Great River Regional LIbrary branch librarian Carla Asfeld told the city council that she was disappointed when she received the fee schedules to rent city hall. She said that the library uses this space to provide free programming to patrons. She asked why the fees were charged and requested the city council to rethink its decision. City councilmember DuWayne Orbeck said that the city needs to maintain the building. With no funds coming in, this makes upkeep difficult. Councilmember Mickey Fischer added that the city provides the library with free space, valued at about $12,000/year. Mayor Karla Davis said that she uses the program with her daycare and doesn’t want to see the special events eliminated, but she asked, “Where do we draw the line?” Davis said one other non-profit group questioned this fee and wanted to know how many non-profits the city would have to work with. After much discussion, the council unanimously consented to charge non-profit groups a one-time fee of $100 to rent the space. This would allow each non-profit organization a maximum of 50 uses, which would have to compile with the cities and other organizations’ scheduling requests for the space. At the meeting, the council also: • Set up an interviewing committee to fill the public works vacancy left by Brent Neisinger. • Renewed a contract with Paul Hoeschen who acts as a contract consultant to the public works department. • Approved Brent Neisinger to help with the flushing of the city’s water lines Tuesday, Aug. 26. Alternative date, in case of inclement weather, Thursday, Aug. 28. • Agreed to spend up to $1,000 to patch a dip in the road on Cherry Street. The council noted that this will save them cold patch costs in the winter months and possibly prevent further damage on this area of road. • Was briefed by Tom Kummrow, of Minnesota Safe and Sober campaign. Kummrow commended the Kimball Police Department (KPD) on their efforts in this project and told the council that Kimball has a great police department, something the city should take pride in. Kummrow said that KPD carries out the Safe and Sober campaign all year and won an award for this. KPD was also presented with one of two state awards for their work. Kummrow presented Police Chief Todd Rohloff with a new radar system, valued at $3,500-$4,000. • Consented to a contract with Fairhaven for the police department. Rohloff said the increase to Fairhaven would be 1.5 percent for services provided in the next year. • Approved to accept a new policy on the Taser gun. Rohloff said that the policy complies with Stearns County and is mostly consistent in area towns. • Agreed the KPD could purchase a digital camera, cost $200-$250. This camera would be used to take pictures of evidence. Rohloff said this camera would cost the city compartively less since film and developing would no longer be necessary. • Heard from Eric Altena of the DNR. Altena is trying to work with the council on preserving the trout stream that runs through Willow Creek Park. City Administrator, Dianne Robinson will look into grants for this type of project. • Was briefed by City Engineer Randy Sabart. He told the council that the Hazel Avenue Project is coming to the end of the allotted time, so the contractor is trying to wrap up last details. • Made a motion to charge Maine Prairie township $1,000 / year for use of the fire hall. • Agreed that all public works employees will be switched to rental uniforms. This change will take effect Sept. 1. • Adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
