The Hokah City Council met at 6 p.m., Tuesday, August 1, at the Hokah Fire Station. Present were Mayor Lee Tippery and council members Corey Lorenz, Tom Bernsdorf and Jerry Martell. Absent were City Clerk Lindsey Martell and Council member Mike Walsh.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Tippery called for approval of the Consent Agenda consisting of the July council meeting minutes, bills payable through August 1, and the consolidated balance sheet. Motion seconded and carried.
Citizen comments
Mr. Ken Ducke addressed the council with three issues. One, relative to discounting water and sewer service to a house that will be razed and removed, and two, relative to disposition of an alley between two properties. Third, Mr. Ducke informed the council that the actual number of hours expended for the Mt. Hope Cemetery is approximately 263 hours over six weeks and not over six months. The city council is considering taking over future operation of the Mt. Hope Cemetery.
New city employee welcomed
The council formally welcomed Dalton Kerns as the new city of Hokah maintenance employee.
Library report
Librarian Gina Herman reported that the library is finishing up with the summer reading program for children. Attendance at library functions has been good. She also reported that the library’s computers are can no longer be supported and she is working with SELCO to purchase four new computers.
Police department report
Police Chief Robert Schuldt reported nothing unusual during the past month with 64 service calls. He reported that the squad car’s video camera audio feedback issue has been diagnosed as involving the camera’s wiring harness. The council approved purchasing a new wiring harness at a cost of $1,200 – that will be covered by $24,243 in Public Safety Enhancement funds allocated to the city of Hokah through recent Minnesota State legislation.
Chief Schuldt also reported that the squad car radar unit will undergo certification testing during August.
City engineer report
City Engineer Eli Craig reports that one of the wastewater pumps has been rebuilt and that a different pump needs new impellers. City hydrants have been recently flushed.
Craig also reported that there are several areas around town that are city land and that need mowing. The council approved expending $1200 to hire Rogich Construction of Caledonia to do the requisite mowing. The city will also be asking Hokah residents to also mow their properties.
Craig and Councilor Tom Bernsdorf also walked Hokah streets to identify various sections needing concrete repair. Several sections along Main Street need immediate repair as the faulty or damaged areas could be liability issues. One issue that needs resolution is a section at 33 Main Street involving the sidewalk and the curb. While the sidewalk is the city of Hokah’s responsibility, the curb is the Minnesota Department of Transportation responsibility as it is part of State Highway 44. The council will reach out to the MnDOT relative to repairs of the curb.
Planning Commission/Zoning
The council approved the following zoning permits:
•2023-06 for 605 Cedar Street;
•2023-07 for 107 Second Street;
•Streambank Stabilization and Protection along Thompson Creek.
Recreation report
The Hokah swimming pool is operating well. Weeds are virtually eliminated and the recently purchased dye packs give the water a very inviting color.
Mayor’s comments
Mayor Tippery related a conversation that he had with Mr. Dave Walter, district manager of the Root River Soil and Water Conservation District. Mr. Walter indicated that the SWCD is developing plans to improve the landing by the creek and river at Hokah. Plans include creating a driveway and sidewalk to the landing, building a ramp, and installing riprap along the banks. This future project will be fully funded by the SWCD.
City budget meetings
Mayor Tippery reminded council members and the public that the city of Hokah budget meetings are scheduled for 6 p.m. on August 22 and 29 at the Hokah City Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:02 p.m. The next Hokah City Council meeting will be at 6 p.m. September 5 at the Hokah Fire Station.
Correction: Last month Council member Jerry Martell was erroneously listed as Gary Martell. Apologies for the error.
Leave a Reply