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Wednesday, 20 April 2011 15:55

Geneva City Council hears budget report

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By RACHEL RIETSEMA

Staff Writer

All members of the Geneva City Council united to discuss town matters on April 12. Once Mayor Steve Bailey called the meeting to order, councilman Janell Tufte made a motion to accept minutes, the financial report and bills payable. Returning councilman Rich Weckwerth seconded, and it carried.

The council then invited Kory Kress to the table for his plans of a deck addition to his house. Kress pitched his ideas to the council, saying the home project would involve 500 square feet, with its widest point tallying 16 feet. He went on to explain that the cost will be around $2700, and that he’ll purchase the necessary materials in town.

Tufte made a motion to grant the building permit, and councilmen Taff Worrell seconded. The motion carried, so city clerk Nancy Cornelius requested Kress with an amount of $20 to make the matter final. The money will go directly to the City of Geneva.

Andy Bernau then stepped forward to annotate this year’s audit report. The general fund originally budgeted for $132,300, but disbursements totaled $201,901. So Bernau recommended the council to readjust the budget for more accuracy.

The audit also outlined the Federal Disaster Aid received from the state. That figure ended up being $1,975. Another noteworthy report included the Park and Recreation expense, which totaled $2600. Street and Highway disbursements were $14,608, while this year’s snow removal costs rang up to $3817.

Bernau further explained the audit, reporting a $785 plus balance on the city pool fund. While on that note, he said it would be best for Mayor Bailey to sign all the checks from now on. He also made the council aware of a new law involving the city deposits.

As of January 1, 2011, the FDIC insurance coverage policy changed dramatically. Instead of receiving $250,000 for both their checking account and CDs, this coverage cost of $500,000 was sliced in half. Thus, these two accounts are now combined, with coverage of only $250,000.

After such news, Bernau advised the council to talk to the bank and make sure all the bases were covered. He then thanked Cornelius and Bailey for their cooperation in the compiling of this year’s audit.

Cornelius provided the council with a letter from Verizon Wireless, concerning the rent for the antennas atop the water tower. According to Verizon representative Amy Dresch, their wishes were granted, and she was “able to obtain Verizon’s wireless approval to increase the annual rent from $1500 to $2500.” Worrell made a motion to accept this agreement. Councilmen Jim Beenken seconded and the motion carried. 

Next, Cornelius read a letter of complaint concerning the unkempt lawn at the former Tonkin residence. The council unanimously concurred that they talk to townsman Chuck Hanson to see who can alleviate this issue once and for all.

Late items included a request from Beenken to purchase a new umbrella for the lifeguard chair at the city pool. A new 12-foot boat must be purchased for the pool as well, so Worrell will start hunting for one with a target price range of $200 to $250.

Bailey made a few more notes. The first was that the Vet Clinic will be at the fire station on April 30. On June 7, Geneva will hold its official hazardous waste day. Then, after this last bout of snow, he will get the hydrants flushed out and remove the snow flags.

Discussion soon followed about the popularity of the city pool. After much debate, Cornelius suggested they hold a free-of-charge adult family swim night. That way, those who know nothing about it, can see what it’s all about. All concurred, noting that Minnesota is indeed the Land of 10,000 lakes, and everyone must learn how to swim.

The Geneva City Council will meet again on May 10 at 7 p.m.

Read 968 times Last modified on Thursday, 05 May 2016 21:35

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