The Kimball City Council discussed what the future of the town will look like at its Nov. 17 meeting. Mayor Karla Davis talked with the League of Minnesota Cities to determine what type of planning committee needs to be assembled. She indicated that the city needs to be careful in putting the group together. The committee will serve as a visionary entity that will advise the city on where and how to develop. Councilmember Steve Edwards questioned if they could find the right people to sit on the board. “We will have to interview them,” Davis said. The council determined to have residents of Kimball apply for a position on the committee. It will consist of five members, two elected for two-year terms and three positions serving for three-years. The council also decided to have one of their members and Chris Jeppesen, the city zoning administrator sit on the board. Both of these appointees will be non-voting members with a voice only status. The city asks interested residents to submit a resume and a letter/essay discussing personal views on the future growth of the city. For more information on the specific requirements, see the notice on the left-hand side of page 1. In other action, the council: • Heard the monthly police report from Chief Todd Rohloff. This report will be published in next week’s edition of Tri-County News. • Were briefed from Rohloff that the city will continue using administrative citations. “I went to a meeting and we concluded that we would move forward with this until we hear from the legislature.” Rohloff said other chiefs were at the meeting, as well as some state legislators. He said most legislators were positive about the administrative tickets. He also stated that many city attorneys have looked at the issue. None of them found anything illegal with the citations. • Approved Rohloff to purchase a new squad car for the department. The police will keep the black and white car but sell the blue car. • Heard from public works director Dan Dawson about the speed on County Road 150. “The county took down the 30 mph signs and will not put up new signs. It is implied that the speed here is 55 mph.” • Were informed that the new public works employee will start next week. • Heard from Clearwater River Watershed District (CRWD) representative Merle Anderson. He told the council that the group will hold its first monthly work session at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26 at Stanley’s. The city will work with CRWD on stormwater run-off concerns. Davis will sit on this committee as Kimball’s representative. • Were introduced to Curt Cannon, Heritage House of Bemidji, Inc. The company is in the process of purchasing the old nursing home on Highway 15. Cannon told the council that he is the CEO of Heritage House and the business owns four other nursing home and assisted living facilities in the state. “It is our policy to introduce ourselves and just let you know who we are,” Cannon told the council. He said the expected opening date is Jan. 5, 2004. • Tabled a discussion on City Engineer Randy Sabart working with developers and the city on new projects. Davis, Edwards and Councilmember Mickey Fischer thought this dual role was a conflict of interest for Sabart. Councilmembers Andy Maus and DuWayne Orbeck thought that it wasn’t a problem. • Heard from developer Jerry Fitzloff, who wishes to develop land off of 135th Street. Fitzloff is purchasing the land from Chuck Yanish and hopes to build houses here. His concern was if he could build a septic system or if City sewer and water could be supplied. The council said that pipes would need to be installed to have the services at this location. After much discussion, the City tabled the issue to the next meeting. • Approved a contract to remove snow in the Greely Edition. The City’s attorney, Tim Young drew up the contract which holds the city harmless if any damage is down during the plowing. The council also agreed to charge Keek Developers $175 for the service. • Discussed mailboxes on Hazel Avenue and asked Clerk/ Treasurer/Administrator to draft an ordinance, which wouldn’t allow mailboxes to be placed in sidewalks. The ordinance will be voted on at a future meeting. • Adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
