The annual Local Board of Appeal and Equalization was held at the April 14 Harmony City Council meeting. Fillmore County Appraiser Stefan Holets reviewed the taxes and appeal process with the council, noting that property taxes are up about 2% in Fillmore County, but that Harmony is down approximately 4.5% overall. Residents were welcome to address concerns about their property tax statements at the Local Board of Appeal and Equalization. One Harmony citizen asked to appeal and the council approved a motion to pass the appeal on to the county level for evaluation.
The consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the March meeting and the recent planning session meetings, the claims and March checks, the investment report, the cash balances, and the budget as well as a liquor license, noise permit, and gambling permit for the Conservation Club.
A limited use permit with MnDOT for the historical markers that are placed along Highway 139 was approved. The permit needs to be renewed every 10 years.
The Fillmore County Hazard Mitigation Plan was reviewed and approved.
Dan Dornink was present at the meeting to discuss the purchase of the 4th of July fireworks. He noted that the $11,400 quote from J&M Displays was $1,000 higher than last year which was partly due to rising costs and partly to the lack of carryover shells from last year’s fireworks. The fire department expects to be able to fully fund the purchase with no city funds except for insurance. The council approved the purchase.
Four interviews were held for the summer maintenance positions. The Park Board recommended Micah Steffens and Carston Grabau, and the council approved both with Kyle Scheevel abstaining.
Resolution 26-05 was approved allowing the city to apply to the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority for a loan or grant from the Drinking Water Revolving Fund for a project to replace some lead service lines in Harmony. The cost of the project is estimated to be around $250,000.
Resolution 26-06 regarding counting write-in votes was accepted.
The EDA recommended approval of a housing rebate for Kyle Bouska which the council approved, pending completion of the home’s exterior.
The Harmony Chamber is planning a volunteer open house on March 30. The 4th of July community planning sessions are continuing, and extra activities are being planned to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday. Printed copies of the Harmony Guidebook are expected to be delivered and available soon. Erin Dorbin was recently hired as the new Chamber director.
Repairs are being done to the splash pad in preparation for summer. New electrical pedestals and outlets for each campsite are being installed at the campground. The council approved a motion to have the funds for that coming out of the electric fund.
The Library Board is working on drafting a volunteer policy. A book sale is being planned for July.
The Arts Board is planning the Back Alley Jams for this summer. They also approved a $500 scholarship with the recipient to be announced at the scholarship banquet.
The new truck for the Harmony Fire Department was delivered on April 3 and immediately put into service. Plans are being made to sell the old truck. Raffle tickets for the fireworks display will be available shortly.
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