Several community members spoke at the April 8 Harmony city council meeting against the library board’s recent decision to temporarily discontinue the volunteer and intern program. “When there’s very few people who work at the library, having a trained volunteer is a gift,” Julie Little said.
Pam Brink brought it to the attention of the council that the “Welcome to Harmony” signs are in need of some freshening up and asked if there is a budget in the city for doing so.
The consent agenda was approved and included the minutes of the regular meeting, the claims and March checks, the cash in CD, cash balances, and the budget YTD.
Three quotes were received for seal coating various streets in Harmony. City Engineer Brett Grabau recommended that the council accept the low bid in the amount of $53,400 from Pearson Brothers. which they did. The project completion date is September 1, 2025.
The current contract with Richard’s Sanitation ends in 2027. However, the company asked the city to commit to the next 10 years after that, extending the contract to 2037. The prices would be locked in for the first five years with 1-3% increases after that. The council approved the contract.
Dan Dornink from the Harmony Fire Department asked the council to approve the purchase of fireworks for the 4th of July celebration in the amount of $10,000 from J&M Displays. He noted that there were some igniters left over from the previous fireworks, resulting in a $300 decrease from last year. The council approved the purchase.
The council reviewed the ciywide cleanup details. The event will be held on June 7 from 8-12 at the community center. A poster with lists of what will and won’t be accepted will be posted around town, shared online, and put in the utility bills.
The council approved the Harmony Park Board’s recommendation that Blake Tripp be hired for the 2025 summer maintenance position.
The city’s chicken ordinance was reviewed with a proposed amendment. The ordinance had previously only allowed chickens in industrial districts, but the amendment would allow people in residential districts to own up to 10 hens and no roosters with specific conditions that would have to be met to qualify for the permit. The council also reviewed the newly drafted telecommunication tower ordinance. Planning and Zoning had reviewed and recommended the chicken ordinance amendment and the telecommunication tower ordinance. A public hearing will be held at the regular May meeting to discuss both ordinances.
The door on the northeast side of the community center needs to be replaced. The council approved quotes from Nolan Lumber, Haugerud Paint and Drywall, and Rod Johnson in a total amount of $4,122.45 to purchase, install and paint the door.
Greg Schieber noted that the county has drafted and passed an cannabinoid ordinance and that many of the communities in the area have adopted it for their city. The council tabled the matter until Schiber can review the ordinance further.
The Harmony Library Board has evaluated the library’s volunteer and intern program after concerns were raised and came to the conclusion that it would be most effective to temporarily suspend the program effective May 5, which will give the board time to rework it and come back stronger. Mayor Steve Donney asked if there was a timetable for how long the suspension will last. Councilor Michael Himlie responded that that is still being evaluated. The council approved the suspension.
The wasterwater treatment facility and staff received a certificate of commendation from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency in recognition of its exceptional compliance. The council approved a requested budget increase from $140,630 to $146,089 for the UV project which will allow the electric heater budgeted for to be changed to a natural gas heater.
The council reviewed the minutes of the April 3 EDA board meeting. Chamber Director Beth Weedman has stepped down from her position so postings will be shared for that job. The Easter egg hunt and the 4th of July celebration has been planned. Posters for 4th of July will be going to the printer on April 15. The Chamber is looking forward to the busy tourism season coming up.
The Park Board members conducted park tours on April 7. They found that the gazebo at Selvig Park has a hole in the roof, which will be repaired shortly. The tree program inserts will be sent out and are due back by May 12. It was noted that the price for each tree includes planting by The Treehouse. The gravel beds are scheduled to be laid at the campground for the campers.
Following the resignation of children’s librarian Elena Patterson, the library board hired Alayna Holets to fill her position. The board encourages locals to continue to advocate for public spaces such as the library and the resources it is able to offer the community in light of funding cuts. The Arts Board will be collaborating with the library for an author event on May 8.
A special council meeting will be held on April 15 at 7 p.m. for the Truth in Taxation hearing.
The meeting ended with a closed session to allow the council to further discuss the library volunteer and intern program.
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