LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 8, 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 by phone Anna Jauhola, Kittson County Enterprise reporter.

Bernstrom moved to approve the October 10, 2023 Council Meeting Minutes, second by Stenquist 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 November 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 November bills, second by Halvorson and carried. An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request.

Council reviewed changes to Personnel Policy Sick Leave section due to the new Minnesota Mandatory Earned Sick & Safe Time regulations for 2024. Tabled until December.

Bernstrom moved to increase the 2024 Fire Chief Salary to $1800.00/year and 2024 Fire Reporting Clerk to $ 575.00/year, second by Stenquist and carried.

Matthew moved to accept a $1,500.00 donation from Lancaster Fire Relief Association for radios, second by Halvorson and carried.

Bernstrom moved to amend the October motion to purchase radios for the fire department to the increased amount of not to exceed $12,000.00 due to increase in estimate, second by Matthew and carried.

Stenquist moved to approve the Liquor Store temporary Sunday on-sale liquor license application for February 11, 2024 and February 18, 2024, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Council discussed Lancaster Business Association request for $3,000.00 donation for 2024 summer events. Council discussed making a request to Legion Gambling. Bernstrom moved to make application to the Lancaster Legion #214 gambling in the amount of $3,000.00 for the 2024 city music & events for children and adults, second by Halvorson and carried.

Clerk reported that McFarlane Heating in their fall inspection found that 2 furnace motors and the dishwasher exhaust fan are in need of replacement in the future, total estimated cost $3,795.00. Council tabled.

Stenquist moved to adopt Resolution 2023-04 Designating Polling Place for 2024 as the Kittson County Courthouse, second by Bernstrom. Voting in favor: Stenquist, Bernstrom, Matthew, Halvorson and Olson.

Bernstrom moved to Not Waive the Statutory Tort Limits for as set by State Statute for 2024 year, second by Halvorson and carried.

Council discussed 2024 payroll options. Stenquist moved to approve a 4% COLA increase to all steps; give all eligible employees a 1 step effective for hours worked January 1, 2024 and after, and increase the rate for waxing floors to $28.00/hr., second by Bernstrom and carried.

Reviewed October Liquor Store and City financials.

Other items discussed: Community Center Fundraiser for debt retirement; by consensus location of warning siren to be left in same area as it is now.

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

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

Approval Date: December 13, 2023

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

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