Jackson, Minnesota

December 18, 2018

The Jackson City Council met in regular session in the Council Chambers of
City Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 with the meeting called to
order by Mayor Wayne Walter. On the roll call, the following persons were
present: Mayor Wayne Walter, Aldermen Matt Madden, Larry Anderson,
Brandon Finck and Dave Cushman, City Administrator Matt Skaret, City Attorney
Brad Anderson, Street Superintendent Phil Markman, Water/Wastewater
Superintendent Tony Oxborough, Jackson County Sheriff Shawn Haken, Parks
Board Chairman Michael Haeffner, Engineer Maria Tiegs of SEH Incorporated,
Paul Hargus, Scott Hargus, Engineer Bob Kost of SEH Incorporated via telephone,
Father Jonathan Fasnacht of the Good Shepherd Church in Jackson, City
Clerk/Council Secretary Dave Maschoff, Justin Lessman of the Jackson County
Pilot and Dave Schmidt of KKOJ/KUXX Radio. (Aldermen Ken Temple and
Donnie Schoenrock were absent.) (A quorum of the City Council was present.)

CALL THE MEETING TO ORDER

Mayor Wayne Walter called the regular meeting of the Jackson City Council to
order. He noted the roll called showed Aldermen Ken Temple and Donnie
Schoenrock was absent.

There were no Bid Lettings, Public Hearings or Open Forum.

CONSENT AGENDA
FINCK/ANDERSON moved and it was unanimously carried to approve the
Consent Agenda as presented.

Council Discussion Items

MEMORIAL PARK REVISED PLAN AND AUTHORIZE PLANS/SPECS AND BIDDING

City Administrator Skaret said Engineer Bob Kost from SEH would be joining
the Council meeting via telephone to review the revised final plan concept for
Memorial Park.

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 Skaret explained to Kost that the Mayor and Councilmembers have copies of
the overall park plan and information on Phase One in front of them. He invited
Kost to give the Mayor and Council an overview of the overall plan and Phase One
of the Memorial Park Project.
Kost said the overall plan for Memorial Park has changed to accommodate the
survey data that was collected this fall. He pointed out the most obvious change
probably the Mayor and Councilmembers will notice is the amount of wetland
that’s actually in the park area. Kost said that was certainly not visually obvious to
anybody six or seven years ago when they were working on the park plans
without any data.
Kost said since doing the survey work, an agreement has been finalized with
the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) on the wetland boundary.
He said the plan presented is pretty close to what the final wetland boundary is.
Kost said that has basically driven a lot of the revisions to the design.
Referring to the copies of the plan being reviewed by the Mayor and Council,
Kost first directed attention to the bottom of the plan and worked his way north
beginning with pointing out the wetland.
Kost pointed out what is seen on the very bottom of the plan is sort of a
relocation of the canoe/kayak launch to be a little closer to the flatter part of the
terrain. He explained the idea was to locate the canoe/kayak launch closer to the
edge of the inlet that backs up towards the west so a person wouldn’t have to
launch a canoe or kayak directly into the current of the river.
Kost noted a soft surface trail on the south side of the park plan. He explained
it would be a natural surface trail that would be graded in. Kost added there
might be a need for a small section of boardwalk. He explained the canoe/kayak
launch is intended to be like a skid and would be a wooden deck structure that
would be anchored into the ground and leans on the embankment and would
allow a person to put-in some type of craft, canoe or kayak into the river.
From the canoe/kayak launch, Kost pointed out the natural surface trail moves
northward and connects both to the future parking lot and also has a connection
that takes a curve and would go to an overlook or boardwalk kind of like a dock
structure that would be in front of an open water feature.

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 Kost explained the whole thinking on the wetland is that they would do some
new contouring and some landscape change to really turn that into a feature for
the park such as some habitat for birds or some other creatures. He said right
now that area is just kind of a low, soggy area where the City stores snow. Kost
said unfortunately it’s also a mosquito breeding area given the way it kind of sets
up. Kost said he thinks it’s really important long term for the health of
the park, river and everybody else that the area gets addressed. He said it can
become kind of a natural feature for the park.
Kost said the parking lot that would get paved would have new landscaping
around it. He pointed out it would be a bit smaller than previously thought
because of the extent of the wetland. Kost said the current parking lot area is
gravel and is fairly flat. He explained some of that parking lot is actually wetland
soils and would get converted. Kost pointed out the parking lot there then moves
to the north. He said there is a crossing at the trail crossing at the restroom
building and a small paved area, kind of an entry plaza, where there would be
some bicycle parking and down from the extension of First Street for flood
control.
Kost said the trail that goes to the west is the existing trail. He said the Mayor
and City Council may recall the old plan had a dog park which is actually now
designated a wetland. Kost said if the City wanted to keep a dog park in the
project, again long term, they could locate it in the corner northwest of the
ballfields as shown on the maps. He said in the discussions with the Park Board,
he said a lot of people are feeling like if and when that should ever happen, it
would certainly be quite a ways out and there may just not be the need for it.
Kost said that was a feature people identified seven or six years ago. He said the
dog park doesn’t have to be on the Memorial Park Plan. Kost said the dog park
can stay on the plan as a long term item to be studied later but certainly is not in
Phase One or Phase Two of the project. He said if there was ever a desire to have
a dog park, the area northwest of the ballfields would probably be the location for
it.

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 Moving east towards the river, Kost pointed out the extension of a roadway
that connects to the parking lot that runs north and south behind the housing
that’s similar to the original plan. He explained what has been done is they have
kind of flipped some of the parking that used to run on the east and west side of
that driveway and have located it all onto one side to consolidate that feature and
create the “y” area that’s larger. Kost explained that would allow for future
parking.
Kost said to the east of that is where they’ve located the Splash Pad. He
explained the Splash Pad is in that location in order to both take advantage of the
utilities that are underground there for sewer, water and electricity but also to get
it out of the wetland. Kost said the location for the Splash Pad was discussed with
the Splash Pad Committee and they were OK with that. He pointed out there are
some connections to a new trail that kind of move around both sides of the Splash
Pad area and two future playgrounds; one for children under ages 5 or 6 and a
playground for older children. Kost noted the south end of the levee really
becomes kind of an active play area for the park as both water play and play
equipment.
Kost pointed out at the end of that new trail connection; there is an overlook
that’s similar to the old plan. He noted they tie into the existing river trail at that
point.
Kost said on the far east side of the park, there is a future amphitheater
canopy and platform that is situated at an angle rather than on a due north/south
basis to be a little more of a smaller facility and provide for more of an intimate
setting. He said there’s still plenty of space for a couple thousand people. Kost
noted that would be a much later phase park feature so there are certainly
opportunities to refine how that will be set up in the future.
Kost pointed out on the plan the smaller yellow circle symbols with the peace
signs through them. He explained those are meant to represent ornamental trees
like crab apples. Kost said there are also some evergreen trees that are being
proposed along with a number of over-story shade trees that line the pathways.
He noted there are also a few trees on the west side of the park along the trail
that connects up to the trail all the way up to Ashley Street. Kost said it’s very
similar to the layout that was in the original plan.

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 Kost explained the thinking has always been that this is primarily a big large
open green space for all kinds of informal activities and events, but also for a
place where people can go for a walk. He pointed out if the whole trail loop gets
going it could be a nice place to just go for an evening stroll and circle and
navigate the whole park.
Kost said the Veterans Plaza is in its same location as it was in the original
plan. He said some modifications have been made to the end of White Street
with a small green space and an overlook and then a circular plaza where a
Memorial feature could be located. Kost reported there has been a couple of
conversations; two meetings with the veterans. Kost said the last time he was in
Jackson last week there were six or seven people who were going to get together
and have more conversations. Kost said SEH has provided some design concepts
for them to evaluate. He noted as SEH modified their contract a few months ago,
they thought they could pull a few hours aside to give that group a hand with
some design ideas that might help them in their fundraising. Kost said the
Veterans Memorial feature pretty much stays where it’s always has been planned
and the lawn on either side could serve as spillover space where a larger crowd
could be gathered for ceremonies.
Kost pointed out on the park plan the river overlook that’s just to the east of
the Veterans Plaza which again would be a place where you could get a view of
the river or walk down the embankment to do a little fishing along the existing
trail.
In the area just to the north of the Veterans Plaza, Kost said there was
discussion and input given a couple of weeks ago about relocating the ice skating
from the river bayou and putting it somewhere in this park. He said SEH’s
recommendation was to use that lawn area that’s about 120 feet by 100 feet for
the ice skating rink. Kost said the temporary warming house currently located
during the winter right off of Ashley Street could be brought to the new ice skating
site. He noted the new site for the ice skating rink would be fairly accessible to
people to walk to or park along the street, park at the end of White Street or even
park over at City Hall. Kost said that SEH’s suggestion as the location for winter ice
skating.

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 Kost pointed out the plan also shows erecting park signs both at the end of
First Street and on Ashley Street to let people know this is Memorial Park.
Kost said those were the revisions to the overall plan for Memorial Park.
Kost then asked the Mayor and Councilmembers to turn to the next page of
the plan that were distributed to them outlining the facilities that are budgeted to
be built in the coming year.
Kost explained what the first phase of the project does is establish the trail
system so one can start to use the park. He said it would also include grading out
the terrain. Kost said there was also a little wetland that was identified kind of up
in the middle of the lawn area so some fill will be needed. Kost said some topsoil
will be brought in and there will be a lot of seeding. He noted some temporary
watering will be hooked up to get that seed to grow.
Kost said the main feature for the park will really be the Splash Pad. He said
what the rest of the park will do is set the stage for future development but also
provide a nice big green space to hold activities and just kind of enjoy the
outdoors.
Kost noted they have accommodated the Splash Pad in the revised plans and
the walkways around it. Kost pointed out they have also, again in conjunction
with the Park Board, not included a dog park as part of this first phase.
For alternative options based on how costs might come in, Kost said they could
look at installing the anchored wood skid for the canoe/kayak launch to the river
at the south end of the park and also add a couple of picnic areas off of the
existing trail. He said the plan shows the potential to have basically two accessible
concrete pads with ADA accessible picnic tables that would be permanently
mounted. Kost explained permanently mounting the picnic tables would avoid
vandalism and would certainly be accommodating for senior citizens and people
with special needs.
Kost noted there would be about 48 or 49 trees that would be planted to start
getting the tree canopy established so it really starts to feel like a park.
Kost then referred to the preliminary cost estimate.

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 Skaret noted the revised cost estimate had been emailed to the Mayor and
Councilmembers along with the amended Council agenda earlier in the day. He
said basically the change was removing the dog park and taking those dollars that
had been allocated for the dog park and putting them into the contingency fund
for the project.
Kost noted the original budget for the project had some contingency funds in
it of about 15 percent. He said as the years have gone by there has been inflation
so they want to be sure to get what they’re hoping to get done for the dollars that
have been allocated. Kost said they have been trying to be careful and not over
design or over promise.
Kost said at this stage without doing final engineering drawings, the
preliminary cost estimate is about $418,000, roughly $420,000. He said that gives
about $27,000 in contingency. Kost said SEH will refine those numbers as they get
further into the construction documents. He noted if things still look pretty good
it is SEH’s plan to bid the project with a couple of features as add-alternates. Kost
referred to the information provided to the Mayor and Council that showed the
unfunded features as add-alternates for bidding which included the canoe/kayak
launch and a couple of picnic tables with pads. Kost explained SEH believes it
makes sense because there’s not a lot of design effort to do those and to get a
price for those. Depending on how competitive the bidding is this winter, Kost
said maybe they can afford to get those items into the first phase.
Kost explained the costs are based on the rough design but also using dollars
from projects that were constructed and bid out this year. He said they are using
2018 construction dollars and not from 2012 anymore. Kost said we’re thinking
we’re OK but we they have to get into the final engineering.
Regarding the splash pad, Kost said the one component that is still unfunded
is the actual engineering for electrical. He said what SEH understands is that the
splash pad will require a new transformer and 120 volt, three-phase power. Kost
said there will have to be some minor electrical engineering either at the
restroom building with a new electric panel and specifications to get electricity
actually to the equipment or if that electrical service and equipment are located
at the actual pad and that activity would happen there.

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 Kost said once it’s known that everybody is OK moving forward, SEH will get a
budget proposal to City Administrator Matt Skaret for SEH to do that minor bit of
electrical engineering. Kost said it’s either that or there is potential that it could
get done as part of a design contract with the splash pad provider but he’s not
sure that’s really the best way to go. He said it won’t be a big dollar amount, but
SEH would submit a price if they did the electrical engineering for the splash pad.
Kost noted SEH does have in their contract doing the sewer and water
connection. He said right now it seems like the splash pad is 99.9 percent covered
with everything.
Kost asked if there were any questions.
Mayor Walter said the area for the proposed Memorial Park had a lot of water
in it this last summer. He asked Kost if the proposed trees and turf is something
that can withstand a lot of standing water or will the area be built up enough so
the water doesn’t stand there when it floods. Mayor Walter said it appears a
flooding problem could occur where the splash pad will be located.
Finck noted the splash pad was moved from the place where it was originally
planned to avoid flooding.
Alderman Anderson noted the ballfields and across the south parking lot and
to the east of that parking lot in the area noted as wetland restoration is the area
that floods all the time.
Kost pointed out not of that area gets built in Phase One. He said if Jackson
gets heavy rains or storms, that area is going to flood again. Kost said the work
SEH is currently proposing in not in that area. He said everything SEH is proposing
is up at the 1,307 level. Kost said he believes that’s the contour elevation above
the designated floodway so they’re trying to stay out of the area that flooded.
Kost said they are up at the levee elevation and everything that’s below that is
future phase. He noted other than the ballfields which was underwater and the
parking lot, everything else SEH is proposing in the future in that area gets
converted into a true active wetland. Kost said that will comply with the DNR and
the Army Corps of Engineers related to all the flood conditions. He said if the City
ever wanted to rebuild their ballfields and raise them, that’s going to be building
in a floodway and require all kinds of permitting. Kost said SEH is not
recommending anything like that happen.

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 Water/Wastewater Superintendent Tony Oxborough pointed out there is a
well house that’s actually at the south end of the dike. He asked about the
sidewalks in the plans and said planning needs to include being able to get a truck
back there. Oxborough said the Water Department doesn’t normally pull a well
during the winter. He said the other thing is that there’s a major manhole on the
west side where sewage goes through. Oxborough said the Water Department
needs to get a truck to that and it looks like there are a lot of trees around that
manhole.
Kost explained the trails are set up to be 10 feet wide. He said if Oxborough
thinks that segment of trail needs to be 12 feet wide in order to accommodate
those trucks that certainly could be done. Kost said they would definitely want to
do a six inch gravel base on that segment of trail with probably a three inch mat of
asphalt so they can withstand those loads.
Oxborough asked if that would be a change order or would it be easier to fix
now than later.
Kost explained there would be no change order. He said SEH would just
design it that way. Kost said that would probably consume part of the
contingency money to engineer that properly. He said SEH can definitely
accommodate that activity. Kost said he can meet with Oxborough to get
additional details to make sure which segments of the trail the Water Department
is going to be doing activity on. He said he assumed it’s the area south of the
splash pad.
Oxborough explained it’s that area and also actually that path that’s running
east to west where it’s a square piece of concrete right on the edge of the
riverbed. Oxborough said that’s kind of where the manhole is located.
Kost said SEH has the survey and it should be on there. He said they would
double check and make sure they have adequate durability on the trail facility so
the Water Department can drive on it with the kind of equipment they need to
drive on it with.
Oxborough said that would be perfect.
Kost said it will also allow for the public safety officer to take a drive through
the park if he ever needs to check on things or respond to any emergencies and
that sort of stuff.

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 Kost said what the Park Board was looking for was a go-ahead from the
Council to move forward with the plans and engineering. He asked Skaret if that
was correct.
Skaret said that was correct. He said what was needed from the Council was
approval of the overall park plan and authorizing SEH to do the engineering and
construction documents and to go out for bids when those are completed.
Kost said SEH can bring the plans back to the Mayor and City Council a final
time before going out for bids if they would like to do that.
Cushman asked if the City Council was being asked to authorize the overall
park plan or Phase One.
Skaret said the construction plans would just be for Phase One.
Cushman noted if the overall park plan is looked at, it shows some additional
roads and some parking. He asked in the event we never got to Phase Two, Three
or Four of this project, where would there be parking spots available if Phase One
is all that ever happens.
Kost explained there would be the existing parking at the ballfields and that
would really be about it along with on-street parking. He said it’s been SEH’s
understanding that the City would continue to move forward with putting money
aside and/or fundraising and continue requests to the Legislature and others at
least to get through to Phase Two which was the parking and some of the other
features.
Kost said there might be active grant money that the City could be looking at
for the wetland mitigation or the wetland enhancement.
Cushman said this project started out as a park for our Veterans. He said he’s
not sure he’s to the wetland portion of this yet. Cushman said the area down
below where the City is dumping snow is not even at factor at this point.
Cushman said he’s more concerned about Phase One on the upper level. He
commented he likes the layout; he’s just concerned about parking at this point.
Cushman said this is a lot of money. He said without the grant, this wouldn’t be
possible. Cushman noted without future grants, he doesn’t see how the City will
go forward. He said it was just an observation.
Cushman asked Skaret if the State grant the City received for the Memorial
Park Project is a matching grant.

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 Skaret said it is a matching grant. He noted the grant the City received was for
up to $290,000 for Phase One and the City has to match that. Skaret explained it’s
a 50/50 match.
Skaret said the motion that was being sought from the City Council was to
move forward with Phase One and authorize SEH to do the final construction
plans. He explained SEH will then bring the construction plans back to the City
Council one more time with the revised cost estimates. Skaret said that would still
be one last stop before authorizing the bidding.
Cushman asked if there were any other plans looked by the Park Board or if
this was the only plan that was submitted to them.
Park Board Chairperson Michael Haeffner said that was the only plan that was
submitted to the Park Board.
FINCK/MADDEN moved and it was unanimously carried to authorize SEH to
prepare the construction plans and specifications and authorize going out to bid
for Phase One of the Memorial Park Project.
Skaret asked Kost if he had the direction he needed.
Kost said he did and thanked the Mayor and City Council and wished everyone
a Happy Holiday.
Skaret, Mayor Walter and Councilmembers thanked Kost.

(the phone call with Kost ended)

WATER STORAGE TANK PROJECT CHANGE ORDER NO. 3

Engineer Maria Tiegs with SEH explained there are two parts to Change Order
No. 3. She said the first part is due to going from two tanks to one storage tank
and the need to disconnect the existing tank and redo the connection line from
inside the pump room to inside the garage. She explained having a line
connection in the garage will also remove all the piping along the wall and save
space. Tiegs said if they relied on the existing piping it would also mean relying on
the valves and valves over time like to leak. She said installing a new pipe
connection cleans things up and makes it a reliable permanent connection. Tiegs
said that change totals $12,651.32.

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 Tiegs said the second part of the change order is to relocate a Southwest
Minnesota Broadband fiber optics line that currently goes through where the new
storage tank will be located. She said the fiber optic line will be relocated around
the new storage tank and the cost will be $2,932.13.
Tiegs said the total cost of the change order is $15,583.45. She said the cost
will still be within the contingency amount for the project.
Skaret added even with the added $15,583.45 change order amount, the
overall cost of the project is still about $49,000 under where the initial bid was.
He noted there was a savings by going with the 500,000 gallon tank.
Tiegs concurred there was savings for the project by going with the larger
different material tank.
MADDEN/FINCK moved and it was unanimously carried to approve Water
Storage Tank Project Change Order No. 3.

WATER STORAGE TANK PAY APPLICATION NO. 1

Engineer Maria Tiegs of SEH said most of the payment is for relocating the
Well #6 water line. She said the line was relocated into the pump room at the
Water Plant and stubs have been installed for Well #5 and a future well
connection stubbed out of the pump room.
Tiegs said the total payment amount is $72,304.50
Skaret added the payment would be to Magney Construction.
CUSHMAN/ANDERSON moved and it was unanimously carried to approve
Water Storage Tank pay application No. 1 to Magney Construction in the amount
of $72,304.50.

WASTE MANAGEMENT RATE INCREASE LETTER 2019

Skaret referred to a letter from Waste Management that was enclosed in the
Mayor and City Councilmembers’ packets.
Skaret said Waste Management has the garbage contract through December
31, 2020. He explained the contract provides that Waste Management has the
authority to request a rate increase of up to 3 percent every two years. Skaret
said the last rate increase took effect on June 1, 2017, which was a 2.2 percent
increase. He said Waste Management has requested a 3 percent rate increase
effective January 1, 2019.

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 Skaret said currently a 32 gallon container on the senior citizens rate is $8.42
per month and the top of the scale for the 96 gallon container is $12.14 per
month. He said under the new rates, the 32 gallon container on the senior
citizens rate will be $8.64 per month and the 96 gallon container will be $12.47
per month.
Skaret said Waste Management’s reasons for the rate increase is due to
increasing wages, insurance, landfill tipping fees, and maintenance costs.
CUSHMAN/FINCK moved and it was unanimously carried to approve Waste
Management’s request for a 3 percent rate increase effective January 1, 2019.

SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE NO. 97 ESTABLISHING THE CITY’S 2019 FEE

SCHEDULE
Skaret pointed out the changes highlighted in red to the fee schedule in the
copies distributed to the Mayor and Councilmembers.
Skaret noted the clarification on the tree trimming charge. He explained the
tree trimming, if done by City staff, is a minimum of $150 an hour. Skaret said tree
trimming, if the City ends up hiring a contractor to trim trees, is the actual cost
plus a $25 administrative fee. He noted these fees would be only after residents
get the proper notification and the allotted time but haven’t complied. If they
haven’t then complied in the required time period, Skaret said the City will either
do the trimming themselves or hire a contractor to trim the trees.
Skaret said pretty much everything else in the fee schedule are things the City
Council has previously discussed.
Skaret said a motion was needed to approve Ordinance No. 97.
CUSHMAN/MADDEN moved and it was unanimously carried to approve
second reading of Ordinance No. 97 establishing the City’s 2019 Fee Schedule.

RESOLUTION NO. 36-1218 DESIGNATING THE GOOD SHEPHERD HALL AS THE

LOCAL POLLING PLACE IN THE CITY OF JACKSON FOR 2019
Skaret explained the State of Minnesota adopted a new law requiring Cities to
designate a polling place each year even if there aren’t elections scheduled. He
said each year the City has to designate a polling place.

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 Skaret said the City has been using the Good Shepherd Hall at 1015 Sherman
Street for quite a few years. He explained the advantages of using this location
are that it’s centrally located in Jackson, it’s handicapped accessible, has parking,
and has the space in the gymnasium to set-up for elections.
ANDERSON/FINCK moved and it was unanimously carried to approve
Resolution No. 36-1218 designating the Good Shepherd Hall as the local polling
place in the City of Jackson for 2019.

RESOLUTION NO. 37-1218 APPROVING FINAL LEVY FOR TAXES COLLECTIBLE IN

2019
Skaret said Resolution No. 37-1218 would set the Final Levy for Taxes
Collectible in 2019. He said the total tax levy will be $1,520,025. Skaret said there
is a $30,000 increase over this year’s tax levy or about a two percent increase. He
noted back in September the City Council approved a preliminary levy increase of
4 percent and it’s been reduced down to 2 percent.
FINCK/ANDERSON moved and it was unanimously carried to approve
Resolution No. 37-1218 approving the Final Levy for Taxes Collectible in 2019.

RESOLUTION NO. 38-1218 APPROVING GENERAL FUND BUDGET

Skaret said the General Fund Budget is kind of tied in with the property tax
levy.
Skaret explained the 2019 General Fund Budget is funded by the property tax
levy. He said the City is looking at revenues of $3,389,643 and expenses of
$3,327,727 with a contingency of $61,916.
Skaret said a motion is needed to approve the 2019 General Fund Budget.
MADDEN/ANDERSON moved and it was unanimously carried to approve
Resolution No. 38-1218 approving the General Fund Budget for 2019.

JANUARY 2, 2019 CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE

Mayor Walter noted the next regular City Council meeting will fall on the
holiday of New Year’s Day, Tuesday, January 1st, 2019. Due to the holiday, Mayor
Walter suggested moving the next regular City Council meeting to Wednesday,
January 2nd, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

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 ANDERSON/FINCK moved and it was unanimously carried to move the next
Jackson City Council meeting to Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.

JOINT MEETING WITH THE JACKSON COUNTY COMMISION REGARDING CITY

SHOP LAWSUIT
Skaret said he and City Attorney Brad Anderson met with the Jackson County
Attorney and had a teleconference with the lead attorney on this case. He
explained they have mediation scheduled for February 7th. Skaret said it’s very
important to get the City Council and County Commission together before that
date to give the people going into mediation some direction so a joint meeting of
the two boards is being scheduled. Skaret said a meeting is being scheduled for
Tuesday, January 22nd at 5 p.m. at City Hall.
City Attorney Brad Anderson explained the meeting will take at least an hour
or two. He said the meeting will include the lead attorney, County Engineer and
the City and County’s legal counsel in a closed session to talk about a potential
settlement of this lawsuit.
Attorney Anderson informed the Mayor and Council that the meeting is really
important because the City is getting a lot of investment into this lawsuit. He said
this is going to be a time when the Council will really want to give serious
consideration to a potential settlement. Attorney Anderson noted the importance
of having Alderman Cushman attend since he was a member of the City/County
Maintenance Facility joint committee. He said there may be a need for Cushman
and City Administrator Skaret to attend the actual mediation session.

DECLARE OLD STREET SIGNS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND AUTHORIZE THE

DONATION TO THE JACKSON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR THE SPLASH PAD
COMMITTEE
Mayor Walter asked for a motion.
FINCK/ANDERSON moved and it was unanimously carried to declare the old
street signs surplus property and authorize the donation to the Jackson
Community Foundation for the Splash Pad Committee.

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CEDA CONTRACT
 Skaret said the City has a new contract proposed with Community and
Economic Development Associates (CEDA). He noted the current contract was
basically about a 14 month contract that expires December 31st, 2018.
Skaret said the Finance Committee met with the CEDA representatives at City
Hall on December 10th. He explained there is a need identified to have a part-time
administrative assistant type person in the Economic Development Office. Skaret
said right now it’s not known who that’s going to be or exactly how that’s going to
work out. But for the time being, Skaret said what is being proposed is basically a
status-quo contract to continue the contract with one fulltime person with a three
percent increase.
Skaret said when CEDA gets ready to hire that second individual, then that
would be the time when the contract would be amended.
Skaret said the City has identified about a $100,000 budget for economic
development contractual services with a fulltime person that would be about
$80,000. He pointed out there’s about $20,000 in the budget to work with for a
part-time administrative assistant type person. Skaret said this would free up
more time for Community and Business Development Specialist Tom Nelson to do
more of the hard-core economic development work verses some of the
administrative tasks in the office.
Mayor Walter commented CEDA has a great group of people to work with. He
said Tom Nelson has been very good to work with and has helped Jackson.
ANDERSON/FINCK moved and it was unanimously carried to approve the
contract agreement between the City of Jackson and CEDA.

Other:

Alderman Dave Cushman on Memorial Park Plan

Regarding the Memorial Park Plan, Cushman said he thinks the City Council
has been charged to really look at this bidding process when it goes forward.
Cushman noted the City Council talked about Phase One and that the City would
probably never get to another phase.

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 Cushman said it looks like this phase or this overall park plan has incorporated
several phases to come and he doesn’t think that’s what he signed up for.
Cushman said the City Council has approved SEH to go ahead with bidding but
he thinks once the City receives the bid, the City Council needs to fine tune this to
make sure this is the direction we are going. He said we’re talking a lot of money
here.
Cushman pointed out we have a park we can’t park at. He said we have 50
plus trees that the Street Department will be in charge of and we got a lot of work
ahead of us.
Cushman said “keep this close by fellas”.
Skaret said Cushman makes a really good point and noted Street
Superintendent Markman has also brought this up before too. He said once Phase
One gets implemented it’s going to be a lot more to maintain for the City’s park
staff and the City will probably have to look at hiring some additional help.
Cushman said he was under the impression that we were trying to honor our
Veterans. He said he doesn’t see where the City has done that tonight. But,
Cushman said the City Council has plenty of time to work out the details to this.
He said lets go ahead and get the bids and see where we are at before the City
starts investing any more money and let’s make sure we’re all on board.
Cushman also noted only having one plan submitted to the City Council was a
little disappointing.

City Administrator Matt Skaret

Skaret reported he and Street Superintendent Phil Markman had a

teleconference on December 18th with a Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) official. He said the City of Jackson has finally been assigned a
representative to work with through FEMA regarding the flooding that occurred
this past summer in Jackson. Skaret said the ball will now start to get rolling with
FEMA on working through the process.

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ADJOURNMENT
With no further business, FINCK/MADDEN moved and it was unanimously
carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:31 p.m.

________________________________
David A. Maschoff, Council Secretary

________________________________
Wayne Walter, Mayor

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