City of Jeffers - City Council Meeting

2012-03-26

March 26, 2012

The Jeffers City Council met in REGULAR session on March 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at City Hall. Present: Mayor Brad Prins, Council members: Roberta Duroe, Shawna Dorr-Jones, Sheila Ryker, Sharen Goeman, Clerk. Absent: Council member: Curt Determan, Lance Holmen, Maintenance.

Mayor Prins called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Minutes from the March 12, 2012 meeting were approved as read.

Visitors: Dave Bucklin, Cottonwood Soil & Water Conservation
Bonnie Hanish, Jeffers Lions
Sandy Olson, Outlaw Days Committee

Bucklin explained the Urban Tree Program to the council. The Ash Borer can be expected in Southwest Minnesota in 10-15 years. At that time all ash trees will die. The Jeffers City Park is 75% ash trees.

Bucklin presented a list of trees acceptable to plant in the city of Jeffers. He would like to see a community project. If the city would contribute $400 the Urban Tree Program would match $400. The Conservation Corp would then plant the trees. Bucklin also shared an ordinance that other cities have used regarding tree planting.

The clerk will put a notice in the utility bill about property owners contributing $25 to get a tree planted on their property. This program would start in 2013.

Mayor Prins will be testifying in St. Paul in favor of the bill allowing cities that haven’t received their 2011 LGA payment to still receive it.

The council decided because of the unusually early spring, residents can begin to burn leaves now until June 1, 2012.

Mayor Prins reported on the public works department. An exhaust fan on top of the filter in the water plant doesn’t work. Lance ordered a new fan and Ron’s Electric will help install it.

Lance passed his Class C Licensure; the council discussed an increase for Lance. The doors on the bathrooms at the ball field are in terrible condition.

Motion Dorr-Jones, second Ryker, unanimous vote to have Lance replace the doors at a cost of $1,000.

Three street signs are missing. Signs will cost $125/sign to replace. Lance will order new signs.

Quam will be in Jeffers next week to fix the sewer line in front of Ryker’s.

The County will be paving on County Roads 4 & 6 in May and Lance will check with them about giving us a bid for Woodman.

The Windom Demolition Derby will be borrowing the bleachers at the ball field during Riverfest.

The clerk reported a resident requested permission to raise ducks on his property. The council decided that ducks are farm animals and it will not be permitted within the city limits.

The clerk will check with the county regarding demolition funds for condemned property.

Motion Dorr-Jones, second Duroe, unanimous vote to pay all bills and approve the financial report.

Motion Ryker, second Dorr-Jones, unanimous vote to adjourn at 8:53 p.m.