Celebrate Kennedy

Mayor Deere called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members present were Duane Peterson, Scott Winge and Mary Ryden. Also present were Arnold Christian, Greg Mitziga and Shannon Mortenson.

Additions to the Agenda: Under New Business: Building Permit.

The minutes were reviewed from the September Monthly Meeting. Winge noted that he left chambers during one point and entered later. Correction made by clerk. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Winge, to approve the minutes as corrected. All in favor, motion carried.

Public Forum. Arnold Christian addressed the issue of semi-trucks going through town and "jake braking". Mayor Deere will talk to the farmers that have hired drivers for the sugar beet season to not use these brakes going through Kennedy.

Clerk’s Report: The clerk would like to attend two meeting in Bemidji-one on the 19^th and the other on the 22nd. Council thought that was appropriate. The insurance claim for items damaged by wind has been accepted by the adjuster. Enbridge pipeline is using Kennedy as a staging site for the next two years during installation of a new line. This could provide an additional 20 workers in the community. Kittson Central High School students will be in Kennedy next Wednesday for a Community Service Day. Clerk would like to put information in the city newsletter regarding the school vote as there is confusion on where to vote. Council agreed with the need to inform citizens. Motion was made by Ryden, 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 Winge, and seconded by Ryden to transfer $8,000 from the money market account to checking in October to cover expenses. All in favor, motion carried. Mayor Deere reviewed bank statements and reconciliation reports for September. A bill for $67,155 was received from Kittson County for expenses incurred to August 1 on the bridge project. A spreadsheet with the breakdown of expenses per fund was reviewed. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Peterson to transfer the amount due from the Money Market account and replace the funds in May 2008 when the Street CD is due. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Winge to transfer $5,000 from the water fund to the sewer fund in 2007. All in favor, motion carried. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed and three bills were added as highlighted. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Winge, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. The Park Board account has been dormant for three years; activity needs to take place for the city retain this account. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Ryden to transfer money from the General Fund to the Park Board account and later transfer the money back to the General Fund. 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 added more supports to the ball diamond fence. New markers for the bases have been purchased. Mitziga poured new cement for the planters and yellow sign at Hwy. 75 and 5^th Street. He has decided to purchase a new tractor mower and sweeper in 2008. 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 fire department has received some of the new turnout gear. Mortenson informed department that they can access the grant funds after receiving an invoice.

Council Committee Reports: Mayor’s Report-wage negotiations are stalled.

Petition Watershed District: No updates.

Kennedy EDA: Nothing.

Bridge Replacement: Mayor Deere, Mitziga, Mortenson and Kelly Bengtson met with Taggert Construction in September. At one point, Weleske Improvements was hired to complete the sewer work. To date, Taggert is coming back to Kennedy to finish the punch list presented at the September meeting.

Burn Pile: A brief letter was received from the DNR. It did not answer the questions of previous letters sent. Council felt the city should now submit the application with the following items: burn policy, survey results, cover letter stating pile location was moved further north and east and lack of staff.

Enforce Junk Ordinance: Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Ryden, to approve resolution regarding hazardous and substandard building and order of correction. All in favor, motion carried. *Full text of resolution available for review at the city office.

Temporary Liquor License: Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden, to approve the temporary liquor license for Sunday, October 21. All in favor, motion carried.

Review Snow Removal Policy: Change was made regarding West Kennedy Apartments.

Skating Rink Manager: Wayne Hultgren will resume his duties for this position.

Christmas Lighting Contest: Discussed options for judges. Council members will ask and review at the next meeting.

November Meeting Date: The November Council Meeting was set for Monday, November 5 at 6:30 PM.

Winge exited chambers.

Review Sanitation Contract: Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Ryden, to award the sanitation contract to Anderson Sanitation. All in favor, motion carried.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM by motion of Ryden, seconded by Peterson. All in favor, motion carried.

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

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This page was last updated on 11/20/07.