Celebrate Kennedy

Acting Mayor Jon Turn called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members present were Duane Peterson, Paul Larson and Arnold Christian. Also present were Jeff Keller, Shannon Mortenson and Greg Mitziga.

Mayor Louis C. Deere passed away on June 21, 2009. Jon Turn will act as mayor for the meeting.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Additions to the agenda: Under New Business: Purchase Vehicle; Appoint Mayor.

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

Public Forum: Jeff Keller, Summer Recreation Coach, was given the floor. Keller would like to have a sign made and the baseball field named the Louis C. Deere Memorial Field. A plaque would go up also commemorating Deere. Mortenson has been working on prices, etc. to purchase a new electronic scoreboard in Louie’s memory. Council directed Keller and Mortenson to work together to raise the funds to purchase the sign and scoreboard; the city will name the field.

Clerk’s Report: A letter was issued to a resident that would enforce the Nuisance Ordinance #60 in the city of Kennedy. The sheriff’s office will be notified if the city enters the property. Gateway Super Service can no longer sell gasoline as the tanks out of compliance with MPCA. Clerk will research options. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Peterson, to accept the Clerk’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: The first tax settlement was received from Kittson County. The balance sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Christian to move $28,000 from checking to Money Market in July. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Christian, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson, to pay the Northwest Service Coop bill from the EDA account. All in favor, motion carried. Local Government Aid will be received from the State at the end of the month. Mitziga had four hours of overtime to spray for mosquitoes. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Christian to pay Mitizga for 4 hours of overtime. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Christian, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: The burn pile site is ready to go except the road needs to be graveled. When the gravel is applied, the road will be barricaded to prevent ruts when it rains. Mosquito dunks have been placed in standing water. The wastewater lines will be cleaned in July. Mitziga and the summer worker are barely keeping up with the mowing. The small mower has needed various repairs. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Larson to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: There were two fire calls in the last month. They were false alarms. Matt Casper has joined the department. He will be invaluable as he has specialized training in certain areas.

Council Committee Reports: None.

Watershed District Petition: Bids will be opened this week and construction will start shortly thereafter. Project should be complete by the end of August.

Kennedy EDA: Paperwork has not been received by city. A deadline of July 20 given to applicant.

Community Fundraiser: The Rib Fest is July 18. The charge will be $10 and plan for 250 guests.

School Building: Mitziga is going to fix a dumpster and put in the shop for garbage to go in.

Railroad Crossing on 5^th Street: Since the community voted for the south railroad crossing to remain open, clerk will call Rick VanWagner and inform him of the decision.

Appoint Mayor: Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Christian to appoint Jon Turn per Resolution #2209-4. All in favor, motion carried. A council member will need to be appointed to fill Jon’s vacated seat. Clerk will put item in the city newsletter.

Review Audit Report: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson to accept audit report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Resolution Extending Street: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Larson to accept Resolution #2009-2. All in favor, motion carried. Mitziga will talk to owner about the manhole located on the street.

Community Center: Clerk was directed to advertise the building to highest bidder but city has right to reject any and all bids.

Fuel Storage: With Gateway Super Service unable to sell gasoline, should the city purchase a fuel tank. Council advised Mitziga to talk with the Fire Department and see if they would want to purchase one together.

Picnic Shelter: After discussion, was decided to remove it; is dangerous and not used often.

Purchase Vehicle: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson to purchase a different pickup for not more than $22,500. All in favor, motion carried. Clerk will call Swanson Motors to obtain a lower selling price. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson to keep older pickup for in-town use only when hauling. All in favor, motion carried.

August Meeting Date: The August Council Meeting was set for Tuesday, August 11 at 8:00 PM. The Annual Budget meeting was set for Tuesday, August 18 at 7 PM.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 PM by motion of Christian, seconded by Peterson. All in favor, motion carried.

Shannon Mortenson, Clerk (Attest) Jon Turn, Mayor

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