Celebrate Kennedy

Mayor Deere called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM. Members present were Jon Turn, Paul Larson, Duane Peterson and Mary Ryden. Also present were Sheriff Kenny Hultgren, Shannon Mortenson and Greg Mitziga.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. The Oath of Office was administered to Paul Larson.

Additions to the agenda: None.

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

Public Forum: Sheriff Hultgren opened his dialogue by thanking the council for inviting him to the meeting as he enjoys meeting with all the cities in the county. Hultgren gave a synopsis of items that have happened at the Sheriff’s Department in the last years. Some of the highlights are receiving money through grants after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the creation of a SWAT team for terrorism and school situations, surveillance cameras at Kittson Central High School and a laptop computer to monitor the school from anywhere, increased cooperation with the Canadian border officials and the RMCP. Hultgren also discussed meth manufacturing in the county and drug trafficking. In the City of Kennedy there is not much activity but the department does drive through to keep a presence in the area. Council thanked Hultgren for attending the meeting and he exited chambers.

Clerk’s Report: Mortenson will be gone on vacation on January 22. Mortenson also has not been feeling well and asked council for their approval of taking some afternoons off. All work will be completed before leaving the office. Council directed clerk to sign the audit engagement received from the auditors to perform the 2007 audit. 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. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson to transfer $6,000 from the money market account to checking in January. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Mitziga had six hours overtime last month due to the need to remove snow. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Larson to pay Mitziga for overtime hours worked. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Deere reviewed the received bills, December bank statement and the reconciliation statement. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Larson, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: Mitziga took down the Christmas lights. Snow removal took place 3-4 times in the last month. The "Jake Braking" signs were stolen from County Road #7. The Sheriff’s Department was notified. New signs will be erected in the spring. Motion was made by Larson, and seconded by Peterson to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: Donations are up from last year.

Council Committee Reports: None.

Petition Watershed District: The viewers are making progress and are now assigning benefit percentages to parcels. Clerk will visit with Dan Money about the city portion. Council thought was that the entire city could be assessed as sewer backups would be prevented with better drainage.

Kennedy EDA: Karl Frigaard is finishing the USDA grant for Randy Peterson.

Bridge Replacement: Kelly Bengtson secured additional funding from the State Aid office which is very much appreciated from the city. Council reviewed the bill received from Taggart. Mayor and Mitziga will look into some of the items further. Tabled the payment of the bill at this time.

Burn Pile: No correspondence has been received for the permit. Mortenson will call to Wannaska and see what the status is.

School Building: Mayor set up a meeting with Dr. Jensen to ask questions about the elementary school building.

Committee Appointments:

Acting Mayor-Jon Turn

Official Newspaper-Kittson County Enterprise

Depository-Citizen’s State Bank-Midwest

Water/Sewer-Paul Larson and Duane Peterson

Streets-Paul Larson and Jon Turn

Ordinances-Duane Peterson and Mary Ryden

Personnel-Mary Ryden and Duane Peterson

Kennedy EDA-Paul Larson and Jon Turn

The mayor, at his discretion, can attend any committee meetings.

Fee Schedule for 2008:

Liquor On Sale-$1000.00

Dog License-$10.00

February Meeting Date: The February Council Meeting was set for Monday, February 4 at 6:30 PM.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 8:37 PM by motion of Peterson, seconded by Ryden. 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.