Village of Apple River

This Wellhead Protection Plan for the City of Franklin is designed to ensure an adequate and safe drinking water supply for its residents. The plan outlines a comprehensive strategy that includes assessing data elements, delineating wellhead protection and drinking water supply management areas, and evaluating vulnerability. Its core goals are to maintain a safe and adequate drinking water supply, enhance public awareness, support ongoing data collection, and implement community-wide water conservation programs. The plan details objectives and an action plan covering data collection, well management, education and outreach, and continuous evaluation to protect the city's water resources.

The council discussed the allocation of funds raised in the 2024 Kiss the Catfish contest, focusing on potential uses at Veteran's Ball Park, including a drinking fountain. Updates were provided on the Sheriff's Department report, blighted properties, and snow removal issues. The council addressed power issues outside City Hall related to Catfish Days and considered options for increasing power capacity. Department heads reported on MRU bylaws, CPR classes, and a Fire Dept application. Project updates were presented, including the ravine project and the 2nd Ave project. Tree removal and trimming proposals were discussed, and an administrative public hearing on the Birch Cooley Solar project was scheduled. Issues with compliance on the exclusive contract with Clobes sanitation were addressed, and concerns were raised about the enforcement of responsible beverage server training. The council also discussed potential litigation related to easement encroachment and the Watermain Improvements Project in a closed session.

The council discussed and acted on several key items, including a report on a $2.1 million grant awarded for the ravine project, farmland lease renewal for Sullivan Farms, and updates from department heads. They also discussed blighted properties, a broken toilet at Lion's Park, fertilizing the ball field, and an MPCA audit. The council addressed the Fire Relief annual report, propane prepayment for the winter, a concrete pad at Lion's Park, health insurance renewal for 2025, and the preliminary budget and proposed levy for 2025. Additionally, they tabled an Xcel right of entry agreement and discussed 2025 salaries and fees.

The council discussed and approved several items, including music at the Longbranch, averaging a sewer charge for a resident, and reversing fees for another resident. Department heads reported on an ISO inspection, options for the old grass rig, and Catfish Days. The council approved a new hire for MRU, posting summer/winter hours for city hall and public works, and a VOTER funds contract with Renville County. They also reviewed and tabled an AES Solar permit application, an Excel energy right of entry agreement, and salaries/fee changes for 2025. Additionally, lift stations need pumps were approved.

The meeting addressed various financial reports, including the MRU Financial Report, the Franklin Ambulance Association Balance Statement, and the Fire/Rural Fire report. Discussions covered the wastewater permit reissuance, park equipment delivery, and the potential for the Fire Department to absorb the MRU. The council also approved the purchase of a chasey for a new grass rig for the fire department using the Fire Department's gambling funds. Additionally, the council discussed an Emerald Ash bore meeting and a request from the Franklin Lion's Club/Catfish committee to install outlets outside City Hall.