Geneva City Council
By RACHEL RIETSEMA
Staff Writer
At 7 p.m. sharp, Mayor Steve Bailey called the Geneva City Council meeting to order Tuesday, Nov. 8. The only councilman not present was Jim Beenken.
All that gathered round skimmed the minutes, bills payable and financial report, with Taff Worrell soon making a motion to approve the documents. Richard Weckwerth seconded the motion, and it carried.
Bailey then warmly welcomed Alliant Energy representative Bob Danner to the table for contract renewal discussion. The new electrical agreement will be a 20-year one, with a 10-year window. The same figures will be applied for the gas portion, as this contract will soon expire within a couple of years.
Danner informed the council that the proposed 22-percent increase has been rejected by the state of Minnesota. And due to the state shutdown, Alliant Energy still hasn’t received the final percentage increase mandate. In any case, he expects both parties to reach a halfway point compromise in the early months of 2012.
Bailey wrapped up the contract dialogue by saying, “The consensus is that we are going to go with the 20 years and have an official vote at our December meeting. So, if somebody wants to come and ask questions next month, they will have the opportunity to do so.”
Next, councilmen shifted their attention to Geneva residents Dan and Donna Kuntz. With all eyes on them, the couple voiced their desire to build a fence on their property. And, seeing as there are certain rules and regulations to be followed, they kindly requested a written document stating the requirements for doing so.
Now time for late items, City Clerk Nancy Cornelius made the announcement for a League of Cities meeting to be held November 15 in the Conger Community Center. Mike Zelenak, Albert Lea’s director of human resources, is selected to lead the regional safety training discussion.
Cornelius’ second and final late item dealt with the Geneva and Ellendale PTO’s supper and live auction planned for Saturday, February 4. Apparently, the PTO inquired as to whether the city of Geneva would consider donating a family pool membership for the live auction.
After talking it through a little bit, Janell Tufte made a motion to donate the family pool membership. Worrell soon seconded and the motion carried. With nothing further to discuss, Tufte made a motion to adjourn for the evening. Weckwerth seconded, and the meeting concluded at 7:25 p.m.
The next meeting will take place on December 13 at 7 p.m.
