The Hokah City Council met on Tuesday, November 7, at 6 p.m. at the Hokah Fire Station. Present were Mayor Lee Tippery, City Clerk Lindsey Martell, and Council Members Tom Bernsdorf, Corey Lorenz, Mike Walsh and Jerry Martell. Mayor Tippery called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the October 2023 council meeting minutes, the bills payable and the consolidated balance sheet.
Mayor Tippery introduced Mr. Robert Jones, Senior Project Engineer and Designer with the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Mr. Jones presented MnDOT’s plans for repaving sections of the State Highway 26 at Hokah. The project is currently being studied with proposed work beginning and completed in 2027. While the State is paying for most of the project some of the work will involve the city of Hokah sidewalks for which the city will be responsible for 10% of the cost. Sidewalk work will involve pedestrian ramps and curb work, as well as re-establishing some of the right-of-way boundaries along the highway and sidewalks. Mr. Jones reports that he will provide the city of Hokah with a written scope description and preliminary cost estimate within the next two months. A more detailed plan will be available for public review in several months.
Library/City Hall/City Center
Barb Bissen reported to the council that the library and city hall building needs the main doors either repaired or replaced. The council will be investigating repair/replacement options. In addition to cost considerations the historic fabric of the building needs to be maintained. Barb also noted that the reinstallation of ceiling fans in the city hall auditorium would improve comfort levels as well as help to minimize heating costs.
City Engineer Report
City Engineer Eli Craig reports that the wastewater project is proceeding as planned.
Streets and Maintenance
Eli Craig noted that the storage shed concrete floor has been poured. He would like to install a roll-up, overhead door at some point. This project will be investigated along with the repair/replacement of doors at the city hall and library. Additionally, the city’s street sweeper needs repairs. Other ongoing work has included removing leaves and in general prepping for winter. The city currently has adequate salt and sand supplies for snowy weather.
The council congratulated Dalton Kerns, who completed the training and passed the exam in obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
Zoning
The council approved a building permit for a sign replacement at 113 Main Street.
New Business
City Clerk Martell reported that, after consideration, it is not cost effective at this time to hire American Legal Publishing to do a full review of the city of Hokah ordinances. The council members will assist Martell with a review of the city ordinances in an effort to bring them up to date and align with Federal and State of Minnesota laws and ordinances as needed.
The council also discussed delinquent accounts assessment. Delinquent accounts owing money to the city need to be paid in December. Notices will be sent to the various account customers.
Clerk Martell also called the council’s attention to recent State legislation relative to paid sick leave for State and Municipal public employees. More information will be forthcoming.
Motion was made, seconded and carried to adjourn at 7:20 p.m. The next meeting of the Hokah City Council will be 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, at the Hokah Fire Station.
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