LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. The following persons were present: Mayor, Mike Olson; Council members: Kathy Bernstrom, Krista Matthew, Teri Halvorson and John Stenquist. Also present Anna Jauhola, Kittson County Enterprise reporter.

Bernstrom moved to approve the November 8, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes, second by Halvorson and carried. A copy of the Minutes will be posted at the Lancaster City Hall and U.S. Post Office and available upon request to the clerk.

The council reviewed the December 2023 bills presented and other bills that have been paid prior to this meeting to avoid late payments, receive discounts & meet payroll and all payroll expenses as approved in the 2023 Rates Fees & Appointments Schedule. Stenquist moved to approved bills, second by Matthew and carried. An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request.

Council discussed Personnel Policy Sick Leave section due to the new Minnesota Mandatory Earned Sick & Safe Time regulations for 2024. Bernstrom moved to adopt the new Personnel Policy effective January 1, 2024, second by Stenquist and carried.

Halvorson moved to approve 2023 Council Per Diems, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Bernstrom approved the 2023 Fire Chief Salary of $1,500.00 and Fire Clerk $500.00 salaries, second by Stenquist and carried.

Stenquist moved to accept a $2,000.00 donation from American Legion Post #214 Gambling Fund for fire department radios, second by Halvorson and carried.

Council discussed Maguire Iron water tower inspection report future maintenance needs and ladder safety improvements.

Council discussed that the Community Center 4M Savings general fund account & savings bond is well in excess of the amount required by USDA to fund the Community Center final loan payment and that the excess could be used to make an additional payment to USDA in January. Bernstrom moved to transfer $3,000.00 from the 4M General fund savings to the City for Community Center Debt Service, second by Matthew and carried.

Council reviewed and discussed 2024 rates & fees.

Bernstrom Oil Co. has submitted a 2024 renewal application for a 3.2 Off Sale Liquor license and Certificate of Liquor Liability Insurance. Stenquist moved to approve the license and allow Mayor and Clerk to execute all documents, second by Bernstrom.

Halvorson moved to accept the 2023 Gordon Dale audit quote of $6,200.00 plus mileage & $800.00 for major programs and allow Mayor and Clerk to execute the audit engagement letter and quote, second by Stenquist and carried.

Mayor set the Liquor Store inventory for January 1, 2024 at 10:00AM.

Lancaster School sent correspondence requesting if the city had any grants available that they consider a grant to school to help with the cost of a new boiler. The city does not have any grant funds.

Council reviewed November Liquor Store and City financials.

Other items discussed: Community Center Fundraiser; spring cleanup letters; water hydrant at Gazebo Park; Downtown lights (changing ownership to Ottertail Power & to LED light heads); Community Center paint colors; bleachers, power cords for community center; community stage; 2024 summer arts grants and need for budget to apply.

Mayor closed the meeting as there was no further business for council.

Carol Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer Approved: Mike Olson, Mayor

Approval Date: January 10, 2024

Other links: Lancaster Riverside Golf Course | Lancaster Public School | NW MN Multi-County HRA

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