“I know it needs to be cleaned up, I’ll be the first to admit it,” said Wilmes.
In order for the lot to be used as an auto repair shop, conditions must be met, beginning with an application detailing the operations proposed. The application would then be referred to the Planning Commission, a public hearing would be held, and the commission would submit findings and a recommendation to the city council. The council may then allow the use through the passing of a resolution if the use can be conducted without being detrimental to health, safety and general welfare stating conditions for the permit to remain in effect.
“I would like to continue to operate as a body/repair shop,” Wilmes said. “It’s been my profession for 30 years.”
Wilmes said that there are currently roughly 40-45 vehicles, most of which are owned by him and awaiting repair. When asked how long it would take to fix and move the vehicles, he estimated about two years.
“I’m willing to clean it up and move forward with a fence or other requirements,” said Wilmes, “but I know it won’t meet the deadline.”
The two residents in attendance spoke up. A neighbor of the property expressed his frustration with the amount of cars that has accumulated, along with the stray cats and other animals that are attracted to the lot. The second had a question.
“During the time that you were laid up, how many cars did you add [to the lot]?” he asked.
After a brief pause, Wilmes said he wasn’t sure of the exact number, and that he would have to go and check.
“I just figure, if you can bring in cars during that time,” said the individual, “you could have probably removed some, too.”
The council asked Wilmes what his goals were for the next month and a half until the May 16 deadline. After that, the city may seek injunctive relief and abate the non-conforming uses, issue criminal citations under the ordinance (misdemeanor violation with each day of non-conformance potentially a separate violation), or proceed with council action and decisions enacted with an adopted motion and/or resolution. Wilmes said he plans to clean up the lot and move forward with the application process for conditional use. City clerk Wayne Billing agreed to e-mail the application, and the public hearing was closed.
The PeopleService report was presented by Brad Field and approved.
Ryan Nissen presented the maintenance report; in February there were 22 delinquent bills/disconnect notices delivered and none shut off. Purchase requests for 13 new flags and poles at a total cost of $520 as well as $625 for five tons of cold mix for potholes were approved. The report was approved.
Don Alexander presented the care center report, stating that the census is up, and the center is still hiring CNAs and providing classes for applicants who are not yet registered. Purchase requests for a geriatric bed and wheel chair to accommodate heavier residents were approved at a cost of $3,000 ($1,700 for the bed, $300 for the mattress, and two wheel chairs at $500 each).
A representative then presented the care center’s recent audit report; overall, the center is doing well. The financial processes and estimates were found to be reasonable, and a couple adjustments were suggested and implemented. It was also explained that the January resident rate increase was the result of a 2015 bill that was passed regarding Medicaid, and the new rates reflect the actual cost of resident care per day and should help the center to become profitable in the future.
The financials and accounts payable for the center for February were approved, and the report was approved.
Wages for lifeguards at St. Olaf Lake for the upcoming season were then approved, and the meeting adjourned at 7:29 p.m.
