LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. The following persons were present: Mayor, Mike Olson; Council members: Kathy Bernstrom and John Stenquist. Jackson Peterson and Krista Matthew were absent.

Also present: Anna Jauhola, Kittson County Enterprise reporter.

Mike Whitlock, Janet Nordin and Jim Hilman met with the council to discuss Business Association events and coordination of events. They asked that the council appoint a representative to the group. Bernstrom and Stenquist will be representing the city with the Association. Discussion was held regarding assistance and the city has been making a $2,000.00 appropriation to the Business Association each year since 2019. The current appropriation was made on May 10, 2023. The association would like to build an event stage to stay within the city. Bernstrom moved to make a $2,000.00 gambling fund request for the event stage to the Lancaster American Legion Post #214, second by Stenquist and carried.

Also discussed with Assoc. members adding flyer to water/sewer bills asking for volunteer participation. The flyer will also include the Lancaster Lions and American Legion information.

Josh Carr, JC Spraying, met with the council to review 2023 mosquito spraying quote with increase in cost of 3% over last year. Stenquist moved to accept the quote, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Stenquist moved to approve the May 14, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes, second by Bernstrom 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.

Jackson Peterson has submitted his resignation as council member. Bernstrom moved to accept the resignation, second by Stenquist and carried. Council discussed that the term a new member appointment is only until the next general election.

Stenquist moved to appoint Teri Halvorson as a new council member with term ending December 2024, second by Bernstrom and carried.

The council reviewed the June 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 approve the bills, second by Bernstrom and carried. An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request.

Bids opened for 3 items as advertised: 1972 Ford Ranchero no bid received. Bernstrom moved to have Ranchero sold to Jon’s Auto, second by Bernstrom and carried. 2 bids for 1986 Pontiac TransAm, high bid $539.00 from Clayton Sjostrand. Stenquist moved to accept the $539.00 bid, second by Bernstrom and carried. 1 bid for tin shed from Brent Olson $100.00. Stenquist moved to accept the $100.00 bid, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Bernstrom moved to adopt and publish Ordinance 1 (Livable City Code) adopting 2023 updating, revising and codifying the 2018 Livable City Code, second by Stenquist and carried.

Stenquist moved to approve Special Event Permit to Kittson County to close CSAH 27 (Central Ave) 1 block in front of Liquor Store July 11, 2023 4PM-11PM for Corn Hole Tournament, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Discussed required Lead & Copper pipe survey and reviewed a proposal from Bollig Engineering for survey implementation; required reporting; assist with state grant request for funds. There will be no cost to city without written consent from the city. Bernstrom moved to accept Resolution 2023-03 Approving grant applications, administration & implementation for records review, visual inspections & replacement plans of lead water service lines, second by Stenquist carried.

State demographer report shows that the 2022 population estimate is 386 up from 361 and household estimate is 151 up from 144.

Council discussed 2024 budget.

Bernstrom approved hiring Tri-State Paving, Inc. for crack sealing in an amount not to exceed $13,000.00 with the priority being 3 blocks of Minnesota Ave and 1 block of 5^th Street, second by Stenquist and carried.

Council discussed the safety grant allotment of $15,757.00 that will be received in 2023. The monies can only be used for public safety. Council discussed using the funds to purchase a new emergency warning siren.

Liquor Store freezer has quit working and is not repairable. Culinex quoted the cost of 2 different freezers. Stenquist moved to purchase a new freezer at a cost not to exceed $4,500.00, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Mayor set Liquor Store Inventory July 1, 2023 at 7:00AM.

Dr. Roland Larter requested that 2 dead spruce trees by the Elk Statute be removed. Olson will take care of this.

Council discussed city wide cleanup projects prior to 2025 All School Reunion.

Council reviewed the City and Liquor Store financials.

Other items discussed: Sidewalks on Central Avenue; remainder of playground equipment funds of $1,463.00 to be used for playground equipment footings; reminder sports complex work night July 18^th ; Gazebo electrical improvements.

Reviewed Minnesota 2023 legislation.

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

Carol Johnson, Clerk/Treasurer Approved: Mike Olson, Mayor
Approval Date: July 12, 2023

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

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