The March 25 Chatfield City Council meeting was relatively brief. Brian Burkholder, Public Works, asked for approval to replace the 2015 ToolCat and sweeper attachment.
The lowest of two quotes was received from Bobcat of Coole Region, Inc. out of Dresback. The total with trade for the purchase of a 2019 ToolCat is $11,555 and the total with trade for the new sweeper attachment was $2,371. Burkholder noted the replacement of the equipment has been budgeted. The ToolCat is scheduled to be replaced every three years, based on hours, warranty, and trade-in value. He added the broom is used a lot. The purchase was approved as presented and as recommended by the Public Works committee. The city will be sweeping the streets next week or the week after.
Burkholder requested and received approval to advertise for a seasonal helper (June-September). This person is responsible mainly for mowing.
Burkholder said this past winter has been tough and there have been a few break downs. He was on vacation during the last heavy snow event. He thanked those who stepped up and helped during that period.
Other business in brief
•The sixth pay estimate to Benike Construction for the swimming pool was approved in the amount of $133,339.23.
•May 4 is the citywide rummage/garage sale. Approval was given for the use of City Park by the Chatfield Commercial Club.
•A raffle permit was approved for Chatfield Public Schools Senior Class.
•The original estimate from MnDOT for the city’s responsibility for the cost of lighting, utility adjustments, and roadway striping construction on the Highway 52 project within the city limits was about $250,000. Mayor Russ Smith noted when prices came back from MnDOT the cost is expected to be about $215,000; a significant savings.
• The city of Chatfield will host two meetings on April 30. A SE MN Together meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the Chatfield Center of the Arts, followed by a social time for this organization and Southeastern Minnesota League of Municipalities running from 5:00-6:30, and finally the SEMLM dinner and meeting.
•The Hiawatha Sno Seekers are having an appreciation dinner for land owners on March 30 at the Eyota American Legion.
•Councilor John McBroom, reporting on the Public Services committee, said Olmsted County is considering a tobacco ordinance which will require a person to be 21 to purchase tobacco products.