Celebrate Kennedy

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

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Additions to the Agenda: None.

The minutes were reviewed from the October 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 attended two meeting in Bemidji. One was an aging symposium and the other was a census training. Both were very beneficial to attend. Mortenson was asked by Kittson County commissioners to sit on a county wide Economic Development Board. The first meeting was very informative. A stock letter has been drafted that will go to all utility customers that are close to have services disconnected due to not paying. Council critiqued and letter will be used on delinquent accounts. Motion was made by Turn, 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. The first payment for the Market Value Credit was received from the State of Minnesota. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Turn to transfer $3,000 from the money market account to checking in November. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Peterson, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Ryden, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: Mitziga completed many fall projects in the last month. He had 18 yards of gravel hauled inside the Community Center. The cement planters were moved back to the former Hartz lot. The new yellow sign was assembled and bolted to sidewalk. A new entrance was built for the water plant. New base anchors were placed at the ball diamond after the area was surveyed. A stump removal service was in Kennedy and removed 28 tree stumps. The sewer line by the bridge was fixed and videoed so it is now working correctly. All snow equipment is ready to go for the season. Signs for Highway 75 have been ordered that prohibit excessive engine noise. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden to accept the Maintenance Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Fire Dept. Report: Mayor Deere will meet with the department and see if they can take turns coming to a council meeting each month since Scott Winge has resigned. The turnout gear has arrived except for the boots. Two fire calls were received but both were false alarms.

Council Committee Reports: Mayor’s Report-should the Sheriff’s department be contacted to attend the January council meeting. Council thought yes. Mayor will stop and talk to Sheriff Hultgren. The burn pile permit application was sent in three weeks ago. No word has been received. The pile will not be burned until correspondence is received from the DNR.

Mike LaFrance entered chambers.

Petition Watershed District: No updates.

Kennedy EDA: The potential new business in Kennedy is suspended until spring.

Bridge Replacement: County is finalizing the project. Funding is being pursued for the guard rails.

Christmas Lighting Contest: Residents from the Tamarac Living facility in Stephen are interested in judging the contest. Council set the date for Monday, December 17. Mike LaFrance offered to be a backup judge. Clerk will set up.

Exhibition Driving Amendment to Ordinance: Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson, to enact the amendment to Ordinance #59 and publish for one week. All in favor, motion carried.

Councilmember Resignation: Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Peterson, to accept the letter of resignation received from Scott Winge. All in favor, motion carried. Clerk will advertise the open seat in the city newsletter.

Resolution to Increase Sewer Rates: Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Ryden, to sign resolution approving new sewer rates. All in favor, motion carried.

Review Year To Date Spending: Spreadsheets were reviewed.

North Kittson Rural Water Rate Increase: Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Turn, to pass the rate increase unto city customers and increase rates by $.05 per thousand gallons. All in favor, motion carried.

December Meeting Date: The December Council Meeting was set for Thursday, December 6 at 6:30 PM.

Mike LaFrance has been doing design work on the canola crushing facility so he talked to the council about different facets of the project.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM by motion of Ryden, seconded by Peterson. All in favor, motion carried.

*A wage negotiation meeting was held right after the monthly meeting.

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

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This page was last updated on 12/18/07.