City of Bancroft
Present: Council President Rick P. Hatch, Jessica M. Vawser, Eric Christensen, Nate W. Eiman, Mayor LuCus H. Spencer, Clerk Debbie Swenson
After approving the agenda, the invocation was given by Nate Eiman, and the Pledge was led by Mayor Spencer.
Oath of Office
The official oath of office was read and accepted by Councilmember Jessica M. Vawser, Rick P. Hatch, and Walt “Nate” Eiman. A copy of the oaths will be kept on file at city hall. Signed certificates of election were given to the newly elected members.
Minutes/Accounts Payable
The minutes from December’s meeting, as well as the accounts payable for December passed by unanimous approval.
Zoning Question
Kelly Anderson spoke to the city council, and presented a tentative business plan fot he property he is purchasing in Bancroft. Anderson currently lives in Grace and runs a propane delivery business. He has been working Scoular Co. in Bancroft and is currently using their spur for transport. Anderson discussed the possibility of purchasing a trans-loader so that he can off-load cars putting propane onto trucks. He is proposing to put in storage tanks for propane and possibly build a shop and house in the future. He hopes to put in a load rack within 3-5 years, and have three (3) 90-120,000 gallon tanks. He was interested in rezoning to industrial as the material on the property increases.
Anderson informed the council that he has researched leaks and explosion related to the storage facilities, and that the tanks have internal valves that will seal themselves in the event of a leak. If the lines break there are internal valves to prevent further spread of the break, and the line will be set up in sections. His business will be mandated to meet all federal requirements. The tanks will be above ground, keeping them from eroding and rusting.
Councilmember Jessica Vawser asked whether the company will have bright lights on throughout the night. Anderson responded that the loas rack lights will be on the most often, but they can be placed on a motion-sensor light. Anderson informed the council that he will be required to have lights on the loading rack.
Mayor Spencer asked whether Anderson’s business will require water services. Anderson commented that as far as he knows, the loading rack is not required to have water.
Councilmember Nate Eiman asked about safety measures. Anderson informed the council that he plans to place a fence around the tanks and create an entrance gate protected by an entrance code. The load rack will potentially load a truck on each side and be located in the far corner of the property to reduce the smell. Anderson would like to use a circular road method that would allow the trucks to enter and exit on the same road. He does not want the turn around to take up a large portion of the property. Anderson is planning to landscape around the tanks with gravel so there is minimal upkeep and no long grass requiring regular mowing.
Anderson explained that the smell should be minimal due to the proane being diluted. It should not pose and explosion hazard unless there were to be a pipe rupture. Any time there is a tank that is attached to plumbing, there is required to be a rubber hose between them. This allows for earth movement. The tanks and hoses are inspected annually and at a minimum of every five years. Anderson commented that his trucks are inspected every five years.
Mayor Spencer asked Anderson wjeter he was planning to bring items from his other business over. He will require some equipment on site for snow removal and maintenance. He does not know exactly what will happed down the road. Anderson informed the council that he will be loading 24 hour a day, but that the rail cars on the spur will mostly be operating during the daytime. The operation hours will be out of his control to some extent. He predicts a maximum of 5-10 cars per week.
Anderson was asked how many acres he would like changed to Industrial zoning. Councilmember Hatch commented that approximately 18 acres out of the 55 acres would need to be rezoned to Industrial zoning eventually. Councilmember Vawser asked Anderson which business her owned in Grace. He informed the council that he owns a store and repair shop. The property bordering Scoular’s Co. will be used for tank plcations, and possibly a work shed for office materials, not no full office at that location. He may consider building a shop with an office later on.
Councilmember Eric Christensen commented that the rezoning will require a process. He asked Anderson what he intends to do with the reaminder of the property should he purchase it. Councilmember Christensen noted that the city had originally annexed the property in anticipation of it becoming a subdivision. Christensen stated that he was concerned about having propane tanks located so closely to residential lots. Anderson informed the council that he is planning on purchasing the remainder of the property, and he is not considering developing a subdivision. He may potentially build a home and shop on the land eventually.
It was noted by the council that the city was working on setting up a designated truck route to preserve the roads. Mayor Spencer reviewed the recently proposed truck route. Anderson suspects that trucks will use the old highway to avoid going over Fish Creek. He further predicts that 80% to 90% of the traffic will come in off the highway, and the rest will come off of Lund Road. He informed the council that his drivers have all been certified.
Councilmember Christensen said that he is happy to have business growth in the area, but would like more information from Anderson regarding the safety and noise issues.
Anderson acknowledged that people got nervous about propane, but he did not foresee any hazards more significant than other industrial concerns in the area.
The council asked to see a 10 year expansion plan. Anderson stated that he would be happy to provide the council with something explaining his plan, setbacks, and tank information.
Liquor License Renewal
The renewal of a liquor license was approved for David Patterson’s Gas-n-go store in Bancroft.
Tire Purchase
Mayor Spencer presented quotes for new tires on the Polaris side by side. The possibility of having someone in town mount the tires was raised. A motion to purchase the tires passed unanimously.
Water and Sewer Connection Fee Increase
The Council discussed several different amounts for water and sewer connection fees. Councilmember Eric Christensen suggested setting $4,000 as the base rate, plus parts and labor, in order to account for any unforeseen costs such as hitting rock.
Councilmember Vawser suggester setting the fee at $2,200 plus labor and parts.
Councilmember Nate Eiman pointed out that following the recommendations from a recent study on fee schedules would make Bancroft the third highest water fee in the state, and the second highest sewer rates. He did not feel that the city should lose money on the services, but he did not want to discourage growth due to initial development costs. He would like to see the city stay comparable to other cities nearby with similar sized populations.
The mayor reminded the council that if the fees were not addressed, the rates would need to be increased more severely whenever such an increase occurred.
Councilmember Vawser suggested that the city charge applicants for all materials and labor plus 20% for unforeseen costs.
Water Connection Fees
Councilmember Jessica Vawser motioned to set the base rate Water Connection Fee at $1,200 plus parts and labor in addition to the $1,200. The motion passed unanimously.
Sewer Connection Fees
Councilmember Eric Christensen made a motion to set the base rate Sewer Connection Fee to $800 plus parts and labor in addition to the $800. The motion passed unanimously.
Personnel Policy
The council discussed the benefits currently offered by the city and listed in the policy manual. Councilmember Rick Hatch suggested adding a couple of discretionary holidays that could be used as a choice to lengthen established holidays on either side. The holidays would be added to the policy for clarification. The potential for adding additional holidays was referred to the city attorney for review prior to February’s council meeting.
Reports
Mayor Spencer will have the Code Enforcement Officer perform water shutoffs for nonpayment. Council advised the clerk to send postdated checks back to residents unless it is not a recurring issue. Maintenance asked about replacing the lighting with LED fixtures. A quote will be sought if the cost is likely to be over $400.
The meeting as adjourned.
