Celebrate Kennedy

Mayor Deere called the meeting to order at 6:00 PM. Members present were Duane Peterson, Scott Winge and Mary Ryden. Also present were Rick Olson, Randy Jansen, and Shannon Mortenson. Cathy Johnson and Margaret Hagen were present later in the meeting.

Additions to the Agenda: None.

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

Public Forum. Rick Olson, Department of Natural Resources-Forestry Division (DNR), was present due to a complaint received from a resident about the burn pile. DNR had to investigate the site due to the complaint. DNR officials did not see any problems with the pile unless the wind blows from a direction other than west/northwest. Olson thought the city could consider moving the burn pile outside of city limits. The city council will need to investigate this thoroughly as there is not any land that could work for this site. The city does need to get a permit to have the site which was unknown until the DNR began investigating. The permit is an annual permit but it does continue until the license is revoked due to violations. Ryden talked to Olson about the elderly in town using the site and having the accessibility at the current location. Olson talked about having the site as a transfer station and moving the debris to a burn site. Mayor Deere informed Olson that the city does not have the equipment or manpower to accomplish such a job. Olson felt the city should move on this and have it resolved by fall but the council felt that this issue takes research and time to make the right decision for the entire community. A survey will go in the city newsletter asking residents about the area and council will proceed from there. Olson exited chambers. Upon review of the application, Mortenson was asked to further research the permit process as directions were not given, ex. Where to send the permit?

Randy Jansen thanked the council for all their support in his clean up effort at his residence. He told council that in regards to the burn pile, it does not bother him and he lives the closest to the pile. Jansen exited chambers.

Clerk’s Report: The summer recreation program finished on July 20. A deposit of $1250 was made from selling concessions and a $500 donation was received from the VFW Club. There were two tournaments held in Kennedy which contributed to the concession sales. Celebrate Kennedy weekend went well. Mortenson has been asked to sit on the Kittson County EDA Board. Motion was made by Rdyen, and seconded by Peterson, to have Mortenson accept the seat on the EDA board. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Rdyen, to have Mortenson attend the Competitiveness Forum presented by DEED in Thief River Falls. All in favor, motion carried. The LGA certified amount was received last week and it is $1274 less than 2007. Clerk would like the council to consider a policy outlining donating sick or vacation time to fellow employees. Clerk will draft a policy for review next month. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden, to accept the Clerk’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Cathy Johnson and Margaret Hagen entered chambers. They inquired on the status of the burn pile after DNR officials were at the meeting. Council replied they are going to see what steps to take to permit the site. There are many factors to consider when thinking about the site such as elderly population and where to relocate if at all. Johnson wants the pile moved or closed down and never to be at that site again. She is getting physically sick from the smoke in her home. Council asked if she had any suggestions what to do and none were given. The pile is burned, at the most, two times a year. Hagen talked about the smoldering and how it creeps into their home. The ash was moved last week and she said this week has been wonderful with no smell or light smoke. Johnson and Hagen wanted a decision made at the moment but again, council feels there is much to consider before making a decision as it will effect most of the 250 residents of Kennedy. Johnson and Hagen exited chambers.

Treasurer’s report: The balance sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Peterson to transfer $12,000 from the money market account to checking account in August. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Peterson, to renew CD #46 for 12 months at 5.18%. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Winge, to pay Arnold Christian six days for filling in as Maintenance Director. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Winge, 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 accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: Mitziga left the following report with Mortenson. The water tower was cleaned by Watertower Paint & Repair Company. A handful of scale was in the bottom of the tank. The epoxy paint on the inside of the tank looks good. A five-foot area around the backstop at the baseball field has been dug out and agrilime put in. The yellow shed, also known as the concession stand, at the ball diamond has been tore down and hauled away. The sewer ponds have been sprayed for weeds. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Ryden to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: The Assistance to Firefighters Grant was awarded to the fire department. Two written bids need to be obtained prior to purchase of new turnout gear.

Council Committee Reports: Mayor’s Report-The VFW Club approached the mayor today regarding putting a parking lot across the street from the club. Mortenson is researching the property as it may be defined for public use and can not be sold. Wage negotiations with the two city employees are in process.

Petition Watershed District: Dan Money said two viewers have committed to viewing and a third is being sought.

Kennedy EDA: Nothing.

Bridge Replacement: The curb and gutter were completed today and more cement work will be done this week. The riprap by the ToddCo building needs to be crushed some more and covered. The shop approach is being laid to grade to allow for drainage to the west of the building. Many residents have approached council members on the lack of guard rails on the bridge. Mortenson will contact the county engineer.

Senior Center Fundraiser: All is a go for Thursday.

Burn Pile: After further thought and review of the papers left by Rick Olson, DNR, Mortenson needs to obtain more information. Mortenson will also place a questionnaire in the city newsletter.

Enforce Junk Ordinance: An abandoned residence is potentially inhabited with rats. Mortenson will call Malm to begin the condemnation process.

Certify Relief Association Schedules: Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Peterson, to certify that a municipal contribution is not needed. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Assistant Bonus: Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson, to pay a $.50 per hour bonus to Marcus Anderson. All in favor, motion carried.

Building Permits: Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Ryden, to approve the building permit for Barry Langen. All in favor, motion carried.

Budget Meeting Date: The Budget Meeting was set for Monday, August 27 at 7:30 PM.

September Meeting Date: The September Council Meeting was set for Tuesday, September 11 at 7:00 PM.

Winge exited chambers.

Garbage Collection RFP: Council read the proposal and directed clerk to send the RFP to the two haulers located in Kittson County.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 10:05 PM by motion of Peterson, seconded by Ryden. All in favor, motion carried.

Shannon Mortenson, Clerk (Attest) Louis C. Deere, Mayor

Shannon Mortenson, Clerk (Attest) Louis C. Deere, Mayor

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This page was last updated on 09/17/07.