Celebrate Kennedy

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Additions to the agenda: Under New Business: Building Permit, Resolution for Support, Rink Pay, Spring Ditch Work.

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

Clerk’s Report: The Kennedy Jaycees are renting the school building on March 20 for "The Roosters" fundraiser, on March 28 Maria Church will be using the cafeteria area for Palm Sunday Turkey Dinner and April 10 the Two River Golf Course will have their "Extravaganza" there. Clerk will be gone March 24-26 for meetings in St. Paul. Motion was made by Christian, 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 Ryden, and seconded by Peterson to transfer $10,000 from the money market account to checking in March. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Two bills were received that are highlighted. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Christian, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. There are a number of Certificate of Deposits up for renewal. Interest rates are not very good. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson to renew the $15,000 CD for 6 months and let the others roll over for 12 month terms. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Turn and Christian reviewed the received bills, February bank statement and the reconciliation statement. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: Mitziga worked to clear off the parking lot at the school in preparation for the various events coming up. February 26 he attended Pesticide Recertification Class in Fargo. John Hussman from Wastewater Services came to set up the wastewater cleaning schedule. Mitziga started building the walls in the school. The rink is done for the year. Council consensus is the warming house must be built before next year. The boilers have been turned off at the school and there is 1800 gallons of fuel oil left. The lobby bathrooms will be used but there is not a heat source in each bathroom. Council directed Mitziga to have Todd’s Electric put small baseboard heaters in each bathroom. The thawing has been going well this season. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Ryden to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: "Roosters" Fundraiser is March 20. Insulation was blown into the attic at the Fire Hall. There was only six inches and a foot more was applied. Grants are being pursued for a rescue van. The AFG is having a workshop the end of March that Mortenson may attend.

Council Committee Reports: None.

Kennedy EDA: Item can be taken off agenda and put on as needed.

School Building: Todd Truedson was given the floor to update the council on the geothermal project. The project is 95% complete. He has had trouble with the supplier providing the proper fittings, etc. All of the areas are being heated except for the fitness room as the fittings are missing. The rest of the work is "finishing" work. Truedson then updated council on the wind turbine. Next Generation Power Systems will need to come up in the next two weeks to get the foundation poured or the concrete plant will be shut down till May. The area around the hole should also be frozen when they dump the concrete or the trucks will sink in soft ground. Mortenson will make a phone call also. Council felt that next month’s meeting should include a tour of the building and explanation of the project. Lee’s Plumbing will be here tomorrow to begin work on the boiler. Lee’s will shut off water to the locker rooms, elementary bathrooms and coaches room. They will also move a water heater to the kitchen and install. Council directed Mitziga to make sure the boiler room is winterized prior to next year. It is a well ventilated room because of the boilers. The water leak at the school today was probably rain draining off the roof. There are items in the school that should be sold or disposed of. Council will look at this during the tour next month.

Vacation Carryover Policy: Information was obtained from other cities and there is not a common policy. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Christian, to allow 120 hours of vacation to be carried over each year but the hours that are carried over can not be cashed in when separation occurs. All in favor, motion carried.

Purchase New Snowblower: The one the city owns was repaired last month and it is 12 years old. The bottom is getting wore out and the gear box may also. There is a brand new one at Kittson Equipment that we could trade for and pay $3500 to boot. Tabled to April Meeting.

5^th St. Project: Council consensus was not take on this project in light of State funding.

Summer Recreation Program: Hallock is losing their coach due to a move. Is this a good time to combine programs? The city needs to talk to Coach Keller. Hallock may be open to the collaboration.

Proposed LGA Cuts: Cities in Minnesota have been given the proposed cut in LGA. The City of Kennedy would be cut $11,975 in 2010 and an additional $14,400 in 2011. Council discussed many different options and scenarios. Right now, employees were told to tighten the belt and be cautious of what is purchased. These cuts are not approved yet but there will be cuts so the city needs to prepare before.

Building Permit: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Peterson, to approve the building permit for the Kennedy Elevator house. All in favor, motion carried.

Resolution of Support: Mayor Turn removed himself from the discussion for possible conflict of interest and Larson was made acting mayor during this agenda item. The United States Border Patrol toured the Kennedy school and requested a potential lease amount. They are looking at locations in North Dakota. The resolution will be sent to the Minnesota Congressional delegation for their support and encouragement to keep the Border Patrol in Minnesota and locate in Kennedy. Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Ryden, to approve the resolution and request support tomorrow. All in favor, motion carried.

Rink Manager Pay: Motion was made by Christian, and seconded by Ryden, to pay Josh Pietruszewski $75 for additional work at the rink. All in favor, motion carried.

Spring Ditch Work: There is $1500 in the budget for this so that is the perimeters that Mitziga should stay under if possible. If the spring thaw causes more severe flooding, council members will be called to approve paying more. (per motion made 7/2009)

April Meeting Date: The April Council Meeting was set for Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will begin with the tour of the school.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 9:21 PM by motion of Peterson, seconded by Ryden. All in favor, motion carried.

Shannon Mortenson, Clerk (Attest) Jon Turn, Mayor

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