Celebrate Kennedy

Mayor Deere called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Members present were Duane Peterson, Scott Winge, Jon Turn and Mary Ryden. Also present were Dr. Bruce Jensen, Mike Sugden, Don Schuler, Mark Johnson, Brian Anderson, Tressa Anderson, Greg Mitziga and Shannon Mortenson.

Additions to the Agenda: None.

The minutes were reviewed from the August Monthly Meeting and the Annual Budget Meeting. Correction noted by Winge that his name was on a motion for the Budget meeting and he was not in attendance. Correction made by clerk. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Winge, to approve the minutes. All in favor, motion carried.

Public Forum. Brian and Tressa Anderson from Anderson Sanitation were given the floor. Winge exited chambers. Brian approached council regarding the Request for Proposals for Sanitation Services. He was wondering if the city had any complaints or were dissatisfied with the service Anderson’s has provided for a number of years. City responded by saying that the Anderson’s service has been exceptional but another hauler requested to put in a bid for the service so the city needs to honor that request. Anderson was encouraged to read his RFP and submit a bid. Anderson’s exited chamber. Winge entered chambers. Dr. Jensen was given the floor to explain the process and the reasoning behind closing the Kennedy school building. A packet with information was given to all present and numbers presented to explain the school board’s decision. Questions were posed from various council members. Point of attendance was to inform council "from the horse’s mouth" information on the school vote. Dr. Jensen, Mike Sugden, Mark Johnson and Don Schuler thanked council for their time and exited chambers.

Clerk’s Report: The city has been awarded the LSS Apple Pie Award for their support of the Senior Meal Program. This is mainly due to the fundraiser picnic put on by the city council. The banquet is September 19 in Thief River Falls. None of the council members can attend so Mortenson will. Motion was made by Winge, 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. A check of $29,000 for partial payment of engineering costs incurred during the bridge project was received in the past month. Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Turn to transfer $15,000 from the checking account to the money market account in September. All in favor, motion carried. Clerk asked council to take turns reviewing the reconciliation report and bank statements for the previous month. This is a directive from the State Auditor to all cities having a combined Clerk/Treasurer position. Peterson reviewed past month transactions. The Unpaid Bills sheet was reviewed and two bills were added as highlighted. Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Turn, to pay the bills as presented. All in favor, motion carried. Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Peterson, to accept the Treasurer’s Report as presented. All in favor, motion carried.

Maintenance Report: Mitziga has sprayed for weeds around the city this fall. The dugouts at the ball diamond were painted. Harold Soberaski cleaned the area around the burn pile. The sewer lines were cleaned by Wastewater Services in August. The fire hydrants that were on a recall have been fixed. Wind damage occurred on city property in August so a claim has been submitted for the yellow sign, shed at the water tower and doors on the green steel shed. 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 members have been fitted for the new turnout gear. There was one run in the past month that involved a car accident. Pagers did not go off for Kennedy Fire. It was a mistake made by the Sheriff’s office. Council at this point, felt it would be beneficial for Sheriff Hultgren to be invited to a council meeting.

Council Committee Reports: Mayor’s Report-items discussed under Old Business.

Petition Watershed District: Three viewers have been appointed and the viewing process will begin. Two of the viewers stopped at the city office recently so something is happening.

Kennedy EDA: Nothing.

Bridge Replacement: Mayor Deere, Mitziga and Mortenson met with Kelly Bengtson this morning to discuss unfinished items on the project. Tomorrow morning, all will meet with Taggert Construction. Mayor recited punch list to be presented to Taggert. Regarding the side rails, Lou Tasa, state engineer, was in Kennedy to view the bridge and consult on the guard rails. The bridge was designed without rails and meets state specifications but if there are citizen comments the city should consider guard rails. Tasa is looking for funding to assist in the erection of rails as rough estimates put costs at $7500-$10,000. The Local Road Improvement Fund will be one avenue to be explored for funding assistance.

Senior Center Fundraiser: The total profit from the fundraiser after supplemental funding from Thrivent was $1344.

Burn Pile: Council signed a letter to be sent to DNR. A letter was sent after the August council meeting as specifications are wanted for structure distance, etc. City has not received a response.

Review Line Item Budget: Council looked at budget but wage negotiations are still in process. Tax levy was set at highest wage proposal and negotiations will continue.

Sick/Vacation Donation Policy: Council reviewed policy presented and made two changes: specify family members and retain a minimum of three sick days. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Turn, to implement the policy with changes as noted. All in favor, motion carried.

Enforce Junk Ordinance: Tabled to October. Paperwork from Malm was not received.

Certify Delinquent Garbage List: Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Turn, to certify the delinquent list. All in favor, motion carried.

Certify Forfeited Lands: Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Turn, to certify the forfeited lands as presented from Kittson County. All in favor, motion carried.

Gambling Resolution: Motion was made by Turn, and seconded by Ryden, to approve the gambling resolution for the VFW Club. All in favor, motion carried.

Approve Budget: Motion was made by Peterson, and seconded by Turn, to approve the budget for 2008. All in favor, motion carried.

Certify Proposed Levy: Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Ryden, to certify the proposed levy for 2008. All in favor, motion carried.

Review Community Center Storage Fees: Motion was made by Ryden, and seconded by Peterson, to keep fees the same as last year. All in favor, motion carried.

Census 2010: The federal government is gearing up for the 2010 census and is asking for help from local governments. Cities in Minnesota are participating but it is a time consuming task. Motion was made by Winge, and seconded by Peterson, to participate in Census 2010 and clerk will complete all necessary paperwork. All in favor, motion carried.

October Meeting Date: The October Council Meeting was set for Tuesday, October 9 at 7:00 PM.

There being no further business brought forward for the member’s attention, the meeting was adjourned at 10:10 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 10/11/07.