South Haven contracts with Advanced Disposal for garbage and recycling pick-up in the city. The contractor has increased rates, and these must be passed on to consumers. At its April 4 meeting, the council unanimously approved increasing garbage pickup by 75 cents per cart per month, and by 35 cents per recycling cart per month, effective June 1.
Wright County Commissioner Christine Husom introduced herself to the council. She is one of five commissioners in the county. She informed the council that the county is in the process of designing a new courthouse, with construction to begin in 2018. A public hearing will be held in May on the proposed Wright County local sales tax to be used to help offset road project costs.
Fire chief Laney reported that there was one rescue call and one fire call during March 2017. Wright County is working on setting up a mutual aid agreement. The department?Äôs smelt fry will be held May 6.
The city accepted the crack-fill bid from Allied Blacktop Company. Potholes and street work needs were discussed. The streets have already been swept by T&S Trucking Sweeping. Tree trimming needs also were discussed.
The council approved sending out a survey to city residents on ideas for future improvements, with a cover letter, and an incentive drawing of up to $25 value from returned surveys.
The council approved having mayor David Kothe arrange listing of the city?Äôs three vacant lots with a realtor for sale.
The council unanimously approved a resolution supporting local decision-making and control, as recommended by the League of Minnesota Cities (and curbing state House and Senate bills from imposing control locally).
The city contributed $300 to the Initiative Foundation, as budgeted. The city will renew Workers?Äô Compensation insurance and Property/Casualty insurance through the League of Minnesota Cities Insurance Trust. The city does not need to change Sunday liquor hours with the new law, as the city ordinance simply references the state statute. The city?Äôs 2016 water monitoring results are within federal drinking water standards.
The next regular meeting of the South Haven city council will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 2.