Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
City of Porter
August 2, 2021 6:30 p.m.
Meeting called to order by Mayor, Donald Verschelde
Council members present were Kim Jelen, Donald Verschelde, Josh Sumption, Craig Petersen, Pat Vlaminck, and Judy Verschelde.
Also present was Chuck Hoffman, Linda Hennen, & Lawrence Petersen.
Mayor Donald Verschelde called for the reading of the minutes of the June 7, 2021 and the July 6, 2021, Regular City Council meeting and the Board of Equalization meeting. Minutes were approved as read in a motion by Pat Vlaminck, seconded by Josh Sumption. All were in favor with none opposed, and the motion was carried.
Chuck Hoffman presented on behalf of the fire department a request to increase PERA. A motion was made by Pat Vlaminck, seconded by Josh Sumption to increase the retirement payment to $1,750.00 per year of service. All were in favor with none opposed, and the motion was carried.
Lawrence gave an update on the SCBA’s and some other funding opportunities that may be available and the fire department will be looking into funding. Josh Sumption has looked into this funding and the restroom at the park is something the city will look into. Josh Sumption indicated that the City of Porter is allocated $17,000.00.
Linda Hennen inquired into the West tree line and inquired into trimming the trees. City approved for them to move ahead with this.
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Resolution 08-02-2021
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A RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT THE CORONAVIRUS LOCAL FISCAL RECOVERY FUND ESTABLISHED UNDER THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
WHEREAS, since the first case of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was discovered in the United States in January 2020, the disease has infected over 32 million and killed over 575,000 Americans (“Pandemic”). The disease has impacted every part of life: as social distancing became a necessity, businesses closed, schools transitioned to remote education, travel was sharply reduced, and millions of Americans lost their jobs;
WHEREAS, as a result of the Pandemic cities have been called on to respond to the needs of their communities through the prevention, treatment, and vaccination of COVID-19.
WHEREAS, city revenues, businesses and nonprofits in the city have faced economic impacts due to the Pandemic.
WHEREAS, Congress adopted the American Rescue Plan Act in March 2021 (“ARPA”) which included $65 billion in recovery funds for cities across the country.
WHEREAS, ARPA funds are intended to provide support to state, local, and tribal governments in responding to the impact of COVID-19 and in their efforts to contain COVID-19 in their communities, residents, and businesses.
WHEREAS, $18,089 has been allocated to the City of Porter(“City”) pursuant to the ARPA (“Allocation”).
WHEREAS, the United States Department of Treasury has adopted guidance regarding the use of ARPA funds.
WHEREAS, the City, in response to the Pandemic, has had expenditures and anticipates future expenditures consistent with the Department of Treasury’s ARPA guidance.
WHEREAS, the State of Minnesota will distribute ARPA funds to the City because its population is less than 50,000.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PORTER, MINNESOTA AS FOLLOWS:
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The City intends to collect its share of ARPA funds from the State of Minnesota to use in a manner consistent with the Department of Treasury’s guidance.
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City staff, together with the Mayor and the City Attorney are hereby authorized to take any actions necessary to receive the City’s share of ARPA funds from the State of Minnesota for expenses incurred because of the Pandemic.
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City staff, together with the Mayor and the City Attorney are hereby authorized to make recommendations to the City Council for future expenditures that may be reimbursed with ARPA funds.
Adopted by the City Council of Porter, Minnesota this 2nd day of August, 2021 in a motion by Josh Sumption and Seconded by Pat Vlaminck, and passed with all parties voting in favor.
Donald J. Verschelde, Jr.
Mayor
Attested:
Kim Jelen
City Clerk
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-End of resolution 08.02.2021-
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Larry Stoks indicated that the water shut off valves are in Canby. Craig Petersen updated on grading the road and placing granite fines on the road.
590,000 gallons used
A motion was made by Josh Sumption, seconded by Craig Petersen to approve the issuance of a non-intoxicating liquor license to the Porter Harvest Festival. All were in favor with none opposed, and the motion was carried.
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Judy will reach out to Olson Sanitation for date options for our city wide clean-up.
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Pat Vlaminck made a motion to pay the bills as read. Craig Petersen seconded the motion. All were in favor with none opposed, and the motion was carried.
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A motion was made by Josh Sumption, seconded by Craig Petersen, to adjourn the meeting. All were in favor with none opposed, and the motion was carried.
Kim Jelen, Clerk
City of Porter