After approving the agenda for the evening, Kohl was called on. Kohl’s first item was about the pay equity report that was turned in to the state. The report that was turned in resulted in a non-compliance ruling by the Minnesota Management and Budget. The council does have a grace period in which they can meet the requirements and submit a new report without any penalties. The report stated the city should have the female class of bartender within 62% of the male class of maintenance supervisor. Kohl told the council that the amount needed to comply works out to about .02 an hour. However, Kohl did recommend to the council that the raise be .05 to make sure the city meets the requirements. The council moved to increase the bartender’s wage by .05.
The next item Kohl had for the city required the council to close the meeting for a few minutes.
Next on the agenda was Otto with his monthly maintenance report. Otto started his report telling the council he had been in contact with a gentleman who works with the water meters. Otto said the individual would be coming by Ellendale and will stop in to look at one of the meters that have been acting irregular. Otto also said that he was told about an infrared
reader for the meters that can give a detailed reading. The cost of the infrared reader is $100. The council moved to purchase one for the city.
Otto next went over his findings for a plow truck. Otto had five different trucks similar to what the city had. Price ranges for the truck were from $25,000 to $40,000. After some discussion the council felt that it would be nice to go and look at a couple of the trucks and then make a recommendation. Otto next had some prices on a couple of pick-up trucks for the city. Otto noted the current truck is possibly on its last leg. The council felt they should get the plow truck first and then look into the city truck. Finally Otto had a list of tool requests for the city shop. Otto said he would like to have some guidance if he ran across a good deal. The Council will work with Otto to help update the tools.
Paulson, Liquor Store Manager, was next on the agenda. Paulson handed out his monthly numbers report and noted that business has been increasing and hopes, if we get some nice weather, business will get even better. Paulson said he has confirmed two bands for Ellendale Days. Paulson will bring a proposal to a future meeting regarding the point-of-sale system Paulson has been looking into. Paulson will take care of getting any tents needed for the celebration and asked about the picnic tables that were used last year. Councilman Groth confirmed the picnic tables were available again this year. The council moved to have them.
The council approved the payment of all claims brought before them.
The council approved the minutes of the last meeting on March 14, 2013.
Clerk Louks was next. Louks stated he had a request by two homeowners regarding correcting their lot lines. Louks had correspondence from Kohl on the matter and had a recommended resolution for all parties. The council moved to adopt Resolution 04-11-13-01 that would allow the correction to take place.
Louks said he had a proposal sent to him for security cameras in the Municipal Liquor Store. The quote is good for 30 days and the council decided to table the issue until the next meeting. Mid Continent Cable Co. sent the city a temporary agreement for an extension on the current contract. Louks told council members that Mid Continent had let the old agreement expire last October by accident. The council approved Resolution 04-11-13-02 extending the old agreement until a new one is drafted.
Mayor Swearingen was. Swearingen started by asking the council about a spring clean-up day. The council decided on May 4 and will have a dumpster available by the maintenance building. Next Swearingen brought to the council’s attention a bill that needs to be paid so that the city can collect the FEMA money. The bill is for concrete and labor, which came to $1958; the claim was approved. Swearingen next told the council that Eric from Bolten & Menk will be in town to look at possible street repair projects. Street Commissioner Goebel and Swearingen will also meet with Eric when he is in town.
The council approved the purchase of a vacuum for the Community Building.
The council has received word that there are a lot of cats in the alley behind the Municipal Liquor Store block.
The next meeting of the Ellendale City Council will be April 25 at 7:30 p.m.
