Approximately 10 citizens were in the audience for the Wykoff City Council meeting that was held on January 8, with all council members in attendance (Rocky Vreeman, Mary Tjepkes, Mayor Al Williams, Deputy Clerk Luann Hare, Mary Sackett, and Richard Gleason). City Clerk Becky Schmidt was absent.
Richard Gleason updated the council on his efforts at arranging for Wykoff citizens to be allowed to use the school facility. He stated, “I could not get walking in the school, but I did get walking in the gym… so they will open the gym to us Mondays through Fridays from 7-9 a.m. …unless school is closed.” He added that the morning gym walking times would begin on January 16. Gleason also stated, “We did get it so we can have open gym (Saturdays 4:30-6:30 p.m. and Sundays 4-6 p.m.)” He explained that there will be a $2 fee per person, per day, for using the open gym option. He also said the city is seeking more volunteers to serve as the supervisor for these times, so anyone interested can contact the city, because a background check is required. He further stated that although the supervisor role is currently being done on a volunteer basis, if gym usage is substantial, the supervisor role could possibly become a paid position in the near future.
Ernie Demosky addressed the council, suggesting that the city postpone adopting of new fire department zoning codes, so that the fire department can update their bylaws so that everything will match up. Mayor Williams suggested setting a meeting on January 17, to be attended by the Rural Fire Board, city council, and fire department. He said January 24 could be the back-up date, in case January 17 isn’t feasible.
Mary Sackett brought up a concern that’s been brought to her attention, stating, “We need to be mindful… that the community does not issue orders to our employees and be disrespectful to them… if there is a problem… those should be coming to the city clerk’s office.” She said some recent incidents could almost be considered harassment, and she suggested this reminder could be put in the city newsletter, as a way to address concerns properly.
The council approved 2018 designations and appointments, including official depository (Security State Bank), official newspaper (Fillmore County Journal), city attorney (Dwight Luhmann), authorized signers, snow removal (Williams and Gleason), Sewer & Water (Gleason and Tjepkes), Personnel (Williams and Sackett), Park & Rec (Gleason and Tjepkes), pest control (John Apenhorst), Joint Power Board (Williams and Sackett), weeds (Williams), Incident Command (Jason Hare), deputy incident command (Vreeman), Police & Fire (Williams and Gleason), Emergency Management director (Robert Vogen), mayor pro tem (Gleason), and Zoning commissioner (Gleason).
The wastewater treatment plant continues to operate “in compliance” and no new concerns were noted. The council approved checking into best options for the city to obtain a salt spreader to help with winter street maintenance. A special meeting will be held February 7 to consider adoption of the Minnesota Handbook. The council’s next regular meeting will be Monday, February 12 at 7 p.m.
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