Several matters involving the fire department served as primary topics of discussion during the regularly scheduled Canton City Council meeting held on August 14. These included ways to go about updating equipment, approval for a new member, and enacting some more modern policies.
Fireman Jason Magnuson made an appearance to provide additional information on the department’s request for $1,000 to purchase a new laptop. Magnuson stated that the replacement is being pursued due to the current system malfunctioning, with hopes to acquire a faster processor and increased storage. Primary use of the laptop would revolve around fire reports, with the sole software utilized being Microsoft Office. Speaking from experience, Mayor Donivee Johnson suggested Best Buy as a supplier, noting of the benefits of the Geek Squad services. After much discussion, a motion was approved to allow such a proceeding to take place but within reason, as many voiced that a suitable device could likely be purchased in the $500-$600 range.
Additionally, Matt Snyder was approved for fire department membership.
Fire department policies relating to the capturing of digital images during scenes, specifically over ownership of the pictures, were also presented and agreed upon. In summarizing these, city clerk and treasurer Brock Bergey made sure to note that such have not been an issue in the past, but that their outlining is mainly a formality.
Old Business
Council member Cindy Shanks updated those present that the electronic sign would unfortunately not make an appearance in time for the Canton Day Off celebration. Instead, the sign is expected by the end of the month, with a financial discount being pursued due to the miscommunication on its arrival.
A response was finally received by an area manager in relation to the MERC tax settlement. Ultimately, though finding out more specifics on the valuing of their own pipeline, information was not provided on comparisons to other cities. However, the explanation given was that the amount of pipeline was not so much considered as was the quality, lending a possible clarification as to why Canton was hit so hard. With the issue being a court order and information being limited, council members noted of there being no other actions to pursue.
Revisiting the heated topic of nuisance properties, Bergey informed all that 25 letters have since been sent out to properties needing improvement based on the city’s current ordinances. Overall, a good response was received, with nearly all opting to comply voluntarily. Those failing to do so received a second letter informing of legal consequences should such inaction continue.
As of the meeting, no contact information had yet been received for the Scrabecks. As far as the Holzwarth property, those involved informed of the potential buyer having fallen through, thereby promising to have the property cleaned by either the end of the month or the beginning of September. Another letter has been sent to Poppelwell regarding the old school, outlining the city’s expectations for him to follow the ordinances set in place. Lastly, the Whalen property was discussed especially thoroughly due to court appearances having been completed and still planned for prior nuisance charges relating to the property. After being asked by the attorney if it would be willing to drop charges following obvious progress, the city decided to wait and see if the property is in compliance by the deadline before deciding on a course of action.
Council member Carl Ernst mentioned that positive feedback has been received following talks of implementing crosswalks throughout Main Street, with concerns voiced about abiding by the speed limit and providing pedestrians the right-of-way. With this, it was decided to discuss the issue again in the winter to allow such a suggestion to be sent in to the county board and pursued in the spring.
New Business
Public Works Director Jon Nordsving articulated that Norby’s Tree Service will be contacted for city tree trimming. Nordsving also suggested factoring in additional funds for performing a traffic lift next year considering this has not been done in around 10 years.
Furthermore, with the new city Facebook page now underway, Bergey outline some social media policies, of which detail the purposes of such communications and appropriate utilization of them. In essence, the basic best practices for social media are detailed, with such being applicable for every social media platform.
Noting the deadline to be October 5, Bergey questioned whether the city would again choose to pursue the Arlin Falck Grant and, if so, if anyone had any ideas on what to put the money towards. Immediately, talk steered toward replacing the gazebo with a more permanent and hardy metal structure to be incorporated into the Canton Veterans Memorial. While considering additional funds needed should the city decide to establish a website, as well as the fact that the fire department will also be applying for the Arlin Falck Grant for the purpose of new equipment and uniforms, the city decided to go ahead with the gazebo suggestion.
Lastly, having received an invoice from the Southeastern Minnesota League of Municipalities and upon checking further into it, Bergey brought up the possibility of becoming a member of such. Currently, eight area counties also maintain membership. However, upon being asked of any possible benefits, all that could be articulated would be recognition, particularly on behalf of the organization’s lobbying efforts. With limited information of the specifics of this league’s goals, all agreed it to be best to look into the abundance of other organizations in existence to determine which on would be the best fit if such a membership were to be desired.
The next Canton City Council meeting will be held at Canton City Hall on September 11, at 7 p.m. As always, all are welcome to attend.
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