Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area ReporterAt the Wyoming City council meeting July 6, Wyoming Area Library Society members and council reached an agreement that results in the WALS contributing $11,300 to Chisago County for the branch library to be built in the city.
This covers half of the building permit fee, the state portion of $5500, the water and sewer inspection fee of $500, a portion of surveying costs at $5300 and administrative fees of $55.
The fees were agreed upon because they involve expenditures of time on the part of city employees, which must be paid, or the city is out the money. The agreement was reached after a lengthy discussion. The city has donated land for the library and will maintain the building.
Advised of projected shortfalls for the library construction projects on June 21, council directed Administrator Jill Teetzel to tell the county the city has no extra funds for the project, and that connection with the regional wastewater system and pipeline connections have priority.
John Moosey, Chisago County Administrator, returned a revised budget sheet to cities involved on June 22, identifying adjustments for some items which have been paid and for others which can be bid later when needed. These include computer desks, specific deductions for features in roof, walls, and wiring options.
Moosey indicated a change in contingency funds to $325,545 and a desire to keep this as intact as long as possible, hopefully, to use later when bids for desks are advertised.
At its meeting June 24, the WALS unanimously approved up to $70,000 to help cover additional expenses that the county is ìrequiring the city to pay to build the Wyoming Area Library.î However, it has also promised $25,000 to the East Central Regional Library to buy books for the Wyoming branch library.
In attendance with Moosey were Bob Boese, Director ECRL, and WALS members Sheree Vincent, Stephanie Salzman and Diane DeAzevedo.
Other topics
Council unanimously approved a resolution giving the city permission to apply for a Minnesota Investment Fund. Vote was 4-0 in favor of the resolution. Council member Ted Phillips did not attend the meeting.
Approval gives Teetzel permission to apply for the grant on behalf of the city.
Award grant to the city in the amount of $500,000 will be a city loan to Polaris to pay for city costs. Polaris will repay to the state $320,000 with $180,000 forgiven. The repayment is to a fund that allows other cities to assist businesses in startup or expansion.
Interviews of eight finalists for a police officer vacancy took place July 7. Teetzel reported interviews of 36 very qualified candidates. The field will be narrowed after interviews, physical agility tests, and background checks. Participating in the interviews are Police Chief Anthony Pangal, Teetzel, and Sgt. Greg Weiss of the Forest Lake Police Department.
In the event other officers are needed, a new search will begin. Teetzel said a waiting list of candidates becomes outdated quickly.
A letter was sent by Teetzel on behalf of council to Wyoming Township to consider discussion of consolidation of parts of the township and city.
In December 2003, the city had been invited to participate with Chisago City as it moved to annex portions of the township. There is opposition from many residents in the township to this action and the situation is yet to be resolved.
Asked how the cityís proposal differs from the contested annexation between Chisago City and Wyoming Township, Mayor Vern Haag said a consolidation study brought to the township earlier might be better received now. There may be benefits for both the city and a portion of the township to consolidate in some fashion.
Haag was clear this was only in discussion stages. If there is consolidation, it is clear it would come only after mutual discussion and public input, not as a hostile action, the mayor said. The letter is a request from council to begin discussions with the Wyoming Town Board.
By a 4-0 vote council gave approval for a circus to come to town in August. Approval is contingent on a site in the business park being adequate for the circus. An area at least the size of a football field is required.
Beth Neeck, park board chairwoman, said Bailey Brothers Circus had contacted both the Park board and the fire department about sponsoring such an event. A one-day mid-August date is proposed, with the date and other details to be set.
Initially the site considered was Sunrise Park area, but concern was for residents who might object. Parking would also be a concern. An alternative site, on the former Bingham property, now in the Wyoming business park, resolved some of the issues related to noise and adequate parking.
The ìNational Night Outî is scheduled for the first Tuesday in August and will be a factor in the scheduling of the circus.
Bailey Brothers Circus will need an answer whether either of the organizations wishes to benefit from profits.
June 21 updates
At the June 21st meeting, council unanimously approved a proposal to lease two police squad cars on a three- or four-year program. Pangal made the recommendation based on cost savings.
Leases would be through the department of travel management, with maintenance through the lease company. The only item not covered under warranty would be tires.The new cars will arrive in 90-120 days of ordering. Pangal has received an offer of $2600 for each of the squad cars.
At the same meeting, council passed a resolution adopting the joint powers agreement for the planning, construction and operation of the wastewater treatment facility. Haag and CM Lynn Koalska were elected committee members from the city, with CM Martin English alternate.
Other business
In other business, council:
ïLearned from Teetzel the city has a triple-A bond rating.
ïOn the recommendation of Fire Chief Dennis Berry, approved Thad Joselyn as a probationary member of the Wyoming Volunteer Fire Department.
ïAt the meeting June 21, approved the appointment of Blake Tiedeman to the Wyoming Park Board.
ïLearned Teetzel will attend a clerkís conference the week July 12-16.
ïLearned the joint sewer commission is scheduled to meet the third Thursday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled July 15.
ïLearned from Koalska that 3rd grade girls softball team placed second in their tournament and that the 6th grade team placed 3rd in their tournament.
ïBy consensus, approved sale of a police vest to a former employee.
ïLearned from Pangal there has been no response from Chisago County about a requested speed study near 273rd Street.
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