Celebrate Kennedy

A tour of the school project began at 6:30 PM and concluded at 7:30 PM. Mayor Turn called the meeting to order at 7:30 PM in the city office. Members present were Mary Ryden, Duane Peterson, Paul Larson and Arnold Christian. Also present were Leon Heath, Kevin Hanson, Shannon Mortenson and Greg Mitziga.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Additions to the agenda: None.

The minutes were reviewed from the March Monthly Meeting. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson, to approve the minutes. All in favor, motion carried.

Public Forum: Leon Heath from Northwest Regional Development Commission was given the floor. He explained the Kittson County EDA project "Jobs 2010". A handout covered the population statistics for the county and different areas of economic development that are being pursued. Kevin Hanson was given the floor following Heath and approached the council about the status of the Summer Recreation Program.

Clerk’s Report: Clerk attended meetings in St. Paul. The meetings centered on the proposed LGA cuts to cities. Clerk has been working on a loan/grant application from USDA for a rescue van and will be starting an application for AFG funding. The Minnesota Foundation grant of $10,000 has been awarded to the city for energy efficiency programs. Clerk has been appointed to the Two River Watershed Advisory Board which meets annually. Discussion ensued on the need for signage alerting motorists to children at play. Mitziga will work on this and clerk will put an item in the city newsletter. Clerk encouraged council members to take the training for Tax Equalization. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden, to accept the Clerk’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: The balance sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Ryden to transfer $19,500 from the money market account to checking in April. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Additional bills were received that are highlighted. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Peterson, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden to pay the legal bill out of the EDA account. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Turn and Larson reviewed the received bills, March bank statement and the reconciliation statement. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: There was very little water issues with the spring thaw. All plumbing items have been completed at the school. Council consensus was to throw all old toilets, sinks etc. The wall to the east wing is finished. The tunnels will be boarded up but the air handlers will be run this summer to dry them out first. The Gatheridge Electric bill is for energy efficient measures at the school and should go toward the EDA grant. The water heaters have been moved and installed in the kitchen. Snow fence, markers, and snow blower have been put away. Mitziga will be gone April 27-29 to attend Wastewater school in Fergus Falls. . Clerk will contact Hallock to have street sweeping done this spring. It was not done last summer. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Christian to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: "Roosters" Fundraiser was success with about 525 attending. No fire calls.

Council Committee Reports: None.

School Building: A tour conducted Todd Truedson was done prior to the meeting. There are numerous items that could be sold. Sale discussion tabled to next month. The After Prom Party and an auction sale will take place in the building this spring.

Summer Recreation Program: Sign up sheets are in place at the school to determine participant number. Mortenson will meet with Hallock and Coach Keller in a couple of weeks.

Proposed LGA Cuts: The governor has signed the budget regarding cuts but things could change.

Purchase New Snowblower: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Larson, to purchase a new snowblower with ½ being paid from the General Fund and ½ from the Water Fund. All in favor, motion carried.

Minnesota Foundation Grant: The city will be receiving a $10,000 grant to conduct an energy efficiency program out of the Go Green Business Center.

Summer Maintenance Assistant: Tabled to May meeting.

Spring Clean Up Day: Dates were set for May 7 & 8.

Request to Consider Purchase of Lots: Council consensus was that the city will not be buying lots from private individuals.

Building Permit: Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson, to approve the building permits for Mike Peterson and Greg Mitziga. All in favor, motion carried.

May Meeting Date: The May Council Meeting was set for Monday, May 10 at 6:00 PM.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 10:00 PM by motion of Christian, seconded by Ryden. All in favor, motion carried.

Shannon Mortenson, Clerk (Attest) Jon Turn, Mayor

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