Celebrate Kennedy

Mayor Turn called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM in the city office. Members present were Duane Peterson, Paul Larson, Mary Ryden and Arnold Christian. Also present were Shannon Mortenson and Greg Mitziga.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Additions to the agenda: None.

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

Public Forum: None.

Clerk’s Report: Clerk will be gone June 23 & 24 to Minnesota Association of Small Cities Annual Meeting in St. Cloud. Clerk gave background information for a utility account in the city. There was a suggestion to have a dunk tank during Celebrate Kennedy. Council decided there are enough events for people to enjoy so did not need to have a dunk tank also. Mayor Turn is organizing a 5K Walk/Run during Celebrate Kennedy. Council consensus was to place the proceeds into the Kennedy Improvement fund. Clerk would like to take vacation July 29-August 3. Council consensus was to take days. Motion was made by Larson, 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 $16,000 from the money market account to checking in June. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed; highlighted bills were received today. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Christian, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Peterson to pay Juhl Wind $35,000. All in favor, motion carried. Note: a letter should be sent to Juhl Wind discussing the missed money that would be accumulated if the turbine was generating power now. Council reviewed the attendance sheets to receive a paycheck this month. Mayor Turn and Peterson reviewed the received bills, May bank statement and the reconciliation statement. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Larson, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: The relay switch in the pumphouse burned out in May after the lift pumps had been serviced. New one was purchased and installed. Mitziga was approached by residents on Franklin Avenue to remove the "Children Crossing" sign as it is no longer needed. Council members stressed the need to install the signage at the alley behind the post office. Dana Dunklow came to service the mosquito sprayer last week. Council inquired as to when mosquito spraying would occur. Mitziga stated whenever it stops raining for a couple of days. Mitziga was told by the council that the town looks good despite the heavy, continual rains. During one of the heavy rain storms, water came into the school down the walls. Mitziga thinks that there is some flashing on the roof may not be attached. Council did tell Mitziga that the school area looks terrible for lack of mowing. Mitziga may take vacation days in June but it is dependent on weather. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Christian to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: There was a training in Hallock last month for bomb calls and electrical hazards. Lancaster Fire Department used the 3" pump during a heavy rain event on May 30. No fire calls.

Council Committee Reports: None.

School Building: Clerk inquired as to the possibility of moving the city office to the school building to save on heating costs. Discussion ensued as to whether the heating system will be able to heat the areas. Consensus was to move the office and see how the winter goes. August would be a good time to start the move. The Silent Auction brought in almost $500 and purged the building of many items.

Proposed LGA Cuts: Kennedy will have a $5700 cut in 2010 and a $6600 cut in 2011.

Enforce Nuisance Ordinance: A list was presented by Mitziga of residents in violation of the city ordinance. Clerk was directed to begin the notification process.

Community Fundraiser: Tabled to July.

Purchase Loads of Dirt: Council wants to thank the individual by the old brush site for his work in the area but city funds are tight. Extra dirt can not be purchased at this time. Mitziga informed council that the Davis lot could use more dirt. Council directed clerk to send a letter to the county regarding lot cleanup and requesting more dirt to be applied to the lot.

Telescopic Tree Trimmer: Tabled to the Budget meeting.

Hwy. 75 Marketplace: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Ryden, to pay the $25 to participate in this event on September 11, 2010. All in favor, motion carried.

Warming House: The Jaycees would like the council to consider the east side of the resale building be converted into a warming house. After much discussion, Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Ryden, to accept the Jaycees offer to convert this structure to a warming house in lieu of building a new one. All in favor, motion carried. Some points that were discussed: where to move the items that are stored in there. The school has rooms which will accommodate the items, namely the boy’s locker room area. The Jaycees will be asked to help Mitziga more the items to the school. Jaycees have funds designated to this project so the city should encourage this project to become a reality. A Jaycee member should attend the July meeting for an update.

Building Permit: Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Ryden, to approve the building permits for Mike Peterson and Dean Balstad. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson, to approve a variance for Wayne Langen granting him the ability to build a garage right up to his lot line. All in favor, motion carried.

July Meeting Date: The July Council Meeting was set for Tuesday, July 6 at 7:00 PM.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 8:48 PM by motion of Christian, seconded by Larson. All in favor, motion carried.

Shannon Mortenson, Clerk (Attest) Jon Turn, Mayor

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