Alice Pickering
Wyoming Area Reporter

Wyoming City Council voted not to replace a Polaris Ranger ATV after three years. Action came at the Dec. 19 council meeting.

It was the understanding of the city that the vehicle was to be replaced at the end of September 2007. Acting Police Chief Scott Dexter said that former Chief Anthony Pangal told him the Ranger was donated with no strings attached.

However, Dexter reported to council that the terms of the agreement have been changed.

He had received a letter announcing the change in the terms. The city's options are to give the Ranger back in 2007, keep it and pay its turn-back value with a 20 percent discount, or purchase a new Ranger from the company at a 20 percent discount.

Both the police department and the fire department have used the ATV, but Dexter and Fire Chief Dennis Berry believe the number of times it has been used does not justify the cost of keeping it.

Police Sgt. Brian Rodd agreed. He said the ATV is useful, but other equipment is needed more.

The vote was 5-0 to not renew the agreement.

City-town pact

The city council has also approved the joint purchase, with Wyoming Township of a Vermeer BC1500 wood chipper. A different used make and model had initially been considered, but with only 260 hours of use the Vermeer is nearly new, according to City Administrator Craig Mattson.

The engine is a heavy duty John Deere 4045 H Tier II engine, 125 hp. Cost of the wood chipper is $32,669, with the cost to be split between the city and township.

The town board has also voted to approve the venture.

Maintenance supervisor Bill Eisenmenger said storage location for the equipment has yet to be determined. Maintenance costs are to be split between the city and township until the merger decision has been resolved.

Council member Ted Phillips suggested a log book in the vehicle to record who uses the equipment, how long it is used, and when it is returned to storage. Eisenmenger said a maintenance log is kept on every city vehicle but that a record of use could be added.

The council vote was 5-0.

Montzka visits

County Commissioner Ben Montzka reported to council that Eighth District Congressman James Oberstar, now chairman of the House Transportation Committee, may be able to help secure some federal money to help with an upgrade of portions of Kettle River Blvd. and for developing transportation associated with the Rush Line.

Kettle River Blvd. improvements would likely include a bike trail to connect Sunrise Prairie Trail and a trail in the city of Columbus, Montzka said.

Montzka anticipates that the first commuter service for the Rush Line is to be provided by buses within about 18 months. Service is anticipated to Fairview Lakes Medical Center from Stacy, North Branch and Cambridge.

Rail transportation is likely to be developed in the future, the commissioner said.

Oberstar supports an expanded transportation program, including heavy rail. One plan supports rail along what is now the Sunrise Prairie Trail, which might mean moving the trail. Only nine years ago the rail bed was removed at a cost of $10 million.

Montzka also reported on the status of development of the Swedish Immigrant Trail. Chisago City is trying to avoid condemnation to acquire land, choosing instead to exchange land for the trail. He obtained his information from Laird Mork of Chisago County Parks.

Pay equity

Council members tabled a final decision on the acceptance of a pay equity study for the city which was completed by Springsted, Inc.

The company submitted a $5,781.62 bill for services.

Council member Blake Tiedeman observed what he called incomplete salary surveys. In the future, he suggested specifics in the contract about a contact person and acceptable timetable.

Council member Joe Zerwas thought the report lacked some important information. He was also concerned that it took so long for the report, commissioned over a year ago, to be completed.

Administrator Mattson identified two problems that likely contributed to the delay. The order for the study came during the switch in administrators and the company had no designated contact person in the city with whom it could maintain consistent contact, and to whom it was accountable. Second, the individual(s) in the company end "let it slip through the cracks."

Mattson is to approach Springsted about a discount on the cost of the project because of these identified problems.

As proposed at the previous regular meeting, council members unanimously approved action to include members of the Wyoming Township Planning Commission in the beginnings of joint action to develop a comprehensive plan for the expanded city.

At the Dec. 4 meeting, Roger Elmore, chair of the Wyoming Town Board, spoke in support of the action, anticipating the city/township merger.

Other business

In other business, the council:

ïApproved the purchase of gravel/Class 5 costing $30,384.40 over the next two years to upgrade the base of Kettle River Blvd, north from Viking Blvd. (CR-22). This will add/replace four inches per year.

ïWas presented with a first check from the profits of the Forest Lake Lions Club charitable gambling operation at Stars and Strikes. Bob Carter presented the check to the council.

ïApproved liquor licenses for on-sale and off-sale for seven businesses in the city.

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