Council Present: Mayor Kevin Newland, and Councilmembers Scott Mortimer, Karl Hinze, Jerrod Johnson, Raymond Kelby, and Debbie Moore. Staff Present: Kaci Anderson and Lyle Komarek.

Regular Council Meeting – 6:00 pm

  1. Open Meeting: Mayor Kevin Newland called the meeting to order at 6:10 pm and led with the Pledge of Allegiance.
  2. Approval of Minutes: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by K. Hinze, and carried to approve the minutes for the regular meeting on November 11, 2021.
  3. Public Comment: None.
  4. Council Concerns and Issues:
    1. D. Moore discussed the following:
      1. COVID-19 funding. Council discussed different grants and funding type received and/or the Town is eligible for from state and federal government. Town staff and mayor are concerned about ensuring everything is legal and done properly.
      2. Water clarity. She has heard concerns about the town’s water clarify. Council discussed current testing procedure as well as the water manager state certification and testing process.
      3. Personnel. She is concerned about the number of people employed by the town and requested a spreadsheet showing 2020-2021 wages and employee hours, as well as expenses.
      4. Software. She is concerned about cost and questioned if there is a cheaper option available. Council discussed financial savings and other benefits due to the software, including state audits and reporting and reduced staff hours required.
    2. S. Mortimer discussed the following:
      1. Fire hydrants. There are a couple that continue to have issues that H.D. Fowler will work on. Some spares could potentially be sold. S. Mortimer will discuss potential sale to Stevens Hay for $1,500 each.
      2. Weed control. Chemicals for puncture vines are available from the Farm Supply. L. Komarek agreed regarding its effectiveness in town.
      3. Ball field. Vehicles continue to drive through the field. Council discussed the possibility of adding a barrier around the ball field as a result.
    3. L. Komarek mentioned an electrician is needed to check the street light that was damaged earlier this year. There is no power to the outlet or the pole.
  5. Reports
    1. Mayor’s Address: Mayor Newland presented a Certificate of Appreciation Scott Mortimer for his 38 years of service on council. Additional Certificates of Appreciation were also shared: Kathy Bohnet for her 16 years of service as mayor; Raymond Kelby for his 19 years of service on council. Mayor Newland will personally deliver the certificates to K. Bohnet and R. Kelby.
    2. Maintenance/Public Works Report: L. Komarek shared he is down to reduced winter hours. The snow plow is currently at Wilson Creek Machine to install electric fuel pump. He discussed potential future maintenance of the snow plow and backhoe, specifically brakes.
    3. Clerk/Treasurer Report
      1. Bills, Checks & Electronic Withdrawal: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by K. Hinze, and carried to approve the Town’s current fiscal status and pay the December 2021 bills as follows:

        Accounts Payable
        PAYROLL: Check numbers 10814 – 10823 $1,774.59
        CLAIMS: Check numbers10824 – 10833 $4,673.90       
        EFT payments $1,771.17       
        TOTAL $8,219.66

        Bank Account Balances 11/30/21
        U.S. Bank $271,983.41
        Grant County $112,628.75
        TOTAL $384,612.16
  6. New Business:
    1. Reappointment of Grant Transit Authority Boardmember: As a private citizen, Mayor Newland will no longer be eligible to serve on the GTA Board in 2022. No council interest/availability to serve.
    2. Reappointment of Grant County Solid Waste Action Committee member: As a private citizen, Mayor Newland will no longer be eligible to serve on the SWAC in 2022. No council interest/availability to serve.
    3. Reappointment of Grant County Board of Health member: As a private citizen, Mayor Newland will still be eligible to serve on the BOH in 2022. Council asked Mayor Newland to continue serving in this capacity; Mayor Newland agreed.

      Prior to adjournment, Council thanked Mayor Newland for his time, effort and hard work during his time as mayor. Incoming mayor Robert Herron will take office effective January 1, 2022.
  7. Adjournment: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by K. Hinze, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:28 pm. The next regular council meeting is Thursday, January 13, 2022, at 6:00 pm.
2021-12-09-minutesDownload
Filed under: Council Meeting Minutes