Celebrate Kennedy

Mayor Deere called the meeting to order at 4:00 PM. Members present were Duane Peterson, Jon Turn and Mary Ryden. Also present were Paul Larson, Greg Mitziga and Shannon Mortenson.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Additions to the Agenda: None.

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

Public Forum. None.

Clerk’s Report: The clerk has been in contact with the Center for Rural Design regarding the school building. Council would like to have a late winter/early spring community meeting to obtain information from all residents. Motion was made by Ryden and seconded by Peterson, to place a Christmas ad in the Kittson County Enterprise. All in favor, motion carried. The owners of the 8-plex received word that the crushing facility construction company will not be in the area until March. The apartments are ready to be rented if anyone knows of a temporary housing need. The abandoned grain storage facility north of the city has been purchased by Enbridge Energy. They will be demolishing the buildings on the property. The city has a lift station in the area and contact has been made with Enbridge regarding how to fill it in, etc. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Peterson, to accept the Clerk’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Treasurer’s report: The balance sheet was reviewed. The second half payment for property taxes was received from Kittson County. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Ryden to transfer $13,000 from the checking to the money market account in December. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Turn, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden authorizing the treasurer to move money and pay bills as needed to the end of December. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Peterson to pay Mitziga for 6 hours of overtime on Sunday, December 2 for snow removal. 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 hung up all the Christmas lights in November. Rodney Soberaski would like to haul more rip rap to the lagoon and bill ½ in the next two years. He also has rip rap available for the bridge site. Mitziga attended water certification school the end of November. There was many good presenters and he learned some valuable information. The Minnesota Department of Transportation was called regarding placing "Excessive Engine Noise" signs on Hwy. 75. They will not due to lack of staff in the Highway Patrol department and no one to enforce the law. Clerk will call Kelly Bengtson for assistance and the State Patrol’s office will be contacted. Farmer’s Elevator has asked the city to remove snow for them. They will be billed accordingly. The community center is full for storage. The tractor needs two new front tires and the pickup also does. Each set should cost around $350. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Turn to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: Mayor Deere met with the department. Two firemen are left to have their clothing fitted. Department is talking about doing a Pancake Breakfast in late winter.

Council Committee Reports: Mayor’s Report-No word has been received from DNR about the burn pile. The pile will not be burned until correspondence is received from the DNR. Wage negotiations are complete with city employees receiving a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment and a 4% performance increase. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Turn to pay Mitziga and Mortenson a $300 superior performance bonus. All in favor, motion carried.

Petition Watershed District: No updates.

Kennedy EDA: No updates.

Bridge Replacement: County sent final paperwork to Taggert and are awaiting his signature on various items.

Christmas Lighting Contest: Clerk set up everything for Monday, December 17.

Approve Final Levy: Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Peterson, to set the final levy as printed in Resolution #2007-7. All in favor, motion carried.

Councilmember Appointment: Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden, to appoint Paul Larson per Resolution #2007-8. All in favor, motion carried.

January Meeting Date: The January Council Meeting was set for Tuesday, January 8 at 6:30 PM.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 5:15 PM by motion of Peterson, seconded by Turn. All in favor, motion carried.

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

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This page was last updated on 02/04/08.