Bancroft City Council Report

This report is adapted from the official minutes recorded by City Clerk Debbie Swensen, which were officially approved on August 8.

After the acceptance of the minutes and agenda, the regular council meeting began.

Rezone

Brandon Wistisen submitted an application to rezone a portion of his land from Industrial to Agricultural.  The council has met several times to discuss the rezone and answer questions.  A public hearing as held to hear public comments.  There were no concerns raised by the council or members of the public.  The rezone was approved unanimously.  

Resolution 24-02

A resolution to set the Business License fees was read into the record and approved by the council.

Building Permits

A number of building permits were issued:

Duard Christensen’s Shed was approved contingent on a follow-up of setbacks.

Nissel Baker’s fence permit was approved upon inspection by Mayor Spencer to verify setbacks.

Ceral Bi-Products’ application for a platform was approved after having been determined to meet city code and compliance issues.  

Roxie Holsten’s Fence permit was approved after a detailed discussion.  The resident has requested special permission to build six-foot fences instead of the four-foot fences required by the city code.  The resident stated that their dog is jumping over the four-foot fences.  Council discussed the code enforcement issues and accusations that may arise if they allow some citizens to be granted special permissions or privileges.  Council agree that they need to treat all residents the same and stay consistent with code setbacks.  A motion to approve the permit contingent on the reversion to four-foot fences was passed.

Council and Staff Reports 

Maintenance worker Casey Moreland would like to get a bid on replacing the conduit and wiring at the Teuscher Square and putting in outlets for power at Memorial Park.  A motion to pursue bids for the projects was approved.

Moreland also asked whether the city would purchase a grass bagger for the big Dixon Lawnmower.  Moreland informed the council that the cost would be just under $8,000.  Council would like to table the topic and get more pricing information. 

Council asked whether Maintenance had received a quote on fencing materials for the park fence.  Maintenance asked for clarification about the type of fencing the council was seeking, which was determined to be a six foot privacy wood fence in either panels or slats.  The fence would go from the steel post to the city property line along the street stretch.

Councilmember Jessica Vawser stated that she would like to get the second violation letters sent out.  She was specifically concerned about deep holes around the Conex  storage containers in the alleyway behind the greenhouse and Lion’s Club.  An animal fell in the hole and couldn’t get out, so the situation clearly presents a potential hazard to children.

Councilmember Vawser also asked whether the city has done anything about getting sod for the areas along the sidewalks.  Mayor Spencer suggested that the city go out when sod is being cut, and secure the scraps which are otherwise disposed of.  Councilmember Vawser asked whether that might be something the missionaries could do.

Councilmember Vawser inquired of Clerk Swensen whether residents were paying their utility bills.  Swensen stated that overall residents are doing a good job of keeping their accounts current.

Councilmember Vawser and Mayor Spencer would like code enforcement to serve the next citation for a fine to a resident that is refusing to pay dog fees.

Councilmember Vawser would like the city to get the weeds on Main Street removed and all city owned properties cleaned up in preparation for the 24th parade.

Council asked why the sprinklers came on during the night while people were camping in tents at the park.  Maintenance informed council that there were issues with the time clock.  Council asked whether the problem has been fixed, and authorized maintenance to purchase items necessary for repairs.

Mayor Spencer informed the council that he met with the city engineer and Ted Hendricks, who writes grants for cities and is paid by a percentage of the received grant money or project cost.

The engineers informed the mayor that if the city plans to get grants for the sewer project, they will most likely be expected to have increased utility rates showing the intent and need for funding.  The engineer explained that smaller towns like Bancroft have a bigger financial challenge due to having fewer utility users and not having the ability to spread out the cost when being mandated to do large costly projects like lining the sewer ponds.  

The engineers explained that in order for the city to be considered for a grant they will be required to prove household income which will require a door-to-door income survey to be completed.

SICOG has been meeting with the clerk and has agreed to come in and help with the survey in the next couple months.  If SICOG doesn’t end up doing the survey, the engineers have recommended Ted Hendricks.  Ted does have an initial start-up fee ranging from between $10,000 and $17,000.  The city will ultimately end up having a bond for some of the pond lining cost.  Council discussed legal rate increase during the budget and possibly holding a hearing to substantially increase sewer revenues for the large project preparation.  Council would like to have SICOG perform the income survey if they are willing to do so.