LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL PROCEEDINGS

The Lancaster City Council met for its Regular Meeting on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 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, with Kittson County Enterprise.

Bernstrom moved to approve the October 9, 2024 Council Meeting Minutes, second by Matthew 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 2024 bills and October 2024 Electronic Fund Transfers 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 2024 Rates Fees & Appointments Schedule. Matthew moved to approved bills and EFT’s, second by Stenquist and carried. An abstract of bills will be posted with the minutes and are available upon request.

Mayor Olson convened the 2024 Canvassing board a 7:05PM. Council reviewed the abstract of votes finding that the newly elected are as follows: Kathy Bernstrom, Mayor-2 year term; John Stenquist, Council-4 year term; and Teri Halvorson, Council-4 year term. Halvorson moved to accept the results, second by Stenquist and carried. Bernstrom, Stenquist and Halvorson submitted their campaign financial reports at this time. Mayor adjourned the canvassing board as no further business was required.

Regular council meeting resumed at 7:13PM.

Bernstrom reported that the interviews for clerk/treasurer are completed and the committee recommends hiring Janet Johnson. Bernstrom moved to hire Janet Johnson as Clerk/Treasurer trainee, starting January 2, 2025 at Step 1 ($24.35/hour), with full benefits; with health & life insurance covered for January, second by Halvorson. Motion carried with Olson and Matthew abstaining. Olson called Janet Johnson and she accepted the position.

Bernstrom moved to have the current clerk/treasurer continue serving as clerk/treasurer until such time as the board appoints the trainee to the full clerk/treasurer, second by Halvorson and carried.

Council reviewed the proposed 2025 budget and General Fund Property Tax Levy. Bernstrom moved to accept the 2025 Budget as presented and set the 2025 General Fund Property Tax Levy at $125,000.00 with the total overall General Fund Budget set at $317,599.00, second by Halverson and carried.

Bernstrom moved to Not Waive the Statutory Tort Limits for as set by State Statute for 2025 year, second by Matthew and carried.

Stenquist moved to adopt Resolution 2024-03 Designating Polling Place for 2025 as the Kittson County Courthouse, second by Matthew. Voting in favor: Stenquist, Bernstrom, Matthew, Halvorson and Olson.

Stenquist moved to accept a quote from Wiktel for 4 security cameras and 2 emergency buttons for the Liquor Store and City, cost to be divided equally, second by Bernstrom and carried.

Clerk reported that the city still needs an estimate for the repairs needed on the old fire hall due to wind damage.

Matthew moved to make application for a Sunday Temporary Liquor application for February 9, 2025, second by Stenquist and carried.

Council reviewed October City and Liquor Store financials.

Other items discussed: Leesh law; 59 park improvement; tarring patches status; garbage not being put out for pickup.

Clerk reported that the community center freezer is no longer working. Jeff Nyflot has repaired the freezer 3 times and doesn’t recommend doing it again. Bernstrom moved to not replace the freezer and allow it to be brought to the landfill, second by Halvorson and carried.

Discussed mowing fee at the Wikstrom Telephone lot that abuts the city shop property. A fee of $1,000.00/year fee for mowing. Clerk will speak to Wikstroms.

Bernstrom moved to accept a donation of $2,000.00 from American Legion #214 Gambling fund for Fire Department new building, second by Matthew and carried.

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

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

Approval Date: December 11, 2024

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