in the memo, the City currently pays
the School District $147.00 per month towards heat, light, insurance,
custodial services, etc. Actual operating expenses of the library are
provided through the Great River Regional Library System. A tax levy
is made by Wright County on all property within the County and then trans-
ferred to the Crest River Regional Library System to provide library services,
including books, librarian, supplies, etc. It is up to the individual
community to provide a facility for the library itself, and no funds are
available through the Great River Regional Library System for this type of
expense.
City Council - 2/12/79
From my discussions with Shelly Johnson, School Superintendent, it is the
intent of the School Board at Monday night's meeting just to review the
matter with the City Council and possibly feel out the City Council on their
views towards providing future public library facilities for Monticello,
possibly in conjunction with the School District, or possibly by itself.
While no major decisions can probably be made at Monday night's meeting,
one possibility would be the consideration of the appointment of a joint
School District -City of Monticello committee to review the matters.
Ultimately, it may take an attorney general's opinion, or special legis-
lation to rectify the matter.
POSSIBLE ACf ION: As indicated above, this item is on the agenda primarily
for review of the issues involved. However, there may
be some decisions forthcoming after discussion of the
facts.
REFERENCES: Enclosed memorandum relative to the Worth Brasie Library.
2. Consideration of Extension of Sidewalk from Easterly Propertv Line of
Pinewood Elementary School to Elm Street.
At a recent meeting, a request was made to explore the possibility of
extending the sidewalk that exists on the Pinewood Elementary School
Property to County Road 1139 (Elm Street). The reason for this request
was the concern for the safety of the children in the area that are
forced to walk on a segment of Third Street until they come to the
sidewalk owned by the School. There was concern for this specific
area because of tho amount of congestion that occurs before and after
school.
When the City in 1975 completed the sidewalk project from Pinewood to
the High School, this segment was considered but it was decided not
to do it at that time since the elevation of the sidewalk could be
affected by a permanent street improvement project. With the completion
of the permanent street improvement project in the area, it is now
feasible to determine the ultimate elevation of the street and accordingly
adjust the elevation of the sidewalk.
Estimated coat for a 5' sidewalk 400' in length and 4" in depth would
be approximately $4,000. If the Council decided to approve this project,
I havo talked to the building inspector and he has indicated he would be
able to do the inspection on thin work. If the Council fools that this
project could bo pursued, I could arrange to have the building inspector
solicit quotas and bring those tack to the City Council for final
approval.
For your information, I have talked to Mika Dannedotto, with Pinewood
Elementary School, on a very preliminary la sin, and he has indicated
that the School would possibly be receptive to maintaining this seg-
ment of tho sidewalk since thoy already maintain the present sidewalk
In front of Pinewood School.
POSSIBLE ACTION: Consideration of soliciting quotes for project.
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City Council - 2/12/79
3. Consideration of Publication of Bills.
In 1978, the Minnesota State Legislature made comprehensive changes in
the financial reporting requirements for cities. As indicated in the
foreward to the detailed description of the changes in the financial
reporting requirements by the State Auditor's Office, the goals of the
legislature in adopting this law were to improve the financial reporting
requirements and to increase the uniformity of financial data submitted.
As a result of the comprehensive changes, a City which elects to use the
accrual basis of accounting, such as Monticello, is required to publish
certain financial data in the newspaper, which was increased from the
previous requirements. However, at the same time, the law exempted those
cities using the accrual basis of accounting from the requirement of
publishing bills at the end of each month or at the end of the year. It
should be noted that cities over 2,500 have to report on an accrual
basis of accounting. Cities under 2,700 are eligible for the election
to use the accrual basis of accounting. However, Monticello's financial
statements are currently prepared on an accrual basis of accounting, and
therefore, we would fall under the law which would require no publication
of bills. Donald Q. Smith, editor and publisher of the Monticello Times,
has requested to be on the agenda of the Monticello City Council to request
that they consider the publication of the bills despite the fact that it
is no longer required. It should be noted that Don Smith will be at
Monday night's meeting, and additionally, before this agenda supplement
goes out, he will be submitting a written report as to his feelings on
why the City should still publish bills in the newspaper.
As I understand It, Mr. Smith's main argument will be that the publication
of bills shows a government that is open to the people, and would certainly
create good public relations for the City of Monticello. Furthermore,
he indicates that the coot of the publication of the bills, approximately
$550 to $600 annually, is small in comparison to the City's total budget.
Additionally, Mr. Smith fools that a tradition has been set by the City
Council of Monticello since the bills have been published since 1963.
I have diacusoed this item at acme length with Mr. Smith and although I
certainly respect his viewpoint, my fooling is that the publication of
monthly bills has little benefit to the City of Monticello or its citizens.
It can be argued that the cost is quite minimal, however, I do not believe
that is the point since it would make little sense to spend $550 to $600
on a typewriter which was seldom utilized, or some similar expenditure that
was not necessary. During my tenure with the City of Monticello since
December of 1974, I can only recall one question concerning the publication
of bills (thin was from my wife asking me what I did with my expense check I).
Obviously, it is understood that just because questions are not asked that
the bills aro not roads however, I believe it in a fair indicator of how
wall the bills are read. It should be pointed out that the bills certainly
have to be presented to tho City Council and will be presented to the City
Council no in the post. They will be available to the press and to any
citizen at large. Additionally, the City Council minutes which aro not
required to be published by law are being published and within the context
of the City Council minutes aro references to the approval of bills and in
more elaborate detail to the expenditure of major purchases.
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City Council - 2/12/79
Following are other reasons why I believe the City of Monticello should
not be publishing its monthly bills:
A. In light of the change in the law, additional financial statements
will be required to be published in the paper, and additional cost
will be incurred.
B. City will be abiding by the law.
C. As a result of changes in the Federal Revenue Sharing law, for example,
the City now publishes a great deal more financial information than it
had previously - examples are, notices of Federal Revenue Sharing
hearings, notices of utilization of Federal Revenue Sharing funds,
notice of proposed budget, and also notice that budget has been adopted,
notice of summary form of the budget, and also notice that the budget
is available at City Ball for review.
D. Representatives of cities that I have talked to in this regard indicate
to me that they will not be publishing their bills if they have the
option.
E. It seems apparent to me that the bills have been published in the past
because of the law, not because there was a tradition, a precedent
or there was a demand fran the citizens for this type of publication
for more openness in government.
In summary, I believe the City of Monticello has established a policy of
open and responsive government. However, I see little relationship between
that policy and one of the publication of the bills.
POSSIBLE ACTION: Consideration of publication of bills.
REFERENCES: State Auditor's office - Foreward from their pamphlet
entitled "Minimum Financial Reporting Requirements"i
enclosed letter from Donald Smith.
4. Consideration of Ap4)roval of Set -UP License. On -Sale Non-Intoxieatinq
Liquor License s Off -Sala ton- Intoxicatinq Liquor License for O'Ryan's
Reotnurant.
Mr. Thomas McCauley, owner and proprietor of O'Ryan'a Restaurant, formerly
Monticello Roc, in requeating the above licenses for his restaurant at the
corner of Cedar and Broadway Straetu in Monticello.
Previously, this establishment had an on -ogle non -intoxicating liquor
and off -sale non -intoxicating liquor license. For your information,
non -intoxicating liquor is 3.2 boar. In the pout, however, this establish-
ment has not had a act -up license. in 1975, Harvey Cormier, the than
proprietor of the Monticello Rec Cafe, did apply to the City Council for
a not -up licenoo, but it was denied.
V �� -4-
61 " ��.
City Council - 2/12/79
O'Ryan's Restaurant does meet all the requirements to obtain a set-up
license, these requirements are essentially the same as those for a 3.2
beer, or non -intoxicating liquor license.
According to Mr. McCauley's application, he is applying for the above
licenses for his bar operation which is just adjacent to the restaurant
and plans are to serve such items as pizza.
POSSIBLE ACTION: Approval or denial of set-up license,on-sale non-
toxicating liquor license, and off -sale non -intoxicating
liquor license.
Consideration of variance on Issuance of Certificate of occupancy -
Marn Flicker's TV 6 Appliance.
Mr. Flicker's new facility at the corner of Third 6 Cedar Streets in
Monticello is about ready for occupancy by the owner and proprietor,
Mr. Marn Flicker, except for completion of the parking lot requirements,
those being hardsurfacing and curb barriers, along with the necessary
landscaping.
Due to the weather, Mr. Flicker is requesting a variance from these
provisions of the Monticello Ordinance to occupy the facility. Mr. Flicker
is approaching the Council at this time an he feels it might possibly
be ready to open prior to the Council's next meeting, which would be
February 26, 1979.
I have reviewed this matter with our Building Inspector, Loren Klein,
and while there are still some items to be done to meet the building
code, these items will be completed and checked out prior to the
issuance of the certificate of occupancy if the Council approves of
the variance on the parking lot requirements and landscaping.
Mr. Flicker is aware that it will be necessary to post a bond or other
security arrangement with the City for the uncompleted portions of land-
scaping and parking lot prior to the occupancy.
POSSIBLE ACTION: Consideration of approval or denial of variances
for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy.
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MEMORANDUM
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TO: File L-50-8 Worth Brasic Memorial Library Fund
FR0M: Gary Wieber
DATE: January 30, 1979
SUBJDC;: Review of Matters Pertaining to the Memorial Established
by North Brasie.
In reviewing the City's files and documents relative to the Library, follcwing
are significant items:
DATE SOURCE
Approx. 1920 Copy of Condensed History of
Wright County by C. A. French
3/1/28 Resolution of Independent
School District 07 passed
March 1, 1928.
5/2/28 Copy of notice of spacial
election.
C
ITEM
Monticello resident, Worth Bra. uo, irovided
in his Will a legacy of S10,C0 to Uc used
to erect a public library builaing in
Monticello Village. At this time, $10,000
was not sufficient for the erection of a
suitable structure. The amount was put
at interest until it accumulat, I to about
$14,000. Ground was given to ( voct library
building by Independent Sci%o-)l 'iotvfct 07
and in 1930, the building was trected.
Resolution reads in part: "it would seen
feasible and desirable to combine said
library building with a new addition to
be constructed to the high school in said
Village, in order that sail I it nary building
with an annex thereto may :e ui.d for a
dual purpose, to wit: that of 1 ihlic library
and school purl -omen, and if thi- be done,
the school district to have th, burden of
upkeep, maintenance and ol`erati +n, as well
an to donate the site for said :il,rary
which shall be on the pre sent tote of the
high school and adjoining the : .me.
Copy of notice of special election to be
hold by the Independent School *istrict 07
on the 22nd of may, 19:8, to is.uc fonds in
the amount of $50,000 for the following
purposes Constructing and furni !inq an
addition to the school house in timid dis-
trict anti installing hosting, v.•ntilating
and plumbing therein and equipinq the same
with 1 i:ararpls, a19,aratus , and of ,•r r.rhool
furniture.
I
Me.no to File L-50-8
January 30, 1979
Page R2
DATE SOURCE
5/28/28 Copy of Independent School
District 07 Minutes.
7/17/28 Copy of Assistant Attorney
General Letter from Charles E.
Phillips.
ITEM
minutes reported that bond issue had passed
287 votes to 161 votes.
Letter is to Mr. mons Hawkins, :Iontieello,
Mn. Mr. Phillips restates a question that
Mr. Hawkins apparently asked, that is as
follows: A sum of money was left to the
Village of Monticello for the purpose of
constructing a public library, and that
School District #7 located in said Village
is about to build a new school house: the
Village authorities and the school board
feel that it would be to mutual advantage
to both Village and district to build the
library in connection with the .school house
and the question is how this may be accom-
plished. Mr. Phillips, in his reply, indi-
cates that currently there in no legal
authority for a school district to authorize
the construction of a building on school
property with said building to !=e the pro-
perty of the village. Mr. Phillips goes
on further to indicate that the only way
this possibly could be accomplithed is
through lagislative authority.
7/18/28 Copy of Minutes of Independent Minutos indicate that bids were received
School District N7. on the now school building and all were
above the referendum approved of $50,000.
Board rejected all bids and called for now
bids to be submitted July 27, 192a.
7/27/28 School Board Minutes - Indepen-
dent School District V.
Minutes indicated that bids were accepted
as follows for the project: General
Construction - $46,4150 Roofing - $1,5630
Heating c Ventilation - $15,3150 Clectrical -
$1,7430 for a combined total of 565,036.
By means of an insert in the Mit,utes, there
indicated that the bond issue is 950,000
plus the approximate amount of the legacy
914,000 which would total $64,0,0. Apparently
the school board felt that they could accept
theme bids, although the t65,03N total was
more than the bond issur amount Mus the
approximate amount of lrgary, tat there was
no indication of the rationale 1 --hind this
vote.
I/
Ilemo to File L-50-8
January 30, 1979
Page k3
DATE SOURCE
8/7/28 Letter to Independent School
District N7 from Members of
Building Committee those being
George B. Boyd, H. L. Wipple,
(unreadable third name).
4/29/29 Copy of Resolution adopted
by Independent School Dis-
trict V.
9/39/29 school Board Minutes
ITEM
Letter mentioned authority being received
by the Board from the Heirs at Law of
W. %forth Brasie to the changes made in the
plans and specifications for the construc-
tion of said library in order to hasten
the construction thereof and to reduce the
cost of said building in consideration of
the fact that said library can be construc-
ted in connection with the new high school
building in said district at much less cost
than can otherwise be done. in the contents
of this letter, another letter of April 28,
1920 is mentioned, which Mr. Brasie appa-
rently wrote the officers and directors of
the three banks in Monticello relative to
the depositing of the S10,000 and for pro-
vision for future maintenance and upkeep
of said library. Members of the building
committee recommended that the school dis-
trict go ahead with the plans and specifi-
cations as amended and that they would
disburse the funds of the Brasic Memorial
fund as needed.
Resolution makes reference to tl,e 1929 ses-
sion of the State Legislature. Apparently
an act had passed which appears to be the
present Statute Section 134.03 which would
be applicable to the W. Worth Brasic Memo-
rial Library which is construct,d on School
District Property and owned by the people
of said district. As provided 1•y this law,
the school board was named as cx-officio
members of the board and three additional
members were appointed for the term of one
year. Apparently the l,Aw provided for the
construction of a library on srhool property,
said structure not to necessarily he owned
by the school district, and also required to
do this a board to be appointed.
A vote was passed to levy one mill fbr
library purposes for collection in 1030.
14CMO to File L-50-8
January 30, 1979
Page 64
DATE SOURCE ITG-1
6/9/69 Letter from Secretary of Letter is to indicate to the village
Library Board, Elsie Garlid, to Council that public library board would
Mayor Sandberg. like to go on record as supporting a
regional library system now tcing proposed
for Wright County.
6/11/69 Copy of letter from Clerk Letter indicates that the June 10, 1969
Treasurer of Monticello, Village Council meeting unanimous approval
Lluyd Schnell, to Dave Douglas, was given for i:Yight County to 1'ecome a
County Auditor. part of the Regional Library system.
6/7/72 Letter from Mrs. Meryl
Lennartson, the Director of
the Great River Regional
Library System to Mayor
Sandberg.
11/14/72 Copy of Village Council
Minutes.
11/20/72 Letter from Clark of Indepen-
dent School District 4882 to
Village Clark of Monticello.
r
L
Requesting information relative to whether
library space would be available within the
community or whether mobile service would
be necessary if no space was available on
a permanent basis.
Resolution passed as follows: The Village
should enter into an agreement with School
District 11882 to rent the worth Rrasie
Memnrial Library facility in conjunction
with the Great River Lihrary Association
and lay rent of $75.00 per month for
services including light, heat, toilet
facilities, insurance, custodial service.
This contract to be negotiated on an annual
basis. At this same meeting, Loren W. Senness,
Superintendent of School District 6882,
stated the Village would have administrative
control of the facility, but the ownership
of the building would not ba relinqueshed.
Lotter indicates that the school board
would offer the fh,blie Library space to
the village at the rate of $75.00 per month
to cover heat, light, insurance, custodial
service and toilet facilities, provided that
the Village decided to join the great River
Regional Library System. Additionally,
the administrative responsibilities for the
operation of the public library would be
placed in the hands of the Villa,ie of
Monticello through the Great Riv,.r Regional
Library Board.
,demo to File L-50-8
January 30, 1979
Page 05
DATE SOURCE
12/4/72 Resolution adopted by the
Independent School District
0882.
1/9/73 Copy of Village Council
Minutes.
2/27/73 Minutes of village Council
Meeting.
5/15/73 Lotter from W. 11offman to
Village Council of Monticello.
ITEM
Resolution indicated that all tingible
personal property now o•+ned by the worth
Brasie Public Library in Monticello, which
is devoted to use for public library pur-
poses, is hereby contributed and transferred
to the Village of Monticello for further
transfer to the Great River Regional
Library, St. Cloud, MN. Furthermore,
that if the Regional Library System ever
be terminated, the assets of said regional
library will be distributed to the original
parties in the case of :Monticello, the
Worth Brasie Library in proportion to each
parties contribution.
Motion was made and approved to have an
inventory of all tangible property and cash
assets, if any, regarding the transfer of
the Worth Brasie Library to the Village of
Monticello.
Motion passed to hire W. C. Hoffman to
review the legal aspects of the transfer
of the Library, including the financial
matters, and determine if an inventory is
necessary.
Itoffman'o opinion indicates ttte following:
1. School District 0882 does not !love the
{ower to transfer the Library to the
Village by Resolution, not does the
village have the power to accept the
Library.
2. Minnesota Statute 134.03 opecifically
states that !S? Library cannot be
abandoned by a �/3'rds majority vote
Of the eloctoro cast at any annual
election or special school meeting called
for that purpose. lit should la: noted
that 134.03 does havo Innguano pertaining
to Cities of less than 2,000 inhahitants.
3. If the school diutriCL l,wicn a tax
for the Worth Braoir vublic labinry, that
the prol.erly tax for that. punpoun is not
subject to a tax for a rcxltoanl literary.
memo to File L-50-8
January 30, 1919
Page a6
DATE SOURCE
6/12/73 Copy of village Council
Minutes.
7/9/74 Copy of City Council Minutes
4/24/78 city council Minutes.
1
n
ii'�i"s�T%
Motion was made and unaninno;asly carried
to have the administrator send a copy of
the William Hoffman letter to th„ Chairman
of the School Board stipulating the village
will discontinue it's $75.00 monthly pay-
ment and that a request be made for refund
of funds already submitted.
Motion was approved to continue the agreement
with Independent School District 1882 for the
operation of the Worth Brasie Public Library
as originally agreed to at the Council meeting
of tlovember 14, 1972. As part of this agree-
ment, the City would resume its monthly payments
of $75.00 per month to the school district
commencing in July of 1974. It should be
noted this came somewhat as a result of a
settlement with the School District which was
negotiated which included other unrelated
matters including a sewer s water- hookup
charge, of $16,000 to the. School District. As
part of this settlement, the School District
disregarded the $75.00 monthly Iwaymients
that were discontinued for a period of time.
Approval was given after presentation by
Superintendent Shelly Johnson of increasing
thu monthly maintenance allowance on the
library from $75.00 liar month, to $147.00 par
month.
Donald D. Smith,
Editor and Publisher
Monheeb 116 East River Street
`MV5 Monticello, Minnesota 55362 Phone (612) 295-3131
Feb. 8, 1979
Council members:
A policy of the Monticello City Council which has been in effect since
April 1963 was changed last month, perhaps without the council fully
realizing it. It's a change which I'd like to have you reconsider and
perhaps overrule.
For nearly 16 years, the City of Monticello has published its itemized
disbursements on a monthly basis as part of the regular publishing of
the council minutes. That tradition of openness and telling the public
how its taxes are spent was begun in 1963 when my father, then -Publisher
Lynn Smith, brought the issue to the council. It's a policy that no coun-
cil has changed since.
Last year's state legislature did change some requirements for municipali-
ties concerning what budget matters they must present in the official
city newspaper. Previously, cities were reouired to either publish their
disbursements monthly or include them in an expanded financial statement
at the end of the year on a lump -sum basis. Monticello City has opted
for monthly publication... and no council has changed that. What expendi-
tures are required to onerate the city have been listed as public infor-
mation in our newspaper, the one vehicle which reaches the most homes
here. Consequently, people living in this city micht have opposition
to actions taken by the council, but they certainly can't argue that
there were decisions made, either on policies or payments, which weren't
made at open meetings ... and then published immediately afterwards in the
Monticello Time3, the city's official newspaper.
The new bill sets up new requirements, which all cities must meet, in
publishing the annual financial statement. The new law also made a dis-
tinction between cities of under -2,500 population and over -2,500 concerning
the publication of disbursements. The under -2,500 cities have the some
requirements to meet (monthly publication or lump -sum lists annually);
however, cities over 2,500 people are no longer reouired to publish
the bills ... though they certainly can if the council makes that decision.
With that reouirement no longer binding on cities of over 2,500, Administra-
tor Gary wieber in January opted to cease publication of the bills. 7
think that was the wrong decision... and, moreover, one which should
be made by the council as a policy.
Gary's argument seems to be that the cost ($550-600 annually for the
disbursements publication) doesn't justify this expenditure. He bases
that on the very few comments on the bills that his office has fielded
during his years here. lie believes that publication is not important
and that people must not be reading them since no one calls his office.
My argument is based on these point:a:
1) 1 believe people do read the legal notices, meetinq proceedings and
monthly lists of bills ... and that by far the beat transfer of that in-
formation from city hall is through a paid subscription newspaper.
2) That the expenditure of $550-600 annually is prudent. The cost is
roughly 25e per resident per year to make this information accessible
to the citizens of Monticello. That's a relatively small amount to pay
in the total scope of city finances.
Donald O. Smith,
Editor and Publisher
�loittwe[[o �t116 East River Street
\, `e!$i Monticello, Minnesota 55362 Phone (612) 2953131
3) Historically, the councils during the past 16 years have not made
any attempt to change this monthly public reckoning of financial infor-
mation.
4) Most. importantly, monthly publication of itemized disbursements con-
tinues a tradition of openness in government which our democratic system
was founded on—and on which the City of Monticello, I'm proud to say,
has operated on. At city hall today, Monticello government is conducted
at open meetings which are in full compliance with the law. Access to
public records could not be better. We know that because we're constantly
asking for council records, letters, financial information, etc., and
delve yet to be denied by Gary and his staff. And I know the extra mile
that city administration goes to provide that same help that we get as
reporters to the public as a whole. There's a genuine spirit of openness
which prevails ... and regular, complete and timely publication of minutes
and bills is part of that openness. It should be continued, I submit.
To decide at this point that publication is no longer warranted is a
step backwards from openness and me that I think is unwise. This is
public information which can be openly shared with the citizens of
Monticello at a price which will hardly upset the city's finances.
I have asked to be placed on the agenda of Monday night's meeting
to further ask for your consideration, if necessary, and to answer
any questions you might have. Feel free to contact me in advance also.
inter ly . p
onald mit , G
Editor & Publisher
C